Well, here I am. The end of my first month of the World Race is already here. ‘Where did this month go?’ I keep asking myself, but that’s the way it is sometimes. I’d like share about some people and families who really touched my heart while I’ve been here in Puerto Barrios, Guatemala:
Sandra, Manuel, Mara & Geraldine
Sandra is the owner of a convenience store right across from Casa Verde. Everyday, World Racers and YWAMmaers go into her store to purchase sodas and snacks. Thankfully, I’ve learned enough Spanish is communicate with Sandra and her husband, Manuel, and two of her daughters, Mara and Geraldine. Everyone in the family’s been incredibly patient as they’ve each become a special Spanish teacher to me. At the beginning of our stay, a small team of us prayed for the store and while we were praying, I suddenly prayed that the Lord would provide Geraldine (the youngest daughter) with a husband who knows and loves the Lord. A few days later, in my terribly broken Spanish, I told Sandra what I prayed for. Her smile widened brightly and she opened her eyes for a great big hug. It’s been such a treat getting to know the whole family, and they’ve just been such a blessing to me as well as the whole World Race team here in Puerto Barrios.
Herbert
Herbert is a music teacher here in Puerto Barrios. He is part of the worship team at Ria de Ria ( the King of Kings) church. After the World Racers and the YWAM Beliezeers went to the church, a group of us spoke with Herbert. He shared that he has dreams to go to America and live life there. He told us that he was very close to going to the States, but then his lovely daughter came along. It was so touching to hear his story, and his chuckle just captured each of our ears that night. He has such an incredibly warm smile as well, like his heart just shows straight through his teeth.
Emily
Emily is a 2 year old princess who was staying in the children’s hospital in Puerto Barrios. She broke her right wrist, and was re cooperating in the hospital. Just a few days ago (Monday, if I recall) we went to the children’s hospital to visit the kids. Emily’s bed was right next to the door, so I swiftly caught her attention and sat at the side of her bed. A very curious 2 year old, she absolutely LOVED finding my bracelets that I hid on her, as well as hiding them and then making me find them. Her roarious giggle was infectious, even with her small belly, she let out a laugh that sounded like a long- lost Muppet’s laugh, full of depth and sincerity. That day I didn’t pray for her much, I just said a quick prayer, and the Lord taught me that sometimes the best way to love someone is to just play “Hide the Bracelets” for an hour and a half.
Hermana Maria & Jendy
As I’ve mentioned before, Hermana Maria (the FABULOUS cook at Casa Verde) has a special place in my heart. With her arms opened wide and her unique inviting smile, a hug and kiss on the cheek from her before each meal is impossible to resist. As I’ve slowly but surely progressed in my Spanish, I’ve been able to tell her about my family, and I even had the great honor of showing her pictures of my life in America and China. Her granddaughter, Jendy, who is 12 years old has just been such a joy to be around. Like her grandmother, her one –of- a- kind smile just nabs you and pulls you in, until you realize you’ve been hugging her for about 10 + minutes. I’ve been so lucky to spend some time with Jendy, trying to teach her “Go Fish” as well as War. I will surely, surely miss these two.
Nora, Kimberly, Maybelline & Cindy
Nora is the mother of 3 very precious children, Kimberly, Maybelline ( aka May) and Cindy. Kimberly is 8 years old, May is 4 , and Cindy can’t be more than two years old. I met this wonderful family at the dump in Puerto Barrios, and have really enjoyed my time with them. I’ve swung Kimberly and May round and round more times than I can remember, and as often as I’ve tried, Cindy didn’t quite warm up to me ( but it’s ok) Nora’s tried so often to talk with me more, but due to my limited Spanish, we didn’t get very far. It was still just a joy to meet them and hang out with them 3 times.
I am still in the midst of processing what I’ve been absorbing and learning here in Puerto Barrios, but a few things I know for sure: the Lord is MOVING in this place, He is blessing Casa Verde’s ministries, and since I’ve met these people, my life will never be the same. They’ve taught me so much about choosing joy, having patience, and knowing like they KNOW that they serve and are loved a GREAT God.
Tomorrow the A Squad will be heading to Honduras! We’ll have our first DeBrief with our Coaches, Squad Leaders and Squad Mentor. Stay tuned to find out more!
