New Children Arrive at the Orphanage
Lots to update you all on! We have been back at the orphanage for a few weeks now and it has been busier than ever. First, here is an update on the rest of our trip. On the weekend between classes we hiked an active volcano, Pacaya, near Antigua. Pacaya last erupted a year ago and is one of four active volcanoes in Guatemala. The hike took about four hours and got difficult when we reached the volcanic rock which is very slippery when combined with a steep grade. The view was incredible from the top and felt like a sauna with all the steam rising from the volcano.
Pacaya Volcano
On Top of the Volcano
Antigua, Guatemala
Cerro de la Cruz
We were also able to visit Lake Atitlan for a couple days before heading back. It was a much needed trip to learn more Spanish so that we are better able to communicate and build relations with the children at the orphanage. The trip also gave us a few days off to re-energize.
Lake Atitlan, overlooking the town of San Pedro La Laguna
The first week we were back we received about 100 new children at the orphanage. The children came from an orphanage in San Pedro Sula which had burned down. This was actually a blessing because these children were not taken care of at all. Of these children, 27 came to the toddler house (8 in the baby room and most with special needs). Some have scabies (mites that burrow into the skin and lay eggs), are malnourished, and have some kind of fungus on their heads that makes them lose their hair. They have cuts all over their bodies and are very hyper vigilant, probably from being abused. It has been a huge challenge to try to prevent the other children from getting scabies. There is just not enough room, supplies or staff for these children but we are making it work the best we can.
One of the first things I noticed about the children when first coming to the orphanage is how healthy they all look. I was told that when needed the children go to a nutrition center before arriving at the orphanage and many of them were in the same situation as the newly arrived ones. It just breaks my heart to see some of the children so malnourished that they look like the infomercials of the kids in Africa. However, I know with all the love and care they will receive here they will be healthy and happy soon. Within the past week they are already making great progress and becoming more trusting. It reminds me of the new girl that I mentioned a few posts ago. For the longest time she would not talk and was very guarded. Now she is constantly talking, smiling, and laughing. I know that these kids will be the same way and it will just take them some time to adjust and know that this orphanage is not like the one they were at in the past.
Please pray that the food will nourish their bodies and they will gain health. Also, that these children will be healed from scabies and that the other children and staff/volunteers are protected from the scabies. Pray that God brings more long term volunteers to the orphanage as almost all are leaving around this time of the year and there is such a need for help right now. The toddlers in the baby room are having a hard time adjusting to having the new children here because they are not getting as much attention. They also have chicken pox right now so they are extra cranky. Right now there are 2 of us in the baby room taking care of 19 toddlers ranging in age from 3 weeks old to 18 months and the special needs kids are around 3 and 4 years old. God is definitely challenging me, but with Him it is possible.
Upon our return we were able to move into a duplex versus the room we had before. A 2 bedroom duplex with a living room and kitchen opened up while we were gone. We are absolutely loving it and it feels so much more like home. We hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and we definitely missed spending the holiday with our family and friends.
Pacaya Volcano
On Top of the Volcano
Antigua, Guatemala
Cerro de la Cruz
We were also able to visit Lake Atitlan for a couple days before heading back. It was a much needed trip to learn more Spanish so that we are better able to communicate and build relations with the children at the orphanage. The trip also gave us a few days off to re-energize.
Lake Atitlan, overlooking the town of San Pedro La Laguna
The first week we were back we received about 100 new children at the orphanage. The children came from an orphanage in San Pedro Sula which had burned down. This was actually a blessing because these children were not taken care of at all. Of these children, 27 came to the toddler house (8 in the baby room and most with special needs). Some have scabies (mites that burrow into the skin and lay eggs), are malnourished, and have some kind of fungus on their heads that makes them lose their hair. They have cuts all over their bodies and are very hyper vigilant, probably from being abused. It has been a huge challenge to try to prevent the other children from getting scabies. There is just not enough room, supplies or staff for these children but we are making it work the best we can.
One of the first things I noticed about the children when first coming to the orphanage is how healthy they all look. I was told that when needed the children go to a nutrition center before arriving at the orphanage and many of them were in the same situation as the newly arrived ones. It just breaks my heart to see some of the children so malnourished that they look like the infomercials of the kids in Africa. However, I know with all the love and care they will receive here they will be healthy and happy soon. Within the past week they are already making great progress and becoming more trusting. It reminds me of the new girl that I mentioned a few posts ago. For the longest time she would not talk and was very guarded. Now she is constantly talking, smiling, and laughing. I know that these kids will be the same way and it will just take them some time to adjust and know that this orphanage is not like the one they were at in the past.
Please pray that the food will nourish their bodies and they will gain health. Also, that these children will be healed from scabies and that the other children and staff/volunteers are protected from the scabies. Pray that God brings more long term volunteers to the orphanage as almost all are leaving around this time of the year and there is such a need for help right now. The toddlers in the baby room are having a hard time adjusting to having the new children here because they are not getting as much attention. They also have chicken pox right now so they are extra cranky. Right now there are 2 of us in the baby room taking care of 19 toddlers ranging in age from 3 weeks old to 18 months and the special needs kids are around 3 and 4 years old. God is definitely challenging me, but with Him it is possible.
Upon our return we were able to move into a duplex versus the room we had before. A 2 bedroom duplex with a living room and kitchen opened up while we were gone. We are absolutely loving it and it feels so much more like home. We hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and we definitely missed spending the holiday with our family and friends.
Comments
Post a Comment