Guatemala - Day 2

Today was a GREAT day!  We mainly went to 2 orphanages that were completely different.  

In the morning we went to a Buckner orphanage that had 15 babies anywhere from 0-6 years old.  While some are orphans due to death of parents, most were discarded.   There were also a few who had their teenage mother living in this home as well.  The majority had such sad stories of how they ended up at this home.  One was discarded because her face was burnt from boiling water spilling all over her.  One was found tied to a tree in chains where her parents treated her like a dog and fed her by throwing food at her.  One was hit in the eye by her own mother and was taken to a witch doctor because her eye kept bleeding.  The doctor then poured something in her eye which burned it till it turned completely white.  Therefore the mother discarded her into the streets because of the way she looks. 

We were all in awe wondering how anyone could abandon such beautiful and sweet children.  With no choice of being rejected, we were amazed to see how much joy and love these children had to offer. 

In the afternoon we went to a governmentally ran orphanage which had 68 boys and about 50 of them had special needs!  Right when we got off the bus they greeted us enthusiastically with hugs and kisses.  It was just so amazing for all of us to see how though they are in such need they are still so happy.

Though it was chaotic we somehow managed to share Daniel 3 to them, had relay races, played big group games, taught them a worship song, and passed out popsicles.  We ran out of battery on the camera at this home but will be going back there on Wednesday afternoon.  We'll show you what this orphanage was like then. 

Overall, this was was our 1st day where I feel that God opened our eyes to how great the need is here in Guatemala and what the orphanages are like.  I look forward to seeing what God will continue to do the rest of this week!