Today was another food delivery day. We are so grateful for the Village leader who has been such a huge help in organizing and making sure no one in need is left out. I saw the weight of this in his eyes. He expressed his gratefulness over and over again and thanked us for coming back. While there is such a need everywhere here in Guatemala we have decided it’s best to do what we can do and focus on this same Village with roughly 260 families.
We are so grateful for other ministries out there doing the same in different locations. It’s been such a blessing to get to know these families on a more personal level. Even the dogs come running when they see us. I think we are building life long friendships.
We were able to spend some time talking to the families before they lined up to receive their bag of food. I already love them all so much. They understand that the food is coming to them because of Jesus and through His people in the United States who want them to know they matter. They were so grateful.
We did notice more desperation today in their eyes and some of the children still looked like they lost some weight.
A group of kids were asking our ages. One guessed I was 3. Another guessed I was 100. Another said 25 and they all agreed on that. I will take it. They make me laugh. So innocent and full of curiosity.
We were able to deliver some medicine to those in need and also spent some time encouraging a teen we met last week. I didn’t share his story because last week it was obvious he was having a really rough time with depression. I felt the time was not right. This week we went back to visit him with a plan.
His name is Danny and he’s 15. His mother explained that he was fine until somewhere around the age of 10 some “tumors” began to grow around his knees and he could no longer walk correctly. The kids at school teased him so he stopped going a couple of years ago. He spends his day’s laying in bed staring at the 4 walls. He had on a hoodie he kept pulled up over his head.
We prayed for him throughout the week and went back this week prepared. We spent a lot of time building trust and encouraging him – reminding him that Jesus as a purpose for him no matter what anyone else says. We asked him to pray and dream of what he wants to do with his life. We shared with him parts of our story and places the Lord had showed up. Before we left he had a bit of spark in his eyes and a smile on his face. We can’t wait to go back next week and hear about his dreams. We will also be searching for some answers about his condition and if anything can be done. Please keep Danny in your prayers.
Thank you again to all who have given so selflessly. While the world around us may seem to be in such a mess- there is also good happening. We just have to look up and find it.
