This was the part of the trip we had been anxiously awaiting. When we spoke with Jeff's parents about wanting to do some type of service, they contacted a friend in Guatemala who helped us make this possible. We were told about a school in a rural town that could use our help. The trick was figuring out what we could bring for 250 children that would fit in our suitcases! We decided to fill a small bag for each child with school supplies and a small treat.
The night before we went to the school, we made an assembly line and filled each bag with the goodies. It was so great to get the kids involved and talk about serving and giving.
The next morning we bumped and bounced along a dirt road back into a remote little town nestled in the densely green hills. Farms, animals and little cement homes dotted the landscape. We saw people heading off to work while a few little ones played on the side of the road.
We pulled off the side of the dirt road and saw a school at the top of a small hill. Music was playing in the distance as we carried our boxes and suitcases to the school. As we walked into the courtyard of the school, my eyes welled up with tears. I had no idea what to expect but I certainly wasn't expecting what I saw before me. The courtyard was full of children lined up around the walls and an area had been set up for us to sit. Above the chairs was a large curtain saying "Bienvenidos" or Welcome. Music was playing and they cheered and clapped as we walked in. I could barely hold in my emotions. We thought we were just going to come in and hand out the bags but we had no idea they were preparing a program to welcome and thank us. Looking at them all standing before me, I wished I could have brought so much more to give them. And then I panicked. We only had 250 bags but it seemed like 500 children were there. My heart pounded with a hope and a prayer that somehow we would have enough.
We sat down and they proceeded to welcome with words, songs, and a dance. A small group of children performed a customary dance and then another group of young girls showed us some of the traditional work of Guatemalan women. They washed clothing, cared for a baby, made tortillas, and wove fabric. What a special thing it was to watch them celebrate these simple acts of work that are important to them. And how important they are! I wanted to hug each one of those darling little girls and tell them never to be ashamed to have your work be that of a mother.
After the program was over, it was time to hand out the bags. As they lined up, it seemed like they were multiplying in numbers. I think we all kept praying that we would have enough for each one. We really wanted our children to be the ones to give them out, so we stood back and just keep filling up their boxes. Prayers were indeed answered because it seemed like the bags were manna from heaven. What a miracle! We had enough for all. Even a few teachers came up and quitely asked if there was enough for them too. It was humbling.
I had such a feeling of joy as I watched their faces. So happy. So grateful. And most of all, excited to receive something of their very own. As they opened the bag, a smile spread across their face and the first thing to come out was a Tootsie pop. No doubt, that was the favorite thing of all.
After all that was done, an older group of boys wanted to play a quick game of soccer. And how could Jeff say no? The 19 year-old Argentine in him came out and they had a great time! Of course, they smoked us but that was to be expected.
Then it was time to go home. It was one of those moments when you wish you could just stay forever but after many smiles and hugs we said goodbye with so much gratitude in our hearts. Not for what we had given them but for what they had given us.
I think her smile says it all.
