The last day

Lasts days are never fun. We had an awesome time playing with the kids and finishing projects but the anticipation of saying goodbye is terrible. It's hard to even know what to write because its simply sad.  It's so hard to hear from so many orphan children, "Please don't go. We don't want you to leave."  For some it is easier to say goodbye because they are going to do whatever they can to return for the next year. The difficult thing is that some of the kids that you love so much may not even be there in the following year. I did find comfort from one of the kids teachers who gave a short farewell as he walked by. He said, "I'll cya in Heaven if not sooner." I really thought his statement was great for that moment because the hardest part for me is not knowing whether the kids will be there next year or not. After that I realized that not seeing them possibly will be hard, but these kids are raised in a Christian orphanage and many of them do have a personal relationship with Jesus. I know that I will see them again and I know that many of us look forward to next year already. When we come back its like we started right where we left off the previous years. So many big hugs and "I missed you so much" being passed around from one another. It is such an incridble experience at the orphanage. As MerrieBeth mentioned to the group earlier in the week, "God's presence always seems to be overflowing out of the gates of the orphanage." This week we all did have a chance to feel closer to God and to share His love with these kids. What many of us forget is how much these kids give to us. The director of the orphanage, " brother Cesar", shared with us the verse that says silver or gold I do not have, but what I do have, I give you. He mentioned that they too do not have silver or gold but everything they do have they give to us because they love and appreciate our group so much.

This week was such an awesome experience. We thank you so much for all your love, prayers, and support! This trip would not be possible without you! Please keep us in your prayers as we travel tomorrow and Sunday. We won't have Internet at our next stops so this will be the last post for the 2013 Guatemala blog. Thank you again so much for everything! We look forward to seeing you all again real soon.  Until next time:) te quiero mucho!