December without snow

Life continues here in Guatemala! We celebrated Humebrto's 7^th birthday, and many more smaller moments in their lives. We have been battling some bad diarrhea for a few weeks now, and a few of the kids have parasites which makes them feel pretty rough. Please pray for our sick kiddos.

Here in the homes we had a lovely thanksgiving time, or to differentiate, a lovely American thanksgiving as our Canadian thanksgiving was sadly under-celebrated! It takes the whole family together to pull off somehting so huge! We borroed oven space from nearby family, and even brought an entire oven over. Nearly 50 family gathered to celebrate and give thanks to God for all he has done for us.

The next day the family gathered again to celebrate the beginning of the Christmas season, and decorate the home. The kids enjoyed special snacks, and all dressed in red or green. Lots of chaos and smiles, and laughs.

In Guatemala, death is a near companion. A few weeks ago, friends lost their first baby at a day old.
Last week our friend and and another who chooses to call broken children her precious jewels lost a daughter. Our group of hard working nannies and interns helped watch our children so some of us could go to the funerals. Since returning in August, I have been to three funerals for babies. And yet God is good. In this life I have known loss and brokenness I had never comprehended before. And even here God is good. He is faithful. He is so so near to the brokenhearted.

At the birthing center, RN 14 has been open more than it is closed lately. They continue to do repairs over 6 months after Fuego's eruption killed thousands and swept away the road. Women continue to come, and we are blessed to continue to encourage them and provide medical care. More so, this is an opportunity to show the worth their child has, and that they themselves have. What a blessing to serve in this setting. God is so good!

Fianlly, today one of our interns, my friend Susan left and will be returning to her family in New Zealand for a time, then traveling to Liberia in Africa to work with our friends and partners in ministry, the Riley Family. Please pray for her travels, and what God will do in her life. Also traveling this month to return soon are Stephanie our midwife, Kelsie a friend and intern, and the Brubaker family who are family and work with children in our town. We covet prayers for safe travels.

Thank you for your support and prayers. Praise God who cares and provides for all, great and small near and far. May God show His glory this Christmas season as hearts are open to hearing his name.

After His heart

Katie Riley