The last three months of being here in Guatemala, some of our ministry has been driving 20 minutes out of Xenacoj to a small village called Ayapan. In Ayapan we have gotten to work in the local school teaching English. My class ranged from children ages 5-8. The kids were all so adorable and were very willing to learn (Although i doubt they remember much of anything we taught them…)
School let out for break about halfway through our time in Guatemala, but we continued to go to Ayapan to play with any kids that showed up. We only expected about 10-20 kids, but after a week or two of going to Ayapan consistently, we had 50-60 kids coming every day. Every day after playing with the kids, we would sing songs in English and Spanish, teaching them about Jesus, and we would finish the day by praying with the kids.
Over the last few weeks I’ve established a good relationship with 4 specific kids. Every day they are there, patiently waiting for us to arrive. Once they spot me they are instantly running and fighting to get to my hand first. They all love for me to spin them in circles, and to cuddle (which is probably how I got lice..haha). They think that it’s really funny when I sing, and they give me the weirdest looks when I carry on conversations with myself in English. You can tell that they don’t get much affection in their home by the way they want you to hold them. I can’t imagine living a life in their shoes.
a few days ago they were telling me how cold they were. I can personally come home, get in my warm sleeping bag, get a cup of coffee, and not think twice about being cold… but that’s not the case for them. I imagine they live in a small house made out of metal and bricks. They probably have a small stove for cooking, a minimum amount of blankets to share with their whole family, and maybe 1-2 beds altogether. I hardly ever feel extremely hungry here. I am well fed, 3 times a day. I’m not sure when they last ate, and what that meal consisted of. Was it beans and rice? or maybe a bag of chips? I don’t know. It breaks my heart to think of them feeling cold and hungry. The most I can personally do for them is to show them the love that Jesus gives us. To cuddle with them to remind them that they aren’t alone. I can tell them that I love them, because who knows how often they hear it.
This is my little fan club, my squad, my little amigo’s. They bring joy and laughter to my day. Each of them have extremely different personality’s, and I love them with all of my heart.
Sonia (bottom left) : I try not to choose favorites (but if I did, it’d be her). She is the cutest little girl I’ve ever met. She is 6 years old. She loves for me to hold her and will never pass up an opportunity to sit in my lap. She loves to copy the funny facial expressions I make at her, she also loves to mock me in a batman type voice and to growl. She has short hair, and one specific hair that stands straight up on her head (as shown in the picture). She likes to kick the soccer ball, but not to you, away from you so that you’ll run and chase it. She is a little goofball and a joy to be around.
Alycia (top left) : She is 7 years old. She comes off and on in our relationship. one day I’m her bff and the next she acts as though I don’t matter. She is a heart-tugger, making you chase her and making you jealous by sitting in other people’s laps and looking back at you. She has the cutest and most contagious laugh I’ve ever heard.
Olgia (top right) : If I remember correctly she is 9 years old.. She has been my amiga since the beginning. She never leaves my side, and is always the first one to attack me with a hug. She is the mastermind in making me spin her and everyone else around in circles. She also loves to sit in my lap, and I have recently found out about her love for singing the Christmas song “Feliz Navidad”. We sit and sing the song together, which is the cutest thing ever!
Danny (bottom right) : I honestly don’t know a whole lot about Danny, except that I can tell that He is bullied and looked down on from the way that his siblings treat him. He is 8 years old, and he’s a huge cuddle bug. He has a special place in my heart.
I have a prayer request. If you can keep German and his family in your prayers. also I ask that you not only pray for my sweet young friends, but for the people of Guatemala. We packing up and getting ready to head to Malaysia for a new chapter in our adventure adventure. I sometimes think “who will love the people in Guatemala when we leave?”, but I know that it is something to not worry about and to give over to God. I ask that you pray for them to feel loved, specifically God’s love. For God to give them protection and peace. That the darkness flees and God’s light overcome. Pray that the seeds we planted, grow and that the people rise up, knowing Jesus Christ is their Lord and Savior.
If you can also keep me and my squad in your prayers as we leave Guatemala. It will personally be hard to leave, but I know that the best is to come. Pray for an easy departure and safe travels.
Thank you, it means so much!
