I Got More Than I Gave

Many people have asked me these two questions since I've been home. 

How did Guatemala most impact you? 

What did you take away from he trip?

Here's my answer to both questions, in a nutshell. God's love!

Now, I know that seems really vague and a little too "tie a pretty little bow on it" for me. But I'm serious, I experienced God's love in ways I never imagined. So, I will do my best to explain something that is difficult to put into words. And share the two stories that communicated that love to me. 

As I shared in my post God's Love in another Country I was completely taken back on how God connected two families, two women, two little boys with the same hearts desire. He cared so much to match us with that specific sponsor child, and regardless of the outcome, I know deep deep down inside that He loves me and ALL my little heartaches matter to Him. That one story would have been enough, that's a pretty amazing thing to take away from the trip. But there's more... let me explain. 


On our first day at the schools, I will admit, I was overwhelmed. Like, not sad or feeling bad for them, just plain overstimulated. Everyone had talked about how there is no language barrier when you are playing with and hugging the kids, but I felt a huge barrier. Deep down inside, I felt awkward, out of place...just uncomfortable. I wanted to feel instantly magical and overcome with love, but really, I was just overwhelmed. 

This is me, on the first day...awkward!

For the second day, Tuesday I gave myself a job helping Karen in the craft room. Give me a task and then a craft on top of it, and I'm good! Then I can ease into and all the other stuff like playing soccer and running around and pushing kids on the swings. I'm not a natural at interacting with kiddos, it takes me a bit to warm up. 





Every day after the first got better and I became more comfortable. I was really enjoying myself and having fun. The few days we had with them flew by. On the last day the kids and the teachers prepared a special program for us with a dance and songs. The little girls wore beautiful fancy dresses and the boys had on nice sweaters. After the prepared songs they carried on with their normal devotional time. 

And we, the team, a crowd of adults stood there clueless to what we were about to experience.

We watched as they worshiped God, for real, unashamed and without inhibition. This is the time where they pray together and for each other on a daily basis, for big stuff like for a parent to quit drinking or to get a job. They have seen these prayers answered and we witnessed the faith that only comes from a life that has experienced hurt and God's healing. 

Then, the teachers walked over and tied bracelets on our wrists and prayed for us one on one. I was so fortunate to have Patty right next to me to translate what this beautiful (19 year old) teacher prayed for me. It was so authentic and meaningful, all I could do was hug her and accept her words.  

And if that wasn't enough to break a grown man (or woman) into a crying mess, the kids gathered around us and prayed for us. I had two or three come and get me by the hands and lead me away from where I was standing. I got down on my knees and they surrounded me, one little girl draped herself over my back and I had two more on either side of me with their little arms wrapped around me. They repeated a group prayer and in that moment all I could do was cry and humbly accept this precious prayer from these little kids in Guatemala. As the tears were falling down my cheek this little girl who was hanging over my shoulder and across my back, looked up and began wiping the tears from my cheek with her tiny dirty little hands. So I cried more, and my heart was full, fuller than it's been in a very long time. 

I don't know what her life is like, or anything about her. I only know her name because she is sponsored by one of my friends and she told me after I posted the picture on Facebook. But one thing I do know,  she clearly loves God and has this beautiful childlike faith. She was mightily used by God that day to pour out His love over me. 

Literally, she draped herself over me and wiped my tears. Isn't that a perfect visual of God's love?

I went on a mission trip to help, to work, to meet needs. And hopefully I did. But what was the most memorable and life changing was experiencing God, His care, His love spoken to me in very specific language that He knew would melt my heart.

Thank you for reading and sharing in this amazing journey with me.