As we arrived at the orphanage of Casa De Mi Padre, the beautiful bright yellow perfectly placed flowers brighten the dark black door. It’s kind of metaphoric for an orphanage, the darkness the children encounter but the beauty Gods light shines and bring joy out of darkness. As the gates open we drive up into the lovely golden home of with tall white pillars in the entrance, a long front porch with shiny new tile flooring. I can just imagine what a site it must be for the children. As we came out of the van a brigade of beautiful smiling little faces came popping out of the house with an over joyous spirit running across the pavement. We were greeted with big warm hugs and kisses on cheeks. I would have to say it was the best greeting ever! About 20 little Niño’s (children) ranging from ages about 5 to 12 with smiles to melt your heart.
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Each month varies on the Worldrace depending on the ministry site you have been given in each country. For this last month of September the W Squad (7 teams) we were able to stay together as a squad in Santa Cruz Del Quiche. Usually each team is broken up and set out to different parts of that country and will reside in those areas for the remainder of the month (though everything is tentative on the world race). This time we all were able to stay at Agape in Action, which is an organization that work closely with local churches, hospitals, clinics to go further in helping out the people of Guatemala ( for more information check out website Agape in Action Link ). Because it is torrential downpour season, the owners were gracious enough to accommodate us in dorm like rooms, which is awesome since we were originally supposed to sleep in our tents in the muddy soccer field. Each team worked in different location throughout Santa Cruz including: an orphanage, in an elderly home, alongside churches, in a local hospital and several others locations not only working along with staff but also physical labor like building walls, digging trenches, and painting.
This month I was so fortunate to work in an orphanage with amazing children and caretakers called “Casa De Mi Padre.” Casa De Mi Padre is a well maintained orphanage/home that you can see the children are greatly loved and cared for there. Roberto and his wife are the caretakers along with Francisco and several others. All wonderful people.
Each child is so beautiful and full of character, makes me always what’s their story and why is there an absence of parents. I have been fortunate to grow up with two wonderful loving parents and their love, discipline, trust, and presence has made a big impact in my life in shaping who I am today. I personally do not understand what it would be like so I cannot relate in that way, but what God has enabled me to do is show them love and the love of God and you can see God love in them. Some of the children come from homes where parents were unable to care for them, and others came from homes where they were physically, mentally, and or sexually abused. Unlike many others Casa De Mi Padre Orphanage works closely with a local church in the area. They are involved in church outreaches and are consistent either in going to church services or the pastor having a bible study at the Orphanage. Some of them are still learning how to read but were so excited to read to me parts of the bible. On Friday, Sept 20th we had the opportunity to go to the central park of, which is the Central Area of Santa Cruz Del Quiche. The children did a play alongside Pastor David (our contact in Guatemala). They also did about 4 songs and a short skit. They also made some delicious dishes and desserts to sell. So goooood.
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Today was very nice and sunny. Getting up early is so tough, especially me being a night owl but it was worth it. Being with the children is great, especially today. As most of the children were playing soccer or Futbol, I decided to sit on the side lines today and watch and be like a soccer mom and encourage the children. But as I was watching, I notice one of the little girls, not playing but sitting on the swing. Brenda. She a beautiful little girl, quiet and slightly timid temperament, but loves to hugged and held. She made her way over to me a sat watching in silence. So I started asking some simple fun Qs. Have way through our conversation, she pauses and runs away. It through me off hoping I didn’t say anything wrong because my espanol is no bueno, haha, I could just imagine myself having a huge question mark above my head because just before running in the door she says I be right back. She came out with a huge smile on her face and a book in her hand. It was a bible. She got one for her and one for me to read. We sat there for a while, just going through different verses of the bible until the other children joined in. It was a great time.
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Besides spending time with the children, we have been doing multiple maintenance work to help out around the orphanage which include: Painting the inside and outside house, resealing and cleaning windows, washing vans, dusting, staining, and whatever else is needed. We were also able to put on a carnival for the children at the local hospital having face painting, dress up, and making balloon animals.
I have and along with my team, we have been blessed to work with Casa De Mi Padre. The children and loving staff having been a blessing to me and I will always cherish them in my heart.
My Financial Update:
NEXT Money DUE DATE: DECEMBER 1ST -$11,000
Currently at $9,020.08 🙂 THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR CONTINUAL SUPPORT OF WORLD RACE AND MY MISSION!!!
MARCH 1ST-the TOTAL REMAINDER AMOUNT DUE (CURRENT REMAINDER: $7,241.32)
