Guatemala was a month of finding your own ministry. Due to the time of year and lots of help already at the school, we were told to just jump in and find something to help with! Once independence day events slowed down I chose to help out in the English class and absolutely loved it! We had so much fun and o learned a little bit about English as well!!
When we weren’t at school, we had a lot of free time. We spent a good amount of that time on the stoop outside the home of our host. She had Wi-Fi and instead of disturbing her everyone we wanted to check something real quick (or for an hour) we’d sit outside just close enough to get signal! While sitting outside I gained a new friend. One day while walking home which was 3 doors down, a little nugget of a boy came bolting out of his home and towards me! He ran so fast and squeezed me so tight!!
I bent down to observe the little creature embracing my body when I saw the most precious smile! I asked what his name was and he responded with “my name is Spider-Man” I laughed as he held me tight and said “well, it’s nice to meet you Spider-Man!” He then continued to hug each girl I was walking with. We parted ways as he ran back home and us girls just melted our way into our doorway! I was in love. This boy stole my heart that night.
I would continue to walk next door and from that day on, as I sit there scrolling through the endless debates and negativity on Facebook, I am tackled with love. Spider-Man would be climbing on my back, snuggling in my lap, or playing with trucks up and down my side! He’d say hello to who ever I was talking to on the phone or take my phone to take a million pictures. But what this boy did day in and day out the most, was kiss my cheek and smile into my soul.
One day I was told not to talk to him. I was told his family was the owners of multiple brothels in the area and I shouldn’t associate with them. My mouth dropped. My heart sank and I felt a string tying itself tighter to this little boy. Knowing this didn’t push me away from him, but drew me closer. This boy needed extra loving, extra care and more pouring into than anyone else I had met. It broke my heart that he was possibly overlooked solely on the fact of who his family was. I decided early on in the month that Spider-Man would be my main ministry this month. This boy was the highlight of my days. I would spend only minutes with him some days or hours another. It was easy to love him, but what I worled on each day was buildimg report with the family, who you rarely saw, but would peek out every now and then! Theyd see us with the kids, wave and hive a smile. A smile back, a wave and head nod was all it took to acknowledge one another and build trust this month. He continued to runaway with my heart each day. One day he was Spider-Man another he was Batman because he was wearing Batman shoes. One day he even went by Lightning McQueen because he was wearing a Cars hat! But he always returned to Spider-Man!
One of the last night’s In San Raymundo, he finally told me his real name. I can’t really make it out but you can hear him say it in the small video I made below! I am so grateful for my time with this little nugget and can only pray for a bright and joyous future, regardless of upbringing and unfortunate lifestyle choices of others. He has taught me how to love when you are advised not to, and to fight for what you believe in! Everyday you are going to be faced with challenges and challenging people. But don’t let that stop you from giving grace, respect, love and encouragement! Maybe you are the seed that needed to planted, maybe you are the water that the already planted seed needed to help grow! Maybe you are the one to help that seed flourish! Jesus loved the individuals no-one expected. He loved those who were broken, damaged and everyone hated. Be that example for others. Dont be afraid to step up and stand up for the other guys! Be the representation of God this world needs to see!
Thank you Spider-Man, I love you and know that God is fighting for you and your family’s too!How could you not love this face? ! Lice and all!
