Today is our last day in Guatemala City, and we were able to spend some time visiting some of the Buckner-run orphanages, which means that there is more staff for the kids, the homes are cleaner, and there is a focus on their futures. This is Crystal, and I fell in love with her 2 years ago as a skinny 6 month old who threw up on my shoulder repeatedly.  Now she’s healthy, happy, and so smart.  She is a delight to be with, and you can tell that she has a sense of humor and a very strong will.  She loved the bracelets that Emily brought, and even wanted me to hang them on her ears.  After seeing some of the conditions of the government run orphanages, it was a pleasure to see her doing well, as well as the other babies in the home, even in spite of their special needs.

Celeste lost vision in her eye when her parents took her to a witch doctor to treat her eye infection.  She’s precious.

Juan Pablo (aka Spider Man) enjoys his spaghetti.

We also visited the transitional homes for girls, for boys, and for single mothers.  It is good to see boys from San Gabriel finding a home and a hope with Buckner in these smaller homes.  After seeing some less than desirable conditions, it’s good to end this trip on a note of hope and potential for the future.

I’m not sure where God will lead us next in our mission work in Guatemala, but I know that I will be seeing these children of His again as soon as possible.  They have captured my heart, they change my perspective, and they bring joy with their lives in Christ.