Friday, Part I

Today's blog may not get finished tonight, but perhaps in the Houston airport tomorrow. It's late and we have to leave for the airport at 4:30 A.M.

What a day! This morning we went to "Sandra" the newest squatters area outside the Guatemala City garbage dump. It defies words. There is probably a significant difference between urban poverty and rural poverty. Urban poverty may be more dangerous, but what we saw in "Sandra" was the worst of the worst in extreme, urban poverty. "Sandra" sprung up on an area that was formerly part of the dump and declared open for squatters. There is no water, electricity, unless it is boot-leg, and no sanitary facilities. It is a disgusting place where most children are beyond filthy, "smells" emminate from the obvious and not so obvious, and still children want to play ball, color, and sing. It was hot and uncomfortable as we prepared to begin, in part because we were shaken by what we were experiencing. It was a heartbreaking scene...precious children thrilled to play, talk, and be hugged, in a setting too unsettling to get your head around. Older children watched us from a distance, with suspicion and perhaps even some curiousity and some contempt. It was hard, really hard.

When we were done, we jumped back into the van and headed the short 3 minute drive to La Libertad, which in comparison seemed like the suburbs, and believe me it is not! We hung out with kids of all ages, again singing, coloring, and holding babies for the young children who had brought their even younger siblings to enjoy the fun. Babies in Guatemala are swaddled much of the time and kept extremely warm, despite the tropical weather, and that includes wearing knit beanies. They believe it will keep the babies from getting chilled or sick. They were beautiful children in the ugliest of conditions...again, very hard to witness. It is clear childhood means something very different here than it does at home. It is almost nonexistent.

Forgive me, but this is going to be completed tomorrow or Sunday with photos. They are being downloaded now. We look forward to finishing the description of our day and to sharing pictures of the Guatemalans and Americans who do this work tirelessly every day.

Again, thank you for sharing in our faith walks. It has again been a life altering experience. I feel a little sorry for our families and friends; we have a lot of pictures and even more stories. And although we hate to leave, we are anxious to get home.

Please pray for our safe return, Groundwork Guatemala, and the people here who endure so much and still find the heart of Jesus in their midst.
Blessings, always,
Your Michigan Guatemalan sisters