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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!

 

15 Baptisms

by perseveranceonamission

Yes, 15 kids did get baptized this past week at Casa Shalom! 15 young lives got up on stage and one by one were dunked in freezing water held in a bright red inflatable kiddie pool confessing in front of many that they are following Christ with their lives. Such a sight to see!

The night before, I had asked how many kids were getting baptized. 9. The morning of, before everything started, 12 were now being baptized. During the service, the pastor asked aloud if anyone else wanted to, 3 more arose from the chairs. 15 lives have been made new!

But it wasn’t like most baptism services, as the pastor announces everything through a microphone during the process. This was one on one, pastor kneeling with the child in the pool, speaking to them personally knowing that the child was fully informed of the symbol of baptism and that they knew the difference they were making in their lives, not just going on stage for all the attention/paparazzi. I couldn’t be prouder of these kids! They continue to inspire me!

Summer teams are beginning to come to the orphanage. One was here last week for the baptism and to paint a house, work on the chicken coops, and treat the lice that has been causing problems in the younger girls’ house. All of the girls look so cute with their new short haircuts… even though some were against the short hair!

I am in the office at 9, while the group is working on their projects for the day. I leave the office at 5 to then assist with dinner and the night activities the team have scheduled. With meals and activities running long, I am usually up and running from 6:30 to about 9:30 everyday. It does wear me out at the end of the night, but am I loving it. Now that the upcoming team isn’t scheduled until next Thursday, I am going to enjoy my early nights before our weekly summer teams begin.

One morning, I woke up with a terrible headache, feeling dizzy and unable to walk straight (probably due to a lack of sleep). I stayed hydrated and got to nap for the morning until I joined the kids for lunch. At lunch, one of the American volunteers asked me if I was joining them for the afternoon at the farm. Oh shoot! I forgot that was today!!! As I bad as I wanted to say no and go back to bed, I thought an afternoon out might be good for me. I quickly ran up to my room, threw on my knee brace, grabbed my wallet, and headed out the front gate.

Eight of us fit into a five passenger car, with two in the front seat,  five in the back, and the driver, who was only going into Antigua to drop us off to wait for the bus on her way home. I probably shouldn’t admit this, but my head was against the dashboard hitting the front windshield as we drove over bumpy, curvy roads. Glad I decided to wear my knee brace! We were all afraid of going over a speed bump, hearing the bottom of the car hit the ground. When in Guatemala, travel like the Guatemalans! At least we were in a car and not piled onto one motorcycle, like I’ve seen done before!

We got off to the side of the road and waited for the bus, the chicken bus, as they are commonly known. A ride cost 4 quetzales, about 50 cents. Brightly painted school buses packed with tons of people, such like chickens would be in a chicken coop, are the main vehicles of public transportation. There weren’t many buses running that day, like there normally are. Our best guess is that the drivers were on strike that day, or have been for several days, meaning that the buses were as full as they could be. Three people to a seat, with about 5 inches for people to walk sideways down the aisle to get in and out. (If you have an issue with personal space or claustrophobia, I suggest not to ride one!) Glad I wore my knee brace!

As seven of us were trying to get onto an already tightly packed bus, I was the last of the group to get on. I was standing on the second step, with the door wide open a foot behind me, as we were winding our way through the tight streets of Antigua. I had one elbow tightly around the nearest railing and kept my purse in sight and close to me with the other arm. When in Guatemala, travel like the Guatemalans!

5 Americans and one of the Guatemalan psychologists get off of a chicken bus at a macadamia nut farm, while the other psychologist stayed on the bus headed home. We walked around to see lots of macadamia nut trees and saw the ground scattered with those that had fallen off. We continued on and sat at a table for lunch. I know most of us ate with the kids about an hour and a half ago, but who wouldn’t want to eat here?! I was looking for a good lunch meal, but when I saw their macadamia nut pancakes were famous, I had to indulge! 3 pancakes drizzled with white chocolate macadamia cream and topped with chopped macadamia nuts… they were delicious!

We got a short tour around, getting to see how they produce and use the nuts, looking at and getting to try some of the machines that are used there, and also getting some samples (a nut, chocolate, hand oil, and lotion). The tour also included going to see the bathroom. We’ve been told it is one of the most photographed restrooms… and I can see why! We ended our tour like most tours: in the gift shop. But that wasn’t it. We were given the opportunity to have a 3 minute facial or massage (that also included samples) for a small tip to the masseuse. Yes, I treated myself to my first ever facial in what looked like a Guatemalan jungle. I wonder where my second facial will take me?!

It was a refreshing, exciting, much needed afternoon out with the ladies! We headed back on the chicken bus and got off in front of one of the schools. We waited with the house mothers, as the kids were getting out shortly. Another tight van ride full of kids, Americans, and Guatemalan staff members, and we arrived back at the orphanage. Glad I wore my knee brace!

It should be a slower, easier week this week, with no team or big events scheduled for now. We’ll see how that plan carries out!

 

Where is my focus?

by perseveranceonamission

I have learned a few things since being here. I thought that I was coming to be a teacher to the kids and set an example for them, but they have for me in greater ways than I can express through a blog post.

The day I moved in, I thought it was kinda odd not to see a reflection of myself above the mirror. A month and a half later, my bathroom is still mirror-less…aside from the 2 inch pocket mirror I’ve used about 5 times since being in Guatemala. As weird as it may be, I enjoy going into the morning not being focused on my outer appearance. Most of you who know me know that I have struggled all my life with the appearance of my skin condition. It is a part of me that I love but strangers can’t seem to understand. I have been ridiculed many times before (see video here). Most recently, I found myself in tears alone in the middle of the airport (about a month before moving to Guatemala) based on the reaction from an airport employee. I was a big mess of tears while waiting for the flight, dried up the tears and threw on a smile while getting on the plane, and was thankful for my window seat to hide my tear-filled eyes. All because of a reaction from a stranger.

Having no mirror takes my focus off of my freckles, the way my hair is parted, or how big the bags are underneath my eyes- the parts of my appearance I cannot change no matter how much I may want to. Each and every morning (or anytime I go to the bathroom) I am reminded that today I am not living to meet the expectations of the world through my physical appearance, but to be more focused on the appearance of my life and the lives of those around me. I begin to notice the cause and effect of my actions and how I can improve myself.

Without a mirror, I can get all ready for the day in 20 minutes. I am not spending much time focusing on strengthening the image above the sink. My time is shifted to strengthening the relationships with the kids and my actions/words towards them.

Without seeing myself in the mirror, I have begun to identify myself as a person, as a  human being, rather than a skin condition. I do not see myself different from the children in any way. They continue to love me and appreciate me, no matter how many freckles I have. I know now that I have to see myself that way as well.

This past year living in Dallas, I think I’ve earned the middle name “baker”. Every week, there was some type of cookie, cheesecake, scone, brownie, or something sweet in the kitchen. Since being in Guatemala, I have not baked once. In my tiny kitchen, I have a fridge and a sink. I do miss baking. A lot. And I have also had cravings of fresh baked goods.
Again, my time isn’t spent in the kitchen filling myself with sweets. My time is spent building relationships. I feel healthier now, because I am taking the time to invest in relationships, and I have cut out a good amount of sweets. As much as I miss the art of baking, I know I can fill my time with things far greater than a peanut butter cookie.

Before I left for Guatemala, I wanted to grab a new pair of converse sneakers. I’ve had these since middle school, the fabric is wearing off inside, and there are small pea-sized holes on each side, where my toes bend when I walk. But I never got to it, and the holes are slowly growing. I look down at my shoes, then look over to the boy sitting next to me. He also has holes in his converses, but closer to the size of a quarter (maybe larger). He quickly ran out on the court and started playing soccer as if he was wearing a brand new pair of cleats.

Why am I so worried about my pea sized holes in my shoes? My focus shouldn’t be in my worn down soles, but in the condition of the souls of the kids and me both! I shouldn’t be worried about the shoes I am walking in, but where I am headed on my spiritual walk, and what example I am setting to the souls that surround me. The holes in my sneakers mean nothing to me, if I switch my focus to the holes I can repair in my faith.

The girls have asked me a few times to watch a movie. I bring my movies and laptop to their house, they pick one (or more) to watch that day, and we all end up squished on one couch watching a movie in spanish.

I don’t care that I can’t fully understand what’s happening in the movie. I care about the 5 girls seated on the 3 seater couch with me. I feel like I am part of the family and one of them. I enjoy the elbow resting on my shoulder and the hand holding my fingers (although it may be uncomfortable at times). I am not focused on the activity I am doing with the girls, but on soaking on every moment I get to share with them.

It’s been a month and a half, and I have yet to get a Guatemalan phone number. I have been in areas where I could have gotten one, yet I am not worried about it. My focus during the day isn’t toward seeing the most recent status on Facebook or my whatsapp text. I am not consistently looking at a screen, like I often found myself doing back in the US. I am forcing myself to be removed from social media/constant communication (aside from when I’m on WiFi) to be more aware of the things around me. Although I have given myself some time to communicate with friends and family over wifi, my eyes aren’t constantly on my phone, like they used to be (Apologies if it sometimes takes me a few hours to reply to you!)

One of my motto I’ve come to inherit is “hurry up and wait!” I feel that if I don’t arrive 5 minutes early, I’m late. I am a speedwalker- not by choice, but by habit. It doesn’t matter if I am headed home or to a scheduled event, I am consistently trying to get there ASAP.
Walking to/from events with the kids is different. They don’t have the “hurry up and wait” mindset. So when they walk, I am forcing myself to slow down and walk with them. To take my time. To notice the mountains and volcanoes around me. To make small talk with those walking past.

My focus is not on my destination, but the paths I cross on my journey there.

Mixed Emotions

by perseveranceonamission

The title sums up a week, or even a day, working in an orphanage. Being surrounded by lovable kids, but also getting an in-depth look at their background and the things they’ve faced in the past is difficult at times.

On the brighter side, I celebrated my first Cinco de Mayo in a Spanish speaking country by attending my first quinceañera and 18th birthday party.  Like a sweet 16, women celebrate their “big” birthday when they are 15 (quinceañera) and men celebrate theirs when they turn 18. It was more of a ceremony than a party.

All the kids and visitors were dressed up nicely filling the chapel. Balloons hung from the ceiling, and the house moms took the time to make  Cinderella, Prince Charming, and castle cardboard cut-outs to decorate the stage. The 15-year-old got up on stage and exchanged her flats for heels and got to put on her nice jewelry too (earrings, bracelet, necklace) as a sign of maturity. The 18-year-old also got on stage to receive a new watch.

Dinner was at 9:30 with most of the children in the cafeteria. Earlier that afternoon, I saw a few of the older boys climbing one of the tall pine trees just outside the cafeteria and breaking off branches. For the party, the floor was covered in pine needles from the front to the back, and around every table. White table cloths were set out with vases of gel beads holding a single blue sunflower. A few of the older gentlemen served us all dinner, and it was soon followed by finely decorated cakes. The princess of the night got the opportunity to dance with her brother with all eyes on them. It was a beautiful night shared by all who could attend.

The following day, I got to go with two of the orphanage’s volunteers to visit the home of a family that recently left Casa Shalom. I don’t know how much I am allowed to publicly address about the few hours we were there, but again, it was an afternoon of mixed emotions for everything we saw, heard, and experienced.

Later that evening, I went to attend youth group with the older kids. Spiritual warfare was the topic of the night, as James 1 was mentioned “2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.” Worship music filled the room, as we were left to ourselves to pray, journal, and think. 

As I was getting my second cup of coffee, one of the youth kids came up to me, saying assistance was needed in one of the houses. I made my way up the house to see two of the younger girls cleaning the house quietly. Next, I was told that one of them is going to spend the night and the following night with me, to separate the four girls that were causing problems in their house.

I almost felt like I was babysitting for the weekend, but also felt like I was abusing her in some way, making her clean my house, wash my dishes, and help with food preparation. Although, I was told to work her for the 36 hours I was with her (Saturday night-Monday morning), all she talked about when she got back with her friends was sleeping in a huge (twin) bed and taking a hot (burning) shower. I’m not sure if she saw this weekend as a reward or a punishment.

To start this week off, I saw a brother and a sister that I’ve come close to seated and waiting in the office before they were off to the court to determine if they were staying at the orphanage or headed back to their family. I held one of them for a minute or two in my arms telling them repeatedly that I love them, not knowing if this will be the last time I’ll get to see either of them again.

The one thing that gave me peace in my quiet rush of emotions was the verse for the day sent to my email earlier that morning, from Romans 15:13 reading “I pray that God, the source of hope, will fill you completely with joy and peace because you trust in him. Then you will overflow with confident hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.” I was reminded of the hope and faith in Him, as I watched the older sibling read a chapter of Proverbs to the younger, trusting God will place the two siblings in the correct hands. Knowing that they took space in their small backpack to bring a Bible was an encouragement and an inspiration to me.

The morning seemed to stretch on longer and longer. I just wanted it to be over, like ripping off a bandaid. Around noon, the social worker that took them entered the office calling one of their names. They’ve returned! She explained what happened at the audience (court session). Their mother was in attendance. They said “Hi” to one another, but she stated that she didn’t want them. As ecstatic as I am to have both of them come back, I’m still trying to understand how she couldn’t want to love and care for two of the sweetest, easiest, most lovable kids in the orphanage (that she also gave birth to). Hey, I guess her loss is our gain!

It’s been a full, busy week, like usual! I am really looking forward to having my church (who has been helping me with fundraising/donations) Living Oaks Church here next month. If you want to send any cards, care packages, donations, or gifts of love, make sure they arrive to the church BEFORE the end of May, so the team has enough time to pack everything!

Harper Severance, C/O Living Oaks Church, 14156 64th Dr N, PBG, FL 33418

Donate Here!

One month…

by perseveranceonamission

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!

Back to school, Back to work

by perseveranceonamission

Now that Sponsor Week and Holy Week are over, the kids are on a regular schedule of working on homework/chores, eating meals, and going to school. It was kinda weird the Monday they went back, as I am used to seeing the campus full of running, shouting kids. I can now relate to the excitement of a puppy when it sees it’s kid(s) come home from school, as I wait to give out hugs to the kids running off the bus at 6:20.

This week has been the start of my regular work days, as I have been getting involved with posting on social media a few times a week and translating letters shared between the sponsors and their sponsored kid(s). It is a struggle not being fluent in Spanish, but I feel that I am learning a lot more everyday. The kids are good about teaching me new words too, and talking slowly and clearly so I can understand…. most times!

Not everything is happy about working in an orphanage. I have figured that out this week. Since Guatemala doesn’t have a true foster system, most of the kids that come to live at the orphanage have family/friends who are fighting to get them back home, out of the care of Casa Shalom. The kids regularly go to audiences, where a court judge decides if they will return to Casa Shalom or be placed back home with their family. Its difficult to watch them go to their audiences and not know if we’ll get to see them again or if the judge made the wisest decision.

That was the case on Monday. A set of siblings left for the court house and did not return that night. These 6 siblings have been at Casa Shalom since the spring of 2015. One of the teen girls I got to live with for the first week of my summer 2015 internship. Another two of the kids were in the toddler house when I got moved there for the last 5 weeks. Each of the kids in this family were spread out among the 7 houses, and almost every kid living at Casa Shalom shared a relationship with at least one of the 6 siblings.

Its difficult to build strong relationships with the kids here, not knowing if/when they will leave. I know there is a big hole here at Casa Shalom without this family, and its just the first of many that will come.

On the brighter side, I was walking with one of the girls and answering all of her questions and asking her questions too. She was very surprised and proud of me that I could carry on a conversation with her and understand most of what she was saying!

A few nights ago, another girl was asking me about my friends and family back in the US. She was wondering why I was living in Guatemala at Casa Shalom instead of with them. I assured her that I want to be here with her and her friends. She then followed by asking me how long I’d be living at Casa Shalom. I wasn’t sure and couldn’t really give her an affirmative answer. I just told her that I’d be here for a long time. “For many years?” she asked. I said “yes” and watched a smile full of excitement stretch across her face. I guess its official that I will be living in Guatemala for many years! We’ll see what God has in store!

Semana Santa, Holy Week

by perseveranceonamission

Since Guatemala is mostly Catholic, this week all the kids were out of school for Holy Week. It was another busy week full of activity, outings, and new experiences.

Monday, we all went to a pool together. Everyone from the babies to the oldest teens went with. I expected to go to a regular swimming pool. We went to more than just a pool. There were small carnival rides, a basketball court, walking trails, a lake where you could rent a paddle boat, and little stands set off to the side for shopping and/or eating. We only got to go in the pool, as each different activity had to be paid for separately. It was a blast for all the kids that got to come!

On Tuesday, a few of the houses went outside of the orphanage. I stayed back with the girls houses and took photos, as they constructed and participated in their own obstacle course. They had an eating challenge, a slip n’ slide, a fashion show, bowling, water balloons, and a mud pit. By the end of the afternoon, all spectators were soaked from head to toe!

Wednesday, most of the houses got to participate in an afternoon of activities outside of the orphanage. The kids were split into groups of 10 and each took their turn at each section. Sections included a water game, dodgeball, cornhole, water balloon toss, and basketball. That afternoon wore all of the kids (and voluneets) out!

We took two buses there, one filled with boys, and another filled with girls. I got to ride with the girls’ houses. On the way back to the orphanage, the girls were still full of energy. They were taking turns singing and dancing. So was I! It was kinda fun and exciting to hear a bus full of girls chanting my name wanting me to get up and dance. It was a great way to see each of their personalities come to life.

Thursday wasn’t like the rest of the days. It was… an adventure. I knew there were only outings scheduled for Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, so I wasn’t sure what was going to happen on Thursday. One of the boys asked me if I was going to the river with the girls. That sounded like fun, and I replied with a quick “Yes”, not really knowing who was going or where the “river” was.

I grab my camera, changed my clothes, and headed to the girls house. There, they asked me if I was going with them to the store down the street. I told them I’d come along, still unsure of what exactly was happening or if there was a river and/or store.

We head out of the orphanage’s front gates and walk all the way down the street, about a half mile, to the shop on the corner. The girls bought 2 or 3 large bottles of soda for their houses, I think they were 3 liter bottles. They just purchased heavy soda bottles, surely they are headed back to the orphanage now, right?

No. We walk a little further and head down an unmarked trail. This trail was dusty, slippery, less than a foot wide, and was downhill most of the way. We walked through trees and shrubs, and managed to make it down to the river. This river wasn’t what I’d picture a river to look like. This was a muddy stream of water, about 2 inches deep at its deepest point and stretched at most 2 feet wide, weaving underneath the trees. Although this river wasn’t worth the cuts and bruises it took to get down there, the adventure and fun with the kids was!

I was fighting to get down and up those hills on the “trail”. At times, I found myself on my knees pulling myself up the wall, using tree roots as handles to get up. The kids were helping me too, as they were carrying their 3 liter bottles of soda through the forest.

Friday and Saturday, we had a group here, just for the afternoons. They repainted the court and planned activities for the kids. Facepainting, coloring pages, crafts, hacky sack, and drama skits for Easter were a few of the things the team provided. Saturday was Easter around Casa Shalom, so the team filled 400 eggs with candy and coins, and spread them all across the property for the kids to collect. I’m sure the hunt was over in about 30 seconds, as all the kids raced across campus as fast as they could.

This upcoming week shouldn’t be as chaotic, as sponsor week is over and the kids are back to a normal school week schedule. I say “shouldn’t” because I never know what to expect around here!

Donate Here!

Sponsor Week

by perseveranceonamission

A busy week after a busy weekend! This week was sponsor week, so the trip was open to anyone who sponsors a child. This week wasn’t like any other team that comes in- the children that have sponsors visiting Casa Shalom are with us from breakfast until curfew. (Usually the teams eat or work on a project throughout the week without kids around). These 17 kids were a handful.

Going to your grandparents’ house, you’re given much more freedom, privileges, and are often allowed to break the rules. That’s what this week felt like. The kids are allowed to drink soda/coffee, go out to eat a few times, are given gifts, and experience a sugar/caffeine rush if their sponsors allow. The 11 sponsors that came aren’t going to say “no” to their kids for the week that they are here, so the Casa Shalom staff/volunteers are left with crazy kids at the end of the day.

It has been fun and eventful getting to know these sponsors a little bit more and watching them interact with the kids they’ve built relationships with. We got to eat in two different restaurants just outside of Antigua, got to go to a theme park, and share our time together, whether it be playing a card game, watching the kids play soccer, or just laughing together.

The theme park almost reminded me of a state fair. There were about 5 roller coasters, 3 water rides, 2 up-and-down rides (like the tower of terror), a ferris wheel, carousel, a few carnival games, bumper cars, and a zoo! The one “big kid” ride I got to take part in was the tallest one at the park. We were brought all the way to the top (at least 15 stories high) and got to look out over Guatemala for about a minute and a half. Just past the property line of the park, there were shack homes, rolling hills, cotton candy clouds, and smoke rising from communities taking part in a meal. I felt like I was inside of a panorama image. I was soaking in the scenery, until my stomach dropped, as we suddenly fell to the ground.

The afternoon, I was helping to keep seven 3-5 year olds from getting lost in the park. We went on the carousel twice and got to visit the zoo. It was unlike any other zoo I’ve been to. One section with the birds we got to walk through was terrifying, at least for me. I was surprised to see all the little kids doing so well. Peacocks were walking free across the walking path, and there was an iguana about 3 feet long, lying down in the middle of the walkway. The kids were all walking as usual past it, while I was almost on my tippy-toes ready to run if it moved.

On the way back to the orphanage, some of the kids fell asleep, others were laughing, and some were quietly seated on the bus. With the wind from the open windows rushing through my hair, watching the sun fall, and observing all those around me, I didn’t care about being in the bus for almost 2 hours in the Guatemalan traffic. I wasn’t concerned about when I’ll get to eat next or how long until I can use the bathroom again. I knew this is where I am meant to be and felt at peace with life in Guatemala. Yes, there have been some lows and highs, but I wouldn’t trade them for anything!

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Hit the Ground Running

by perseveranceonamission

Life has begun here at Casa Shalom in Guatemala. I’ve already witnessed events and experiences that I have never before on my previous trips. It’s been a lot, but I am right at home.

Since Guatemala is mostly Catholic, Holy Week (Semana Santa), the week before Easter, is a BIG deal in Antigua. Churches dress in purple or white robes and walk the city streets in a procession, carrying a statue of Christ with a cross, on the cross, or another representation of Easter that has been made specifically for each church. I can now say that I have taken part in a Holy Week Processional.

Not on purpose, a few of us wanted to go into Antigua to explore and have dinner Sunday night. Our restaurant happened to be on the street with 100s of people walking down, and even more watching from the sidelines. It was almost like a Disney parade. Instead of costumes, there were robes, and similarly, people carrying balloons, toys, mist fans, sunglasses, snacks, and anything else you can imagine down the street with them to sell to the onlookers. We took part in the processional and walked with them until we made it to our restaurant, Fridas, a Mexican restaurant named after an artist.

After dinner, we went to walk Antigua a bit and explore the market, one I’ve never gotten to see. It was filled with Guatemalan apparel, strange artwork, and a weird statue that people would give offerings to in hopes of good luck/prosperity. It almost looked like a movie set, going from the bright market, to the dark, candlelit statue’s corner dressed with leaves and rags.

Next we took a walk through the main park square in Antigua. On the way, we got to see artwork being made in the center of the street. Pine needles were arranged to cover a large rectangle. Stencils were used to create borders and patterns to the “pine needle canvas” out of saw dust, flowers, leaves, and whatever they could find. Near the middle, a cross, crown of thorns, or other Easter representation was made in honor of Holy Week.

The city was packed with people at 9:00 Sunday night. About 30 food stands were present (there are usually 10 or so). Pizza, fried food, carnival food, tacos, bbq (where the full pig was in sight at the stand), and many more. All were crowded with people in line, eating on the sides, or just hanging out. It was a night, but I am glad I’ve gotten that experience. I can now say that I will not be stepping anywhere near Antigua next week during Holy Week.

It is surreal to be able to call this place home, being surrounded by 100+ kids who know my name the minute I moved in. I was greeted with a bunch of hugs, smiles and waves from so many that I have been missing. Training starts this morning, and the team of child sponsors comes tomorrow. I know it’ll be a busy week ahead full of activities!

**By this weekend, I should have access to Facebook 24/7. That would be the best way to keep in touch with me. Or downloading the app “What’s App” to your phone. it is a free texting app that doesn’t cost anything internationally and I will also have access to that 24/7, using my same phone number. I will get a new Guatemalan phone number, just to communicate with staff while at Casa Shalom. My email also works, harperseverance@gmail.com, although I can only read those when I am on wifi.  Let’s keep in touch!

Photos and videos will be posted daily on my Facebook and Instagram pages, @PerseveranceOnAMission**

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In the picture below, my room is the door to the far right. There is a bedroom the next door to the left, a kitchen to the left of that, and the bathroom is the far left (half yellow/red wall).

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The Calling

by perseveranceonamission

The calling was one I received early on in my first year of high school, on my first trip to the Dominican Republic. It was a calling I wasn’t too sure if it was from God or my own desires to continue the experiences I’ve had on my one-week missions trips.

The opportunity came for me to speak to the director of the orphanage in October 2016 to present the idea of me volunteering in Guatemala full time starting sometime in 2017. Everything came so fast, I barely had time to really think about the idea of “my dream” becoming reality and the work it would take to accomplish it.

The meeting happened on a Saturday in a Starbucks right off the highway. Two days later, that next Monday, I had received confirmation from the director that I had been accepted to serve on the Casa Shalom team. Right then, I felt a burst of joy, as what I’ve been dreaming about was actually coming true. But was/is it God’s calling?

I kinda kept quiet over the next few days, as I really started focusing on the meaning of the word “calling” and if it’s my own or God’s. So far, all the doors seem to be wide open for me. I don’t know if that was just me hoping for things to work out, or God’s hand in it all.

Wednesday morning on my way to work, I was a little more than halfway there when I turned the radio off and prayed aloud to God. “Is this what you want for me, God, or should I continue on in a ‘normal’ job? Is this my will or yours?”

As I was saying these things, I was in the right lane, going about 60 mph behind a semi on a 70 mph highway. My exit was about a mile away, and I had looked back to see if the middle of the three lanes was opened to quickly speed up and get past this truck before exiting. The lane was empty, with the closest car being about a quarter of a mile behind. As I started speeding up behind the truck to make my move, about 65-70 mph, I was halfway over, and another car going almost 100 mph in the far left lane moved over without blinker or warning to me.

Not by my own doing, I was quickly able to slam on my brakes and shift back over behind the truck, being about 3 inches from serious injury or death, caught between the truck and the speeding car.

That was my sign. God saved me from months of hospital stays, therapy, and recovery to do more than working in a cubicle. I know I could’ve rolled myself into the office sometime later in my wheelchair, but I was created to run, skip, and jump my way onto the mission field.

This journey is one that I am working hard to pursue, not for my own joy and self image, but one for the children of Casa Shalom. I have gotten rid of more than half my closet and continue to build upon my design skills for the work to come at the orphanage. The only things left are to set a date of departure and purchase a one-way plane ticket! I will keep you all updated on the progress that happens within the next few months.

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