Day 1 & 2

We have had an interesting time getting settled in here, so time has been very limited for posting our daily events!  Here is a recap of our last two days.... 

Our first day here was Sunday, of course, so it was very relaxing and refreshing to rest before our week begins. We went to a church service near by and was able to worship with the orphan children.  Seeing those precious little faces again is always a highlight for me.  After church, we had the day to explore the campus, play with the rescue babies, visit with the elderly people, love on the special needs kids, and spend time with the orphans. 

Brenna & Oscar

Selena & Delmy

There are so many heart breaking stories all around this place. I want to be able to share a few with you, so that you get an idea of what is so common to the people of Guatemala. 

Meet Mario...

Mario

Mario has cerebral palsy from lack of oxygen to his brain at birth.  He was between 4 and 6 months old when he was left on the doorstep at the Hope of Life campus.  At that time he weighed less than 10 lbs.  Now he is 5 years old and a happy little boy. 

Maria and Audrey

Maria is a 23 year old mentally challenged woman that lives at Kelly's House, the special needs home at Hope of Life.  Maria was sexually molested and became pregnant as a result.  When she came to Hope of Life they committed to working with her to teach her the basic necessities and responsibilities of caring for her baby.  Her child, Jose Franscisco, was malnourished and is staying in the hospital for the time being.  Maria gets to visit her child 3 times a week and is being trained on how to care for him.  She is such a happy, playful little lady.

Malnourishment is a major issue in Guatemala as is the case with the next little guy....Alex!  Alex was rescued a few weeks ago.  He is almost 6 years old and as you can see is very malnourished.  He is so small that he can wear a 9 month old onesie!  He has Treacher Collins syndrome, which is a genetic disorder that affects the facial structure, development of cheek bones, and hearing that can only be corrected with surgery.  Kalie Taylor has absolutely fallen in love with this baby boy.  She spoke with the doctor about him and was told as soon as he was brought back to health he would return to live with his brother.  He has no parents. There is no doubt a bond has been formed between those two.  It's amazing how meeting just one child here can change your life forever!

Adam & Alex

This next little fellow’s name is Juan Angel...in English would be John Angel.  He was rescued 15 days ago and is now at Hope of Life with his mother.  He has been stricken with an illness that has caused his body to be stiff from head to toe.  When he was smaller, he had a severe fever that left his body in the condition that he is in.  It breaks my heart to watch him lie in his bed with a look of pain and sadness on his face.  But we watched all that fade away as his mother picked him up and held him close.  I thought as I watched this, how similar we are to sweet little John Angel spiritually.  We are each one stricken with different things in our life that leave us with pain and sadness.  But just  when we need Him most, Jesus steps in, picks us up, holds us close and all of it seems to fade away.  

John Angel

As we start our week, I pray we all experience the closeness and love of Jesus Christ in our personal lives.  When your down, depressed, or hurting I pray this image of a special little Guatemalan boy weighs heavy on your mind to remind you that life doesn’t strike you with anything that God’s love can’t heal.  

Day 2 at Hope of Life we toured the campus and packed food bags that we will be distributing tomorrow in a village called Los Flores, San Jose.

This was also a VERY special day for our team to experience.  As most of you know, last year at this time when we were here a baby was born, placed in a cardboard box, and left at the dump.  This was heartbreaking to see this child thrown away. 

Baby Christopher

Now, one year later, Christopher meets his sponsor family for the first time!  A child who once had no hope will now receive care for life through the sponsorship of Dianna and Billy Brooks and with the care from Hope of Life staff!  What a celebration it was as Dianna and Karley prepared for Chistopher's very 1st birthday party!  Who knew a life thrown away would be a life celebrated by so many who love him exactly one year later!  I can't wait for little Christopher to know the ultimate love of Jesus and to know how His hand intervened in his life in such a mighty way!  

Big Boy getting bathed for his party by the
only mom he will ever know!

Yea.....it's my PARTY!

All the mothers at Saint Luke's hospital came

to celebrate with us

I love my mommy

Dear God....Thank you!

Dottie Nix sharing a little sugar with this 

little sugar plum

Just call me blessed...

Lord, I pray this week that we be a true reflection of your Son to all those around us.  That we will be your hands and feet and serve as you have called us to.  Help us to not just see the need before us, but to fulfill the need before us.  Help us to love as you do....