Things are continuing to go well in Guatemala! We are keeping busy, and have been doing a variety of work throughout our time here. We have spent a lot of this past week fixing up some churches in the area, and continuing our work in the orphanage. I am becoming really talented with a paint brush. Please note my talent below.
Team NEON is doing well! We have been collectively battling random ailments, but currently everyone seems healthy. Here is Matt representing Team Neon.
As our schedule is now, we have two days off a week. We spend our Sundays resting and doing laundry, etc. Our Thursdays have become our Fun Days, and time to have fun and explore as a team. We spent last Thursday playing in some amazing springs, and we spent this past Thursday at an incredible resort, complete with water slides.
On a more serious note, Guatemala is not always beautiful. In fact, sometimes it’s heart-breaking, disgusting, and disturbing. Yesterday, our mission seemed simple. We learned of families living in a place that translates to, “Trash City,” so we decided to make sandwiches and give them out to children living in this area. So, we made 50 peanut butter and honey (yum!) sandwiches and packed 15 people into the back of a cargo van (aka The Mobile Oven) and we were on our way. On the way to Trash City, we got a flat tire (our second of the trip), and had to walk the remaining mile to the dump. Yesterday it was about 97 degrees, and extremely humid.
As we turned the corner to the dump, we were hit by absolutely the worst sight I have ever seen. The smell was horrid. There were thousands of flies, hundreds of bees, and children living amongst this scene. They were super skinny and wearing tattered clothes. I was so nauseated by everything that I literally vomited multiple times. Then I was stung by a bee. And this was within three minutes of walking into an area that many people call home. I was crying, and my heart was totally shattered for these people.
I was so sick and bothered by everything that I had to leave the dump early. Not surprisingly to me, many of my teammates were feeling the same way, and they left with me. We waited at the end of the driveway for our ride to come pick us up. Because I had been getting sick, I was given the honor of “shotgun,” and sat next to a woman who spoke no english. On the ride home she looked at me and saw that I was sick, and she grabbed my hand and started praying for me. I didn’t know what to think. I felt like a failure because I was supposed to be helping these children, and I got so sick that I couldn’t do it. And then I was the one needing help. It was a rough afternoon.
I’m better now, and still loving the World Race, even though at times it is extremely difficult. The theme song of I-Squad has become a lovely song called, “Hosanna.” My favorite line in the song is, “Break my heart for what breaks Yours.” And that’s exactly what God is doing. We plan to go back to the dump during our last week here in Guatemala and try again. We will be more prepared for the shock of the poverty and living conditions there, and we are hoping to bring some love (and sandwiches!) to the children living in such a dark area.
Please keep our team and squad in your prayers as we prepare for our last week here in Guatemala. Next week, we will be making our first country switch to Nicaragua! Your prayers, emails, messages, and support have been absolutely AMAZING and I am so thankful!
And finally, a HAPPY HAPPY FATHER’S DAY to Ray. You are the best, and I love and miss you everyday. Please enjoy my fourth grade art work as a symbol of my love. It is way better than Alden’s card I’m sure.
