Guatemalan Gorgeousness



 

Guatemala is, in many respects, a land of stark contrasts. This morning I'm smiling, recalling the gorgeous natural sights that were everywhere around me. All I had to do was look...

This is a poinsettia tree. Yes, that's right--a tree! It was huge, growing wild and it completely shocked me when I realized the source of shadow where I stood. Imagine, standing in the shadow of a poinsettia? That'll totally change my view on holiday decorations!

A stroll on the grounds at Mi Refugio yielded abundant beauty. I paused at this little pond and gazed into the clear water. No fish in its depths, as I'd hoped, but a single water lily bobbed on the surface. Lovely!

When atop a mountain, rainwater cascades downhill. The melody created by the previous night's rainfall was so soothing.

There are times when I struggle to get the roses in my gardens to bloom. Really, I do. On a Guatemalan mountain, they grow wild. And the scent? Oh-so intoxicating!

Do I miss the place? Can't you tell?  

Everyone Needs a Refuge

Mi Refugio (“My Refuge” in English) is a school set high on a mountain just outside Guatemala City. To reach its gates, a bumpy, twisting road must be traversed, making it the prize at the end of an arduous trek. 

It is exactly what the name implies to the children who attend classes there: A refuge, one they desperately need. Theirs is a birthright of poverty and despair, disease and illiteracy. The social and economic unrest in the country is a near guarantee that without some intervention the future of a whole new generation will be very bleak indeed.

Mi Refugio provides two meals daily, which in many cases is the only source of nutrition for these kids. They are clothed in neat uniforms, given backpacks and school supplies. They are taught hygiene skills and manners. It is a Christian school, so the children learn faith.

The biggest gift the school endows upon these young, impressionable minds is hope. That’s right; they’re taught that if they do the right thing, study hard and look toward the future with an open heart, that maybe—just maybe—they have a hope for a better life. A future that doesn’t depend on existing, but living. A way to leave desperation and poverty behind and step into the beautiful Guatemalan sunshine that, too, is part of their heritage.

Mi Refugio nourishes small bodies and bright minds. It dispels darkness, even temporarily, and instills hope and faith. It opens doors to the possibility of a brighter future for children who would never otherwise have those doors open to them. It gives these kids a chance to flourish despite terrible odds—and, in the end, isn’t that what we all want for every child, everywhere? A chance to learn and grow…and succeed.          

Land of Eternal Spring

Last week I returned from a mission trip to Guatemala. It was a journey of "firsts" for me. First mission trip. First visit to the country. First up-close look at a volcano. First... Well, why don't we just wait for the rest of the "firsts" to come to light on their own.

What wasn't a first for me were some of the emotions I felt on my adventure. Love. Peace. Joy. All familiar to me, which is in and of itself a true blessing. I experienced other emotions on the trip, as well. Those, like the "firsts", will show themselves eventually.

For now, I just want to tell you that I went on a great adventure.

I met beautiful people.

Saw incredible things.

And came back home with lots of stories. In the coming weeks I plan to share some of those stories here. I do hope you'll join me as I tell about my latest journey. It was awesome, and I loved every minute of it. I hope you will, too.

I'm always amazed by the path these feet are on. This time, the path led straight up a mountain into a jungle...to find love and a small slice of heaven.

Missing

I'm just home from a mission trip to Guatemala. More details to follow, but for now let's just say that I am really missing...

The kids at the school. Big time.

Kari. So much. Betsy, too.

The mission friends who should now, like me,  be in their comfy homes, relaxing after the strenuous trip.

I miss the country, people, food, music...and even the spiders!

I miss Harry.

I miss it all.  

Harvest Time

Clocking In

Just so true!

Hope you have a great day!

Writing Life

People ask about the writing life, and by the gleam in their eyes I always think they must imagine it's a glamorous, exciting life.

Ha!

On the to-do list most days? Morning revisions. Midday writing. Afternoon break to do housework, yardwork, paperwork. So many "works" that need attention! Then late day writing. A break. Then, most evenings, I read or scribble outlines for what's on the following day's writing plan.

Yeah, totally glam, no? I'm not complaining one bit. I love what I do and realize I live a very good life but it is so not wild and exciting! But me...I'll take ordinary over exciting any day!

 

Plotting

...Or hiking.

Maybe both.

You?

World of Color

When I was at the RWA conference I managed to visit Disneyland a few times. I'd never been, and loved it. One of my favorite parts was the World of Color. It was just so pretty, and a perfect way to welcome the night.

All A Bored? Or Boared?

Months after I took this picture, I'm still smiling.

Old Glory

Footsteps

Hope you have a great day...wherever your feet take you.