Heartbreak & Opportunity

Greetings from Guatemala!

I’m still processing all the ways God has shown up and blessed our short time here. Yesterday we had a very smooth travel experience into the country. No delay in flights or through customs, all of our luggage arrived, and everyone is healthy. It was so awesome being reunited with the Davis family as they have been missed at latechurch.

We spent our first day walking around Buena Vista, visiting a few Rinos’ homes, and hanging out with some neighborhood kids along the way. Brock and Paul’s stories of the home lives of these kids are heartbreaking. So much neglect, abuse, abandonment, are common factors in most families here. Kids are forced to fend for themselves and grow up at a very young age. Lack of educational opportunities and poverty cause kids to begin working to support their families once they reach middle school age. Our hearts are breaking for the people here and only God can bring  hope and peace amidst all the brokenness.

This morning we had the opportunity to deliver fire wood to single moms in Buena Vista.   God led Paul and Brock to a tienda right around the house from where we are staying to purchase the wood.  The store owners were beyond grateful for the large purchase, as the  owner’s father was in need of surgery and now would be able to go thru with it.  The owner’s son had just had surgery and the large expense had them strapped financially. We had the privilege to pray blessings over this family and thankful that God crossed our paths with this family today.

Stephanie Sloan