We loaded the van eager to reach Manchen, a girls home in Antigua, Guatemala. I tried to keep my mind clear of preconceived ideas of how the orphanage looked and the way we would be received, so I sat quiet in my seat during the ride as I did my best to keep my imaginative thoughts at bay. As a marketing professional, this is quite a daunting task! :)
"Estamos aqui?" I asked as the van came to a stop. Yes, I speak Spanish, but my vocabulary is at the level of a 6th grader. (LOL) The team used my language skills to translate as needed when we didn't have any interpreters near us. Well, we could've walked there! The ride seemed to end as soon as I buckled my seat belt. We were there already and the doors of the orphanage opened with smiling young girls standing in a hall way wearing school uniforms. Hugs greeted us as we were ushered in.
I reached the courtyard and saw several girls crying. I immediately went over to investigate. Some people call it "being nosey", I but I call it "inquisitive"! :) I walked over and joined the girls in their group huddle and confidently used my Spanish vocabulary to ask why they were so sad. One of the girls said through her sobs, "My sister left." I told her I was sorry to hear that, but everything would be OK and so would she. She walked over as I reached to give her a hug. She held on a for a bit, but we were interrupted by a group of girls who wanted hugs as well. I've never felt so popular. I was happy to oblige.
A few minutes later, I found another girl crying in the courtyard. She said her sister had left as well. Why had so many girls left today? My goodness! Again, my "inquisitive" nature lead me to ask one of the program staff. I was shocked to hear her explanation of what happened that day... One of the nuns left to work at another orphanage that morning. So it was only ONE sister who had gone away. Even though I understood what the girls said to me, I missed something in the translation. My jaw dropped and frustration began to set in. Why didn't I ask more questions? Had I understood the other things the girls told me that morning? (sigh)I later prayed once we left Manchen and realized that one misinterpretation didn't matter. Were my hugs lost in translation? Were my smiles misunderstood? I was there. I showed up to care. All of those things should've been obvious. I smiled as I learned another lesson. Missions isn't about knowing the language, land, or people. It's about showing up. When you share your time, talent and treasure (thanks for that line Ronne), no translation is needed. Those kids knew we were there to help and that's all that mattered.
20 comments:
Your blog just put tears in my eyes. My heart is sold out for children and their families wherever it is God might lead me, and to read your story and to hear about these girls....Thank you for being inquisitive! It's not nosy at all...it's learning...It's building a relationship so that God can use you and that is amazing
That is awesome what you are doing most people are wishing at home that they could make a difference jsut like you guys thanks
Que Dios te bendiga.
Wow and Amen! Thank you for sharing your time, talents and treasure - YOU! Amazing how we come away learning more about ourselves sometimes when we thought we were there to teach...
God bless you.
this is great, incredibly heart-warming
keep up the excellent work!
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What a beautiful blog and you are so right! God's love is shown in so many ways, and sometimes actions do speak louder than words. Your hug, your smile, your willingness to listen and spend time with girls, is a huge example of Christ's unconditional love.
Many Blessings,
Jennifer
Your blog is very good and the statement about a hug not being lost in translation is profound. I love to travel and I find that some things are just universal, like hugs, or smiles, etc. Its really wonderful that you take the time to help these children out.
I've loved reading all the blogs. Each of you has a different perspective, yet your passion for the kids is the same. You've inspired me to get involved.
That is cool! It's awesome to work at an orphanage or even just visit the kids. :) It is what Jesus wanted his people to do also.
What a fantastic website, and organization. I've added it to the "Life Changing Links" section of my blog - www.lizandtobi.blogspot.com . Keep up the incredible work!
Your writing is really very touchy and hats off to you for your social work..i too dreamt of doing it someday but am still not able to find where to join for helping these kind souls..our mission seems same..plz do visit my blog..thansk
http://shockingincidents.blogspot.com/
You are awesome. Thanks for all you do!
Carolyn
: )
Thank you. Your efforts are a cleansing to the grime that plagues our world....God Bless You!
Thank you for your efforts, may God bless you.
thank you so much for all your hardwork it would be nice if everyone did things like you
What you and your organization are doing is just great..we live in the warmth of our house and among families that we sometimes or never realised that out there there's always people who are in need of better homes,foods and love..
I started so smile when I read that you were in Antigua.. I'm hoping to do one of my nursing practicums in Tecuaco Guatemala this summer.. it's so beautiful to see people reaching out to others around the world.. thanks for your story, it's lovely.
Your story touched my heart.
Tasasha, I couldn't believe it when I read your blog!
I am positive i know the girl you spoke of. Her sister did leave,sadly she turned 18.
I love those sisters with all my heart! and I want to thank you for being there to be a comfort on probably one of the saddest days of her life. I wish i could have been. I know God had it in his plan that you would be.
I want to thank you for the selfless time you put in to those girls and the love you showed them. Again, thank you for wiping the tears and holding the child i love.
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