With this taken care of, the families and Dick were ready to head back to La Libertad. It was so hard to say good bye to each of them. I dissolved into tears when Sr. Perez thanked me for all I’d done (which really wasn’t much) and promised to pray for me. The kind hearts of these folks continue to overwhelm me. So after hugs and kisses from the families, and a sarcastic remark or two from Dick, they were on their way. And I pray I will see them again when I return. I fear, though, that I may never see Lisvi again until we meet in heaven.
Since I would not be meeting Pastor Julio’s family until one, I still had time to play with the kids. Lionel seemed to have a lot of congestion in his chest, and I wanted to make sure one of the doctors checked him over, so he was my first stop. I was surprised when the nurses let me take him outside, but he really enjoyed it, even if he was a bit subdued. The doctor decided that most of what we were hearing was in his throat, rather than his chest, and wasn’t too concerned. I’ll be sure to check on him tomorrow.
Poor Ervin has some kind of skin eruption, so is stuck in his bed (at least this time there’s a legitimate reason). He knows I’m a sucker for taking him out, and it’s hard to listen to his cries as I can’t even touch him for fear of spreading his infection to the others. I wouldn’t feel so badly except I know Dick will be gone for the next few days, and Ervin will probably spend most of his day cooped up in the crib he hates. This makes me more determined than ever to return, if only for him.
After helping to feed a few kids, it was time to meet Pastor Julio’s family across from the cathedral in Central Park. As I waited, I was offered numerous tours of the city, shoe shines, and taxi rides. It was fun to just sit and people watch for a few minutes. Soon, Julio’s son Arturo and his wife Lily arrived to take me to their home in a small town about 20 minutes outside of Antigua. I have known this family for about four years now, stayed at their home, eaten at their table, and worshipped in their church. They are my second “Guatemalan family.”
This reunion was a sad one, however. The gangs in the area have been demanding bribes or threatening to kill Lily and Arturo’s three children. There is a long story behind this, but, unfortunately this happens to families all too often in Guatemala. The worst thing you can do is pay these criminals anything, and unfortunately, the family had done just that in the past. So the extortion demands keep coming, each time for greater amounts. This last demand was absolutely outrageous. In fear for his safety, Dennis, the 13 year old son, has been sent to a military school near the Honduran border. The two girls, Wanda, who is 11, and Genesis, who is 9 are living as virtual prisoners in their own home. Their father takes them to and from school, and they go no where else.
Even amid these dire circumstances though, we enjoyed catching up on each others lives. The congregation is building a new church building, and it is fun to see the progress they have made on it. Each trip it is a little more complete. The men of the church spend their Sundays worshipping God through their work, and are so proud to show off what they have done! Julio told me they are planning to be done with it in March. (Since this is Guatemala, it remains to be seen March of what year!)
Over a wonderful dinner prepared by Lily and Julio’s wife, Amelia, we talked of my plans to move to Guatemala. The entire family is so excited, and really wanted me to give them a date I would be down. I explained it would be in God’s time, but I believe that time is coming, hopefully in January of 2010. A long discussion followed as to where I should live. They adamantly offered me the rooms above the old church, free of charge, saying I would really be one of their family then! They even pointed out that my children might feel better about me moving down if I had a family to watch over me. With all this family is facing, their willingness to take me in is humbling. Once again, I saw people in almost impossible circumstances reaching out with concern for me. I don’t know that I have ever felt as loved as I do by my two Central American families! How blessed I am!
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