Guatemala week 2

The second week was better than the first. Some of the things experienced in the first week would be enough to emotionally scar people if they don't go in with the right attitude. On our first day ministering on the streets one of the dogs napping on the side of the road was run over right in front of our leader.  Another fun story: I was cut by cleaver. A man trying to sell silverware and knives got a little too close and cut my arm. Good news though, it was only a scratch.

We have been to the poorest, dirtiest and darkest areas of Guatemala city. We were wrecked as we gathered the children from the dump. Seeing where and how some people live
can be shocking. Our hearts cried for the women at La liña (the line) where there are rows of rooms that women rent for the day to prostitute themselves. For many, they believe it is the only way to make enough money. Most are there by choice. They have children and families that they need to provide for, and they feel this is the best way.

Week two looked a lot like week one. We went to a lot of the same areas and saw many of the  the same people.  But, being a little better acclimated, it seemed easier or better.  Everyone agreed that week two was better for us than week one. 

One morning we woke up the group of homeless youth that we had seen the week before. Perhaps the great thing about waking them up is that they hadn't had an entire day of huffing shoe glue and maybe were in a better mind. We just enjoyed hanging out with them, singing songs, I taught some English words and phrases. At the end of our time we performed some dramas and gave a few testimonies. We then prayed for those who wanted prayer and one of the boys prayed to receive Christ.  In these times its so hard to leave, but I have great comfort knowing that the Street Revolution ministry will be there to follow up every week.

Our last full day there we went to a Christian High School which was a huge blessing to everyone! My team was blessed and encouraged by the hunger of the youth there. After an hour of dramas and speaking, they skipped out on their recess time to one by one ask for prayer. Many tears were shed, especially from the Senior class who will be graduating in October. With all of life ahead, we were blessed to be able to encourage them and definitely rejoice in all of the amazing things they will accomplish!