Serving the Shepherd, Loving His Lambs: March 2020

So, how is life in Guatemala right now?

Just thought I’d give you all an update on life here in Guatemala. The Guatemala government is taking this virus very seriously. In a country such as this, an influx of sick patients needing hospital care would devastate the healthcare infrastructure. The country is on lock down. By this I mean, all schools, classes, programs, sports, and most office type jobs are closed. Grocery stores are open for a few hours in the morning. (However, be prepared to wait in line to enter and possibly have your temperature taken before entering.)There is a curfew from 4pm—4am. No one may be outside their home. They are arresting those who disobey. Food is still available (as is toilet paper and other paper products!) The orphanages we work in are all closed to visitors . No school means no teaching English. No therapy means no need to provide transportation. No visitors mean we REALLY miss all the babies and children we usually work with and love on every week!! But praise the Lord, they are all healthy. No virus among them. Let’s pray it stays that way for those precious children, many who are immunosuppressed.

Exercising!

Sack races

So, we stay home. We home school, we play, we pray. We check in with our friends and family both here and far away. And just like all of you, we cancel plans (Alia is still in TN instead of here with us for spring break) and we take one day at a time. We focus on what we can be thankful for and we pray in earnest for all those who are sick, have sick family members, or have lost family members. We remember our hope is in Jesus! This is not a surprise to Him and He will get us all through it. It is heartwarming to see all the good that is coming out of this time. I choose to scroll Facebook and look for those posts and do my part in keeping us as safe as we can be.

Hope you enjoy these photos of some of our family time! We are praying you all are staying well and sane!!!

Parcheesi is one of our favorites!

Indoor basket ball for the littles!

PRAISES

¨ God is in control of EVERYTHING!

¨ Governments are working to keep their people safe and healthy.

¨ God’s people are stepping up and sharing the hope of Christ with those around them in these crazy times!

PRAYER REQUESTS

¨ For the people in the rural villages here in Guatemala that are relying solely on God for their next bite of food.

¨ For the medical workers and service providers that are putting other people’s needs before their own to keep us fed and cared for.

¨ For the sick, scared, and anxious . May they know God’s peace.

From Weariness to Joy

Like the chaos that this virus is bringing about, my life feels a bit out of control at times. On one hand, we are coming together as a family and finding fun activities to fill our time. And on the other hand we are physically and emotionally worn out as we navigate the world of loving and parenting a child who suffers from trauma. We are continuing to work through the behavior issues that Junior has. It is not easy but we know once we get to the other side it will be so worth it! Last night as I was crying out to Jesus to heal this precious boy from the trauma that he has experienced, I heard God say “breakthrough is coming!” What joy these three words brought to this weary mama’s heart! And so this morning as we cuddled on the couch, I prayed that he would feel both my love and the love of our Heavenly Father. I am standing on the promise of God that breakthrough is coming. I know that God’s timing does not always follow MY plan, haha, but that His timing is perfect! We’ll keep hanging on and pushing through these hard days knowing that God promises us joy in the morning! My hope is in Him and his promises! Thank you, to all of you that have been praying for us. Please continue to pray for healing for Junior, wisdom for us as parents, and compassion and patience for the other kiddos. Thank you!