Blessed to Serve!!

  …..Overflowing with Thankfulness  Col 2:7

                Greetings and Happy Holidays!

 I hope each of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving with your family and friends!!  It is that time of year again - I am preparing for a month long trip to serve at Eagle's Nest in January. As always, it is a struggle to put into words - what is in my heart -concerning my upcoming trip;  God truly has provided every single thing needed for these trips to occur, for which I am so very thankful!  Sitting down and writing a letter for support continues to be the most challenging thing to do.  It is a very humbling experience.  

  Most of you know that I have been going to EN since 2007 and started serving the month of January a few years ago.  I am so thankful that my church, Austin Christian Fellowship, opened the door for this opportunity in my life.  Serving long-term has created relationships that will remain treasured memories in my life. The Home provides care 24/7 for children, toddlers, and infants that have been removed from homes - usually because of abuse or extreme neglect.  EN also provides for many special needs children.  It has been wonderful to see how they have flourished and developed because of the love and care they receive.  

                                          Ingrid loving on her brother, Erick

 Just imagine if you were a child and were taken to a new place to live.  New environment, strangers, sometimes language barriers - can you imagine how scared, alone and frightened they might feel?  I honestly can't - but I do know that EN embraces, loves, accepts, provides for and goes above and beyond to do whatever possible to make the child realize they are in a "safe" place.

The children that have been there since I have been going know me and know that I am coming back - because I love them.  The older boys have been moved into a small apartment on the property so they learn responsibilities and grow as young men in a family environment.  The older girls will be doing the same sometime in 2015.  Eagle's Nest is totally dependent on the generosity of others to provide for all of the children.
 
          The older boys and their house parent, Omar

                                          Time with the older girls

My time is spent helping with projects, cleaning, painting, homework, play time, and where ever I am needed.  It is my goal to not be a burden in any way serving for a month; but to be helpful, uplifting, encouraging, and loving to everyone at EN.  The most important thing I do is love and play with the children.  I can hardly wait to be there!!

Please, prayerfully, consider supporting my trip to Eagle's Nest for the month of January.  As always, the funds raised will be used specifically for this trip and excess funds raised are spent on items needed at the Home.  In the past I have been able to purchase bedspreads and curtains for all the kids rooms, 50 wooden chairs for the dining area, items for the kitchen, shoes, diapers, help with medical cost, paint, dressers, tables, supplies and the list goes on. These things I have been able to do because of your generosity. 

Also, please add me to your prayer list as I prepare to leave my home and business for a month.  Prayers for my safety when I travel in January - and that I show God's love to everyone I meet.

A tax deductible check can be made out to Austin Christian Fellowship with Guatemala/Henley in the memo line or you can make the check to me personally.  Either way please mail to my address:  
1300 West Lakeland Drive, Austin, Texas 78732

More information on Eagle’s Nest is available at:
www.eaglesnestint.org.
You can keep up while I serve or view past posts at:
www.dguatemalajourney.blogspot.com



Love and Blessings,

Denise

            When God's children are in need, be the one to help them out 
                                                 Romans 12:13

Healing Knot Bracelets in Guatemala

                                                           Agripina

This year when I went to Eagle's Nest I had treasured bracelets that a dear friend made for the Mama's. Since my sweet friend started making them I have been proud to wear, share, and give away the ones she made for me.  Last June she gave me a bracelet that had the exact number of beads as my birthday. So I could celebrate each year that I have lived and embrace where I am in life.  It was PERFECT.   When her brother passed away she began making bracelets. She found it helped her deal with the emptiness in her heart.  We have all been there. Loosing a parent, a brother, a loved one, a dear friend....    I remember when she first showed me a bracelet and shared from her heart we both had tears in our eyes.

Corrine explains, "I can tell a story in the beads, their numbers, their colors.  The knots in between each bead are where I find the most pleasure, each one is "perfectly imperfect" just like us.  The knots give each bracelet character, just as each step of our lives defines us as unique.  As we "untie our knots" or troubles, you can feel the bracelet holding you and reminding you of your thoughts, hopes and prayers.

 I am not a big believer in "closure" after loosing someone.   My belief is that you learn to live through it and trust in God for comfort and healing that only he can bring.  Then you slowly begin to embrace the laughter, joy, and wonderful memories that are stored in your heart.  Wearing the bracelets have made me take a deep breath at times when I just needed to slow down.  They have made me aware of conversations and to "listen" more attentively.  Maybe a dear friend, acquaintance, travel partner, or a stranger needed the bracelet I was wearing more than me.  That was the hardest part at first because I love each bracelet, the different colors, and the story behind why it was on my wrist.

 AnaPatricia, Antoinette, Mimi, Lorena, Conce, Luki, Agripina, Mariella

As I was preparing to go to Guatemala in January and serve at Eagle's Nest for a month, Corrine said she wanted to make bracelets for me to give away.  (www.eaglesnestint.org) I asked if she could make enough for me to take to the "Mama's" who lovingly care for all the kids.  Of course she said yes and made eighteen single strand bracelets for me these very special ladies.  It has been an honor to get to know them, love them, and work with them each time I am there.  They are a blessing in the children's lives as well as mine. Although my Spanish is better, the mama's and I have many laughs when I try to communicate some things. I knew it was best if Felis translated Corrine's story about the bracelets.  I noticed several of the ladies had tears in their eyes as she translated the story behind the bracelets.

I wanted them to know how special the bracelets were and that they were made specifically for them.  Felis explained they may feel led to give to someone else along the way.  (Heads up Corrine ~ that means I will need more for next year!)  I wasn't sure if they would wear them immediately or put them in a pocket for later.  But they all put them on and loved them!!

At one point I had a handful of bracelets but during the holidays I got down to zero.  I requested a light colored one with a few dark beads to take on my trip.  I wore it everyday and was selfishly hoping I would make it home with it on my wrist.. Didn't happen.  Pedro and I walked up the mountainside into the community behind the Home one afternoon to visit some of the families.  They all have children in the Manna feeding program so I see the children five days a week when they come for a hot meal and bible verse.  It is not like walking down a concrete sidewalk to get to a neighbors house where I live.  Nor or the homes equipped with heat, air, electric, running water, laundry machines, kitchens.  Bottom line, it is a different way of living than here.  It was great to meet the parents and siblings of so many of the children I have seen come to Manna the past few years.

This mom and her husband lived in a small room near what would be called the main house.  She scurried off and quickly appeared with this adorable six month old baby, dressed in his best clothes, and handed him over to me.  It was sooooo sweet.  I held him the entire time we were there.  Before we left, Pedro put the baby inside his dufel bag.  He fit perfectly and we all laughed and laughed.  He told them I am always wanting to put a  baby in my backpack and bring him home.  Wishful thinking I might add.  I thought we took a photo but I can't find it, was adorable.

The point of the story is that I felt led to give my bracelet to this sweet mom.  I don't know her story, if her husband works, how they make money to eat & buy clothes.  Nothing.  I do know they are God's children and I love them.  I took my bracelet off and communicated with her in my broken Spanish that I wanted her to have it.  Pedro then gave a quick background on the bracelet.  She had a big smile and I was so happy I had it to share.
Thank you Corrine.  Thank you for your loving, caring, heart and for these wonderful bracelets that are touching hearts all over the world, and now in Guatemala.     www.healingknots.com

Leaving Guatemala

The plan Thursday was to leave at 8:00 a.m. and head to the airport in Guatemala City for my afternoon flight home.  I was up early so I could say goodbye to all the kiddos before they left for school.  It is never easy to leave.  

Hugged the kids, one by one, before they went to school.  Told them how much I loved them and that I would see them next year.  Even got a photo with Eliceo which is very hard to come by!

Felis and Claire were driving me to the airport for they had errands to run in Guate City.   We didn't get far, a "manifestation" (strike) had caused a major traffic jam.

Claire asked a policeman if another route was open and he said yes so we turned around and headed that direction.  We were soon to find out that the three roads that led to the City were all closed due to the strike. So plan B started with breakfast in Panajachal. Yummy, yummy, banana pancakes and much laughter among us gals.  Then back to the Home, spent an hour on the phone with United Airlines and was finally able to get exact flight on friday, with no fee incurred!

Then off to love on the babies and small kiddos not in school.  Even got to feed the new babies, Marie de Angela and Flori de Maria.

                             Just a few more adorable photos of them before I had to leave again.

Macardeo greeted me almost every day by running to me with open arms.  He even did his wide open arms when he was in the high chair fixing to eat.  Adore this little "miracle baby" that I got to love on while I was there.

The older kids were surprised to see me still there when they got in from school.  Warmed my heart that they all wanted me to stay another month!!  Seriously crossed my mind actually!  Treasured the extra time with the kids and mama's.

 
Felis and Claire felt it best to go into Guatemala City late afternoon if the roads cleared so we could avoid same problem friday should the Teachers decide to strike again.  Sometimes they do strike for days and block the only roads that go into the city for media coverage and President's attention. The strikes were being held by public school teachers who were asking for more money, new desks for the kids, and school lunches for the kids.  I was actually glad to hear that is what the strike was about and didn't at all mind it causing a flight delay.  We headed to Guate late afternoon and stayed at the Barcelo.  It is a  hotel close to the airport so I would be able to catch my flight regardless if roads closed outside the city on friday.
I wish I could tell you how much fun I had with Felis and Claire.  It would be impossible to share a story and have it be as funny to you as it was to us, so I will spare you.  The thing is, we laughed so hard we had tears many, many times throughout the day.  It was just one thing after another.  I will share just this one thing - Felis had ordered Sushi for dinner - and asked for chopsticks (in Spanish)  This is what they brought her:

I can not tell you how hard we laughed......  What a blessing to have the extra time to just share and enjoy our friendship.  I love them and all they do for all the kids at Eagle's Nest.

 This new little boy, about 40 days old, was brought to the Home a few days ago.  His name is Adam Dorian.  Please prayerfully consider supporting this awesome ministry who cares for so many.

I miss everyone at EN and will continue to blog and share photos from my experience.  What a blessing to be able to serve there and thankful for all the support, prayers, and encouragement to do so.

New Babies

Last night at Eagle's Nest, so hard to believe.  So many stories and photos to share!

The authorities called yesterday and asked if Eagle's Nest could take in a one day old baby. 

Yes, one day old!!!  She is tiny, tiny.  Her name is Flori de Maria.  She was born in the hospital down the road and her mother said she didn't want her.  Thankful for relationships that have been formed at the hospital so they call EN to take in babies that are not wanted. 

A social worker met with the mother and grandmother today.  As of now Flori de Maria will stay in the custody of Eagle's Nest until further investigation is done.  If a family member comes forward and says they can care for her and have the means to do so she could be removed from home.  But that will take months.  In the meantime, she is being loved and cared on by everyone here. 

I was able to make a short post on Facebook last night but had not time to blog until now.  What a special treat when Felis asked if I wanted her to stay with me last night!!  So awesome and of course I said yes.

Felis older daughter, Adrianna, stayed as well and was a huge help.  We had a slumber party.

Flori de Maria was just a bit fussy off and on but once she got settled in bed with me she was just fine.  

Since Adrianna had school today so I tried to take most of night shift so she could rest.  It was so awesome to have a sweet little baby to love on and grateful that they trusted me to do so. 

 It was great to wake up with her this morning, give her a bath and feed her.   She is beautiful.

Late today another child was brought to Eagle's Nest!  The authorities had called Felis and asked if she could take a newborn in.  Her birthdate is unknown but the guess is she is around two weeks old.  She weighs 5 llbs and 2 ounces, her name is Maria de Los Angeles.  Her mother gave her to a woman she didn't know and ran off and has not been seen since.  The woman went to the authorities for it would be illegal for her to keep a child under those circumstances.  That is when they called EN and asked if she could be cared for here.  

She was very dirty and smelly so the a bath was first on the list, although she wasn't real happy about it.

She is as tiny as sweet Flori de Maria but since her umbilical cord is gone the guess is she is around two weeks old.  Felis got her all cleaned up, I found some tiny baby clothes for her in the basement, she got a bottle and calmed down.  Last I saw her she was sleeping. Felis will be keeping her the next few nights and unless the authorities can track down the mother and find a family member she will be raised here at Eagle's Nest. 

The funds that are given to EN will help buy formula, diapers, medicine, clothes, and childcare around the clock for these sweet babies.  I only wish they had come to the home when I first arrived rather than my last two days here!!  It is comforting to know the love, care and hugs they will get here and am grateful for that.  

Thanks for your love, support, and prayers as I have served this month.

Three things will last forever - faith, hope, and love - and the greatest of these is Love.

1 Cor 13:13

Nahum Update

Time here has gone to fast.  Only five more days.  Felis and Pedro let me take Nahum to his post op appointment yesterday - what a privilege. The doctor that did the surgery wanted to unwrap bandage and take a look before he left for the States.  Not your normal post op visit!!  Waited on a bench so the Dr. would see us when he arrived and we wouldn't have to wait in long line.  

 

Luckily I saw a couple of ladies I had met volunteering with Medical Mission team and they had rounded up gauze and tape for the Dr. should he need it.  They were concerned for all the supplies had been packed up and the ones that had been held back for follow ups had gone missing.  Dr. Bowen walked in and saw 

Nahum and we just stepped over in the lobby area so he could remove bandage.  

Several pieces of medical equipment had been left in the hallway so the Dr. used that as a table.  He remembered that Nahum had fainted when they gave him the IV so he had Nahum sit down just to be safe.

He was very pleased with what he saw and said the first week he should move fingers every so gently.  After that he has to move them daily so that his fingers don't freeze up.  The skin graft area is a very different color than Nahum's skin but he said eventually it would be same color as his skin. The scar on his stomach from the skin graft is healing very well.  I tried to take a photo when bandages were taken off but Nahum really didn't want me to so I didn't.  

The short walk home from the hospital was good for him.  It was a gorgeous day.

Since Nahum had to miss school after surgery I was able to spoil him a bit.  (Sorry Mama Clarita and Mama Felis!) The day after surgery I asked what he wanted to eat and he said eggs but Mama Luki said he couldn't have them.  Ends up she didn't want him to have the grease from the eggs in case it caused him to have an upset tummy.  After we got that figured out I was able to make him scrambled eggs and toast for lunch a couple days.  Because of how his left hand is webbed it is hard for him to hold a utensil. He tried to hold a spoon and eat soup and it ended up all down the front of his shirt.

Which means he has to be fed by someone for the next week.  I imagine that is embarrassing and humbling at the same time.  Once the stitches come out of his fingers and he is able to start using his right hand he will be good to go.  He was very grateful and thanked me repeatedly for making him meals and I am so thankful I was here during this time to spoil him a bit!!  He will be back at school on Monday and is probably ready for a change in scenery.   He doesn't have t.v., movies, Xbox, etc... to keep him busy while he is recouping like most of us do after surgery. 

Nahum and his two siblings have been at Eagle's Nest for three years.  Both of the parents are deceased.  So very, very, thankful for all the love and care they have been able to receive her at EN.  Thankful for the medical mission team and the surgery they were able to perform at no charge.   Thanks for keeping up,

Blessings to you...

Random photos

Sharing photos, few words.  Lots getting done, lots more to do.  Only here a week more, can't believe it.

                     Felis and Ever

       Family that comes to Manna, Johnny on the far right is son of lady that prepares meals daily for kids.

            Eric is new to the home since I was here last year.

 Auturo has matured and is doing good.

Pablo, Kevin, Enrique, Raul, and ?? being silly.

   Jaciel being silly, she is always chatting and full of personality.

     Some of the boys before bedtime, Autoro, Raul, Gabriel, Eric, and Paolo

 Angel is in special needs class this year.  He is such a happy boy!!  His new walker is great for him.

 Lizzy loving on her little baby doll.  Too cute...

 The older kids are so great with the younger kids.  Nahum with David and Elana.

The younger boys at dinner time, the kids eat in shifts.  Goes very smoothly.
When they finish eating they put empty plates on bar at kitchen to be cleaned.

The small kids are ready for dinner, Lizzy is frowning at me for taking the photo.
Valerie, Victoria, Macardeo, Abi, and Lizzy.

Jose Manual loving on sweet Victoria.

So thankful for my time here and the relationships that have been built over the years.
Thanks for keeping up!

.....So see to it that you really do love each other intensely with all your hearts.

1Peter 1:22