Need in Quetzaltenango

Today we went to an orphanage in Xela or as the locals call it, Quetzaltenango, a beautiful city found in the high altitudes of the western mountains. As we entered into the walled orphanage, we were greeted with shouts of joy. One of the guys on our team had spent much time in this orphanage last summer and some kids were so happy to recognize his face and see him again.

First we went outback to the 2 story walled playground and were greeted by 30 screaming and fighting boys. They were everywhere. One boy, 14 moves around in his wheelchair and he recognized the leader of our group from last year. We were greeted with happy shreeks from him as he gave us hugs and held our hands firmly. One boy, about 8 jumped on my lap and didnt leave for quite some time. Several more small boys came over to me and we began talking. I asked him if he knew Jesus and he shook his head no. Please pray for me friends about the delivery of the gospel. My spanish at times is shaky. Please pray for diligence to study and for Spanish to come out with ease. I then walked around a bit and encountered 2 boys who were not playing with anyone. They did not smile and it was painful to see the hardness in their faces. They would not tell me their names, and the small boy who would not leave my side told me their names. When I reached out to touch one of the boys hands he recoiled. Pray for a softening of hearts, and pray that the guys on our team would really be able to touch these boys with Christs love.

After playing with the boys outside our group went inside to visit the baby and toddler section of the home. We walked through a tiny room with 30 to 40 bunk beds and an equal number of 8 year old to teenage girls. When we entered the toddlers room, we were greeted with kids that were wild!!! These little girls and boys were nothing like the ones in Zacapa, who for the most part were calm. These little ones could talk faster than radio announcers! We played hand clapping games, and held them in our arms as they yelled to take more photos. After some time, I meandered into the girls room with all of the bunks. I sat on the nearest bunk and the girls began to gather around.

This room reminded me of a submarine because of the tight spaces and I cannot imagine how much time that these girls spend in this room. As more and more girls began to gather, we all began to talk. They wanted to learn English words and it was hilarious to hear them try to make the American vowel sounds. We laughed a lot and soon we came down from the bed and went over to the place where most of the girls were. My eyes came across 2 girls, about 12 or 13 years old holding hands and caressing each other. In these homes, as in many prisons, because of the tight quarters and limited amount of exposure to other people, many girls become lesbians at very young ages. Just looking into the eyes of so many of these young girls you can see confusion, need for attention and a lack of hope. Pray with me for these girls that they will encounter Christ and trust in him as their hope and future.

I cant wait to spend the next 2 weeks with these kids, particularly these girls. We will be teaching Bible stories, playing games, sharing the message of Christ and loving these kids will all that we have. Please lift our team up in prayer. The names of the people on our team are Allie, Brandon, Clare, Jared, Molly, and Caroline. 2 of our interpretors are named Victor and Melissa. You prayers mean so much to me and even more to the kingdom of God! May God be with you as you are each in your own mission field that God has called you to.