Some may say that the children in Guatemala are poor and sad. Although there may be some truth in that statement; I have seen the very opposite. Each week hundreds of kids come to this place [Casa de Sion] to be nourished physically and mentally. They come with their friends, their siblings and their mothers. They walk long distances, over many hills, in the rain and in the sun. They come from small homes with meagre possessions but they have huge smiles, open hearts and so much joy.
This week, as we ate lunch in the yard I simply watched and listened to the interactions of these precious children. They are beautiful and inspirational. The little Mayan girls wear gorgeous handmade shirts and have long dark hair. The little boys with pants too short wrestle in the grass and kick a ball in the field. Excited laughter and girlish giggles fill the air as these children simply enjoy their time with one another.
One thing we have noticed is that kids here rarely cry. When they fall down, they pick themselves back up. They are tough and they are responsible. Older sisters know how to care for the babies and friends honestly care for one another. On Thursday this week I was trying to make a connection with various groups of women and their toddlers. It didn’t go far beyond “what’s your name”, “who are your kids”, “how old are they” and “where do you live” but I tried to share love with a smile. Something I learned was that Guatemalan babies are afraid of my white skin. On FOUR separate occasions I made a baby cry who was perfectly content before they saw my face. The women and young children thought this was just so funny and offered for me to hold their baby just to see if it would cry again.
Despite that, I’ve had an amazing week. I’ve made some new friends who I look forward to seeing each day. Their names are Kimberly, Beberly, Leidy and Tchina and they range from 4-10 years old. They come over the hill and call my name with the cutest little Spanish accent. Yesterday they gave me their craft project which was an adorable cut out monkey (I love monkeys so much)! We’ve also made some great progress on the rock wall we’re building and had some beautiful sunny days to enjoy working outside.
We have about a week left in Guatemala and then we’re off to Honduras. We still need $7800 to continue on our race. Please prayerfully consider supporting us financially and continue to keep us in your prayers. With much love, and many blessings, Katrina. xo.
