A Day in the Life of Holly

Who can resist this face :) I arrive at the center, bring my "stuff" into the office and then pop in to check in on the children. They are sitting down for breakfast and my presense disrupts that quickly, little warm bodies come flying at me to give me a hug and Good Morning kiss. They wait to, if I forget someone they will stand there until all have been greeted. Try to re-gain order for our staff :) Once all the children are seated and breakfast is ready we say grace. All children fold their hands and shut their eyes I peek my eyes open to make sure everyone is following the instructions, I see several squinting so that their eyes are closed but they still can see. I wonder, how much of this will they remember when they are 18, 19, 20, when the hard choices in life they'll have to face come their way. Will they remember the gringo's and Guatemalas alike that made every effort to show them Christs love. I pray this is the case. We thank GOD for providing the center, the food, the staff, the families that bring them each day and everyday they pray for their sponsors in the USA as we tell them their sponsors are doing the same thing for them. We pray God will bless their time at home, weekends can be tough, 2 days without the routine they have grown to cherish and love. 2 days without balanced meals or anything to do but cause trouble. Definately pray for these babies as they go home. I have to keep reminding myself they are not mine, but all GODS children. The feeding frenzy begins, toddlers being served first today was pancakes with honey which is a GREAT treat. They cannot master cutting the pancakes so they still need help with that. They are also all served mush made with vitamin enriched milk, so before they can have more pancakes they must drink all the mush. They are quick to get it over with. A line quickly forms again at the kitchen door for 2nds. This sight makes my heart burst. I thank GOD that these children for 2 meals a day can have 2nds if they so desire. I thank GOD and my eyes fill with tears because he has provided for these children in ways we could not imagine. Noone leaves the table hungry. The babies even eat more than I can imagine, the spoon does not get to their mouth quickly enough. I love to feed the babies. Esp the underweight ones, I see each bite helping out their little bodies that have never had enought before. Because even their breastfeeding mothers are underweight. Now is cleanup time as the children go upstairs for some play time and to brush their teeth. It's amazing to see their progress even in that area, brushing their teeth when they first started was new, they needed help with each step and now each child knows exactly what to do. I'm in my office now, catching up on emails. Will post about the rest of the day later.

Dear Family and Friends,
What an adventure it has been. I was thinking about what I wanted to focus on for this news letter and I realized I really wanted to show what God has been doing at La Sagrada Familia and in me.
Two weeks ago we started a family bible study at the center. Ana’s mom is leading it and we at most expected 5 mothers to attend. 15 attended! The response has been amazing. This is the first time a lot of these women have been reached. They have a past of being written off because of their social status, marital status etc. They requested that the study be weekly! They keep giving reports. One mother said that as she brings her son to the center or goes to pick him up she can feel God’s presence. Another said this is the first time she has felt this and she knows its God because it feels so good. I have said before sitting in my office I can feel God’s presence so I know what these women are talking about! We really thought that it would be an issue getting mothers to trust we truly wanted to help and to serve them, we were wrong, we serve a mighty God. We decided that the bible study would be from 4:30 to 6:00 and that is just not long enough. It was gone way over both times, they want to share, they finally feel safe it’s so amazing to be a part of this. Some of the fathers are now requesting a fathers group, so this coming Saturday we will have the first men’s session, this is an amazing response from the community! I love how God knew zone 5 needed this center; he knew when it was needed, where it was needed and who exactly to place there for staff etc.
I have wondered what God’s primary use for me at the center is. I know now, sure I may do the accounting assist with shopping and diaper changes and bottle feedings. God is LOVE and he wants me to show these children and mothers love. Forget language barriers, I don’t think the children even realize I speak another language. Along with the mothers feeling safe, the children also feel safe. We started doing Morning Prayer requests with them, I never dreamed of the prayer requests we’d get from such young children. They have been through so much and experienced so much. Several have requested opportunities to talk to Ana and I, I feel like a proud Mom. My heart is bursting with Love and my Cup Runneth over.
Thursday the man who made an initial food donation to the center returned with his girlfriend. They want to help, they said they cannot let others from the US come down here to help and just sit back and watch. These are people who are not rich, they work hard for their money and they are listening to God’s voice and saying “Yes”. Mothers will bring in bread, enough for that day, it’s all they can afford, but they want to give back. Another mother offered to assist those that want to go to church, she committed to helping them get there, when asked if she knew what a big commitment that was she said, “Yes, and I’m getting goose bumps right now talking about it.” God was speaking to her and she said “Yes”. She also told of us two boys at her daughter’s school that go all day without food. We said to bring them by and we’d see what we could do. She came back with them and their teacher. As the teacher was telling us their story, one of the boys started to cry. He said it made is so sad to hear his story. He also said his teacher told him we would be nice and we were and that Ana even gave him a hug. A 9 year old boy that needed food and to be shown love, God keeps sending them to the center. I have learned we cannot limit who God wants us to reach/help., even if we have reached our maximum number of children at the center for now, as LLI as a group makes sure the ship is well run, we have in no way shape or form reached the maximum number of those that need their earthly and spiritual needs met. God keeps showing me there are no limits.

Much Love and God’s Blessings!
Holly

I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will guide you with My eye. Psalm 32:8

La Sagrada Familia

Meet Christoper. Soon to be an attendie of the daycare. La Sagrada Familia is thriving. There are still things that need to be ironed out for sure, but we now have 25 children attending, all but 3 are sponsored. Once all the children are sponsored we will be able to hire more staff and accept more children. There is a waiting list of about 20 children as we speak. The daycare was happy to receive visitors yesterday from SC they came bearing gifts from some of the sponsor families. It's so much fun to be able to show people the daycare, so they can see what we see, fall in love as we have fallen in love. Makes it more real for sure! These little nino's are so darling. Most have started to call myself and the rest of the staff Mama :) they also run to great us with hugs and kisses. I have started reading bible stories to the children in english and they love it! Soon english will become familar to them and as quick and sharp as children are, they will pick up on words. The have already learned how to say "Good Morning" in english. As well as calling me Miss Holly. The children need to be taught so many life skills that are all new to them. We certainely want them to learn accademically, but they also need to learn to wash their hands, brush their teeth, manners, wearing shoes :) eating with utensils, things that we take for granted, but that you quickly learn should never be assumed that a child or even their parents has ever learned these. Another day begins. The children are going upstairs for some play time prior to heading into the classroom. Be Blessed

I really thought I would be one of those good blogger girls that posted more often than once a month. Maybe things will improve now that I'm settling into more of a routine.

The last month has been amazing! Week two in Guatemala I spent with Voyager Expeditions assisting with a sport camp they were doing. We stayed at Fundanino's Orphanage for the week. It was so awesome to see an organization that is up and running and to be with the children. I could have sat for hours and held them. There was two days of baseball and two days of soccer. Each night we went on an outreach of some sorts. I was assisting with a team of mostly older children with a few younger ones. My first though was, these teenage girls are going to be tough to reach, and they were. They are typical teens and then add to that all the trauma they have been though. The first day of baseball it seemed like they were not having fun at all, but on day two when we played a game.. and they were winning, then the smiles started to show, they had so much fun which was awesome to see! When it came to soccer they had a thing of two to teach us. These girls absolutely cracked me up, they would be there playing with their hair and just kick that ball farther than I'd ever dream! The sport camp was a great experience full of structure which every child needs and craves!.

Isaiah 42:16 I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths. I will guide them; I will turn the darnkess into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.

Tomorrow marks my first week in Guatemala, this trip. Tonight marks my good-byes (or see ya laters) to my dear family and friends. I was not prepared for what it would feel like to leave. To leave the only place i've ever lived in and journey to a third world country.. I didn't realize how emotional I would be, knowing part of the emotion was being scared, a feeling I hadn't allowed myself until it came time to leave. I was not prepared for what it would feel like to arrive in Guatemala. I was overwhelmed. I was scared and I was sad. I was not prepared for how wonderful it would be to experience leaning on God with all my understanding. I was not prepared how in my first days here I would crave God's word like never before! All the places HE brings us to.. In order to bring us to HIM. I love how GOD always will work his plan. We can kick and scream, or we can go willingly, but GOD will work his plan :).

I have spend this last week with Claudia (THANK GOD for CLAUDIA) and her parents. The first few days were a great struggle for me, which I tried to appreciate, knowing there was great lessons to be learned even in those moments. This past weekend we travelled to their house in Jalapa which was a nice break from the city. We were able to walk around, it will take me a awhile to get used to not being able to go for walks.. There is something about a walk, and enjoying God's creations that always speaks to my heart.. Lesson learned.. never take for granted the safety of NI and being able to go for a walk as I choose (there is just something about a treadmill that doesn't quite cut it). Sunday we went to Claudia's grandmothers house. Talk about rapid fire spanish. Lesson learned.. study spanish! HARD :) and pray that God will help me with that. learning the language. Today I was presented with the opportunity to serve with a sport camp, and I said yes. It begins Saturday, we will be teaching soccer and baseball to children from local orphanages, assisting a group that is coming down from NC! What an exciting opportunity! I can't wait!! Pray for us as a group, pray that we will all use our gifts to the Glory of GOD!.

Ticket is bought

It's officially official. I purchased my ticket for Guatemala and I will be leaving May 26th. :) Drum roll please

Countdown

The date of my big move is fast approaching. As I reflect on everything that has happened in the past 7 months I continue to stand amazed in the presence of JESUS. Everything continues to fall gently into place, he doesn't need me to worry, he's got it all under control. Sigh, what a peaceful feeling. I first visited the Little Lambs website (http://www.littlelambs-intl.org/) in October, as I read their vision my heart started pounding, it's pretty much stayed that way since. I reflect back on the past few years and see the many many ways in which God was preparing me for this.. for these moments that were to come. I first went to Kenya in January of 2007, I wasn't going to go, a lot of my friends were going and I just thought to myself I'll go next year. It's such short notice blah blah. I could not shake the feeling that I should go to Kenya. I felt I HAD to go to Kenya. So I went. It was a 10 day trip and I haven't been the same since. Missions were now burning on my heart. I came home and had a hard time believing that was it. I had always had an interest but my own fears and insecurities held me back. God was preparing me in many ways, he was drawing me closer to him. Showing me I could do all things in CHRIST who strengthens me. Gently teaching me how to be the woman he created me to be. In February of 2008 my friend Sandy and I hiked Kilimanjaro as well as going back to the mission camp in Kenya. After this trip I knew I that someway somehow I would end up doing mission work. Wasn't sure to what degree where etc. I realize my mission field could be my office! Could be my co-workers at the nursing home. I settled into a routine of sorts. Got comfortable again. Then went to Spain in October where I met several people involved in .... you got it Missions.. Missionaries in Spain, I had never thought of such a thing! Karen and I met Jamie, serving the Lord full time in Barcelona/Tarragona. Just meeting her, talking to her really opened my eyes to all that is out there, to how God will use us when we allow it and are ready. I came home and was once again not comfortable in my comfort zone! There was more for me, then I landed on the LLI site. Went to a meeting and here I am. My first trip to Guatemala took place in November 08. On the plane ride down I was afraid, thinking what if I get there and realize I can't do this! That was not the case. I was blessed to meet many new friends and spend time with old friends. I saw a little bit of Guatemala. The doors were all open, Little Lambs could use me down there in the city, it's an amazing opportunity I'm blessed with. I have had my moments of panic over earthly things, but the beautiful thing is I have never once questioned that God was leading me in this! As I allow him to lead me each step, he's there! Guiding me! :) My trip in March 09 was amazing. It sealed the deal in my heart! I can do this. Being there with the children, keeping it all in perspective does great things for me. It makes me so sad, the thought of leaving my family and friends, my darling nieces and nephews that I have been able to be #1 Auntie to (at least in my opinion hehe), but this is what I need to do! I'm very sure I'll have my moments, the journey will be tough but with God at my side I have no need to fear.

"The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?" - Psalm 27:1.

Letting Go

One of the biggest things creating major turmoil in me was having to "give" up my Yorkshire Terrier Theo. I struggled with this greatly. Still do in fact. He had become my best bud in the past year! I didn't have to come home to an empty apt every night :) If only I could work out some way for him to move with me, but it kept coming back to.... It's best for him, he doesn't deal well with change etc and when I'm in Gautemala I will be travelling around, and living with a family. A dog was just to much to ask. I just was in Guatemala for 10 days with my friend Judy, and came to the conclusion that Theo should go to his forever mommy and daddy before that trip, so that if something did not work out I could deal with it when I got home. Saturday March 14th was the big day. I packed him up, telling myself he is just a dog (it didn't work). I drove him to Milford where I was meeting Wendy, the second I got in the car I started to cry. Anyway I handed him off, cried my way home, made Wendy cry.. The whole nine yards. My sister Beth kept checking on me, knowing how difficult this was. I headed down to Boston with my friends and Beth texted me to tell me she was on her way to Jaffrey and started to pray for me. All of a sudden on this clear beautiful day there was a rainbow, she pulled over to take a picture and it disapeared just as quickly. Her text to me said... "Theo is going to be ok". God's ever faithful promise.... like a balm to my heart.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and lean not upon your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths. Proverbs ch.3 v.5-6

The Journey Begins

I'm heading back down to Guatemala March 15th-25th. I'm so excited for the opportunity to go down for another short trip before my "big" move in May! I keep trying to wrap my mind around the complexity of moving to Guatemala! I'm so excited for this adventure, yet I know that life as I know it is changing! I have lived in the same town for 27 years! As i've been attempting to pack and de-junk I realize how attached I am to all my stuff! I'm looking forward to having less and being able to really focus on what matters...