In a lot of ways, I feel like this is the first blog I’ve written for the World Race. For starters, this is the first blog where I’ve felt like I am actually a World Racer who is on the field for eleven months. For another, we started working with our first ministry contact and have had a chance to really learn and grow from our time with them. This month, Team Kaleo is working with Hope Haven International in Antigua, Guatemala. The organization builds and distributes wheelchairs to those who need them all over the world. Our first few days have been spent in the factory, learning about the work, the workers, and the recipients. On Thursday, we were able to witness and take part of a distribution to three boys who amazed and delighted all of us.
Pablo is a 3-year old with Down syndrome, whose family lives on top of a steep hill. Because of Pablo’s lack of muscle control and weak muscle tone, Hope Haven was able to get him set up in a chair that will make life easier for his family until he learns to walk and gains more abilities. He was such an active kid, wanting to explore and taking an interest in everything around him. He captured all of our hearts and his parents were attentive, tender, and incredibly devoted.
Roger is a 13-year old with cerebral palsy, but he’s also a math whiz. We had a good conversation about everything from his pet dog Max, to our favorite colors (green), to food. It was so fun for me to be able to use my limited Spanish with both Roger and his parents in order to communicate and connect with them. Roger is also one of the most delightful kids I’ve ever met. He has an absolutely beautiful and captivating smile and was so full of joy throughout the entire fitting process. He received a stuffed monkey and we proceeded to name him Jorge and talked about all of Jorge’s favorite activities.
Chris was an incredibly difficult case. While Pablo and Roger were able to interact and respond to us, Chris has much more severe disabilities. At 5 years old, he was still being bottle-fed and will never be able to walk or see much improvement. However, his parents were incredibly gracious and kind, so patient and loving with their son. My heart was so encouraged by the depth of love each of these parents showed for their children and I loved seeing how the hard work of the laborers would make such an incredible difference in the lives of those boys!
One of the most challenging aspects this month is trying to communicate in Spanish. It’s been two years since I’ve studied any Spanish and I feel like I’ve lost a lot of ground. The workers in the factory are so patient with our mistakes and bumbles, but we’ve all enjoyed getting to know them and to hear about their lives. Nearly all the workers at the factory are in wheelchairs and I love that their own stories and journeys have enabled them to be able to know and accomplish so much for the ministry.
The first week on the race has been incredible. We’re staying in a wonderful house and get to walk to the factory in the mornings. This coming week we’ll be starting English lessons with the employees, as well as Bible studies and continuing to build relationships with everyone. The afternoons will be involved in community outreach in the surrounding communities. We’ll have the opportunity to work with a homeless ministry, an orphanage, and street kids, among others. The team is learning about each other and discovering how to work together to make meals, shop in the Mercado, and communicate. Its been raining like crazy, due to a tropical storm, but we are so thankful for what a blessing this month has already been and we can’t wait to see what else the Lord has in store for us!
