I’m about half way through my last day of month one. I’m amazed at how it’s been such a quick, long time here. Quick in the way the days have pasted and long in the depth of the relationships we have made. I said my first goodbye this past Monday to my beautiful baby Andres as we left the orphanage. My heart has broke for him. Four Mondays in a row I held him, an hour at a time, and even though that doesn’t seem like much time, it was long enough for me to fall in love. As I laid him in his crib for the last time I whispered to him “Tu tienes un pedazo de mi corazon para siempre” (you have a piece of my heart forever). Andres is just the start of goodbyes….
Benjamin stopped by this morning saying “I had to stop by and spend time with you all before you leave!” For almost 2 hours we sat on the floor in the hallway sharing stories with each other, he shared his heart with us and asked about our plans. I cannot put into words the amount of compassion this man has. He overflows with love for us, he has blessed us immensely, he has spoken life into us, encouraged us, and prayed for us. I feel honored to call him my friend. It’s so awesome to see a man who’s every action is Jesus filled. We all hugged and cried as he left.
Another piece of my heart given forever.
I dread the goodbyes the remainder of the day holds. Paul, Hilda, Harrison, Byron, Ada, Marcos, Claudia, Andrea, Jonathan Tio Roni, Fernando….These people have become my family. They have each touched my life in different ways and I could go on forever about each and every one of them. I do want to share about 2 more that have made a huge impact on my stay here.
It’s been an honor to get to know Kevin. His testimony is truly amazing; God protected him and saved his life when he was at his lowest. God has such a great purpose for him and I have already been able to witness that here in Guatemala. His passion is missions and wants go wherever God calls him. He has encouraged me many times as I’ve struggled with missing my family and saying now with my goodbyes here. He has reminded me of my purpose and that it’s not always easy but God has called me. He has reminded me it’s worth it. I thank him so much for his encouragement and prayer. It has meant the world to me. Please keep him in prayer as God directs his path wherever that may be. Another piece of my heart given forever.
Pastor Roni makes my heart smile! I’ve enjoyed every moment… his jokes in broken English, watching him light up when he sees children, listening to God speak right through him in perfect English while translating his own sermon so we could understand a message we all needed to hear, hearing him speak of his passion and calling, He is such a mighty man of God! His faith is unstoppable! It’s so encouraging to me, such a reminder to have faith in absolutely everything I do. He is a man on fire for God and has a passion for the children of Guatemala. Please be praying for his ministry. His vision is to purchase land this year where he can build a church, Pastor’s house, missionary house, and an orphanage with a trade school. Please pray for God’s provision and direction during the process of getting this ministry going.
Another piece of my heart given forever.
My prayer is that God gives me a bigger heart so I can give more pieces of it around the world. Its only month one and I feel as though I’ve given so much. I love these people, this is my family and it hurts to leave knowing I may never return (Although I’d love to come back and I'm praying hardcore that I do!!). As much as it hurts I wouldn’t want it any other way. I am here this year to give my all. I’m so thankful for this month, this ministry, this family. A special thank you from the depths of my heart to each and every one of you!
Tu tienes un pedazo de mi corazon para siempre.
