eXchange

Today was another sunny and gorgeous day in Guatemala City, and we spent the day at the boys’ orphanage.  We nearly finished a painting job, laundered clothes, and chopped vegetables for lunch.  Whatever they were having, it smelled delicious (lime, cilantro, peppers).  It was a good opportunity to serve the staff at the orphanage.  Five women who wash dozens of pants, shirts, and linens on a daily basis.  Three women who feed an army of unruly boys three times a day.  I hope that we can share some assistance, attention, respect, and some practical tools which may enable them to continue their tasks.

(Amy with Flavio & his art)

We spent time with the boys again this afternoon talking about self control, and it was a bit like spitting into the wind.  It’s difficult to talk about self control when the leader is interrupted every 10 seconds!  Overall, though, our prayers for more calm and a more receptive spirit were honored, and we each had encounters with boys one-on-one which were fruitful.  The most disruptive boy in our (Jody, Joanna, & Dave) group, was a gem when invited to play frisbee individually.  We are also learning that our plan isn’t as important as the present needs of these kids.  It’s unclear how we could possibly meet their needs, but we trust that God is using us in our discomfort and uncertainty to love His children.

(Ezra & his entourage)

Jo Ellen was sharing yesterday that she thinks that it is for each of these boys that we come.  When we look at the photos on our cameras, and there is Daniel with Jennifer, Tito with Amber, Jose with Ezra, Miguel with some animal he made out of play-doh, it is for each of those boys, and in the moment it’s only for them, that we come.  God would show up for an orphanage with one resident.

(Jennifer fell for Carlos, hook, line & sinker)

(Cristina & Daniel)