Hi friends! I'm so glad you've stopped by to share in the joy I feel about Guatemala. My first trip to Guatemala was in February of last year. The connection I felt to the people there was and remains unlike anything I've ever experienced. The community ties in La Limonada are so strong and the way the people care for each other so beautiful I left with far more than I could ever hope to give. Having 7 children of my own (we are a blended family) and having served in Children's Ministry for almost 10 years I was certain I would leave with at least 857 adopted children. The Academies we visited are filled with the most beautiful, kind and generous hearted children you can imagine. I so enjoyed sitting and chatting with them and learning about their lives. But it was the love and dedication the teachers give to the the students each and every day that completely blew my mind. I am enamored with them. Amazed by them. And so very blessed to know them. I left that first trip overwhelmed by the selfless way these teachers, who themselves face the difficulties of life in La Limonada, pour love, light and the hope of Jesus into the children there. They touched my heart so deeply that the first thing I shared with my husband about the trip was my sincere desire to sponsor two of the teachers I had met. He happily agreed. Which made my return trip in July that much more enjoyable and meaningful. Over the months I had been gone letters had been exchanged between myself, Blanqui and Veronica. They shared their families with me and told me their hopes and dreams. They showered me with gratitude when the truth is I am the one who is fortunate to know them and be witness to the incredible example they set. Sponsoring and befriending these two beautiful women is far more than I had hoped for on that first trip and one of the great joys in my life.
And yet the children remain at the forefront of my mind. Osvaldo is a young man I encountered on that first trip. He was not keen to engage at that point and I respectfully gave him his space. My second trip in July was a game changer. He remembered me. He actually thanked me for coming back. On our second day when met the students at a local church before going to our soccer camp, he shouted my name as he left his group of friends to run to me for a hug!!!!!!! I still tear up thinking about that day and how he allowed me into his world. On the last day of that trip he told me about his family. That his mother is single handedly raising him and his 3 siblings. It broke my heart into a thousand pieces to leave him. So I went back again in October. =) This time I didn't even see him as we approached his school. All I heard was my name and the next second he was there with his arms wrapped around me. He introduced me to his mother and throughout the day made sure he knew where I was. I cannot wait to go back this September to see how he has grown. To hear about his life. To hear the sweet sound of his laughter.
It would be a shame to mention the teachers and children and leave out our incredible host. Lizza defines the term hostess with mostest ;) She works tirelessly to make sure every day goes off without a hitch. From the time she picks you up at the airport until the time she brings you back there you feel cared for and watched over. Her generous spirit and joyful heart make the trip seem effortless and the lack of worry over details (because she handles them ALL) gives you the time to be present. To reflect on what you've seen and where you've been. She is a gift to both the people who live there and all of us who endeavor to spend time there. I absolutely adore her.
Friends, if you have ever wanted to go on a mission trip, I strongly encourage you to go to Guatemala. Come to La Limonada and you will see the grace and love of God. Spend time with the teachers and students in the Academies and you will see servant leadership. You will see God in the midst of His beautiful work.
In Faith and Love
Jody
And yet the children remain at the forefront of my mind. Osvaldo is a young man I encountered on that first trip. He was not keen to engage at that point and I respectfully gave him his space. My second trip in July was a game changer. He remembered me. He actually thanked me for coming back. On our second day when met the students at a local church before going to our soccer camp, he shouted my name as he left his group of friends to run to me for a hug!!!!!!! I still tear up thinking about that day and how he allowed me into his world. On the last day of that trip he told me about his family. That his mother is single handedly raising him and his 3 siblings. It broke my heart into a thousand pieces to leave him. So I went back again in October. =) This time I didn't even see him as we approached his school. All I heard was my name and the next second he was there with his arms wrapped around me. He introduced me to his mother and throughout the day made sure he knew where I was. I cannot wait to go back this September to see how he has grown. To hear about his life. To hear the sweet sound of his laughter.
It would be a shame to mention the teachers and children and leave out our incredible host. Lizza defines the term hostess with mostest ;) She works tirelessly to make sure every day goes off without a hitch. From the time she picks you up at the airport until the time she brings you back there you feel cared for and watched over. Her generous spirit and joyful heart make the trip seem effortless and the lack of worry over details (because she handles them ALL) gives you the time to be present. To reflect on what you've seen and where you've been. She is a gift to both the people who live there and all of us who endeavor to spend time there. I absolutely adore her.
Friends, if you have ever wanted to go on a mission trip, I strongly encourage you to go to Guatemala. Come to La Limonada and you will see the grace and love of God. Spend time with the teachers and students in the Academies and you will see servant leadership. You will see God in the midst of His beautiful work.
In Faith and Love
Jody