Post by Robyn
I’m blessed to share a room with five amazing women. I’ve watched them for two days now and marveled at who they become in their element. These women are smart, gifted, and their talents know no bounds. They are nurses and doctors and the impact they have on the people in Guatemala in just a few short minutes is immeasurable. They move from room to room, completely oblivious to the capes that bellow behind them as they use their super powers to change these family’s lives for the better. I am completely in awe.
It’s not hard to question my impact as I watch these women in action. I’m not highly educated. I have no title. I’m just a mom who came to do crafts with these kids as they wait to see the real people they came for.
But then I was able to accompany some of these ladies on a home visit to see a few kids who are unable to make it to the clinic. Their young father suffered a stroke, followed by a motorcycle accident which left him blind and bedridden. His wife now supports the family, working from 5:30 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., and then comes home to tend to her husband. Their three small children needed medical and dental attention, but are far too young to get to the clinic by themselves. I went to bring them some of the crafts that they missed out on, and when they had completed their medical and dental exam, I called them over to me. There were wooden crosses to color on with markers, and pipe cleaners to thread through beads to make bracelets. The kids were so happy when they realized that the treasures I brought were for them to make AND to keep, and invited their cousins in to participate as well. They decorated the crosses, and then showed them to me with pride. We used the beads to practice saying the colors (thank you, Dora the Explorer for teaching me), and they made sure that everyone got some of all that was brought. They were so happy, and I felt the pure joy that came in just a small distraction from their huge challenges. It was incredibly moving.
I know that I’m not able to extract a tooth, or fill a cavity; but I can give the kids something fun to do to help with their nervousness before that happens. I can’t alleviate these kiddos’ belly pain or skin infections, but I can rub a cheek and give a sincere hug and hopefully some comfort. I can’t stop their family’s trials or save them from their challenges, but I can storm the heavens with my prayers to a God who can.
God has blessed each of us with all we need to help, even if we don’t recognize it right away. It’s there, just as He is. No gift is too small, and not one of us is unimportant when trying to do His will and make a difference. Even if she’s just a mom who came to do the crafts.
“Do your little bit of good where you are; it’s the little bits of good put together that overwhelm the world.” – Desmond Tutu
Post by Corey
Today we had a much needed day off and went into the beautiful town of Antigua for a day of shopping and ziplining. Part of the team (the adrenaline junkies) went up the mountain for an adventure on the zip line while the others embarked on some souvenir shopping. All of us had a great time together and continued to bond as a team. It has been such a privilege to work alongside each person and I have loved watching each person use their God given gifts to serve the beautiful people of Guatemala. God has truly answered all of our prayers and has unified us as a team. Thank you for praying for us!
Robyn, I love your post! What an awesome experience you are having! I’m sure the kids are beyond thrilled when they see your team arrive and that they love doing crafts with you! How fun and rewarding for you to get to spend time with them and see the smiles you put on their faces as you do your “little bit of good in the world!” Thanks for letting me follow your amazing journey this week!
Hey, Sis!
Looks like you all are having a great time!! What Amazing scenery!! Saying a prayer for all of you and your work!
Stephen
Robyn, that brought me to tears. Clearly, your talents do not only lie in “storming heaven” with your prayer or reciting Dora as you share the love of Christ with the kids through crafts but in the written word. It always blesses my heart to see how God weaves these teams together. Praying that you feel rested to serve the church families tonight. Hugs to you all, Victoria
To the whole team, THANK YOU for your service, compassion, and love. It is evident in every word and photo that is posted – just beautiful!! Jenni & Corey, you are awesome! And special shout out to Vicki!! I love you so much and miss you already ❤️
Each one of you on the team is an inspiring and wonderful example of selfless sacrifice and service. Each of you have left the comforts of your home, job, hobbies, and your families to walk in the footsteps of the greatest of them all, even our Savior Jesus Christ “… who went about doing good…”. You are each a blessing to your families and community, including me and my family. Thanks to each one of you for who you are and for how you have inspired me to serve and make a difference in the lives of others. Thanks also for providing us, family and friends, with the ability to watch you via the blog and thanks to those who have posted uplifting and inspiring comments.
I give thanks to God each day for the greatest inspiration in my life, one who has always put the interest of others before hers, who teaches me everyday about kindness, gentleness, meekness, grace and unconditional love. One who stands tall with faith in God amid life’s stormy seas and whose natural inclination is to love and promote peace. One who’s gentle touch and soft smile soothes the achy hearts and troubled souls. One who leads throngs of God’s children, unbeknownst to her, with her quiet strength and dignity. She is one who knows Jesus and one who makes me want to be a better person each day. She’s the mother of our lucky children, my hero and the love of my life.
Robyn, what a great post! It definitely struck a chord with me. Nothing is too great or too small through Jesus. I love how he fits us all perfectly into the puzzle. Thank you for loving on those kids, planting a seed and allowing God to transform lives. You are also a hero .
Corey, I think it’s awesome that you and Jenni get to serve side by side. Looks like a good time checking out Antigua. I would have been with the adrenaline junkies. Glad you all had a nice break.
Continued prayers for you all!
You have a way with words that is so touching to those of us who are reading it :) The CONNECTIONS you make with the children are going to be what they remember forever and are what warms their hearts and lifts their spirits. I can see your cape from here! Keep up the good work this week :)
i love you so much dad and Zoey I miss you be careful come home safe from zac
Robyn you have such a way with words and expression! So glad to be able to see a little part of the adventure you are having!! Miss you!
So proud of you Mom! Just glad that your having a good time. We all love and miss you!!
Guatemala is so lucky to have you mamma!! Yeah I miss you like crazy. And the selfish part of me really wants you home. But every time I decide I need you home, I remember how much good you are doing. The pure joy and happiness I see in these little kids’ faces when they see you and all the toys you bring them melts my heart every single time. God has blessed me immensely with the privilege to call you mom. You are such an example to me as to the person I want to become.
Yep. These little munchkins are pretty darn lucky to have you ma.
I miss you so so soooo much and can’t wait to see you when you get home!!! Love you mom!!