The last day spent in Guatemala is always wonderful and terrible.  It’s so good to have those last moments with the kids, squeezing every drop of joy and laughter out of the day, but then comes the part at the end when we say good-bye.  Today was no easier than the previous 6 times I’ve left them, and one would think that it should get less painful.

It was a full day with taking 7 kids to the local children’s museum.  Seven adults and seven kids…piece of cake, right?  I’m certain I was more tired than most of those kids at the end of the day.  The museum is a great place with hands on experiences with sound, light, bubbles, blocks, and a variety of other educational tasks.  I spent most of my time with Isabel; she doesn’t say much, but she’s a bundle of energy and flying limbs.  After the museum we took the kids to Chuck E. Cheese, which is just like Chuck E. Cheese in the U.S.: chaotic, loud, and exactly what kids want.  They played games, ran around, had meltdowns, and had a great time.

After taking the kids back to their home, we spent more time playing, with each of us aware that our time was dwindling.  There is so much that happened and so much to say about the day and the sweet moments throughout.  Scot, Shawn, and Nate & Rachael have their own moments to share.  A few highlights from my vantage point:

• I loved playing ball with Estuardo.  He is such a smart and tender child, and he hurt so much when we told him good-bye.  Until that time came, though, it was a delight to throw and catch with him, passing the ball faster and faster, watching him become more intent on doing better.
• Loving on Isabell.  She has special needs and is slow to develop, and she is unlikely to be loved into an adoptive family in this country.  Yet she is not unlike any of us.  Her skin is soft, she loves to be close to others and seeks their hands and touch, and she loves to laugh.  Even while holding her and responding to her inarticulate moans, I was aware that she is a child of God and has infinite worth in His eyes.
• Jose climbing the rock wall.  I sat on a bench with Isabell and watched kids climb a rock wall outside.  Juan Pablo was waiting in line, and he made it 3/4 of the way to the top.  Then came Jose, who is deaf and communicates through sign language and screams.  One would think that he isn’t intelligent, but it has become clear that he is extremely intelligent, concerned for his “family” at the orphanage, and determined.  He made it to the top of the rock wall, and I swear I could see perseverance rolling off his back the whole way.  He wouldn’t give up until he’d rung that bell.  He has a tremendous amount of strength and ability, despite his apparent disability.  He amazes me.

I don’t know what comes next for this kids or what the long term outcome will be for these orphanages or what their families will look like.  What I do know is that God has called me to this journey and has many divine appointments along the way, including those of these past 3 days.  Through those God ordained moments, He is building love into the lives of these kids, and I am changed in the process.