March 2020

Moving day -- again

Hogar Rosalinda 

(Nutrition Training Center)

In nutritional training, we have had more consults with mothers and their child’s care in their own homes.  These are moms who are concerned with their child’s growth and development and have sought out extra help. Some work full time during the day, others have multiple children, so to come live in the home would not be their best option unless the situation became more serious.  Some moms came only once for an evaluation and advice, and since have not returned. Others however have expressed interest and motivation to continue with long term monitoring and education.  

Community nutrition classes have taken off in Florido Aceituno, where the Aliento feeding program also has a formula distribution program.  On weigh day, when all moms come and spend some time waiting, We have the perfect class of moms who know their children are struggling. So far there is great interest.  Topics will address nutrition as well as health.  

The end of february brought some interesting developments culminating into finding a new location for Hogar Rosalinda and Aliento.  This was a bit of a surprise for us as we were intending to remain where we are for a few years. God had his hands on this too however, as the new location has move space for how rapidly Aliento is growing.  The new location includes office space for both ministries, a separate partial kitchen for the feeding program, and more space for both ministries. It is closer to the center of town and bus routs which is better for participants who come to Hogar Rosalinda, although it is farther from the group homes where Taryn and I both spend a lot of time.  In May we will be joined by Taryn’s right hand worker Elissa Crist. She currently serves in the Fulp home and Aliento.  

Hogar de la Esperanza homes

Currently with the outbreak of the Coronavirus here in Guatemala, the homes are on lockdown.  This means that only direct caregivers and family are allowed to interact with the kids. Family and caregivers who live off site are changing cloths upon arrival, and everyone is washing their hands very frequently.  It is a very hard decision to exclude visitors, but these kids are immunocompromised, and an outbreak would be devastating. Please pray for the kids and family living in the homes.  

A separate wave of  illness has hit the Alvarez home hitting adults and kids alike.  Again, prayer for healing would be greatly appreciated.  

A word from the Director:

"This morning we had a staff meeting to discuss precautions as we fight to keep this virus out of our homes. We prayed together for protection and then agreed to do everything possible to fight it back.

Here is a picture of the kids we are fighting for. Many of them have compromised immunity and health. There is a very real possibility that we will lose one or more children if this virus makes it into our home.

It makes me feel very much alone when I see fellow Christ-followers minimizing this crisis and pretending it is just a political conspiracy. Lives are at stake. Not just these children, but my many friends and family members who are in high-risk categories. Please, for the glory of Jesus Christ, lay aside politics and serve your fellow man. Please help us fight.

“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” Philippians‬ ‭2:3-4‬ "

Our Kids

Brayan

Brayan is 17 now, and almost as tall as me!!!  He has been in the home longer than I have, and has really grown a lot.  He is very delayed, and cannot count to 20, or seem to get his shoes on the right feet, but he absolutely loves to help out around the house.  He has learned to safely push a wheelchair with supervision, and he loves taking out the trash, loading the dishes, and setting the table. Brayan is a loved part of the family.  

Alison

Alison is a joyful, bubbly, affectionate little one.  She has downs syndrome, and is deaf. Alsion loves hugs and kisses.  She giggles wildly while playing with her counterpart Olimpia, and she squeals with delight when adults chase her or throw her in the air.  Alison is learning Guatemalan sign language (not the same as ASL), and loves using her new signs. Alison brings joy to everyone who meets her.  

El centro de partos el pozo 

(Birthing Center)

More babies and more love at el centro de partos el pozo.  They too are affected by the virus however and are trying to keep their distance while in public to protect their patients.  Please continue to pray that doors will open for Joy to be allowed to become a certified midwife in Guatemala. Despite her extensive experience, doors are slow to open for this.  The birthing center is also training a local young woman. She is learning much!  

Aliento feeding program

In addition to the move to a new headquarters in San Antonio where Aliento is based, they are now searching for land to purchase in Aceituno.  Initially the program was run on the health center’s land, and now a street is closed down each program day to set up the tent, and tables, benches.  As the program is growing, so are the needs! Down the road, a vehicle will also be necessary. These are large purchases, so Aliento needs lots of prayer as growth continues!  Lives are being changed in both the kids, and a number of the moms in this town.  

Please also pray for the program as they too much take precautions against the virus.  Most of the volunteers live and work in the group homes, so traveling includes a lot of new restrictions and precautions.  Further, gathering that many children from the community in one place puts them at risk. For now, they will continue to take the soup, but will not serve it on site.  Families will bring to go containers to take the soup home. This is emotionally upsetting when so many relationships thrive through this ministry. They community understands, and are grateful for continued soup and not a complete sut down, although they are sad to have less face to face time with their friends who come on the team.  

Rural village ministry

Pray for the families who live in remote areas.  There are so many rumors in Guatemala about the virus and what it means.  There is a lot of false, and some dangerous information going around about how to avoid it.  At this point, there are a handful of confirmed cases in the country, and one fatality in an older gentleman.  Most people here live in poverty, so loss of business for a few weeks can be life threatening. Many people live very close together, so containment would be nearly impossible.  There is no government assistance program for struggling families. Pray for the people of Guatemala.  

Personal

There are a lof of stressful things going on on a number of fronts for both myself and the ministry at large.  Many of us are facing physical, and emotional stresses that seem to have all hit at once. Please pray that we would keep our eyes on him who is above the problems we are facing.  

On a positive note, I had the privilege last week to serve alongside a large medical missions team from the US.  These included doctors, nurses, physical therapists, gynecologists, a pharmacist, a dentist, an ultrasound tech, and many, more.  They served a community near the dump in zone 3 of the city. While reading about each of their respective states struggling with the virus and panic, they continued to love and pray for the people they served.  It was such an encouragement to get to work with them, and show that our God is still in control. They flew out just on time yesterday, because today travel restrictions have increased.  

Sadly this means likely canceling trips to the US for us.  At this time, no one from the US or Canada allowed entry except permanent residents.  But future restrictions are not yet known.  

Prayer

Please pray for the nations of the world.  It is not just the US that is suffering from the virus, and for many countries, the illness and economic damage will be devastating.  Pray for those affected, and for protection of the young, old, and immunocompromised. Pray also that God may be glorified in this too.  Pray that His peace may be known when so many are panicking. God is still good.