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!