Journal, May 26, 2010

May 26, 2010

After being in the States for 20 days I am finally back in Guatemala. It was good to get some rest and even better to see friends and relatives that I have not seen for far to long, (First time out of Guatemala in over 3 years) but Guatemala has become my home and it is always good to get back home. I got in late last night and by the time I got up this morning all of the kids were in school so it was actually rather quiet around here for a change.

First thing I did after leaving the house this morning was go to my mechanic to pick up my car that was left at his shop while I was gone. I figured that if I gave him nearly 3 weeks to fix a few small things on it that I would not have to be with out it. Wrong! When I got there today I was told that he would start on it this afternoon. Welcome to Guatemala Dick. I had forgotten that nothing is ever done on time here, even if a few extra weeks are allowed. Fortunately a car that Chris and Donna had left there "who knows when" was finally fixed so I was able to use it today.

I had missed the orphanage kids as much as those that frequent my house so I headed there for the day. Before going to the States I had also promised a lady that I would show a group of people around the orphanage today. What I had not known was that this group was more like an army. There were 25 of them. All went well though because they quickly adjusted to the kids and with in a short time most of them were feeling right at home. It was good to see all of the kids and I was thrilled to see that both Jo Jo and Alex who were not doing to well when I had left were now doing much better.
























When I got home this evening I was not at all surprised to see 7 or 8 of my kids waiting for me in the alley by my house. With in a half hour those numbers had more than doubled and by supper time I had lost count. Several of them told me that 2 of the boys had told them that I had called them and told them that I was not coming back. It was meant as a joke but I was later told that some of them were in tears when they heard that.

Well things are pretty much back to normal. One less window due to a stray soccer ball. Several bandages have been used up on wounds that could scarcely be seen with a magnifying glass. Everything that has taken place in the last 3 weeks has been shared by nearly every kid. Several times 3 or 4 of them would tell me their side of the story all at once. Six packs of Spegetti and 2 bags of potato chips have been consumed, and my some what clean dishes have been put away. The kids insist that it is hard to get them spotless when you have to wash them out side with a garden hose. I have considered getting inside plumbing but then the kids would not be able to have water fights while doing the dishes. Any way things are once again back to as normal as they get around here. I guess I will go and look for my flash light. I don't want to trip over any kids as I walk through the house if I have to go outside to use the bathroom tonight. I guess I could build something like the house that I stayed in while I was in the states had but some how I just don't think that a bathroom inside of your home could be all that sanitary.

Goodnight,................
Yours in Christ: Dick