Monday, January 17, 2011
A Story of a Little Girl and Her Family
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Last August when we visited Guatemala with a team of students, we met Brian, a young boy with spina bifida. We were able to visit his house and meet his family. At the time, we were focused on learning about Brian and his story, which is nothing short of incredibly (a year ago he was bed-ridden, now he is walking around the neighborhood and going to the feeding center).
Heidi had surgery to drain the blood from her brain last night and is doing well now. She is talking, walking and beginning to eat some. She was supposed to start school Monday, but doesn't want to go without her beautiful hair which had to be shaved.
We are overjoyed to let you know that Kevin and David spent the afternoon today at the hospital after which Heidi was released to go home. She is weak and susceptible; but she is home. Praise God!
Here are pictures of Heidi and the inside of her little home. You will see that they shaved off all that beautiful hair. Her mother is sitting beside her on the bed.
You can see why a story like this would touch our hearts. This is what the ministry in Guatemala is all about: helping families in simple practical ways; walking through life with them; providing support through prayer and through physical means; rejoicing together when God delivers and mourning together when we suffer. These families are so special, and it is an amazing privilege to be able to know them and share in their lives.
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| Brian, in the open area of his home |
Sadly, the family has been struck by tragedy again. I have received several updates from Roger, the head missionary with Hearts for Heaven, and I want to share them here:
"Please pray for Heidi, a 10 yr old in our feeding program. She fell out of a tree today and for a while she was unconscious. They say she is beginning to respond, but results of brain scans are pending. This girl has the sweetest disposition, and has become so warm and lovable as we have gotten to know her. She is always lovingly taking care of, and watching out for her younger siblings, especially Brian (whom we've been helping with therapy.) The Dad is physically handicapped and shines shoes for a living. The Mom is slightly mentally handicapped and bathes elderly people for change when possible. From time to time they mention a need for shoes, or cooking gas. Just yesterday we helped them with school supplies. Their contentment, and appreciation of the simplest things is humbling, and their faith is inspiring. They are becoming special friends of ours.
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| Heidi (on the right) with her siblings (Brian in yellow shirt) |
We had a good visit with her and her family before surgery. After we prayed with Heidi another family asked us to come over and pray for their child. There were a dozen beds like Heidi's in one room. The public hospitals in Guatemala are so far behind.
The children of this squatter settlement where Heidi lives are some of the most precious kids in all the world. While Heidi lies in the hospital recovering, we enrolled four of her brothers and one sister. She has a big family like so many here in Guatemala.
We are overjoyed to let you know that Kevin and David spent the afternoon today at the hospital after which Heidi was released to go home. She is weak and susceptible; but she is home. Praise God!Here are pictures of Heidi and the inside of her little home. You will see that they shaved off all that beautiful hair. Her mother is sitting beside her on the bed.
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You can see why a story like this would touch our hearts. This is what the ministry in Guatemala is all about: helping families in simple practical ways; walking through life with them; providing support through prayer and through physical means; rejoicing together when God delivers and mourning together when we suffer. These families are so special, and it is an amazing privilege to be able to know them and share in their lives.
I share this story so that you will pray for and think of Heidi and her family. Also, if you are interested, we are returning to Guatemala in June, and we would love for you to be a part of that trip. Maybe you can't travel with us, but perhaps you would donate items for the children, money for construction or supplies, or perhaps you would simply commit to pray for our trip. We believe in the importance of connecting with people around the world, and the story of Heidi is just one example of what motivates us.
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