We were invited into the home of a dear Guatemalan woman, Ana and her 2
children, ages 18 and 29, Adela and David. We knew that their living conditions
were dire, but nothing could have prepared us for what we were about to see! As
we entered the home, we saw Adela and David lying in their beds, which were
covered with blue tarps. The sweet widow shared with us that 2 of her 5 children had
never walked or talked and could only understand a few things through the
communication system she had developed with them. It was obvious that Ana did
all she could to care for her children and her home, but even with her efforts,
the stench of urine overwhelmed our senses.
Ana has been carrying these two around their entire lives.
She carries them to bathe them, to move them about their small, one room, cinder block home, and outside to sit in the sun. She most likely feels that she is
literally carrying the burden of this family alone. This woman is getting older
in age and is struggling to move them around by herself.
As we talked with her, got to know her, and asked her how we could pray
for her, she was SO incredibly humble and gracious. All she could do was thank
us for coming to visit them. When we asked if wheelchairs would be helpful to
her, tears welled up in her eyes, her head sunk, and she graciously agreed that
they would be helpful. We knew that being ‘helpful’ was a complete
understatement but it was obvious that she was thrilled that we came to visit
them and didn’t want to ask for much more. As we rubbed the cheeks of Adela and
David and stroked their hair, it was obvious that they knew they mattered! The
Lord provided through the team that was visiting at the time and we will have
the honor of taking wheelchairs to them soon!
Would you search your heart and ask the Lord how He would have you partner
with us in ministering to families like this, to orphans living with HIV, and orphans
with other special needs in Guatemala? We are surrounded by people in need just
like Ana, Adela, and David and need your help. We can’t do this alone! If you
feel led to do so, please check out our current giveaway and consider how you
could be involved!
May God break your heart for the things that break His!
1 comment:
Oh Amy, how heartbreaking! I am so glad that you and your team were there for her. Special needs children are special children indeed.
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