Guatemala Interns Final Update

Wow, what a busy final week our team of 10 had in Guatemala City. We worked solo this week, but accomplished so much!

We spent our first two days at the Buckner baby home, relating stories about creation, singing praises, and playing games. How easy these children are to love! At the end we had a cookie party and some of the children dressed up in their favorite costumes - we had a princess, Spiderman, Batman, Superman, and even Buzz Lightyear.

Our second day we returned to Manchen Girls home and met up with the family team from PCBC - what an amazing group they were! It was great to talk with the girls that we bonded with weeks before and to see the amazing way the church team was caring for them. Next we were off to Elisa Martinez Boys Home - a home with many special needs and teenage boys - where we led VBS and played many games.

We then had the privilege of meeting the significant special needs children at Anini and viewing their incredible facilities - including speech, occupational, and physical therapy. All of us were thanking the Lord that such a place exists where these children that need so much can receive the best care. The next two afternoons we bonded with the boys at San Gabriel - a home for teenage boys that is known for being rough, but is really turning around. We liked it so much we asked to go back for extra time! Jared shared with them the stories of David and how he used his strengths to serve his God. We also played some crazy games involving watermelons, crackers, and balloons! It was great to be able to share a message of love with boys who so need to hear it.

Our last day we were blessed to be able to put new shoes on the feet of the children at a nearby community center. The faces of the moms and children would light up with their names were called, then we were able to remove their old, worn shoes and socks, and replace them with new ones - covered in flowers, Bratz, camoflauge, sparkles, stripes, and more. What a wonderful gift - for them and for us! We did a skit from the Bible, sang songs, and made bracelets and picture frames. Then the staff there made us a tamale lunch to say thank you - and it was delicious!

When I look back over the month, I cannot believe all of the lives we were able to touch - by His power, not our own. We can visit with the children for a day, or even a week, but it is hope in Him that will last them a lifetime. I am so blessed to be part of a team with such hearts for the Lord's service and such a passion for loving His children.

Erin, Senior Intern, Guatemala

Dallas, TX