Guatemala

Words can't even begin to describe how much this place means to me. The kids at Fundaniños Orphanage are absolutely the sweetest, kindest, most grateful children I have ever been around. This was my 2nd visit down there and it was just as awesome as the first! It was neat because most of the kids remembered me and we just picked up right where we left off last March.

Hanging out and playing with these kiddos really puts everything into perspective. They truly grasp what it means to depend on the Lord alone and they have so much hope in there beautiful brown eyes… it's inspiring. So often here in the states we get caught up in schedules, work, school, you name it… but down there, time slows down. You really tune out the world and just focus on the kids and serving.

Our church, Redeemer Community , has an on going relationship with Fundaniños which is awesome because when they take a group down there on an official "mission trip" the kids get to continue past relationships and see familiar faces. It's also neat because I got to tell the kids (in my broken spanish) that some of my friends will be here in a few weeks to hang out with them… and that made them oh-so-excited!

Fundaniños has been such a blessing to me. I am thankful I have these opportunities to go there and meet so many wonderful people. I get chill bumps just thinking about those smiling faces and silly laughs. They share with each other even though they have very little , they laugh and smile even though they're orphans, they are joyful even though the world would look at them and think "how sad." They trust in the Lord more than I ever have in my life. Its funny how I thought I was going down there the first time to help and teach them and now I  know that they've taught me more about Jesus and the Gospel than I could ever share with them.

If you know me and Skot, you probably have heard us talk about Evelyn and Joselin. These are two sisters that we became very close with during our first trip last spring. Adoption is closed between the U.S. and Guatemala currently, but if and when it does open up, you better believe we will fight 'till the end to get these sweet girls in our home to love them as our own. ok I am crying I have to stop, I'm a mess haha

I hope you enjoy this post and these pictures. I want to end it by sharing with you Evelyn's favorite Bible verses that she shared with me this last trip. It's Psalm 8: 1-5

O' Lord, our Lord, your majestic name fills the earth! Your glory is higher than the heavens. You have taught children and infants to tell of your strength, silencing your enemies and all who oppose you. When I look at the night sky and see the work of your fingers - the moon and the stars you set in place - what are mere mortals that you should think about them, human beings that you should care for them? Yet you made them only a little lower than the angels and crowned them with glory and honor.