Work Trip 2008
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On August 28-September 2, fifteen members of Clearwater Baptist Church (Clearwater, Florida) and one Bethany representative, spent time working at the Guatemala orphanage Amando a Los Niņo’s. For many, this was the first mission trip experience as well as the first experience out of the country. It was an experience unlike any other, with memories that will not soon be forgotten!
During the week the team worked on a variety of projects including tearing-off and reconstructing the school roof, installing a false ceiling, fixing the drainage system, and painting and renovating the school. Most importantly, each day included time spent with the precious children of Amando, showing them the love of Christ, giving many hugs, playing, painting nails, dancing, and laughing. We were even blessed to discover that one of the little ones had made the decision to accept Christ during our short stay!
Although members of the same group, each of the participants was able to experience God working in a unique way, and each of us was presented with opportunities to stretch and challenge ourselves as we returned home.
One of the most amazing experiences during the trip was to see the capacity these children have for love and acceptance. We went there wanting to give them love, but not really knowing how they would accept us. After all, we were strangers, we spoke a different language, we looked and acted "different". We also knew that their lives before coming to Amando were marked by insecurity, poverty, and distrust of the adults in their lives. We were completely overwhelmed when we were greeted the first day with hugs upon hugs upon hugs! They literally welcomed us with open arms from the moment we arrived. And each time that we were introduced to someone new (like when we attended a church service on Sunday), we were introduced as their "North American brothers and sisters in Christ". We weren't just accepted as missionaries or friends; we were welcomed by everyone as family (from Jennifer).
It doesn’t matter that we speak different languages, come from different countries, and have different color skin tones - love is universal and is a deep-rooted necessity for all the children around the world. Without opening our mouths, the children of Amando flocked to us, not because of “things” we had to offer, but because we were there to offer ourselves. Sure it was a huge blessing to watch the girls’ eyes light up at the receiving of a new Barbie or see them giggle as their fingernails were painted bright pink. What a joy to watch how a basic rubber ball and new friends to play with created hours of enjoyment. But more important than these things, it was the hugs and smiles given and received, the laughter as we tried to communicate in their language and they in ours, and the time spent just being together and investing in their lives, showing them they are loved, reminding them they are beautiful and of significant worth and value.
Our lives were touched by the faith and compassion that the directors and orphanage staff showed for the precious children of Guatemala. We were blessed to be able to help in such a small way and pray for their ongoing ministry.