The lessons from Children!

Reid and Luicito, became friends

Luicito is all smiles

One of the biggest highlights in Guatemala this year for our family, has been spending time at the orphanage in San Andres. This wasn't something we had initially planned on, but of course God opened up some unique opportunities that allowed us to spend time with these beautiful children.

We've been lucky to have my sister-in-law, Katlyn, with us most of the trip. She is a nearly graduated physical therapy student and has been eager to work with as many kids as she can during her 6 weeks with us. It came to our attention that there were several kids at the orphanage, Hogar De Vida, in San Andres that would benefit from her services. Katlyn was excited by the challenge and willing to help, so we spent about 1-2 days a week in San Andres as she worked regularly with 4 of their children.

Katlyn working with Jose

San Andres is a city is about 30 minutes to the west of Canilla. Hogar De Vida is an orphanage that is also significant because this is where the Fickers' got their start in Guatemala 15 years ago. When God called them to Guatemala, they first went to Hogar De Vida in San Andres to work as house parents in this orphanage. The Fickers and their 6 kids, were quickly immersed in the Guatemalan language and culture while spending countless hours playing with and caring for these precious children.

Kiera climbing the ladder

Hogar De Vida is home to about 20 kids. Their ages range from infant to 17. All of them have tragic stories of how they lost their parents, or how their parents couldn't care for them and have dropped them off at the orphanage. Thankfully, through all of their tragedy, they still have huge smiles, and a willingness to befriend, and love new people.  The orphanage itself is filled with color and life. The moment you walk past the large yellow wall and gate, you can since the presence of God in this place. There is a huge, colorful, playground built by loving hands that fills the center courtyard. There are big, beautiful, flowers that are interwoven throughout the property. It is surprising to me that with 20 busy kids running around, there is a certain peace and tranquility that fills this property.

Beau is playing with the boys

As Katlyn worked diligently giving therapy to several of these children, the kids and I spent hours just playing with the others. It was fun to see how our kids transformed during this time. At first, they were very anxious to play with kids with whom they couldn't speak the same language. Fortunately, as the time lapsed they warmed to the idea, and not only enjoyed running around together, but actually started having fun learning and saying Spanish words. It was fun to see how relatively quickly kids can adapt, and look past what seems to be insurmountable boundaries of language and culture, and just have fun playing. Kids have the gift of loving and accepting easily without stipulation. This is something we as adults so desperately can learn from.

Gracie and Oscar playing together

As I sit here writing the day after Beau's 7th birthday, I can't help but feel such a myriad of emotions. Our time with our kids is so precious, and it goes so fast. It felt like only yesterday I held Beau in my arms for the first time. Just like the blink of an eye he is 7 years old. This time with my kids, and with the children from the orphanage continued to impress on me the value of our children. Whether they are our own, or someone else's. Children need to be our priority. Children always had a special place in the heart of Jesus. He showed by example that there was never an adult meeting or business that should take the place of quality time with children.

Beau wanted to hike on his birthday!

I often lament about times Shea and I have been distant with our own kids. Often we are present in body, but our minds and hearts are distracted by what we perceive as more "important things". Often these other "good things" take the place of some of the best things, which is quality times with our children. In 20 years, I'll never wish I saw more patients, had more meetings, wrote more emails, or did more laundry, but I know I'll wish I spent more time really being "present" with my children (and not just handing them this Ipad).  Our children are important and I am grateful that the focus of this hospital project is to take care of the children in these mountains. We do not wish to just take care of their physical bodies but we want the children we take care of, and our own children to know Jesus Christ. That will be our constant prayer.

The importance of children was emphasized by Jesus in the book of Matthew.

The kids enjoying Ice cream on Beau's Birthday

In Matthew 18: 3-5 He says:
"I tell you the truth, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore, whoever humbles himself like this child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven. And whoever welcomes a little child like this in my name welcomes me."

Shea and the kids watching as Aunt Katlyn leaves on a plane

Christ again teaches the disciples the importance of the children in In Matthew 19: 13-14:

Then the children were brought to Jesus for him to place his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples rebuked those brought them. Jesus said "let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."