On Fridays we visit the Puerto Barrios city dump. Guatemala's only recycling program is run by families living at the dump who make their living sorting through the trash day in and day out.
If I could present you with a bottle of the sensory overload we experienced in the smells, sounds, and vastness of this place I'm not sure I would. I'd rather share with you the encounters we had that truly matter. I'm still unable to process how these people make their homes out of the bi-product of our lives. I entered the dump hoping to bring joy and love to the families we met. But I left having received more joy and love from them than I had brought with me.
Hayden Furlow looks out over the dump while strumming songs of praise.
We walk along the dump truck road and greet families, inviting them to come worship with us.
Shacks like this one line the main road. Chickens, dogs, and pigs graze around most of the shacks.
Hayden stops and shows a man her necklace. Like his shirt, the pick she wears around her neck also reads "pick Jesus".
Caitlin Parker hops on the back of this family's truck. When they stop, she grabs a bag of trash twice her size and helps them carry the load up to their house.
Pastor Roni, (on the right) prays over the children and several give their heart to Christ!
Jen Langes helps Pastor Roni distribute clothing donations to the women.
All the girls grin ear to ear at the sight of Caitlin.
Caitlin spent most of the afternoon making these girls giggle.
Caitlin chants a funny song and does a dance for the kids.
Priscilla Gray shows one of the girls how to play a game.
This is Alex. He was kind enough to pose for a photo.
Alex again with Mark Rowdon.
“Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile.”
-Mother Teresa
