Guatemala Trunk Show

"I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to join you" John 14:18

 

"And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward." Mathew 10:42

 

Last night I hosted a trunk show at my house with all kinds of goodies from Guatemala. Purses handmade by the girls at the orphanage to help them pay for college, pine needle baskets made by local widows, tortilla towels, gorgeous overnight bags, delicious coffee, and more.

We raised over $800! I am so excited that we were able to raise this money for the Hogar de Vida orphanage in Guatemala. I visited in July of 2013 and fell in love with several of the kids. Breaks my heart to think of what life they would be living if this orphanage wasn't there to provide them a safe, nurturing, Christian environment.

 

I have a handful of things left to sell. We have a few purses, tablecloths, and one large over night bag. If you're interested I can send you pictures of the remaining items. Based on the success I have decided this will become a yearly event and start hosting once a year to help raise awareness and funds for this orphanage and the amazing missionaries there - Vickie and Norm Sutton. For more information about the orphanage or how to donate directly click here.

"Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver" 2 Corinthians 9:7

Guatemala - the Market

Every Sunday the village has a huge outdoor market. We were lucky enough to get to go twice during our time in Guatemala. We would go first to do our shopping, then head back to the orphanage and grab all the kids to take them back to the market for goodies or treats.

I still have several sets of Guatemala pictures to share so figured no time like the present to try to catch up. These are from the local market in San Andres Sajcabaja. It was truly a local market and not touristy at all. I LOVED it for this reason.

Plus it felt great to know we were supporting the local economy and people of that village in a positive way. Shopping is always fun, but even more so when you are directly helping others. I wish I would have filled up an extra suitcase with goods to sell back here. Next time I just might as then could have a portion of the proceeds go to the missionaries and orphanage. Just such beautiful textiles and pottery.

Probably the best part of the market was taking the orphanage kids for treats, they had so much fun and were the most patient kids I know waiting for their turn. Amazing.

There were so many more photos I wanted to take and several times I wanted to break out the real camera not the Iphone but the missionaries had told us not to use our big cameras and to not be over the top with pictures as in these small villages it would feel like an invasion of privacy. Which makes total sense as I wouldn't want some stranger taking a bunch of pics of me either during my day to day tasks.

Those Guatemalan Kids I Can't Forget

I still have several sets of Guatemala pictures to share, along with stories of our trips to the market and Aldeas. But for today just a few pics of the kids I can't seem to forget.

Would have loved to bring these three home with me. Spotlight stealers and heart breakers I tell ya!

I have always said I am a one kid maximum momma as obviously getting a little old to produce multiple kids! However, after this trip I really truly am considering the fact if I am ever blessed with a husband that I would without a doubt also adopt a kid or two. Crazy talk I know, especially the husband part.

Guatemala Walks

I took a slight break from posting Guatemala pictures and realized I still have so many left to share. Every morning I was lucky enough to have a few girls go walking with me. Those morning walks were the best - it was so peaceful out with the fog still at the base of the mountain, the sun peeking through, and hardly anyone around.

It was such a great chance to enjoy the beauty of my surroundings, reflect on the prior day and the day ahead of us, and get to know these few girls better. I absolutely loved these morning walks! I miss them now that back in the city and daily life.

Guatemala Mission Trip Video

My cousin Sarah created this amazing video. So much talent!  She did a great job merging together photos each of us took along with the worship songs we used daily. This trip was so much more than I ever expected, I sometimes feel words just can't even bring it justice.

More photos to come as I still haven't shared about the Aldeas, the market, or more just daily orphanage life.

The Kids of Hogar de Vida

These kids stole my heart. They truly did. I expected to have fun and maybe feel sorry for them being stuck in an orphanage but never in a million years did I expect to fall in love with them. I so badly wanted to bring them home with me and buy that crazy big farmhouse and give them all a warm loving home, a great education, a Christian home, and a future that is wide open for their taking. 

They were wild and crazy at times and sweet and loving other times. I was surprised at how much I enjoyed the random play dates in the mornings, no structure, just playing with these hoodlums - trying to find ways to keep them occupied and happy. I quickly realized being a mom is a whole lot of work but also very rewarding.

All the kids were great but the three youngest are the three I was smitten with and ready to scoop up. Oh Hermelinda, Oscar, and Alicia you three kill me! They were beyond adorable and had the biggest personalities to go with their looks. I have no idea how I would have ever told them no or disciplined them!

It was fun to let them try new things - like the water bucket - and see their delight. I forgot how simple life is for children.

Several weeks have passed since I left Guatemala but I still miss these munchkins and still have great memories of the time I did spend with them, loving on them, and giving them attention. Why oh why can't we adopt from Guatemala!!!

Can't leave this post without a quick plug that all the kids in the Orphanage need sponsors so if you are interested the link to sponsor is: www.homesoflife.org or email Vickie, one of the missionaries, and homeoflifeguat@gmail.com. 

You will get letters and updates about the child you choose to sponsor and a warmth in your heart knowing you are making a difference and providing them a home full of love and warmth, even if it isn't the traditional home many of us grew up in. It is still a loving Christian home where they are provided with meals, clothing, and a chance at education they would never receive otherwise.