Guatemala SOS Trip Day 2 -- Antigua

The morning started off with a bus ride to Antigua, Guatemala. When we arrived the team shopped in the market, interracting with many of local merchants. It was an outstanding cultural experience for all of us.

From there we made our way to Manchen, a girls orphanage here in Antigua. They have suffered hurts that no child should know, ranging from parental abuse, to homelessness, and children whose parents simply cannot provide for them. It is gut-wrenching. Their eyes tell of an ache deeper than any of else will ever know.

Our team set up stations for crafts, recreation, Bible memory verse, a faith story, small gifts, and the long-awaited, brand new shoes... literally a treasure to these girls, because shoes are the one thing they can call their own. These girls are starved for love and affection, and the simplest hug transforms their expression into a smile that can light up the rainiest day. They long for tenderness, being lost in an embrace. It is humbling to be the arms of Jesus around these precious girls. With all that is within us, we cry out to God - that His Word of His unconditional love will be sealed in their hearts... that they sense the Father whispering within them that they are His beloved. We are believers in the God who still transforms lives and offers hope in the midst of our sorrow, light when we are surrounded by darkness, and deliverance ifrom the most difficult of circumstances. When the door closed behind us, a piece of hearts stayed on the other side.

Sadly, we all hopped on our buses and headed to Hogar de Ancianos, a retirement home in Antigua. We brought humaitarian aid, and more importantly, we brought the joy of knowing Christ. The residents joined us in praising God through music, and we all enjoyed a tale reminding us of the Lord's unique plan and purpose in His Kingdom.