As our time in Guatemala comes to a close, I wanted to take time to let you all know what an incredible time it has been here!!!
For the past month or so, myself and a few others from my team have been volunteering in a hospital in Antigua for kids with Cerebral Palsy.
On my first day there, I walked in, immediately a nurse handed me a bowl of mush-looking stuff and a spoon and pointed to one of the children. Her name was Brenda, she is between the age of 12-15, but no one was actually sure. Feeding her was a struggle, she continuously spit it out, onto her bib, and onto me. To be honest, I was really “grossed out” at first and I found myself feeling nauseous. I didn’t know how I was gonna be able to make it through the bowl of food, let alone a month of doing this.
Each day got easier. I learned A LOT about the power of prayer. I learned that feeding kids is more than putting the spoon in their mouths, sometimes you have to stroke their face or sing to them in order to keep them calm. I learned that God didn’t mess up when he made them. He doesn’t see them as having problems, He see’s them as His incredible creation who He loves as much as you or I. I learned that each of these kids has a story; some of these children were found in a trashcan being eaten by rats, and some still have parents who love them and come to visit them as often as they can.
I only have 2 days left of being there, and I’m sad. I’m genuinely really sad. These kids have brought me so much joy, and taught me so much. I am so thankful for the opportunity I had to spend time there. It was truly a blessing to love and nurture these kids each day!
On Thursday we head to the Lake Atitlan for a few days of debrief, before heading to Thailand on December 2 for our next 3 months.
In Thailand my team and I will be partnering with YWAM with the hopes of educating children and women on sex trafficking, and how to prevent being trafficked. We don’t really know what this will look like, so again, it is an adventure. But the hope is to bring awareness, education and friendship to these people. I am really looking forward to this ministry, and all that it will teach me.
Something I have realized as of late is that, as much as this trip is to help others, I am being helped more than I could have ever imagined. I am growing in my knowledge of the world, of other cultures, in how to love others well, and in my knowledge, understanding and love for my Father.
I miss my family, I hate being away for Holidays, but there is no place I would rather be right now then where I am!
Much thanks and love to everyone who made this trip a reality for me! It is changing my life!!
