I am so amazed by all the support I have from my family and friends. It is just crazy knowing that people are thinking of you from Western Canada through the continent to Guatemala.
My heart has been full of excitement these last couple of weeks. I have confirmed my desire to return to Guatemala, to the children and to some of my best friends.
Since August I have been looking for different jobs to do this year or different opportunities I could take to help out. Each time a lead would come and I would feel like “Yes, this is perfect for me!” The opportunity would vanish and though I was not listening as well as I could have, I know God was telling me “No Ella, I have something else planned for you this year.”
Spending this summer in Guatemala on the internship program really changed me.
It is amazing to me, as I spend more time here I feel like I am watching life go by from a by-standers point of view, I notice much more. I see the girls rushing around worrying about if they have the "right" dress for a party, I am just thinking about the woman all over the world rushing around worrying if their child is going to starve, if they have enough rice for the next meal.
Being in Guatemala for 5 weeks has really opened my eyes to many things such as people, the many different types and the interactions with others.
-Work, you don't know what work is until you see 1 woman trying to care for 11 babies and clean and cook at the same time or seeing an old man carrying what seems like a million pounds of sticks down the road on his back.
- Compassion, seeing all the teams work with the kids.
- Most of all, Love and friendship. The friends I have made these weeks are great and will be everlasting, I love them all so much and cannot wait to see them again.
I have thoroughly adjusted my life because of this, It made me re think my life, question my thoughts, and judge my inner self. All things that I think needed to happen long ago.
I have been praying a lot lately. Asking god to tell me his wishes, to let me know exactly what he wants from me and what he wants me to do with the new found part of me I have gained from Guatemala. I know He put this desire burning in my heart for a reason. I know I belong there. So as I prepare to make a journey back down to the wondrous smells, air, volcanoes and people of Guatemala I ask for your support, prayers, and best wishes.
Tuesday, October 25, 2011
Monday, October 10, 2011
My Guatemala
Have you ever had an un quenchable urge to be somewhere else? Felling like you need to pack up and leave because you a made to live somewhere else?
I belong in Guatemala. I feel quite homesick to be honest. Though people wonder how it is possible to be homesick for a country you don't live in, it is. I feel it. My gut wrenches and I feel so sick whenever I think about Guatemala and how I'm not there. I feel such a strong pull to that country it is un imaginable.
I miss the air, the smells, the amazing people there and the children. Oh the children. Their little faces ingrained in my mind. Burning like a flame just waiting to get more air, to be able to flare up and become a huge fire. I hear their voices calling and I can still feel their weight in my arms as I carry them around and love on them.
I don't know what to do with my life here. I need them. I need to be there for them.
I belong in Guatemala. I feel quite homesick to be honest. Though people wonder how it is possible to be homesick for a country you don't live in, it is. I feel it. My gut wrenches and I feel so sick whenever I think about Guatemala and how I'm not there. I feel such a strong pull to that country it is un imaginable.
I miss the air, the smells, the amazing people there and the children. Oh the children. Their little faces ingrained in my mind. Burning like a flame just waiting to get more air, to be able to flare up and become a huge fire. I hear their voices calling and I can still feel their weight in my arms as I carry them around and love on them.
I don't know what to do with my life here. I need them. I need to be there for them.
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
After Words
I have little words to describe the emotions that are being thrust through me.
It has been a bit over a week since I got back from Guatemala and I can't stop thinking about it. I was planning on waiting longer and having more time here, in Canada, before I write this in order to do a "proper" reflection on the trip but I couldn't help myself.
I have become addicted to blogging.
As I sit here are reflect upon my time down there I can't help but wonder why I was down there. What is the greater purpose of this trip? Am I meant to go down there again and help out? Should I be packing my bags to move? Or maybe is it just to change my entire view of society and my life here...
It is amazing to me, as I spend more time here I feel like I am watching life go by from a by-standers point of view, I notice much more. I see the girls rushing around worrying about if they have the "right" dress for a party, I am just thinking about the woman all over the world rushing around worrying if their child is going to starve, if they have enough rice for the next meal. What am I suppose to do with this new experience, these new feelings?
This trip has thoroughly changed my life. It made me re think my life, question my thoughts, and judge my inner self. All things that I think needed to happen long ago.
Albertine - Brooke Fraser
Now that I have seen, I am responsible
Faith without deeds is dead
now that I have held you in my own arms, I cannot let go till you are
I am on a plane across a distant sea
But I carry you in me
and the dust on, the dust on, the dust on my feet
It has been a bit over a week since I got back from Guatemala and I can't stop thinking about it. I was planning on waiting longer and having more time here, in Canada, before I write this in order to do a "proper" reflection on the trip but I couldn't help myself.
I have become addicted to blogging.
As I sit here are reflect upon my time down there I can't help but wonder why I was down there. What is the greater purpose of this trip? Am I meant to go down there again and help out? Should I be packing my bags to move? Or maybe is it just to change my entire view of society and my life here...
It is amazing to me, as I spend more time here I feel like I am watching life go by from a by-standers point of view, I notice much more. I see the girls rushing around worrying about if they have the "right" dress for a party, I am just thinking about the woman all over the world rushing around worrying if their child is going to starve, if they have enough rice for the next meal. What am I suppose to do with this new experience, these new feelings?
This trip has thoroughly changed my life. It made me re think my life, question my thoughts, and judge my inner self. All things that I think needed to happen long ago.
Albertine - Brooke Fraser
Now that I have seen, I am responsible
Faith without deeds is dead
now that I have held you in my own arms, I cannot let go till you are
I am on a plane across a distant sea
But I carry you in me
and the dust on, the dust on, the dust on my feet
 |
| The ladies and friends that changed my life |
Friday, August 5, 2011
The End... But Only A Beginning.
Well I am sitting in my hotel in Miami as I write this. I have many feelings about being here... Some good, some sad... but all amazed. I have had an amazing trip that I am sure will change my life forever. Being in Guatemala for 5 weeks has really opened my eyes to many things such as people, the many different types and the interactions with others. Work, you don't know what work is until you see 1 woman trying to care for 11 babies and clean and cook at the same time or seeing an old man carrying what seems like a million pounds of sticks down the road on his back. Compassion, seeing all the teams work with the kids. Most of all, Love and friendship. The friends I have made these weeks are great and will be everlasting, I love them all so much and cannot wait to see them again.
Tomorrow I will meet the next team going to work in Guatemala, but they will leave without me. That thought is bitter sweet. I am sad that I will not get to be there for them and the kids and that will not get to meet them and interact with them, but I am happy because I know that the children will get more of the love and attention they desperately need even without me there. I know that the next teams will do a wonderful job!
On Sunday night I head back to Canada and to my family and friends. I am truly excited to see them! I can't wait to be able to do some "summer" stuff with them before this summer is over.
Lots of Love,
Ella
Tomorrow I will meet the next team going to work in Guatemala, but they will leave without me. That thought is bitter sweet. I am sad that I will not get to be there for them and the kids and that will not get to meet them and interact with them, but I am happy because I know that the children will get more of the love and attention they desperately need even without me there. I know that the next teams will do a wonderful job!
On Sunday night I head back to Canada and to my family and friends. I am truly excited to see them! I can't wait to be able to do some "summer" stuff with them before this summer is over.
 |
| Our wonderful translators and amazing friends, Alejandra and Olivia |
 |
| Me with Madeline, Odilia and Sonia Mendosa |
 |
| Sandra getting her hair done |
 |
| My precious baby Ofelia and I |
Lots of Love,
Ella
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Saturday, July 30, 2011
Some more pictures!
 |
| Little Caty |
 |
| William and Rosa |
 |
| Nadesha |
 |
| Feeding William, Holding sleeping Ofelia |
 |
| Marta |
 |
| And a giggle! |
 |
| Ofelia and I |
 |
| Sleeping Sucena |
 |
| Feeding baby Ofelia |
 |
| Antigua in the morning |
"All I want is to see you smile... Even if it takes just a little while."
Friday, July 29, 2011
It is my last weekend in Guatemala.. Oh how it will be hard to say goodbye. I can't believe this month has flown by so fast... I seems like yesterday when I was writing my first blog about how excited I was.
Today I had A LOT of fun! This morning Alejandra and Olivia came and picked us up after breakfast to take us around. We all loaded into the back of her pickup truck (It was crazy for the Guatemalans to see 5 crazy gringos loaded in a truck!) and went to the ruins of a convent that Alejandras' mom works at. It was really cool to get to see the convent and just imagine when it was running and everything that happened there.
After they took us somewhere to surprise us, We went about 25 minutes out of Antigua through some little towns and we ended up in a lovely golf course/country club place. It was settled between mountains and a volcano and the view from it was breath taking! We got to have a great meal there and a tour around the place. After we played Squash, Tennis and some Soccer.
When we got back to Antigua we had planned to meet some friends and have a going away dinner at the pizza place we love called Christophe's Pizza. Again it was fantastic and we had an amazing time with all of our friends!! I am going to miss them all so much.
Today I had A LOT of fun! This morning Alejandra and Olivia came and picked us up after breakfast to take us around. We all loaded into the back of her pickup truck (It was crazy for the Guatemalans to see 5 crazy gringos loaded in a truck!) and went to the ruins of a convent that Alejandras' mom works at. It was really cool to get to see the convent and just imagine when it was running and everything that happened there.
After they took us somewhere to surprise us, We went about 25 minutes out of Antigua through some little towns and we ended up in a lovely golf course/country club place. It was settled between mountains and a volcano and the view from it was breath taking! We got to have a great meal there and a tour around the place. After we played Squash, Tennis and some Soccer.
When we got back to Antigua we had planned to meet some friends and have a going away dinner at the pizza place we love called Christophe's Pizza. Again it was fantastic and we had an amazing time with all of our friends!! I am going to miss them all so much.
 |
| L to R: Alejandra, Me, Gabby,Olivia, Christophe, Anda, Parker, Pancho, Rodrigo, Laura and Amber |
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Today I decided I am bringing home two little girls. That is just what needs to happen. The first is just a tiny 10lbs 7oz 4 month old named Ofelia who is just so precious and stole my heart this week. The second is a little 4 year old named Sandra. Sandra has been at the center for the most of her life, she came before she turned one and has been there since, she was one of the first babies I played with in the Canary room when I went to the center the first time in March of '08. Sandra has been at the center the longest out of all her siblings, from my knowledge two of her brothers have been there as well in the past, one still is there. Her situation at home is less then ideal for sure. Her father is not in the home, her mother continues to have children with countless different men and cannot afford to feed her children because she spends the little money she seems to get on alcohol. This little princess really does not have a home to go back to.
For all of you who know me well know that my age of preference is not pre-schoolers! I am usually the first to volunteer to go to a different group if I am helping out at church or a camp with 4-5 year olds. But, these last weeks I have been really drawn to the group of little girls at the center. All this week i have been in charge of being in the girls room after lunch and making them go to sleep. At 4 and 5 these girls are at the stage where refusing to nap is a great game... Which makes my job very difficult but I sit with them and keep telling them in Spanish to lay down and go to sleep. I have gotten really good at singing my few Spanish songs that they want to hear over and over again though! Despite everything though, it is a really sweet time with them.
I am so excited to get to go back to see them tomorrow.
Tonight was our "eat out" night. We all went to "La Pina de Sol" which is a lovely restaurant with a courtyard type thing you eat in and a live latino band playing. It is really a great experience. I know we all had a good time!
At the end of last week we went to visit "The Cross on the hill" it is just really a tourist attraction but it is a huge cross that stands on a hill overlooking Antigua, The view is breathtaking!
For all of you who know me well know that my age of preference is not pre-schoolers! I am usually the first to volunteer to go to a different group if I am helping out at church or a camp with 4-5 year olds. But, these last weeks I have been really drawn to the group of little girls at the center. All this week i have been in charge of being in the girls room after lunch and making them go to sleep. At 4 and 5 these girls are at the stage where refusing to nap is a great game... Which makes my job very difficult but I sit with them and keep telling them in Spanish to lay down and go to sleep. I have gotten really good at singing my few Spanish songs that they want to hear over and over again though! Despite everything though, it is a really sweet time with them.
I am so excited to get to go back to see them tomorrow.
Tonight was our "eat out" night. We all went to "La Pina de Sol" which is a lovely restaurant with a courtyard type thing you eat in and a live latino band playing. It is really a great experience. I know we all had a good time!
At the end of last week we went to visit "The Cross on the hill" it is just really a tourist attraction but it is a huge cross that stands on a hill overlooking Antigua, The view is breathtaking!
 |
| The Princes Sandra and Sonia |
 |
| My precious Ofelia |
 |
| Marta |
 |
| Some of the kids saying goodbye |
 |
| The Cross |
 |
| Antigua |
Thursday, July 21, 2011
My girl got moved up! Yay! I am so happy that she is with the older girls now. I went into the older girls room to put them down for nap and Maria was peaking out from around the corner so I went around the corner and said "Boo!" She giggled and smiled like no other... That is when I knew that I had made the right decision in pushing for her to move up.
The rest of the kids are doing well and I was really attached to a little baby girl today, Her name is Ofelia and is the littlest one in the group. She is 3 months. I held and played with her all day. She is the sweetest little thing.
Our translators are staying home next week to study for something, I will really miss them out at the center. They are really amazing people. I love them so much. Two different girls are coming to translate next week. I have met one of them before but never the other, so I hope that she is amazing also. Despite that though, I cannot wait to get back to the center on Monday.
The rest of the kids are doing well and I was really attached to a little baby girl today, Her name is Ofelia and is the littlest one in the group. She is 3 months. I held and played with her all day. She is the sweetest little thing.
Our translators are staying home next week to study for something, I will really miss them out at the center. They are really amazing people. I love them so much. Two different girls are coming to translate next week. I have met one of them before but never the other, so I hope that she is amazing also. Despite that though, I cannot wait to get back to the center on Monday.
 |
| Madeline |
 |
| Juanita and Lidia |
 |
| Sonia |
Saturday, July 16, 2011
This week with the team was so amazing, the kids were so sweet and there were so many new little ones dropped off. 4 in total I believe. The little one I really bonded with was little Miss Maria Elena. She is turning 2 on June 23 and was attached to me all week. She really broke my heart because every day when I came in and picked her up she would cry "mama, mama" looking for her mama, she was still so broken that her mama left her even by Thursday when we left the center. I am so set on moving her up to the "Pollos" (The toddlers). She is with the "Canarios" (babies) right now since she just came in but does not like it in there at all. She is so smart and is not getting stimulated enough with the little ones. I talked to the director Lukey about it and she told me she would talk to the doctor. I am crossing my fingers she is with the "big kids" when I get back to the center on Monday.
This weekend all the interns and our awesome translators Olivia and Alejandra got to go to the Guatemala City Zoo! It was so so cool.. but there definitely is not the safety precautions we have in our Zoos, The animals are really close!
This weekend all the interns and our awesome translators Olivia and Alejandra got to go to the Guatemala City Zoo! It was so so cool.. but there definitely is not the safety precautions we have in our Zoos, The animals are really close!
 |
| Maria Elena |
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)