When we left Panama, I had no idea what we were going to do in Guatemala. I just knew it had something to do with a hospital for disabled children. The one place that I am not comfortable with is working with children, let alone disabled children. I welcomed the ministry because I thought there would be other options.
When we arrived in Guatemala, we were taken to a house to stay for a few nights. We were then taken to Antigua where our ministry was going to take place to see the ministry and find a hostel to stay at. The first place we visited was the hospital. I knew right away that this would be my most challenging ministry location. I get uncomfortable around disabled people in general and even more around children. I started to pray right away for God to take away my fears and change my heart for the children. Little did I know that this would be one of my better moments on the race.
My group (Lindsey, Colleen, Sarah, Krystle, Traci, and Kari) were told to get to know only a few children. I was wondering how that would work. We were told that there were so many children that every child would be disappointed when you leave instead of just one. I went in just praying for God to change my heart for the place.
We finally got a tour on Tuesday morning. We found out that we would not work with the children, but would work in the teenage women’s ward. The wards are not necessarily for what they say. The children’s ward is for the smallest of the disabled people. Some of the residents in the children’s ward can be in their 20´s. I was so excited to hear about the location change. When I had heard about the women’s ward originally, I wanted to work in that place. I have learned on the race, you work where the ministry needs the most help.
As soon as I walked in to the women’s ward, I knew that it was where I needed to be. I found a lady, Rafina, to be my friend for the week. I spoke no Spanish, but was able to point at myself and say ‘Jackie’. She said it back. I was so excited. The first day, I also hung out with the other women. The thing is, every time that I walked by Rafina, she would say Jackie and I would go and just stand by her. We were immediate amigos.
I got really excited to go to the hospital. Every time I was there, I took Rafina out to cruise the hallways. She really enjoyed this time. It meant time away from the ward to be able to see other people. She would say ‘hola’ to passerbyers and just smile. She smiled more when she was cruising the hallways than when she was in the ward. We were told earlier that we could take the women out to the park. I knew that I wanted to do this with Rafina.
I finally got my chance on Sunday. We had to get a visitors badge to be able to take the women out and we never got them until Friday because of miscommunication. I was told on Saturday to get the paperwork done or I would not be able to take Rafina out 
the next day. I got it all done.
When I arrived on Sunday, Rafina was no where to be found. I visited with some of the other women in the ward and got to play a pointing game with one and a clapping game with another. I was truly enjoying myself since I was the only volunteer and could say hi to very person. Finally Rafina arrived. She was in a beautiful yellow dress for her trip to the park. The nurses made sure that she looked great to go out. I had to wait for Krystle since I did not feel safe taking her out on my own. They were playing music, so I sort of danced for the ladies while waiting. I believe I made most people on the ward smile.
Once Krystle arrived, we were off. We took our two block walk to the park. We found an ice cream man and were able to buy some 
ice cream to feed Rafina. She ate the ice cream so fast, it must have tasted great. When she was finished with the ice cream, she asked for some aqua, so I went and bought a bottle for her. We then continued to push her around the park. We were out for an hour and a half. I believe that Rafina smiled the whole time. It was the best day I had so far in Antigua.
I will definitely miss Rafina when I leave. I do not think I can ever forget her. She always smiles when I come into the ward and says my name. She looks forward to my visit. I am amazed at how God has changed my view of the ministry here. It has been one of my best experiences and I smile every time I get to go to the hospital.
Side note: We will stay at a local missionary’s house for a few days and go to a lake in Guatemala. We plan to leave on Sunday for Honduras for our last ministry location.
