I traveled with a youth group from the church where I had grown up. I didn't really know one of these kids but I grew up with their leader and many of their parents. I truly felt that this was God's will for me to return for the first time after eleven years. I knew that it would be awesome but emotional for me and it was both.
When I entered the country it was like I was going home, although this is not home anymore I can't describe the feeling I felt.
I had no longer been at the house where we were to stay when a friend from the past came for a visit and brought me two dozen roses. They were beautiful and everyone was able to enjoy them.
The next day we left for the mountains of Quiche where we visited and worked in three feeding centers, attended two church services, celebrated the fourth of July with our Guatemalan friends, participated in an obstacle course on the side of a mountain and painted the outside of one of the feeding centers. The days began early and ended late but it was a great feeling at the end of each day.
On Friday I was able to visit in the home of one of the children that I sponsor through this program. The was definitely one of the highlights of my trip.
Me with Nicholas Fernando as his siblings look on
After lunch on Friday we headed back to Antigua where we would be the rest of our time here.
On Saturday we visited Hermano Pedro Hospital a hospital for the severely handicapped. Here we were able to push some of the children around the grounds in their wheelchairs. It is really a sad place but what a joy to see those children smile. I touched the leg of one little boy while praying for him and he grabbed my hand and place it on the back of his chair. I took it that he wanted me to push so push I did. Yes, we all shed many a tear but what a blessing it was. No pictures were allowed here.
Sunday morning we had devotions and then walked to the foot of the cross where we prayed over the city of Antigua. WOW
Sunday night we attended a youth group service in one of the local church. I was so excited when I hear this because a child I sponsored for 13-years was in this group. She was there and what a great reunion we had. Such a blessing to be able to invest in the life of a child who is now on the worship and evangelism team of her church.
Sonia and my daughter when we began to sponsor her.
Me with Sonia now.
On Monday I was able to visit in the home of another child I sponsor. Also another blessing was the guy who took us to the house was a great friend and brother of mine Coca. We enjoyed the walk over and just talking about old times.
Me with Belsy and her family she is the little girl standing in front of me.
The rest of our time was spent sharing and shopping before we left to return to the states on Tuesday.
God took care of me on this trip, as always, I had no problems at all with allergies, headaches, sneezing etc. I had taken a carry-on with some gluten free good and my medicines in it. I had to supplement a few meals but all in all there was plenty I could eat. Once the cooks who where friends of mine from the past found out about my diet they accompanied me as well as they could. When they had fried foods I ate fresh salad which was great and fruit. The fruit and vegetables in Guatemala can not be beat they are just not as good here in the states.
If you would like to see other photos from my trip which are MANY you can do so here.
Thanks for stopping by y'all and please come again soon!
