I
have returned from my trip to Guatemala and I know that you have been
waiting to hear all about it! First let me thank you for your
financial and/or prayer
support. It is very encouraging to know I have friends and family that
are so giving and supportive. I will never forget this experience, nor
will I forget the generosity of the ones who helped make this trip
possible. I saw and embraced so much, so let me rewind and see if I can
give you a glimpse of what my experience in Guatemala was like.
Our
trip began on July 11th at 6:00 A.M. Though some were still very sleepy
as the plane took off, all seventeen of us were excited and ready for
whatever the Lord had in store. With no delays and few complications
our team and all our luggage arrived in Guatemala City around 1:30 P.M.
(Guatemala is two hours behind us, making our flight only about 5
hours). We met up with Bob and Ann Henrique's our hosts, at the
airport, piled into two vans and headed to their house. After about ten
minutes of riding in Guatemala traffic we soon realized that we weren't
going to hit the cars that were about one inch from us, it just
appeared that way - oh and the constant stop and go, well they just
want to make sure you know that the breaks work! Talk about car and
culture shocks!
Once arriving at our
destination we were greeted
with the loud traditional welcome of firecrackers! Though the Henriques
live in a gated community, each house is surrounded by tall cement
walls and barbed wire. You can imagine my surprise as the beauty hidden
behind these dark gates was revealed! As color and life splashed before
my eyes I knew that this was the beginning of a fabulous adventure.
Bob
and Ann have been Missionaries in Guatemala for 30 years and the
souvenirs from their many travels are displayed throughout their
beautiful house. I shared a room with threes girls from the Webster
church. Once we were unpacked, we were given a tour. Down back was a
balcony that overlooked beautiful greenery, covering a hill, with
houses at the top. In the backyard was the construction of a two story
house. Anne's mother, Margery, who is currently living with the
Henriques and has Alzheimers will be living on the lower level. John,
an older man from my church took a couple days to help construct this
house, because his specialty is working with tools not necessarily
children.
I had an opportunity
to take some pictures of the
beautiful flowers that covered the property. We were then taken out to
dinner at a lovely restaurant that had the ever popular soccer "futbol"
theme. The food was delicious and the company was fabulous! We then
returned to the house, where Bob and Ann shared their life stories.
After a long yet lovely day we headed for the beds and showers
anticipating what was in store for tomorrow.
July 12th
The
following morning started bright and early with the crow of the rooster
... dog barking . .. distant firecrackers ... and exotic birdcalls. We
dined on some delicious breakfasts (7:00 every morning), and nothing
beat the breathtaking view accompanied by a glass full of freshly
squeezed juice! It was so nice to fellowship with my fellow team mates,
in the nice morning air - with no bugs, just beautiful hummingbirds
that gathered at nearby flowers.
Our first visit was
top the church that Bob and
Ann attended, we then went on a tour of a Bible Seminary.
From here we went to the local cemetery, which is a whole different
world in, itself. You go through guarded gates (as you do with most
places) and into a fawn tike atmosphere. The cemetery is all above
ground, it is street after street of broken down tombs and mausoleum's.
There are cement walls that are 8 vaults high and appear endlessly
long. Each vault contains a body (no casket) and if the monthly bill of
a couple dollars is not paid the vault is opened and given to another.
The bright colored flowers scattered throughout, that loved ones leave,
seem to be the only sign of love and hope in such an oppressing place.
After
this we drove around a little and were able to see some of the old yet
beautiful architecture. We then went on a tour of a big Catholic
church, before returning home for lunch. Then we set out for Antigua, a
restaurant/resort. This beautiful location is filled with exotic
flowers/trees, parrots, water fountains, and old ruins. After our eyes
took in all the beauty at hand we were off to see St. Peters tomb and
then returned home for dinner and a guest speaker. Every night we had a
different speaker on missions and the different avenues it holds.
July 13th
After
another delicious breakfast we were off to Eben-Ezer church. Though the
ride was a little lengthy and quite bumpy, the breathtaking views made
it worth it. The beautiful mountains, volcanoes and vegetated hills are
so fantastically surreal. Once we arrived we were greeted by a
boisterous, Spanish welcome song. To begin, several team members gave
their testimonies, with Mr. Henrique's translating, next we sang
Spanish songs that we had prepared. Then our team, along with 30 kids,
ranging from 2 - 6 in age, crammed into a small room upstairs. There
was a puppet show, some more songs, a craft and some beautiful children
that helped put life into perspective. I don't know if it was because
the room was so small, but the joy, and appreciation in that room was
certainly abundant. To see a face light up over a little piece of candy
quickly reminded me of how much I have and how little I appreciate it.
After the children's program the adults thanked us by giving us each a
bottle of Gatorade and I was reminded of how one simple act from the
heart is worth more than anything money can buy.
Next, we went
out for lunch, handed out the extra crafts to children in the
restaurant and continued evangelizing by handing out tracks in the
mall, the people were very receptive and thankful! We then headed to
the Bible Seminary to drop off Ezres and Scott, two young men (very
good friends of Mr. Henriques) who had been helping the group with
ministry and translating. Once back home we actually had some time to
relax, I caught up on my journaling. Then it was dinner, another
speaker and bedtime!!!
July 14th
I woke up early this
morning to catch a Guatemalan sunrise. After another great home made
meal we set off for Casita Benjamin. This is a school attended by
pre-school aged children who's parents live off the local dump. Though
a few kids were shy they were all so excited to have guests. After the
puppet show and some songs the fun began with a big Barney Pinata!
After each child received some candy, we also handed our little stuffed
animals and goodie bags. Because these children have little they
embrace what they do receive with such a passion. This school was
blessed with a donation of 10 computers and these kids are so eager to
learn everything they can and use the tools they're liven to do so. It
was a very joyful, humbling experience.
We moved on text to
Potters House, an organization who's goal is to provide opportunities
far scavenger families by equipping them with Christian principals,
education, medical attention, financial resources, love and support.
The Dump is a way of life for many people. Same go there to salvage
scraps of plastic and metals to re -sell for pennies, while others go
there to find a meal to survive off of. Potter House laves the 14,5?
"Treasures" who live in the misery of the dump. Next, of course we went
to see the actual dump.
I don't think it's
possible to describe
on paper what this place is like. The fact that it was raining and that
the dump is located at the back of cemetery, only added to the dreary
atmosphere. As I stepped out of the van I was overwhelmed with the
horrendous smell and sound of flapping wings. Vultures covered the
trees and broken down tombs that surrounded the big gorge filled with
trash. It was an eerie sensation that seamed unreal, unfortunately for
many this is reality. We stood there in awe, and I don't think one of
us wasn't thanking God for blessing us with a nice home in America.
From
here we traveled to a Radio Station where many friends of Mr. Henriques
work. Bob put missions into perspective by sharing that missions work
can be as simple as being the technician at a Christian radio station.
We then went out to lunch at a very exquisite Mexican Restaurant. Our
final stop was the Christian Academy of Guatemala, a school for
Missionaries kids. This was a very nice, well equipped school that was
busy helping further Gods Kingdom. We finished the day as usual and
awaited tomorrow’s busy schedule.
July 15th
This day was
started with a work project at the Nazareth church/school. Our team
helped build the footer for a security wall which would be protecting
new computers. Making hand made cement with no machines, and passing
bucket after bucket in an assembly line was very fulfilling. Afterwards
we got cleaned up, ate, practiced our mimes, songs, and I practiced my
dance that I had choreographed to a Spanish song. Then, we hit the
rooftop, to take some beautiful pictures of the scenery from the roof
top. We then took tennis balls and decided to play with the kids
outside. With a couple minutes and a few old tennis balls we were able
to gather kids from all over. I will never forget this moment, it was
my favorite! I was not only able to see into the life of these kids,
but was also able to get a feel for their culture, as women in vibrant
colored clothes walked by with different produce balanced on their
heads. Playing with these kids was such a pleasure, each child so pure
and full of life. We brought out the guitars, sang, danced and played
games. We shared laughter and smiles, because happiness translates into
any language!
Once the students
started arriving, we went inside
and before we presented our show, their children's choir sang for us!
It was such a blessing to hear others, even children, praising the same
God we worship. After we performed they surprised us with a gift of a
hand-woven bag for each of us, we in return handed out candy, and
handmade teddy bears to the kids. While packing our vans up, kids tried
to get in and come with use - trust me, we would have taken them home
if we could have!
July 16th
We began this day
with a trip to
a Maximum security Prison! From Children to Criminals, Gods word is for
everyone! Once I got through security I was surprised at what I saw. It
is mostly open, and the inmates who don't wear uniforms, roam freely. A
year ago this prison was completely destroyed with tanks and aircraft,
after the prison, which had been run by the inmates, became out of
control. It is now property officiated by the government, but it is
still very much like a community, with little businesses. The church
that we were attending there was ordinary, but the people were
extraordinary. Our team sang songs, mommy and I gave our testimonies
and then one of our leaders gave the message. Though I thought I might
be a little intimidated by this environment I found myself very relaxed
and very encouraged by the fellow believers of this church.
From
here we traveled to a mall and enjoyed lunch at the ever so familiar
T.G.I. Fridays! Then we were finally on our way to go shopping! ! We
stopped first at a local grocery store, for those who wanted to
purchase the coffee that is delicious and very cheap. One of our
American dollars is the equivalent to about 7 of their dollars. We
shopped in an underground Market, with lots to take in and very little
time. With so many venders, most with the same merchandise you have to
search for the best price and then know how to barter your way down
from there. The money difference was a little stressful and because of
my appearance most expected me to understand the language, so at times
I was a little overwhelmed. But overall it was a fun filled experience
that was a perfect ending to my last day in Guatemala. That night I
spent time reflecting on all I had seen and spent some final laughs
with my new friends! I even exchanged emails with the servants at the
house!
The following morning
the four of us who were
leaving
early, said farewell to the group we had become so close with and
wished them the best with the rest of trip. The flight back was a mix
of emotions and long napping, but before I knew it I was home. Though
the weather in Guatemala was not as warm as I had hoped ( it was the
rainy season - and the average temp. was 75) and two people did get
sick (though we were ever so careful about what we consumed - we only
drank bottled water) this trip was life changing and was so much more
than I could have ever imagined!!
Again I thank you for
all your
lave and support, next time you stop by I would love to share all of my
pictures with you! But I leave you with the note that no matter how
many pictures you see, something this powerful isn't fully understood
until you experience it for yourself. I would encourage you, whether it
be with a group or on your own, to go out, be it to a third world
country or a local shelter and help those in need. We have the skills,
we just need to make the time and find the willingness. Take your
tender heart, passion to teach, skilled hands, step outside of your
comfort zone and go experience another culture/lifestyle. I promise,
you wont regret it or forget it! So enough about my experience, Go make
one of our own!
