Month: June 2017

No Te Preocupes

by perseveranceonamission

Worry. It’s something I do often that wish I didn’t. Something easier said than done. A fear that has controlled most of my life no matter the situation, whether it be relationships, tomorrow’s outfit, or my next move (either it be my next action or a new home country). I’ve often been consumed with it that it’s become almost a natural instinct.

While my church was here a week back, we got some extra time at the end of our Antigua shopping day to go to an ice cream shop that some of the team was excited to return to from the previous summer.  There, a few got a late lunch and soda. But I got a gringa- vanilla and coffee ice cream topped with Nutella and chocolate chip cookies! It hit the spot (after only having half melted fast food cones for the past 2 and a half months)! That bowl of ice cream made a rainy, traffic-filled day worth it.

Before we headed back to the bus, I headed to the bathroom quickly. It was one of those visits that I wished I had brought my phone, like most have experienced at least once! But not for reasons you may think…. Strangely enough, above the sink (in a public restroom) there was no mirror. Just a few hand painted words on the wall: “No te preocupes. Vez bonita.” (Don’t worry, you look beautiful). It might’ve been cheaper for the restaurant to buy a paint brush and some paint rather than a mirror and a nail, but I wished I could’ve gotten a photo of that as a personal reminder not to worry.

Over this past week since reading that, I’ve been letting go of my worries little by little. Most of the girls have a head full of lice. As a precaution, I asked if anyone had lice shampoo that I could use to prevent myself from getting an itchy head. I received an expired bottle of shampoo with maybe enough for a single use. I quickly headed to my room to apply it and wash my hair. The water was off. There I was in my shower, using cold water out of a 5 gallon bucket while the lights were flickering on and off (power outage). I wasn’t worried about anything.

I have a sunlit window that offers all the light I might need. I have 5 gallons of water I can use and refill when the water comes on later that evening or the following day. That does not include the water saved in the sink just outside the bathroom door. I was provided with shampoo and a comb to prevent lice that I might or might not get. I have my own bathroom to take care of myself on my own schedule. I have everything and more than I could need. (My team also left me with more than enough supplies to cover me if I pickup lice from the kids!)

I’ve been quietly questioning if my converse shoes would last another 4 months until I made it back to the US. Certainly enough, the Lord provided an extra free pair of sneakers to my church team. Bright red high top converses. One extra pair…and they were in my size! I wasn’t going to wear them while the team was here, mostly because it rained daily and I didn’t want to ruin my new shoes. My worries went out the door, and I wore ’em the next day! They will get dirty sometime, whether it’s the day I get them or a month later! I shouldn’t be worried about a little mud on my new kicks, they’re only dirty from being used!

I was asked a few times about what kinds of snacks I wanted the team to bring for me. The only thing I was really wanting, that I knew couldn’t happen, was my favorite kind of ice cream. Not really a worry, but more of a craving I didn’t think could be fulfilled. Remember where I saw the sign “Don’t worry”? In an ice cream shop! The church brought me a few snacks and also treated me with a bowl of ice cream- the thing I had been craving the most. No, it wasn’t my favorite flavor, but I was provided with more than I could’ve needed (or wanted) in the form of nutella and cookies!

I was headed uphill to my house with a handful of gifts in the pouring rain. While fighting to keep everything in my hands and holding the umbrella overhead, one of the house moms came by my side and walked with me up the hill assisting me with bringing all my stuff to my room. As we were walking in the rain, she asked me how my leg was feeling, remembering that I popped my knee out of place in the orphanage almost two years ago! I felt it quickly strengthen, knowing I am part of a community who truly cares for me.

A few days back, I was playing with one of the boys, about 11 years old. He shifted all of his weight on me. I lost my footing, he lost his footing, and we both went crashing down. I skinned my leg pretty bad, but was cautious enough to grab onto him as we were going down, so I’d be the one to hit the ground for us both. Although it was painful, I wasn’t worried and knew that it would heal fine over a day or two. But, I was worried I wouldn’t get much sleep from being uncomfortable with a bruised leg; I got over 9 hours of sleep that night! The next day, one of the staff members who saw me fall noticed my red skin, sent one of the kids into the house to grab her lotion, and rubbed it on my scar herself. Again, I was provided with more than I could’ve needed, from those less fortunate than me.

Stories like these few could be shared all day just over events throughout the past week. Moving to Guatemala was a God-calling. I was happy to accept the calling, but it also filled me with worry. Worry about finances/support. Health. Continuing relationships with limited contact. Building relationships while in Guatemala. The transition process. My faith. Whatever the enemy threw my direction, knowing I was moving to another country only with faith.

The bracelet pictured below is a gift from my church. They were all passed around the team to pray for the orphanage whenever they look at the bracelet. There was one extra, so it was given to me. I use it as a constant reminder of those who have helped me make God’s calling a reality, not just a far-off dream. Those who have calmed my worries. I use it to pray for those who have given it to me. Not just the 20 on the team, not just the people at Living Oaks or in Florida, but for all my prayer warriors and financial supporters across the US.

I have been provided with more than I could need, more than most of this country has. I have a roof over my head- with a kitchen and a bathroom. I have access to internet most everyday, to keep in touch with family and friends. I have power, running water, and do not have to worry about when I will get my next meal or a fresh cup of water. I have a country full of people who love me, care for me, support me, pray for me, and financially provide for me to continue God’s will for my life. I am surrounded by kids, staff and friends who look out for me and make sure I am doing ok. I don’t need to worry.

Hakuna Matata.

 

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your request to God.” Philipians 4:6

“Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life?…Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.” Matthew 6:27, 34

 

Start of summer 

by perseveranceonamission

In the summers, here at Casa Shalom we have teams back to back from the start of June to the end of August. We’ve already had the first two teams come and go, and are getting ready to host the next one this afternoon. My church, Living Oaks Church, was here this past week. It’s been fun getting to share my life with familiar faces and getting to meet some of their youth students, watching them serve and interact throughout the week. As a bonus, I got to see some of my favorite peopke over video chat who couldn’t make it to Guatemala (you know who you are!) and I was left with all of the extra snacks, medicine, and a few extra gifts from the team, friends, and family back in the US.

This week was also a spirit builder for me, as I’m sure majority of those a part of the team too. My spiritual walk is mainly my own bible reading, prayer life, and the effort I put into my relationship with the Lord. Most mornings this week, I got to join the team for part of their devotionals (before I had to head to breakfast and help out in the kitchen)! Although I only got to be there for one devotional, I was surely blessed and encouraged during the worship, quiet time, prayers, and hearing the team members share their heart.

Since my church was visiting, I wanted to share the day with them when they explored Antigua. We went to a delicious breakfast buffet, a few markets, went to the chocolate museum, the jade shop, and ended the day with a sundae- my first one in a loooonnnggg time (more about that in the next blog)! While in town, I wanted to get a traje típico. That’s the name for the outfits the locals wear to carry on their Mayan traditions. It’s made up of an embroidered shirt, a hand-woven piece of fabric wrapped around as a skirt, and held together tightly with a belt. This outfit can be resized when a child grows, letting seams out of the sides of the top and folding the skirt less and less. I managed to find a shirt and skirt that I liked but couldn’t find a belt that afternoon.

So, Sunday was church with the kids on campus. Most of the kids come in their normal clothes, although the young girls occasionally like to dress up. I decided I’d wear my traje típico for the service, using a thin elastic headband as a belt to hold up my skirt. One of the Guatemalan house parents noticed I was having trouble with my outfit. She ran down to her house, brought up her belt for me to borrow, and correctly taught me how to wrap a fabric skirt. I’m still not sure how they can do it by themselves!

It was the talk of the town. The house mom’s always arrive to the orphanage wearing their Guatemalan clothing, but never a gringa (Guatemalan term for an American). I was so excited to wear it, becoming a part of the culture. The kids were also excited to see me wearing it, and even some of the house mom’s wanted their photo with me! After about 2 hours, I was ready to get back to jeans and a t-shirt!

Tuesday night was a late night. I watched a few movies til just before 1:30, and knew I had to visit the bathroom before heading to bed, no matter how tired I was nor how few hours I had left to sleep. I start doing my thing sitting down when the bathroom starts to shake. FYI: my bathroom is about 7×3 feet wide building, unattached to my house as a stand alone shack. It wasn’t shaking as a just of wind or children banging on all sides, but more of that feeling you get when the brakes are slammed too fast while driving. It wasn’t just once. It was side to side, maybe 10 times in a row for nearly 5 seconds. I wasn’t sure if I was so tired that I just felt dizzy or maybe my stomach felt sick that night, but I had an educated guess of what it might’ve been as I headed back to my room.

Just as I had guessed! I look down at my phone to see updates of a 7.0 earthquake in Guatemala. That’s a first for me! As exciting as it is to say I’ve been in an earthquake, I know damage was done because of it, and at least one life has been lost. Thankful that we all at Casa Shalom are safe, including children, staff, and the visiting team.

I’ve got to say I’ve been getting out of my comfort zone as an introvert. I’m helping with a new group of Americans every week and have been interacting and talking more with the kids, some I might’ve never approached had I only stayed with those I met in previous years. I get to help the new kids in their first few days adjusting to life at Casa Shalom and get to know their personalities quickly. I’ve been put into positions where my self-confidence has been tested and have surprised myself on a number of occasions.

Thank you to all who have sent things with the team for me this past week: Katherine and Rebecca, Mary Kaye, Kippy, Ariel, Mom, and everyone a part of the team who gave me their extras before leaving. Thank you also to those who continue to pray for me, financially support me, and keep in touch with me weekly, whether through Facebook, email, what’s app, or video chat.

Adoption 

by perseveranceonamission

Somewhere in the middle of May, I went to a macadamia nut farm with a few of the interns and one of the psychologists, the day you might’ve read about in an earlier blog post. We were enjoying lunch there together, when the psychologist excused herself to answer the phone at the table. The rest of us noticed it was an important, emotion-filled phone call from the expressions and reactions of the psychologist. Using phrases such as “I’ve been working with her all week!” and “this is so exciting! Are you sure?!”, once I heard the name of the child, I was able to connect the dots and knew exactly what conversation was being had. I was almost teary-eyed even before she hung up the phone. Without taking a breath after the call, she exclaimed “Abi tenía una familia!” Abi has a family! Abi is one that has been at the orphanage since she was 3 months old, without any biological family members to care for her. She is one of few in our orphanage that is (or was) available for adoption. This is the only home she’s known and the friendships she’s built for most of her life, changing only as kids come to and leave the orphanage. She’s never known the blessing of a mother, father, siblings, or a regular family household.

We found out on a Friday, and she was to leave 10 days later, that following Tuesday. Of course, we were some of the first to find out, not being able to share with anyone, including other Casa Shalom staff, sponsors, the current team visiting, and not even Abi herself. It was such a joy filled afternoon, that I just wished I could share with the world the miracle that will take place over the next week and a half.

Now that almost a month has passed since the phone call, it is safe to share that Abi is now with her adopted family: a mother, father, and 3 siblings. Yes, it was difficult to watch her fight the emotions of being ecstatic to having her own family, while also being taken from her only home. I got to witness the emotions leading up to meeting her parents for the first time, the Thursday before the departure. I’m not sure if she had more nerves before the initial greeting, or if I had more tears in my eyes while watching it happen.

Abi and her psychologist were together most of the week, preparing for the send-off, sharing emotions, and working towards an easy transition out of her home for the past 9 years. I got to help them with horse therapy a few times over the course of the week and watched her get more comfortable walking alongside the horse and riding it. It helped build confidence and trust that she needed while meeting her family.

The few hours I got to share with her and her parents were so special to me. I’m not sure how to put it into words. If I haven’t mentioned this earlier, watching a young woman meet her parents for the first time is emotional, let me tell ya! I was to be there when they first met to get a few photos. There I was seated at the desk, Abi shaking behind me, so nervous, not knowing what to expect. They were walking into the office as Abi was still crouched between the desk and me. I was able to put my arm around her, rub her back, and gave her a hug big enough to gain the confidence to walk out to greet her new mom and dad.

They made eye contact and immediately walk towards each other with open arms. Wrapped in one another’s hug, my eyes were blurred out a bit from all my tears- I was happy to at least get one or two good photos. It was an afternoon for them to get to know each other. They played games, made crafts, and were talking together for most of the time, quickly building a family. I can’t express the emotions I felt over the course of 3 hours, watching an orphan become a daughter, but also giving away one of our longest Casa Shalom residents.

I’ve watched Abi as a preschooler on one of my first visits to Casa Shalom, and I’ve had the pleasure to work with her and get to know her a little better over these past 2 months, seeing the growth, transformation and maturity built over several years. This is not a “good-bye”, its a “see you later.” I’m sure she will be back to visit the orphanage, and the psychologist is going to keep up with her through the transition. Maybe I can go along and visit her sometime!?

New Additions

by perseveranceonamission

Over my life, I’ve come to notice I like a routine, a schedule, a familiarity of things around me, with little to no change. I guess that trend had to come to an end when I was called to live in another country, speaking a language I’m not too familiar with yet, interacting with nearly 100 kids on a daily basis. Some have been with the orphanage since they were babies. Others come and go within a few months (or years).

This week, we had to send off one of our kids who has been with us for 8 years (more info on that to come later). But, in exchange, over the past week or so, we’ve gained 9 new kids. This includes a 4 day old baby boy. 9 kids we are given the responsibility to care for. To love. To educate. To share the hope of an eternity in heaven.

The 3 we took in last week are starting to get familiar with the faces and activity around the orphanage. It’s so awesome to see such strong friendships forming within the first few days they are here. Others, like the 5 siblings we’ve taken in over the past 24 hours are still trying to get used to eating in a cafeteria with 65+ other kids around. I’m not sure what their home environment was like before the came to us, but I hope we are providing them with much more than they’ve had before, including 3 meals a day, a roof over their heads, a bed to sleep in, running water, and the greatest of all- the gospel.

I noticed a few of them sitting for their first meal with us. Since I was one of the first people they got to meet when they first came in, I was occassionaly glancing over in their direction, offering a smile from a familiar face, trying to make them feel comfortable here.  I got a smile or two back, so I think they’ll adjust well over the next couple of days. I’m looking forward to the transformation that these 9 individuals will experience over their time at Casa Shalom.

I have a long front porch with no furniture out to enjoy the outdoors. While a few of us were in Antigua for church a week or two back, I picked up a hammock chair in the market and got a few of the maintenance workers to help me hang it. This last Sunday, I got to listen to my church live over Facebook from the chair, while kids walked past me wanting to give me a push. Listening to the worship and watching the volcanoes let off some smoke was refreshing and a much needed start to a busy week… “I’m made alive forever, With you, life forever. By your grace I’m saved.”

I’ve got to say that my favorite part about having the swing isn’t being seated in it, but hearing giggling children take their turns with it, as I’m getting ready for the day. Watching the shadows of the ropes swinging up on my ceiling is one of my favorite things to wake up to!

Now that the horse trainer is heading back to the US, I have gained a new role of leading the horse therapy program. I will have a schedule where I will take one or two kids and a psychologist out with me to work with the pony we have on the other side of the fence. This will include brushing the horse, walking with the horse, and riding it when the child(ren) is/are comfortable. Hopefully I will be comfortable with my role, as well! I guess I have an excuse to get a pair of boots the next time I visit Texas!

Moving to a new country also means getting to try new things, things I didn’t even know existed. I got to ride in and control a robot in the middle of a shopping center. Those that run the shopping center wanted to host a fun filled morning for the kids of the orphanage. Activities included riding in the train, an inflatable slide, a giant ball pit, and the robots, topped off with Little Caesar’s for lunch! Everyone had a blast!

Another one of these “new things in another country” includes sompopos. Only one morning after it rained most of the night before, I woke up to about 5 or 6 children running around outside my house. They all had ziplock bags and plastic containers full of… something. And, they were getting excited to find them on the ground. It was like an Easter egg hunt. But instead of looking for eggs filled with candy, they were looking for these giant winged ants filled with eggs, sompopos. Yup, they filled their containers to the top and would eat their egg filled sacks. That was something I did not take part in, but watched the enjoyment all shared searching all across campus for these bugs! Yuck!

Our first team of the summer is on their way here Sunday. We may have a day or two over the next few months without a group to host. But, it’s back to back weeks with teams here throughout the summer until about mid August! We’ll soon find out if I can keep up with the weekly blog posts!