Serendipity... it's a strange word that doesn't get used nearly enough.. perhaps because there aren't very many times when it is fitting for the occasion. I; however, experienced serendipity while serving in Guatemala and am eager to tell you about it.
This experience in Guatemala was incredibly different than last year's stay. I wasn't sure if anything could top last year's experience, but I think that this time around, I was more aware of what was going on and therefore it led to a much richer and more fulfilling experience. We did things that were different from the previous trip... things that were much more fulfilling and awe-inspiring. Those stories are yet to come.... they will... but for now, I must switch gears.
When we first got to the Dreamer Center on Monday, we had the opportunity to hang out with some of the kids for the afternoon. The area is incredibly lively, as there are hundreds of kids running around freely and happily. The center acts as a refuge from the violence, poverty and sadness that runs rampant in the streets of Guatemala. The center's beauty is indescribable if it's never been witnessed/experienced because not only is it visually beautiful, the significance that it holds symbolically to so many young people is more than it's physical worth. There was a young girl with a big beautiful smile that was running around with our students on that Monday afternoon. She was fun, and bright and really had something magnetic about her. The students played with her for much of the afternoon, and it wasn't until the next night that we learned of her home life. On Tuesday night, a group of us volunteered at the project's homeless shelter. We weren't expecting this beautiful little girl to run up and greet us when we got there. Leidy (pronounced Lady) had just showered and her hair was neatly combed. She wore her smile so wonderfully and joyfully. It made it hit home to all of us just how real it was for these kids in Antigua. Here was this wonderful little lady who was living in the homeless shelter... which is nothing more than a tile-floored room. There are no beds, no pillows, no blankets. There aren't doors on the showers and there aren't stalls for the bathrooms. The showers, toilets and wash facilities are all open air and completely visible to anyone within the center. It's humbling and heart-crushing to know where she goes each night.
We continued to see her as the week went on, and continued to thoroughly enjoy her company. The last day, when we were tying up loose ends, I was asked to come over away from the group for a minute. Victor, the service team coordinator, had my future sponsor child standing there with him. I had been prodding Victor for the entire time we were there telling him that I wanted to sponsor a child. I knew that I wasn't sure exactly how I was going to make it work... but, I knew I had to. The people of Guatemala have SO little and I have been blessed with SO much. The least I can do is give up some splurges to support a young girl's dreams of an education. Anyway, the girl that I saw when Victor brought me over to the girl with the most need, was Leidy. Standing there with her infectious smile and sweet face.... my heart melted and she just grabbed me and hugged me and held me for the next 20 or so minutes. It was incredible... I am so incredibly honored to be her "madrina" or her godmother, as they are called by the Nuestros Ahijados. I can't describe how wonderful it was to actually get to meet her and interact with her... she's truly an incredible little girl that I am so eager to get to know as the years go on. Today I packed up a little package for her and sent it back with some volunteers who happened to be in Fargo this weekend. Some stickers, bubbles, a couple new shirts.... and a picture of the two of us together. It's something so special... I strongly encourage you to change the life of a young child at the Center. If you're interested in sponsoring a child for about $28/month, please let me know... I guarantee you'll get as much out of the experience as you put in. I feel so incredibly grateful for my amazing experience with The God's Child Project.. It's truly a magical place where children are given the tools to succeed in life.
