Piñatas!

For the second day we have had a piñata at the center...but today we had three! It's great to see that so many groups and families are supportive of the center and want to help these kids. 

While a large group was here Kaysey's and I went down to the daycare. We read a book about Jesus and made snow. (it's a polymer that grows when you add water.) the kids there were so happy to have us come by- all different ages wanted to sit and listen. We had their complete attention! They were really wowed by the snow! Even one of their nannies had fun touching the snow. I'm glad that orphans heart is becoming more involved with the daycare. 

Something else that is funny about this week is that the patos seem to be more attentive and better listeners that the squirrels! The boys are finishing dinner faster and have even been sitting down so quietly waiting for Piñatas. Still, everyone was a .ittle sugared up after the threes atlas and cupcakes today. We had Las Posadas earlier in the day sp our nighttime schedule was backon. 

It's hard to believe that we've been here only three as and that tomorrow is our last day spent with the kids. This week has felt like a continuation of my internship- except with a lot more people! I have loved our team and our time here. 

God has definitely blessed us. 

Back in Guatemala

I'm so happy to be back at the malnutrition center in San Juan with orphans heart. Here are some highlights of the trip so far:

-at first I was certain the kids were smaller an we had left. It took a day to get adjusted to the small size of the kids here.
-also at first they were a little quiet- it has been 5 or 6 weeks since a team has been here.
- by Monday morning they were much more energetic
-Mayra is so happy! She is like a different kid.
-it's so good to see the nannies again- they are working just as hard as ever.
- the Center is decorated for Christmas: tree, streamers, things hanging from the ceiling
- there are lots off new faces....some of the kids have gone home
-Las Posados is celebrated  here: it's where a group goes home to home like Mary and Joseph did in Bethlehem, looking for a place. The last home accepts them, and feeds them. At the center we went room to room- and we definitely had the food after. Tostadas on Monday and depados (sp?) on Tuesday.
- many of the chicks have moved up since I was here.
- the Comedor has moved again....to the room with the stage
-a doctor came with his family delivering a piñata and treats. During his rotation he spent some time  at the malnutrition center.
-Mendoza is back at the center and not being adopted :( 
-I loved looking at Dulce's pics of the kids from past years. Sad to see how they came here, but happy to see how hey progressed 
- we played loteria Monday night with the night staff. It was great and we played with m&ms.
-Odilia cooked for us tonight: my favorite part was the plantains 
-Sergio has chipmunk-like cheeks. It's adorable. I hear he's going home on Friday. 
- Billy still gives the sweetest hugs and is counting to five like a champ. 

Providing

Just a funny little thing happened the other day. Coming home from a Rays game, we stopped at a CVS for a pit-stop before the trek back to Wauchula. You see, we have to cross over the Sky Way (which is really fun, but also a toll road) and my Sun Pass was being persnickety. So, on the way out of the store I was rummaging through my wallet to find enough quarters (5) to make it home.
A man outside the store asked for spare change, and it was obvious I had some. I just couldn't say "no" when I had a handful- so, I told him I needed the quarters for the toll road and handed off my nickels, pennies, and the dimes. Thinking to myself the whole time...I better find more quarters in the car!

Well, low and behold I did find enough change, and decided that my car needed a thorough cleaning ASAP. When we got to the toll booth I was ready with my fistfull of quarters and other coins that just added up to 1.25. However, when I pulled up to the cashier, to my surprise, the car ahead of me paid my way. "They said to have a good day," declared the woman. I was so shocked I said thank you and drove off. Exactly five seconds later I was upset that I didn't do the same thing for the car behind me, but I couldn't shake the fact that God had provided.

At that moment, I wished I had given all my change, quarters and all to the man outside the store. I know we're supposed to live cautiously and to prepare for the future and save money and whatnot, but what if we lived as if we truly believed that God will provide and take care of us. Just a small thought after a simple reminder.

Circus came to the Center!

What a great day we've had! Today started out just the same as normal: breakfast, chaos in the bathrooms, dressing kids....but then a clown walked through the door. That's right, folks, we had clowns visit the center today! Actually, it was a group called Shalom Kids and the children of the center loved them! A lot of their group was dressed up as clowns or characters, some were just in every day attire and they painted the kids' faces and made all kinds of animal balloons. We had the Ducks and Squirrels, Bunnies and Chicks, plus a few of the more adventurous Canaries. At one point we had to pause for snack and I don't think I've seen those kids drink and eat so quickly! They were eager to get back to the fun! We sang  the Sapo, Sapo song (it's about a frog) and I'm in the Lord's Army. The group sang a few new tunes too. Even the interns and a few nannies were invited to be part of the oerformance! It was a blast!  The excitement didn't stop there, though. Mendoza (Sonia Mendoza) went home after lunch with Dr. Carlos who is in the process of adopting this sweet girl. It's a bittersweet time: we are sad to see her go, but we are more excited that she has a family and home to go to. Praise the Lord this has come about and continue to pray that all goes well for the actual adoption.  As one leaves, another joins our group: Santos. He came to the center on Friday and has been in the Canary room since he's been sick. After the show today though, he joined the Duck group. If he looks familiar, that's because Santos has been at the center before. We are looking forward to getting to know Santos and seeing him grow stronger and healthier. Welcome back Santos!  I must admit its a little strange going to bed tonight knowing that a team won't be arriving in the morning. If you've been to the center you know just how much work theses ladies (and gentlemen) do each day during a twelve hour shift. Without the extra hands the schedule still continues, just a little more drawn out as each baby in the Canary room still needs multiple diaper changes, the Ducks are still being potty trained, the Squirrels' hair needs to be done in the morning, the Chicks are becoming more independent and adventurous each day, and each little Bunny must be fed. One set of hands does make quite a difference- its another hug, hand held, and book read in a lap that just doesn't always happen without you here. If you haven't been with Orpan's Heart to the center pray about coming. Seriously pray! If you're been here before, come back! Don't let a schedule or money or anything hold you back. These sweet, precious children of God are ready for you! 

Just another day

Today was just another day at the center, but it was full of the typical things that I love so much about the center. This morning Olivia announced that we would be finger painting with the younger group ofnDucks and Squirrels. Well, I was already laughing because I knew that hilarity was about to ensue. Much to my surprise, our little ones (the older guys were at school) did very well and only a few had to be really scrubbed down. Later we went outside and I found a dead beetle. You know, the kind that is the cool blue/green shiney color. Well, the kids loved checking it out and Erasmo especially was curious about it. He took it from me and showed everyone the Ron-Ron. Well then had a little burial for it and Erasmo declared the beetle to be sleeping, and happy with his family. Isn't he just the sweetest? When it was time to come inside for snack, our little ones Stumbled upon a giant fan in the entry way. They giggled as their hair was blown and their voices sounded funny as they shouted into it. Discovery is so much fun and they love investigating anything that comes into their path. Another memorable point of the day was just as naptime was coming to a close and Alejandra discovered William With a head full of Vaseline. Not only William, but Danilo who was fast asleep had the goo in his hair. I guess William wanted to do a little styling? The monkey that he is scaled the shelf to get the Vaseline and made quite a mess. It took Alejandra about five shampoos to get most of it out of Williams hair. He still had a shine to it! Poor Danilo doesn't like to be woken up from nap anyway, especially when he ha to take a bath right after. What a harmless bystander who was caught in Williams mischief. Finally, I just had to laugh right before dinner. I ended up alone on the playground with more kids than i bargained for after the dinner bell rang. When they know they need to be somewhere and that you want them to go someplace the kids get this look on their face that says "no." and then a handful of them actually look you in the face and tell you, "no." well, William again, I have a soft spot for that one, had an accident on the playground. When youre having fun why take the time to use the bathroom?! He was covered- pants down to shoes. It was bad. Luckily, suzy came out and rounded up the Squirrels who were still having fun despite the dinner announcement. When I finally got William to the bathroom we found Gerson hanging out with the bunnies (wet pants) and Danilo who didn't make it to the bathroom either. daphine hung in there with me and I literally prayed out loud at this point. Patience was thing. Then I realized- its ok. Who cares if these three are late for dinner- their food can wait on them. It's ok that the kids wanted to play on the playground a little longer- they are growing and strong and becoming healthy. (I still don't like that William loves to tell people no- cant get around that one!) we made it to the Comedor and pizza was on the menu- a crowd pleaser! We had lots of help for the bed time routine and at the end of the day we all survived. Makes me wonder: how do people get through the day without the holy spirit to show them it's ok, to let them see the humor in such situations, and to find the joy in the small things. We've got one more week here- I intend to soak it all up.

Inspired

We're reading Not a Fan. You should read it too. It's about being a genuine, authentic follower of Christ. There have been lots of parts that hit home and have made me think, so I took a few verses and used them as part of a devotion for the ladies here at the malnutrition center. I spoke on being genuine and used Matthew 23 as my spring board. You see, here in these verses Jesus is speaking to a crowd and tells everyone that they need to obey the ones in charge, but only to do as they say, not as they do. He later calls out the Pharisees and compares them to tombs: beautiful and white-washed on the outside, but only full of dead bones on the inside.

It got me thinking. I don't want to just go through the motions and appear to have it all together. I want to know my Savior, and when I get to Heaven, I want it to be like, "Oh Hey! Glad you made it! Come on in, I've got a place just for you."

I am so grateful to our interpreters who have been so patient and kind to me. Olivia was with me today and asked what they thought about the message we read. They had some great things to say. I loved it because I don't always get to sit and have a conversation with them, we are hard at work here! Most of them agreed it is difficult to to live for Christ each day- there are lots of distractions and many people claim to be Christians who don't live a lifestyle that matches what they say.

Many of them commented that they can't get to church each week because of their busy schedules: they work 6 days a week for 12 hours each day. So they said they really enjoy the devotion time that happens when teams are here.

It got me thinking. When I eat lunch I'm usually not into a devotion- I'm enjoying my break. These women work a longer day than mine and on their short time off they are eager to learn from what God has laid on another's heart for them to hear. It was so much more than I thought I was going to get out of my time in the kitchen today.

Another amazing day in Guatemala.

In the boys bathroom...

So, I've spent a lot of time in the boys bathroom these past three weeks. All I can say is that I hope that if/when I do have kids my first one is a girl. Needless to say boys are a little umm...gross. I've walked in to underwear on the head and other sights I won't mention on the Internet. See me for more funny stories. Today I shared a special moment with Andres. This kid is adorable- don't get me wrong, he has his moments. Today though he was the last kid on the potty after lunch. Alejandra and I were just waiting on him to make something happen in that pot. We sang songs, I danced around, even tickled him. Nothing. All of the sudden he bursts put with: MIRA! ARANA!" sure enough there was a daddy long legs. He just got so excited to see and observe it and even though we definitely saw it, he couldn't stop telling us to check it out. I caught one and held it in front of him- he loved holding the rolly-pollies last week but was not down for holding the spider. We told him adios as I placed him outside the window slat above the toilet. There were still tow others that he eyed closely. What a sweet gift to spend some time with Andres today and seeing how inquisitive and interested he is in the world around him. Makes me want to slow down and take time to observe the small things.

Another Sunday Funday

What a whirlwind of a weekend!  On Saturday evening we (the interns) were excited to greet our new team and housemates for the week. We’ve got the youth group from FBC Leesburg and Cindy, Claire, and John from Maryland along with Howie our fearless leader. After dinner we got some sleep before we hit the road early the next day.

Sunday morning we awoke to the aroma of pancakes in the kitchen made by Howie. We devoured breakfast and loaded up into the coaster. Even Samuel stayed the night at the dorm! As we zigzagged through the villages on our way to Antigua to go ziplining, we came to a halt on our journey: a parade! God blessed us with such a cool insight into Guatemalan life! It was in the town of Santiago, an agricultural community, so there were plenty of floats showcasing the local flowers and vegetables they grow there.  Like any parade back home, there were queens atop floats waving at onlookers and the coaster full of excited Americans.

Interns: Kaysey, myself, and Marianna

Once we made it to the cobblestone streets of Antigua we hit another roadblock: a half marathon.  Still, nothing could stop us from getting to our destination: Filadelfia Canopy Tours. Most of our group loaded up in the jeeps to take us up to the mountain where we would take a leap of faith and soar over God’s creation.  The skies were clear so we had a perfect view of Volcano Agua in the background. Even those who were hesitant to zip mustered up the courage to do so.  After the climb back up to our jeeps and the twisty dissent back down, we worked up quite an appetite! The only cure: McDonalds!  I personally enjoyed the pineapple pie (pastel de piña) and am thinking of writing to corporate to get this delicious pastry available in the states. Who’s with me?

We met up with Olivia and Alejandra, our wonderful interpreters, and headed to the market to get in some shopping. Deals were made, souvenirs were purchased, and everyone had a great time practicing their Spanish. The group made their way to the town center where it seemed all of Antigua was gathered. Families and tourists enjoyed the vendors, horse rides, and street performers.  We solemnly made our way into the church there as they prepared for worship. Our group split up and some of us stuck around the park to just chill and ride the horses while others made their way to the famous Antigua Arch to take an obscene amount of pictures.

Olivia and Alejandra led us to La Peña del Sol where we dined on cannelloni, burgers, grilled chicken or quesadillas. Yum! Still excited about all the events of the day, we had quite a lively bus ride home to the center. God spoke to us through Jay, the youth minister from Leesburg, from the book of James.  The first large group to stay at the center has made themselves at home and are ready to love on some kiddos on Monday! 

Sarah's Top 10 of the day

Today was so much fun. Here are some highlights of our adventurous day throughout Guatenala: -breakfast of pancakes headed up by Howie, praise by youth fromLeesburg and devotion -leave center and on the way to Antigua run into a parade! -run into a marathon through Antigua -zip lined from one mountain to another! Kaysey went too and loved it! -ate at McDonald's and had another pineapple pie....score! Also annual "push someone into a fountain day" here in Guatemala. Thanks Olivia! (no one was really pushed into the water- photo purposes only:) -shopped at the market(again) -walked around Antigua (center, church, arch) -delicious dinner at a restaurant (limeade slush drink plus quesadillas) -worship service with praise from Leesburg youth and message by their youth pastor Jay That was only 9, but it was an Awesome day- we are tired- going to get a good nights rest!

God is Good :)

Today was Day 2 with the team and everyone is once again falling right into step with jobs and getting to know the kids. I was able to go to the Pila today (where the local ladies do their Landry). Our group of about 10 brought along soccer balls, a parachute (the ones kids play with), guitar, bubbles, a picture cards for the story of Noah, and little necklaces they could make that went right along with the story. When we first arrived at the bottome of the very steep hill, there were only a few women washing their clothes. We walked around and offered to help. Some turned down our offer- but three let us attempt washing their garments the hard way. I felt a little silly being like, "hi! I'd like to help you, but can you show me how? And I'll probably be slow at this and not do it as good as you will." *Insert spiritual metaphor: God doesnt need us to domHis work- He delights in our willingness to be obedient.* lucky for me, I was helping Alba. She was a sweet lady with a son- I forgot his name :( Albion maybe? At any rate we exchanged a few bits of conversation- she asked if I was a Christian- I responded with a smile and yes, she told me she was too and smiled right back. Much gusto was said by both of us, but more was said with our smiles...an understanding maybe? I washed a large piece of embroidered fabric that could have been one of her skirts, followed by a rug. god blessed me with another very cool Guatemalan experience. After washing the rug- I looked up to see a gathering of small children and their mothers surrounding Josh who was playing the guitar. Olivia translated the story for us and we made the necklaces- we pretty much had a backyard bible Club. We even had rec time complete with the parachute and balls in the middle. After the story necklaces were made complete with Noah's ark beads- what did people do before Oriental Trading? JK. At one point I looked up and Alba had caught my eyes- her son was there. We had run out of kits, but Cynthia instantly gave up the necklace around her neck and I greeted my friend's son. He stuck around the outskirts of the group, just taking it all in. As we left we passed put bubbles. We were asked when we would come again. It is amazing the door that God has opened down at the Pila and it was so great to be a part of it today. We trudged back up the mountain- yes, instead of the steep hill on the way down, its a mountain on the way back up. In that time we had acquired another Duck: Carlos. We welcomed Carlos, a.though he didn't feel very at home just yet. Most of the day was spent in tears with many people trying to make him feel at ease. Before I knew it, it was time for lunch. I helped after lunch I the kitchen with Antonia and the girls- cutting up broccoli for dinner, washing dishes, and preparing the afternoon snack. The ladies of the center were treated to manicures curtesy of Kristen and the rest of the team. They so deserve some pampering! The rest of our day played out so well- we got to go outside which is where I love for us to be. I sat with Mayra for a split second and had this conversation: S: hey, how's it going? M: good. Is that kid new? S: yeah- he's kinda sad. M: cause he's not with his mom and dad. S: yeah. What about you? M: I'm happy. And there you have it....my day was made. Mayra, who two weeks ago was so sad, is now happy. She's one of the oldest, so it was almost like she was looking out for little Carlos. Later that night I went in to say goodnight and told her "estoy contenta parque Estas contenta." (I'm happy because you're happy) we giggled and I hugged the rest of their necks who were awake and floated up to our dorm. God has answered our prayers- and while Mayra is probably not completely happy here (she is always gonna miss home and will look forward to Friday Family Visits) she is doing so well. Her and Abelino are eating well- for the record. If you're still with me pray for the following: lucky's (director of the center)mom had an operation today, little Carlos who is brand new to the center, praise God for Mayra and Abelino feeling more at ease and comfortable here, the work being done at the Pila and that God gives us more opportunities to share his love.

Antigua fun...Good to be home.

Ok- so after we said goodbye to our kiddos on Friday (which was way harder to do than I planned on) we headed back to Antigua for a delicious lunch at a yummy pizza place. Che Christophe. So good. For dinner we had gelato- might have mentioned this in there opus post, but it was so good I had to mention it again. I had a great time with the other interns, Cynthia, Melissa, and Alejandra and Olivia. On Saturday we slept in- hooray! :) then had lunch at our hotel. Yum again. After lunch we went up to the cross that overlooks Antigua- you can really see the city below. It was beautiful. The City Harmonic's Mountaintop was playing inmy head as we watched the crowds and gatherings of people. ;) I learned about the 'red building' (donated by the Spanish, former embassy, houses a 2 room library, shows independent films on Wed). I even got to inform others about this historical building while up on the mountain- I garnered myself the title of the tour guide. Maybe I'll come back to Antigua and start up my own guide business. Well- we met the team that night. It was fun to meet people so close to home- Arcadia, Palmetto, and Bradenton. The guy who won the diaper drive contest is here from Oklahoma. How cool is that!? On Sunday we had our own church service, then headed out to our excursions. I did the zip lining- it was awesome! Fun story: I didn't make it all the way across the first line (1700 ft) so a guy came out to get me. Well- he must be new or something- or just really tired- or out of shape- or I'm a rhino...because another guy had to come out and rescue the both of us. I'm not making this up. It was pretty hysterical and I can't wait to see the photos! Back on the ground- we went to McDonald's for a tasty lunch in the courtyard. I had the quarter pounder- tasted just like home. Also- tried the pineapple pie: delicious! We had a blast getting to know our team and explaining everything at the center. I was so ready to go back I couldn't stand it! Can you imagine? Excited to get back to messy hands, sticky faces, potty training, wet pants, and smelly pots.....with precious singing, adorable faces, hand holding, lots of hugs, full bellies, and too many "buenos noches" to count. I missed those babies. :) so glad to be back.

Peanut butter (no jelly) time!

This morning we awoke at the center and tonight we'll sleep in Hotel Soleil. We're in Antigua for the weekend to catch a little break from our routine and to meet and greet our new team that arrives Saturday. Back to the center though- Fridays and Sundays are visitation days when families can come visit their children. It's really sweet to see brothers and sisters who are typically in different rooms come together and interact with moms, dads, and grandparents. Some of these family members travel a ways to get to San Juan. Cynthia, a gew interns, and the interpreters took family photos that turned out great! Im looking forward to the families recieving those little gems! Sidenote: Candace frommlast week's team was a photographer and i helped her getbphotos of all the siblings at the center. What a neat project! The families had a nice surprise today because of the generosity of our last team who put together bags full of food staples like oil, rice, beans, coffee, raisins, and spaghetti and a track en espanol. As they left, each family received their bag. Here's another bonus to the story: some of the ladies that our team from 2 weeks ago meet at the local lavaderia (place where they do laundry) came to the center to check it out for themselves. Odilia gave them a tour of the place and each one of those families received a loaded bag of goodies too! And...we had exactly enough bags for each family. God took care of our needs. So happy to know that those families will have healthy meals tonight. The families stay til noon, then it's time for the kiddos to eat lunch. After lunch, Cynthia came out with a supply of Jif on-the-go packs of peanut butter. So what did we do? Handed them to the Ducks and Squirrels for a delicious and nutritious dessert. I was glad to model just how to eat peanut butter with your finger- a nice swoop to get a quarter-sized dollup. They picked it up pretty quickly although some Squirrels found spoons to really get a good mouthfull. By then it was time for us to hit the road. We gave out our hugs and hollered "Hasta Lunes" to let everyone know we'd be back on Monday. I have to admit, I miss our song time in the Patos room right now. At any rate, we made it tonAntigua, ate lunch at a great pizza place, read my book by a fpuntain(it was a gorgeous day!), and topped off our evening with gelato for dinner. I had hazelnut if you were wondering. Tomorrow we are sleeping in! I think a trip to the market is on the agenda too. Praying for our next team! Keep praying for Abelino and Mayra- they have a stomach thing, but...they are smiling more and more each day! Abelino is becoming quite the jokester and Mayra is a typical older sister keeping him in line. So glad they got to spend time with mom today.

My WOW moment this week

Ok, I've been at the malnutrition center for about twelve days now. On most occasions I can accurately identify all my little Ducks. On a good day, with Kaysey's help (other intern) I can get most of the Squirrels. For some reason there are about four that look like the could be sisters to me! Here's another tidbit of info for you: I've been calling one of the Duck Danilio when his name is Danilo. Did you catch that? I just threw in and extra vowel. Sorry little dude! In fact a few of our kiddos have to go by their middle name, and even one of the girls goes by her last name because their first name is already taken by someone in their group. That kinda stinks doesnt it? Glad i dont have to go by Idsardi all day! :) So, what does this have to do with my WOW moment? Well, I was feeling kinda down because I could not for the life of me remember how to tell those sweet little girls apart. It's almost funny now- they know I don't KNOW them as well as the boys, and let's face it- I don't know them completely well either, but I know who I have to keep my eye on! Here's the thing: God knows us better than we know ourselves and He will never confuse us for someone else. He doesn't forget our name, or have to rely on a middle name because our first one is taken. I love Psalm 139. I've been reading and rereading it over and over. "o Lord you have searched me and you know me....you are familiar with all my ways....you hem me in- behind and before;you have laid your hand upon me....You created my inmost being;you knit me together in my mothers womb. I praise you for I am fearfully and wonderfully made." In Matthew we're reminded not to worry because God's got our backs- even the hairs on our head are numbered. He created us, He knows us, He loves us. He created me, He knows me, He loves me. He created you, He knows you, He loves you.

Canaries, bunnies, and chicks....oh my!

So, I realized that some of you may not know exactly what I'm doing inGuatemala so I thought I would break it down a little for you. I'm here with Orphan's Heart- the international arm of the Florida Baptist Children's Home. The center I'm at is a malnutrition center where families can bring their children who are malnourished and née dot be brought back to health. It's actually an old tuberculosis hospital run by the Lions Club. OH comes alongside the center to help out with supplies, support, and people to work with and love on the children who are here. There are about 70 (give or take a few) here the range from a month or two all the way up to 11. The kids are separated into: canaries (think bed babies at church), Bunnies (crawling and becoming mobile), Chicks (learning to walk), and the Ducks (boys) and Squirrels (girls) who are the older groups. There is not a set age limit for any groups- kids are moved up based on the health and ability to do things like get around on their own. I'm working with the Ducks and Squirrels this summer, and mostly with the Ducks after breakfast and bedtime. For those of you praying for my kiddos their names are: Kevin & Erasmo (bros), Gerson & Andre (twins), German, Danilo, Sergio (the one who's been sick), Abelino (newest Duck), Abelardo, William, Billi, Erwin, and Domingo. Our Squirrels are: Gladis, Maria Elena, Madelyn, Micaela, Wendy, Flory, Mendoza, Vilma, Julissa, Yoselin, Ana Lucia, Sandra, and Mayra (newest Squirrel and kind of sick). These lists are from memory so that means I've probably left someone off. I'll check in the morning to be sure. Hasta luega!

Appende tu boca!

Ok, so if you know me, then you might notice I try to pepper my English with a little Spanish every now and then. While I'm here in Guatemala, I've really stepped up my I game. However, as has happened in the past (DR trip of 2010- the hanger incidident), I've had a few faux pas. 1. Desayuno (breakfast) and despachio (slow) are often confused in my head. I might have told a child to eat slowly and asked one of the ladies to speak more breakfast. Oops. 2. So, not everyone here is eager to shovel their food into their mouths. Sometimes you have to use a little encouragement and spoon feed. At these times, it might be necessary to ask a child to open his/her mouth. Apparently the word for open is not aprende, as I thought. For the past 2 weeks I have been telling children to "learn their mouth" instead of open it. My bad. 3. Finally, although there have been many other errors, I often can't seem to differentiate the b/p/v sounds which leads me to last night: I asked Sergio to give me a peso before bed. Turns out the word for kiss is beso, not peso. I asked the three year old for a piece of Mexican money. Que lastima! I'll keep you posted as to any other blunders in espanol. There are sure to be more! Adios!

Favorite part of my day...

Ok- I know I posted already but I just have to dish about bedtime tonight. So the routine with the boys is getting smoother everyday- they potty, put on their pjs and brush their teeth. By smoother i mean i dont freak out as much about the potties and bodily fluids that are evrywhere. Most of them are potty training if that gives you any idea of how bathroom time goes. We stick them in the bed or crib they belong to and hug them good night. Oh, and Kevin and I usually lead the boys in the longest version of yo tengo Gozo. We're gonna need to learn a new song soon! Meanwhile, tonight the girls had already done the potty/pjs/teeth business and were hopping from bed to bed when I waltzed in to their room. They tend to play for a little while before lights out. Anyway- tonight the music continued and we sang all the Spanish songs I know. (minus alabare- I don't remember the verses to that one) here's the fun part- they wanted me to sing them in english. So, we'd sing Jesus loves me in Spanish, then English. Same for tengo Gozo (I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy down inmy heart) he's got the whole world, Jesus loves the little children, and more! Here's what I love about traveling and praising God all over the world- He is so much bigger than languages. We can sing praises in Spanish, English, creole, Chinese.....He hears and understands them all. Makes me feel kinda small, but at the same time so loved knowing that He delights in the songs sung by our sweet Guatemalan babies and me, that silly gringa. I can't wait to hug their necks and tell them Buenos Dias in the morning! UPDATE: Sergio ate all his dinner tonight! He refused to sit in a chair, but sat in my lap and directed me to the frijoles and chicken soup with tortillas. He's not wanting to be put down- still prefers to be held, but is doing much better. :)

Did you feel the mountains tremble?

No- we didn't. There was an earthquake in El Salvador a few days ago and around 12:30 that night tremors could be felt in Antigua and here in San Juan. I guess we were so tired and sound asleep we didn't wake up for it. That was Wednesday night, I believe and so much has happened since then! Our team was so amazing! So many projects and jobs around the center were accomplished! KellyAnn stuck with little Sergio ( our sick Pato) and made sure he felt loved. The puppet and rec teams did a phenomenal job playing with the kiddos and making them laugh. I stuck around the boys a lot this week and just loved to hear them sing the songs they learned earlier that day. It made hectic times like bath rooming and changing at bedtime less stressful and more fun. The kitchen is now a bright cheery yellow thanks to our maintenance team and others who helped them, all the grass was mowed around the playground equipment, and all our kids we're loved on. An update on Sergio, our sick little duck. Yesterday he ate a bowl of fruit for dinner- he had previously not been able to keep food down so this is great news! He doesn't have a fever and can be around the other children now. Yay! A brother and sister who recently came to the center (like the same day we did) are experiencing a little homesickness. :( Their names are Albino and Myra. Please pray for them to get healthy, make friends, and to feel more at ease here. On Thursday our team left the center for Antigua. I am so thankful they came to the center to be used by God. He put the right people together I just the right places. What a great way to begin our stay here. That evening Lucky (the lady in charge here at the center), our interpreter Vanessa, and the day shift ladies all went to the fair in San Juan. What an experience! We rode there on tuk-tuks- a motorcycle/taxi with seats In the back. They are pretty fun to ride, but have trouble going up steep hills. Yes, we did have to exit the vehicle and climb the large incline in town. The fair had lots of games and some familiar rides. There were three ferris wheels, a zipper, bumper cars, and those dragon swing rides. Lucky put us on the dragon ride- which lasted approximately 14 minutes! We played football- there were so many tables! Marianna and I dominated. Then we hit up the trampoline, and played loteria. Next up was a shooting game- basically you use a 22 to hit a target to win a prize. We are pretty good shots (at five feet away). For dinner we ate churros with chocolate, then rode the bumper cars. It was a great time of fellowship with the ladies we work with each day. We had a blast talking and laughing with them in a completely different environment. Friday, the next morning Vanessa left to go home. She was amazing and we will miss her dearly! It was a visiting day- parents can come on Fridays and Sunday's to visit their children. Many were excited to see their parents for a little while. We hung around in the Comedor with the children whose parents couldn't make it. So, we didn't get to interact With them but we did get to wave and smile to them as they released their children back to the routine of the center. One grandmother grabbed my arm to hand off her granddaughter who had started to cry. It seems a little easier on the younger ones, but for the older ones who want to go home it is hard to see their family for a brief time and be left here. I took her hand, rubbed her back and led her into the Comedor for dinner. I can't imagine what the older children must feel. On a happier note- one of our Patos (Ducks) went home on Friday! Miguel- who we will remember for teaching him "stinky, stinky, stinky!" was able to leave with his family. Can I just say my heart melted when the other children ran up to give him hugs and waved goodbye to him! Adorable! They are a family here- even if not by blood they love one another. After that it was back to dinner and time for Ropa de noche. We continue to get to know the night staff here by playing bingo with them. It's a blast. Our time here is so special and we are enjoying every second of it! Pray for safe travels for our next team as they are flying in to Guatemala today. Also, a new baby has arrived in the canaries room. The interns are reading Not a Fan- its really good so far. A challenge to ask yourself if you are a true follower of Jesus, or just a fan. Keep praying for us! Muchas gracias!

Yo tengo Gozo, Gozo, Gozo....

Ok- so the kids know the song " I've got the joy, joy, joy, joy,down in my heart." we sing it a lot here. Know what can make your heart melt? When we're (kids) eating dinner and trying to get everyone to eat (everyone doesn't like frijoles) and all of the sudden a child starts belting "yo tengo Gozo, Gozo, Gozo Gozo en mi corazon!" and keeps signing all the way to his bed....love it!! Even better, the other boys join in with the, and it makes dinner time (very messy!) so much fun! With so many people at the center this week there are so many projects getting accomplished. What a blessing! The interns and I have settled in. We made brownies tonight and feel very at home here at the center. Im Still trying to get the hang of all the kiddos names! Just as you learn the ducks, or the squirrels for that matter- they change clothes and it completely throws me off! It didn't help that all the ducks (boys) were dressed in red today. I. Working on it, though. Also- incredibly impressed with the patience and calmness of the staff with the children. Kids can be crying, running around, and just being kids and they Are completely in control and make sure everyone gets fed and cleaned and put where they need to be. It's incredible. One off our ducks is sick- please pray for him! Buenos noches!

One wild and crazy day!

Today began with a 5am walk around Antigua. Breakfast was shortly after and then I led the group with a devotion. we read in Luke about Mary and Martha- when Martha is like, why is my sister not working and just hanging out with Jesus. We are reminded that "ministry takes presidente over projects." Next we hopped on the coasters- us interns brought along our luggage- and drove to the Malnutrition Center. Cynthia led us on a tour of the center and we got to see our awesome dorms. We have bunkbeds and a really nice kitchen and bathroom (separate of course, but both really nice). Then, everyone just jumped right in with the work- we had a maintenance team, puppet crew, and the ducks and squirrels had craft and story time. It was great. After lunch I got to do the same devotional with the ladies at the center using a translator. All in all it was a fantastic day. The four interns cooked quesadillas- really Marianna did- and we ate with some of the women here and Vannessa our translator for the week. We are so excited to be here (finally!) but also worn put from a long day. Hasta luego!

Sunday-Funday!

Here we are! Finally in Guatemala and the past two days have flown by. After a turbulent plane ride we landed in Guatemala City late Saturday evening and headed into Antigua to a late dinner. Let me back up and mention that in Miami we met up with part of the team (from Louisiana and Cananda) and Mariana and I had a lovely plane ride entertaining a couple of Guatemalan youngsters. We practiced our Spanish on them and discussed important things like their favorite Disney character and ride at universal. (goofy and the Hulk in case you wanted to know.) Anyhow...after a quick dinner Saturday night, we awoke early Sunday morning to down some breakfast and have a brief orientation before some of us headed out to: zip lining, a coffee plantation, or Mayan ruins. I choose the Mayan ruin adventure along with 21 of my new friends from all over Louisiana, Texas, Canada, florida, north Carolina, and Missouri. This is a big group. We had to drive about an hour and a half outside of Antigua to see the ruins. Mt. Fuego (a volcano) was sputtering smoke so we caught some great pics of that along the way. I enjoyed catching a word or two from conversations between korina and Samuel on the coaster- korina works for Orphan's Heart and is an amazing on-the-spot interpreter/tour guide. So, when we got there we explored the ruins and wandered around the area. There is still a spot where people in the area burn incense there. By the time we finished exploring it was after noon and stomachs were growling. We ate lunch at Paulino's. We ate family style and they kept bringing out more and more delicious foods. We ate nachos, shish-ka-bobs, fajitas, various meats( steak, sausage, chicken, ribs), potatoes, and approximately 54 avacados that were used to make all the guacamole that accompanied all the aforementioned food. We were stuffed! What a fun experience! As we exited the restaurant we encountered some families selling fruits and i bought a pound of blackberries and these small plums for a dollar each. There were giant limes- not key limes, strawberries, pears, and some other tropical fruits that looked fun. They measured out the fruits using a homemade balance. We had a worship service complete with worship, testimonies, and a message from Pastor Dennis. The there was more orientation, dinner, and WOW time. It was great to hear how God provided for everyone's trip and orchestrated the circumstances and timing of everything. Tomorrow is day 1 at the center. :) Our group has broken up in to teams to take care of different areas at the center and we are all very excited to see the child's and use our gifts to serve them and the women there. The interns will be satay in the afternoons s the team leaves. Eeeee! The excitement and adventure continues! Pictures are soon to come!

Orientation and another trip to Target

We better leave for Guatemala soon or I'm going to think of something else I left behind and I might need while I'm gone! It's been a little over 24 hours since all of us interns have met and we've already bonded over two shopping trips to Target. In the morning we're hitting up the Goodwill down the road, and I wouldn't be surprised if we hit the Targ once more. Our team of awesome interns includes: Kaysey, Rachel, Marianna and myself down in Guatemala, and Anda who interned last year at the OH office in Miami. Exciting news: the Heat won the NBA finals so everyone is sporting their Heat jerseys. We slept quite comfortably through the fireworks! What's even more exciting is that we have discussed what areas we'll be working in this summer. I recognized some names on our list, so I know there will be some familiar faces waiting in San Juan. I've got my Spanish/English phrases card to study on the plane over so I can be ready to chat with those little ones! The team from Wauchula going to the Dominican Republic with Orphan's Heart is here in Miami too. It was great to see them before they head out early in the am- 4:30 to be exact. Pray for them to get rest and for safe travels. We'll be meeting up with our team in Antigua tomorrow afternoon/evening. Keep us all in your prayers!

Making a list & checking it twice

You know the night before Christmas when there's all this excitement that has been built up and you just can't wait to see what tomorrow holds? That's how I feel about going on this mission trip. I've been waiting and planning and waiting for this day to come and it is finally here! Yay!! That said...my procrastinating tendencies have gotten the best of me and although I am packed, I hope I have everything. Last night I even checked put some travel blogs to make sure I was packing to maximize my suitcase space. Please pray for the other interns who are traveling as I type down to Miami. Also pray for others from Wauchula who are traveling with Orphan' Heart on Saturday down to the Dominican. God has great things in store for us this summer. Pray that we will be used by Him for His glory.

Florida Baptist Children's Home: Youth Mission Trip

We've just got back from our youth mission trip at the Florida Baptist Children's Home Lakeland Campus. It was an amazing week of hard work, sweat, and the beginning of many friendships. Not only did our youth get to work on many tasks at the campus, they were able to befriend the children who live there and capped off our week adventure at Busch Gardens.

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday were spent sweating and completing every kind of task Mr. Joe (the awesome maintenance guy on campus) had for us to do. We painted, weeded, pruned, raked, sorted, loaded vans/trucks, unloaded donations, mopped freezers, moved a swing set (and a fence to move said swing set), moved picnic tables, picked up limbs, and probably a few more things I forgot.

Painting the walk-way that leads up to the gazebo.

This whole trip was one of those, "God-is-in-control-why-did-I-ever-fret-about-it" kind of trips. From our housing: we got to live in one of the cottages on campus! How cool is that?! To our Busch Gardens trip: the cottage our church supports was able to come with us! :) YAY! And lots of other behind-the-scenes kinds of things that were so seemless it is incredible and only a God kind of thing.

Freezer: Before

Freezer: After

There was even another group there from North Carolina putting on services in the evenings so we could worship with them and the Children's Home at night.

I love these kinds of mission trips where you get to know everyone better- at one point we had 14-16 girls sharing 2 bathrooms! The best part was the friendships established between the youth and the kids in the cottage. We've had a few events in Wauchula together, but this trip sealed the deal. I mean, you really get to know someone's personality after spending hours waiting in lines at a theme park or hoping that an orangutan will do something impressive.

This cute little wallaby and his friends held us captive for a while! 

What I'm taking away from this trip is that the reason we do missions is to "help others fulfill their purpose...which is to know God." :) Thanks Pastor Alan! We could have painted every piece of concrete on that campus, but if we didn't interact with anyone it would have been fruitless. I am so excited to see what God has in store for our youth group and the Dorothy-Miller house at the FBCH.

The group checking out the apes.

Today I read Ephesians 4:1. It says, "As a prisoner of the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received."  I'm praying today that my actions, speak, and thoughts are in line with what God has called me to do. I pray that the Lord enables me with wisdom to make the right choices, and that I will use my time wisely and effectively for His glory. Consider what your calling is, and if you are living a life worthy of that calling.

God Bless~ Sarah

Testing...

Hello friends! Just seeing if this blog actually works. :)
-Sarah