When your breath has been taken away by an amazing God, it seems there are no words. While I process the truths of what I saw and learned in Guatemala, I leave you with a few photographs from day one.
Walking to church, my heart was in awe at the beautiful scenery. But more importantly, my heart fell in love with people. A city full of people who Jesus’ heart beats for!
The challenge of the day was to walk around the city just seeing through the eyes of Jesus. No talking, just listening and looking. The looks of heartache, smiles, and helplessness all caught my heart.
I soon began to see that God’s people are all the same. Families want to provide for their families, they work hard, and are caught up in the busy of life. Meet Marlena – she and her family travel around the city daily selling woven table runners and scarves. Marlena is 14 years old and helps provide for her family. 92 percent of the children 14 and under work to help provide for their family!
As I listened and watched I saw busy people; entrepreneurs, families, frustrated workers, worried moms, and children who were left to provide for their families. Yes, our cultures are different and they live in the most poverty stricken nation known as “little Africa”, but at the heart we are all the same. Desperate people longing for life, seeking peace and wanting love.
Hallelujah, Jesus came to give us all just that — life, peace, and love!
Christa Sterken says
ohh, thank you so much for sharing
Positively Alene says
Proud of you for joining Exodus Road. Speak and share loudly. There’s some things stirring for Guatemala too! Praying deeply for open doors and voices to share the needs. More coming soon! Blessings
Tammy Helfrich says
Wow. Beautiful.
La McCoy says
Do these precious folks have a Mayan heritage? lmc
Positively Alene says
They do. I know I saw Mayan things around, but I’m not sure how it all figures in to the culture. Have you been there? It’s beautiful. My heart is longing to go back . . . SOON!
Susan Rinehart Stilwell says
Gorgeous shots, Alene! Totally worth toting around the big camera :)
Positively Alene says
Yes, glad I got some good shots. Too many to put in a post, but so glad I have to reflect back on them. I can’t wait to see others pics and writings. I’m still having a hard time processing it all, but slowly stories and words are coming. Can’t wait til we go back with a determined purpose. God is paving the way!
Dawn Ford Muench says
Absolutely beautiful! Wow. I can’t wait to see/hear more. If you go back you better take me with you!! Miss your smile!
Positively Alene says
YEP!!! You’re going back cuz I’m going back. YAY. Those precious babies need your soft caring doctor’s hand.
Jeff Dolan says
Great photos! Thanks for sharing them Alene!
Debbie Lundquist says
Way to go, Sweet Pea! Mama is so pleased with you:!) Praying for your time there
and always, the children. Give at least one of them a bug hug for me, please. My love to thee.
Positively Alene says
What a treat to hear from you! You bless me. I think often of our Sweat Pea’s! If you’re in CC, let’s visit soon. Misssssssssssss You! love ya