Guatemala is awesome...from Andrea

My name is Andrea Richardet and I have been attending La Croix church for about three years now. I am a member of La Croix’s college campus ministry called Ignite at Southeast Missouri State University. This was my second trip to New Life Children’s Home (NLCH) in Guatemala. The first trip was with the Ignite group. I was unable to go on the Ignite team trip this year, so I decided to come on this trip in October because one thing was for sure: I had to go back!

The kids at NLCH have been through devastating poverty and abuse, and now have a safe place to live. God’s glory is so evident at the home and in the kids and the missionaries. The part of these mission trips that really impacts me is that human emotions are the same no matter what country one is from or what language is spoken. Wanting to be loved is something everyone desires, and no matter what level that desire is on, it can only be completely fulfilled by God. While these kids at the home are learning about the Father, they still have difficulties letting go of their pasts and the hurt that has been brought on by what they have been through and what has been done to them. Acting out, disobedience, and disrespect are present as the kids try to cope with feelings of abandonment, resentment, fear, and pain. However, because the Holy Spirit is moving at NLCH the kids are also experiencing a genuine sense of family, friendships, and the love that only God can give.

This week the La Croix team did a camp for the 7 to 13 year old kids. We had devotionals, ate a lot of food, and had so much fun. During the camp it was obvious that some of the kids’ hearts were softening. Knowing their stories and what they have experienced has made a lot of them old before their time, but seeing them having so much fun with each other and seeing a childlike wonder in them was so awesome and encouraging.

Overall, being able to see what the missionaries are doing for these kids at NLCH is an incredible experience. Despite the language barrier we all have a universal language of smiles, hugs, and laughter, and being able to share that with these Guatemalan kids was a true privilege.