So my first week here in Guatemala didn't turn out quite how I expected.
If you don't know already- let me first tell you a little about where I am and what I am doing. I am at Los Gosozos (Joy Filled Homes) in the Mayan town of Chimaltenega, Guatemala. Los Gosozos isn't an orphanage for special needs kids, its a home for kids with special needs. Read that statement again, carefully. We could just stop at special in describing these children, perhaps. Because truly, in ways I don't fully understand yet, they are special. They are not bitter or angry to be here, although many have been abused and abandoned by their families. They are not angry at God for their disabilities. They don't see their lives as a set of imposed limitations.
I have worked with children with special needs often in the past, so I thought I had a pretty good idea of what I was getting into. What I didn't realize is that these kids haven't had all the advantages of kids with special needs in the States. Los Gosozos is one of the only places of its kind. Often, children with special needs are simply left tied to the bed while their parents are at work. This is an area that this country, and many others, still have yet to fully understand or address.
My team and team Isha are doing everything from assisting in the classrooms of the school on property, bathing and helping the children get ready, chores around the property, physical therapy, helping run an on-property church service on Saturdays, taking the kids to local church on Sundays, and helping the nannies in any way that we can.
When I look at these children I am simply amazed, and I wonder how I excuse myself to have a "bad day" when these kids seem to have…none.
The previous statement was really put to the test for me the past few days.
If you haven't already heard, I spent the last few days in the local hospital with an ameoba of some sort (I am out and recovering now, PTL! :)). When I heard from the doctor that I was in for the long haul, my mind ran immediately to my extensive hospital history, and my extreme lack of finances.
After my 60 seconds of break down, I realized that being in the hospital doesn't have to change my attitude. It doesn't change the goodness of God, certainly.
And while I won't try to tell you that being in the hospital was more fun than being with the kids and with my team (who I missed desperately), I can say that I was content. In sickness and in health, I am in this thing. 100%. And by this thing, I don't mean the World Race. I mean following Jesus. He never left me alone in that hospital room for a second.
In sickness and in health, in the good and the bad, in the mountains and the valleys- I will ever praise Him. More and more i'm realizing "bad" days are simply a matter of perspective.
Thank you to all who prayed for me like crazy during my hospitalization. It encouraged me and strengthened me more than you know!
Love,
Courtney
[Important Update: I have had some people ask me how they can help, since many of you know I am already fully funded. Truth is, I am still in serious need (for gear, insurance, extra costs that will arise), especially after this unforseen hospital stay. The best way to help is to donate via paypal ([email protected]), or email me at that address to find another way to help. My parents are also taking checks addressed to me on my behalf (this is probably the easiest way). Dios te Bendiga!]
Also, still have teammates in need to be fully funded- let me know if you want to find out how you can help them!
