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.