I’ve been here a month, although it has felt like only a few days. I still have to remind myself everyday that this is real life. I have moved to Guatemala to live with a bunch of kids, some of who call me amiga, gringa, and various Spanish pronunciations of my name.
I really feel that I am in cloud 9- figuratively and literally. Last night just before the rainfall, I was watching the boys play soccer with the team that arrived earlier that day. I could barely see 10 feet in front of me, as everything was consumed in the mountain clouds. I attempted to take a picture of it, but my phone didn’t do justice for what was felt and seen (pictured above).
I have posted on the orphanages social media pages, have translated Sponsor letters in both Spanish and English, and I have successfully flipped my first 5 gallon bottle on top of the water fountain. I’m kinda proud of myself for that one, and excited to do it again in a few days! Is that weird?
Since I’ve been here, there have been 3 teams, a dental clinic has opened on site, I have been in training to work with the therapy pony (maybe helping with therapy, or just caring for the pony), and have taken the kids with birthdays in April out for lunch to celebrate. That is just a few of the many responsibilities I will have on my plate (outside of normal office work) as I get more involved with the work Casa Shalom is doing in the lives of these kids.
I never know what to expect during the next 24 hours. Everyday is a new day with a new set of challenges, experiences, and opportunities that I am unable to plan in advance for. Its kinda exciting not know what’s to come and always leaves me looking forward to what tomorrow brings.
Today, the kids are off of school to celebrate Labor Day, tomorrow I am sending out a newsletter to announce the fundraiser Soap for Hope, and Friday, I will be attending my first Quinceañera /18th birthday party, which will be a formal event held on campus (and I think we’ll be eating one of orphanage’s pigs to celebrate)! One busy week after another!
(har)Perseverance on a mission 