It has been a while since my last post, for which I apologize. I hope I am able to help by catching you up on all that has been happening around here lately. Since my last post, we have received four children into our home, and may be receiving two more! I also traveled to the US to accomplish a few necessities for my nursing license and education, but also for some much needed time with family and friends in the US.
Merlyn arrived first. She is a delightful 1 ½ year old with gorgeous eyes and a giggle that is contagious. She has physical and cognitive delays, but we have seen a lot of progress in her over the past few months. When she arrived she liked to wander about and wail as she went. But with time and love, she has stolen our hearts and a peace has settled upon her. She loves to walk up to someone, arms stretch high, and wait for a loving embrace. Merlyn is a darling in our home. 
Then came Cesar. Cesar is nine years old, but is learning live at around a toddlers development level due to extreme abuse and neglect. When he arrived we struggled greatly with how to handle his outbursts which were often violent. Every small act was a big struggle, and it was clear that this little boy was very broken from an unimaginable past. But God was worked in him and us as well, and although we still see lots of emotional damage in him, it is clear that he feels loved and safe. He likes to kick soccer balls, and run up to one of us for a hug. He likes to sit in our laps and snuggle, and he is always giggling when we try and repeat his words, many of which are in Qiche. He is most precious.
Next came another Cesar, whom we affectionately call Checha. We were told that he was 13 years old, but later that evening, a 17 year old Checha rolled into our lives. He is kind and considerate, and he always says please and thank you. He is smart, and is always looking to surpass his physical limitations from cerebral palsy. Checha loves holding the babies, and he enjoys any new bit of independence he can find, specifically his new motorized wheelchair. Checha is a blessing in our home.
Finally, our third Cesar arrived. We call him by his second name; Eduardo, or Edy. He is two years old, but is severely malnourished weighing only 11lbs. He is smaller than Alison who is half his age. Edy has a lot of struggles. He is blind, and mostly deaf, and he suffers from strong spasms that cause him pain, and sometimes steal away his breath for nearly a minute at a time. Edy is precious to us, and we fight over who gets to stay up with him each night. He is beautiful, and a treasure to hold, although his spasms are frequent and cause him to stiffen, and cry in our arms. Please keep praying for him because despite medication changes he is still struggling. We love him very dearly and last night we were blessed with his first laugh!
On my way to the US, God had some lessons for me about trust, and patience. The entire airport experience in both directions was challenging and filled with growth. This excerpt is from the trip to Ohio.
June 7, 2016
There are some days you just know are going to be long ones. This morning I woke up after a particularly fitful night of tossing and turning and got ready to leave for the airport. The Beyer family had some errands in Guatemala city, so we were leaving early. On the way up to the city, the car broke down not to restart this journey. God uses all these moments great and small, and he used this time to help me learn better to trust that he was in control, not me. After a while, Daryl arrived to take me the rest of the way. While in the airport, a few hiccups left me running for my gate a little frazzled, but none the worse for wear. Our flight landed in Miami, which brought it’s own challenges as this particular airport feels like a maze to me.
I was sitting at the gate to my connecting flight in Charlotte NC, and finally on to Dayton OH, when they announced that the plane had a mechanical problem, and would not be able to fly this evening. The airline made other arrangements, and another plane will be taking us to Charlotte, but considerably later. I will most certainly miss my next flight, and have to stay in North Carolina until tomorrow. Further, my guatemala phone does not work in the states, my tablet does not have internet access, and my US prepay phone is not working, so I have to borrow phones and have no way of receiving information. But this to is in God’s hands. Praise God for the side of the road conversations with the Mr. and Mrs. Beyer this morning that he used to prepare me for traveling stresses and frustrations.
Traveling can be lonely, so God provided me with someone to talk to on the next flight. The hotel the airport put me up in, was nicer than any I’ve stayed in in Guatemala. It was complete with strong locks, drinkable tap water, hot water, and a pulsing shower head. And with internet, I was finally possible to connect with family.
This trip to Ohio was productive, and served to encourage me greatly. Time spent with my first family and friends was refreshing, although time away from my kids reminded me again just how much they are my family as well. I think whatever country I am in, my heart will be aching for someone.
Returning home to Guatemala has been great. The kids have grown in the time I have been gone. I missed them, and my family here very much, and it is good to be home. Our family had bonding time while climbing Pacaya, an active volcano. There has also been a lot of work. Last week we visited dozens of our families in Sipacate, La Gomera, Tecpan, Guastatoya, Sanarate, and surrounding villages, as well as visiting families in Guatemala city, Mixco, and San Lucas this week. Many visits were encouraging, and most of the families are doing well aside from the occasional sickness.
But a few families are really struggling including Daniel in San Lucas. His mother abandoned him a few years ago with a coworker who has loved him like a son ever since. Her husband ex husband however does not. The situation is complicated, but Daniel has been abused, and is at great risk from this exhusband who owns the house, and returns to the house whenever he is drunk. His caretaker is looking for a safe place for Daniel, but the options here are limited. Please pray for Daniel. Pray for more resources for these kids. More homes to receive them; more loving caretakers; more money for food and medicine; and more opportunities to share Christ’s love with them, and their families.
In my last update I shared about the great needs presenting themselves in Jalapa. Last week, Daryl took a team to deliver 5 wheelchairs, and repair another. This is a record for one day. Now it is more apparent than ever that we need to move into this area, and fast. We are now making plans to see children in this area monthly.
Thank you all for your prayers and support.
