Hola from Guatemala! I would first like to say, all of us are having an awesome time. I know that everyone before me has probably written this, but since I'm writing the blog, you can put up with it a couple more times. I'm so grateful that we are able to be here helping further God's work and helping these people out. Thank you all for your support and prayers.
Whew, what a monday. I don't even know where to start describing the day, but since it would seem most logical to start with when I woke up, I guess I'll start there. We woke up bright and early about 6:30, and took a nice shower. The showers are suprisingly nice, considering where we are. After that, morning prayer and breakfast awaited. After breakfast, the St. Matthias Labor Union (Me, Colin, John, Jeff Wilson, Jeff Smith, Bill, Rich, Padre Scott) met up with our friendly neighborhood handyman, Tony, and were assigned jobs. Father Scott, Bill, Colin, and I were deemed the less skilled laborers, so we were sent down the hill to dig an 18 inch trench about 60 feet long. I know it sounds fun, but someone has to do it. So we proceeded with the day picking and shoveling away at the very reluctant soil. We took a break at one for lunch, and got right back into it. We kept going until around 4:30, when we went to get cleaned up so that we could help watch the kids while the staff here had a meeting. I have to say, even after digging a ton (quite literaly) of dirt, watching a room full of girls for an hour and half was the hardest work that I did all day. I have a lot more respect for the house parents after that experience. Then we went to dinner, and a play/puppet show/concert put on by the Casa Bernabe "Preformos Artisticos". That was great experience, and it was even more amazing that the orphans are getting a chance to play a musical instrument and be exposed to the arts. I know that after I learned the guitar, I had a whole new outlook on life, and I am very glad that these children are getting the same chance to have this experience. After the play, we had our compline service, and now I am writing this to you.
After spending two days at this orphanage, I know that I will never look at life the same way. The kids here are teaching all of us lessons that will last forever, and now I'm just trying my best to give back to them. I can dig a trench all day, and still not be tired because I know that I'm helping God serve these kids, and I know that I want to give everything that I can back to them. One thing that I've noticed is that you learn much about yourself when you are giving to others, and I have learned so much just playing with these kids, whether they are young or old.
4 comments:
Hey Matt--Thanks for your posting. I think about you all numerous times every day and am so grateful thay you have this opportunity. My trip to Haiti and Denis' trip to Kenya were each life changing for us and it sounds like you are experiencing some of the same things we experienced. To see the faith and joy that the people have in spite of having so little makes me wonder if the things we take for granted don't often keep us from experiencing the reality and the fullness of God's presence and grace. I'm really proud of you! Love, Grandma and Denis (PS don't let the girls get you down--girls are girls are girls)
Good morning St M mission trippers - Matt, thanks for sharing your first on-the-job day experiences. Sounds like hard work, that babysitting especially! I guess that you, Bill, Colin, and Scott will be able to update your resumes to include ditch digging and “‘child development activities”! What a blessing the team’s presence must be to the children and staff there, both in fellowship and in the fruits of your work……… "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain". --- 1 Corin 15:58
Blessings to all.
Wow! It sounds like you had a full day. And it cracks me up that the babysitting part was the hardest. Good for you for tackling it.
Matt - how cool to hear you growing in faith and loving the work you're doing at Casa Bernabe. I'm particularly impressed with your willingness to spend time and play with younger kids--girls even! You are an awesome young man!
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