One Life At A Time

The past two weeks have been a little crazy.  I found myself, over and over again, emotionally spent.  Confronted daily with needs far beyond my ability to meet, often left me feeling overwhelmed and discouraged. 

Then the Lord, gently and lovingly, as only He can, reminded me to open my eyes and see what He is doing. 

I began to think of Brenda, a young girl I met just over a year ago.  Brenda is the oldest of 4 children.  Her dad left with another woman a few years ago and she and her mom work in the market to provide for the family.  Brenda was identified by her school principal as a young girl who would not continue beyond grade three if she didn’t receive help. 

We provided her with school supplies, a back pack, shoes and a uniform so she could study in grade 4.  Throughout the year, when I saw Brenda in the market or around town, I took the time to visit with her and find out how things were going.  The year was not easy for her and often she needed encouragement to keep going.  Twice we had her, along with a small group, out to the mission site to share the love of Christ with her. 

The last time I was in the market before leaving for Canada in December, I saw her.  With a huge smile, she told me she passed grade 4 and she wanted to keep studying. I told her how proud I was of her. 

Last week I gave Brenda her supplies for the 2014 school year.  Her whole family was there!  Standing in front of the school, I gave Brenda a big hug, and told her mom, “This is a very special young lady.  I don’t know what the future has for her, but I know God has a plan for her life and it is a good plan.”  As I looked at Brenda, I knew she believed it.  Her life is not easy and her circumstances have not radically changed, but something inside of her has been transformed.  She is coming to understand that she is a child of the King of kings and has value and worth.  Thank you, Lord! 

Sometimes the work we do here is challenging and difficult.  But, in those moments of discouragement, I need to look up and see what God is doing all around me.  God is working in Brenda’s life and I can rejoice in that and be encouraged.  As we speak hope, life and love into the hearts of those we are working with here, something amazing happens.  And it happens…one life at a time. 

Getting Kids Ready for School!

This past week has been a little crazy.  We landed in Guatemala late Saturday night and drove out to the mission in San Simon 1, Chisec, on Sunday.  We arrived around supper time and by the time we unpacked, said hello to Arryn and Hector, it was time for bed.  Monday morning I started, in earnest, to get organized for the Educational Sponsorship Program for the 2014 school year.  In Guatemala the school year runs from January through to October.    

Last year, because of donations from churches and individuals, we were able to send 2 children to the Christian school and 83 to public schools.  Our goal for this year…25 to the Christian school and 100 to the public schools.  A lofty goal, but generous donors stepped up and gave funds to make this happen.  Before I left to spend Christmas in Canada, I had prepared the majority of what I needed for the group of students attending Galilea (the Christian school).  Because groups from 2013 donated pencils, crayons, pens, sharpeners, scissors, rulers, etc, for the school program, I was able to pre-prepare 65 backpacks before Christmas with the basic supplies kids usually need.  Such a blessing!  Not only did it save me time this week, but it also enabled the money we received to be stretched that much further! 

Monday was spent completing and delivering supplies and shoes to the kids going to the Christian school.   As you can imagine, not all the shoes fit, and so changes needed to be made.  I also checked in on the seamstress who is making their uniforms.  Things were not ready to go, so she needed a little encouragement to get going.  By the end of Monday, the majority of the Christian school kids were ready. 

Tuesday was spent getting two new families into Galilea.  We visited the school, signed the children up and did a tour.  Then we got the necessary school supplies, shoes and uniforms taken care of.  In between all of this we received a number of people at the mission, all looking for help to get their kids into school. 

Wednesday I visited 4 of the public schools we work with:  La Florida, El Zapote, Nazaret, and 30 de Junio.  I talked to the principals and together we decided who was in most need of help.  By the end of Wednesday, I had a list of 65 children and their school supplies.

Thursday was shopping and sorting day.  I took up one entire corner of the local book store as the young lady serving me loaded up box after box of supplies.  Back at the mission, the backpacks were spread out on 3 long tables and I began to tag them with names, grades and schools and load them up with the necessary supplies. 

Friday was delivery day.  I also needed to check back in with principals to be sure we were on track.  A number of the students we helped last year, graduated from elementary school and wanted to continue, so I caught up with them Friday afternoon and got them set up with their supplies.  It is difficult for a young person to pursue a high school education here, and we want to encourage them as much as possible.  Sometimes all it takes for them to keep going is to remove the financial burden of purchasing supplies, uniforms and shoes.    

Monday I will deliver the remaining packs for the first 4 schools and begin working with 2 more:  Sector Sur and San Simon 1.  90 students ready to go…35 more waiting! 

Thank you to all of you who gave generously to make this a possibility.  I know it is a sacrifice for you and you are doing without something in order to give.  Please know that it is appreciated by us at mission2guatemala and by the kids receiving your help.  You are making a difference in the lives of these children and young people – a difference that will last a lifetime.   Que Dios les bendiga y les cuida!