Without getting to deep and detailed, I want to get a few things jotted down about the Guatemala trip. I'd love to express all that I experienced during those 10 days, but I am pressed for time between trips and training this week. So here is a snapshot, and I hold hopes to revisit this trip later in blog to sort out my feelings. So to be brief...
We stayed at an orphanage in San Jose Pinula, Guatemala City, called "Fundaninos". Most of our time was spent here and I loved it. I hope that I can keep communication with fundaninos via support and letters, if not direct visitation.
This is Matteo. He jumped in my arms on the first night there and I pretty much didn't let him go after that. He and Chino were definitely my favorites. One night he fell asleep holding my finger while Rebekah sang the Pre-K's to sleep, which only completely confirmed my absolute desire to adopt someday. Now, this is only possible with an Esposo, so...should I ever be gifted with one of those, adoption would have to be sure to follow.
Meet Chino. That's not even his real name, they just call him that because he looks Asian and Chino is Spanish for "Chinese". ALL the kids have nicknames. Including one kid who somehow got stuck with "Chupete"...meaning "Pacifier".
We held an official 3 day teacher training for teachers in the city and about 70 Guatemalan teachers came. We also had two unofficial trainings with the teachers at Fundaninos. This was huge for me. I LOVE teaching teachers and I hope there is a future in that for me. This experience totally recharged my love for teaching. I love my job so much.
Nathan and Rebekah are the American couple living and working at Fundaninos right now. I love them so much and Rebekah is my new best friend. More on their awesome love for the Lord and each other later.
There were six of us single girls on the trip that shared a room for the week and got really close. I am so thankful for them, I was so challenged by each of them and hope their friendships will continue.
Maribell. It's tough to get closer to the older kids when you don't speak the language. That's a commitment I would like to make before I return to another Spanish speaking country. Especially this one. We got by with translators and charades, but I really longed to have conversations with those kiddos. Maribell didn't seem to care though. She took me in right away, painted my nails, fixed my hair, etc...
I'm fully convinced this trip was God's idea and not mine. I've been slightly reluctant through the entire process and felt almost robotic about it. I got super sick in Mexico and almost didn't even go. But God had a bigger plan. He knew what I needed to see and do and be around. He needed to divert my attention from my growing attachment to my comfort, my things, boys, narcissism, and lack of faith. I'm grateful to Him for knowing what I need and sending it to me. It's time to reevaluate my life choices and simplify, conforming to God's ideas pleasures rather than my own.
