Home away from home

I made it safely to Guatemala yesterday (after another delayed flight!). I’m happy to be safe and sound and the difficult travels are quickly becoming a distant memory…even though it was literally yesterday. 

​Casa Bernabé is such a special place. I don’t even have the words to describe it. Often times team members describe it as an oasis. 

Yesterday, I had the privilege of spending the afternoon with a house family that I met my first year here and formed a special bond with. They opened their Casa Bernabe home and their hearts to our team and it was beautiful to see the Lord so clearly working through them to touch the lives of several boys with already many challenges and traumas in their short lives.

When I met them 4 years ago Casa Bernabe was their only home. They had no other place. Over the last several years they have shared countless testimonies of how God has provided for them. I heard stories of acquiring land. Then, materials to build a foundation. A while later, God provided for them to build walls. And now they have a roof, windows, doors, and even a washer and dryer! They built the house from the ground up with their own blood sweat and tears. 

It’s one thing to hear about God doing miracles and it’s another to see them with your own eyes! Glory be to our Father!!

They left Casa Bernabe 2 years ago so I haven’t been able to see them. Since I’m here without a team I had a little more flexibility and it was such a blessing to see where they live and God’s faithfulness. It is such an encouragement for my own faith and I know others as well.

Last night I got all settled in and I’m getting the VIP treatment. Instead of staying in the dorm, I get to stay in the apartment! 

It’s such a special feeling to be welcomed like family. Children call my name and come running for hugs like I’m someone famous. It’s a blessing to be able to remember most of their names as well! Thank you God for helping me recall them because as I get older it’s becoming more challenging!

This morning I got to help in the English classes and I think I will be for the rest of the week. For the first class, I mostly observed and checked in kids’ homework.

Next, I helped the teacher grade some exams during a short break.

Then…surprise!!!! Literally 3 min before the next class she handed me a copy of the workbook and asked if I could teach their next lesson. I’m not a “fly by the seat of my pants kind of gal” so a moment of panic surged through my body, but I figured I had nothing to lose except making a fool of myself which I’m already accustomed to.

Guess what?! Middle schoolers act the same everywhere. We had a fun time going through the lesson and I could add in a few cultural things.

I was impressed at their engagement and willingness to accept me as a teacher. It’s pretty awesome when a middle school boy hangs out a little longer after class to ask you questions as his friends run out to recess. 

I just love these kids so much! They have so much to overcome, yet they show up and work hard, knowing deep in their hearts that this will provide them a better future.

I’m sure some of you (the two that will maybe read this lol) are wondering about my friend. (For the privacy of the kids, we don’t use names.) There will be lots to share as we are going to celebrate her 17th birthday this week! One thing I can say is I’m getting a few hugs from her and she has never really shown that side to me before. She has such a sweet heart, competitive spirit, and I love her sense of humor. Isn’t her baby bunny adorable?!? She has 4!