Thursday: from Kyla + Hannah

Reflections from Kyla:

Today was a stark contrast from the rest of our missions trip. As anticipated, Antigua was a beautiful city, filled with bright colors, flowers, smiles, and tourists. First we went to the market. Satisfied with some unique souvenirs, we made our way to a delicious authentic Latin American restaurant. We then visited a coffee plantation, where it was really interesting to learn about the different Guatemalan plants, as well as the coffee making process. As fun as our day in Antigua was, many of us left the city with mixed emotions. What did the kids back at Clubhouse think of us going on an expensive field trip? Was it right for us to leave these beautiful souls to spend a bunch of money on ourselves? However, I think that the fact that many of us were thinking about these questions shows that our experience with Clubhouse will stay with us forever. It has been incredible to see how God reveals himself and shows his love by using his people as his hands and feet. Something that has really stuck out to me during this trip was our home visits. Even in the darkest places, such as the ravine, God’s light is still very present. By using His people, He is able to reveal his love to all. Although leaving tomorrow will be devastating, I think that the impact of this trip will shape the rest of our lives.

Reflections from Hannah:

Over the past few days of missions work at the school, the majority of our LC family connected with the kids and staff. I connected the most with a 10-year-old girl named Evelyn. On the first day, we played soccer and she was on my team. I asked for her name and complimented her pink sneakers. I saw her again on Monday for the first day of school. She was shy. As someone who gets quiet in different environments with new people, I wanted to get to know her. With broken Spanish I tried my best to communicate with her. Later that day, we visited her home in the ravine. This was my group’s first time farther down in the ravine. Evelyn’s mother explained that her father is currently working in the states, in order to make an income for their family. In SenPro, Mrs. Urquhart told us not to cry around the kids and in the homes. This was the house that almost had me in tears (the tears were shed later). As I was leaving, Evelyn gave me a hug and her bracelet. I will always treasure that bracelet. I was unable to participate in yesterday’s affirmation notes and tie-dye activity due to an illness and lack of sleep. When I woke up later that day, Evelyn had written a note to me and made sure that it was posted on my door for me to read. Today, she gave me another bracelet. The kind that says “Best Friends” and has a broken heart. She has the other half of that heart. Her thoughtfulness and generosity is something I will never forget. These kids bring an endless amount of joy to us. These gifts will remind me of Evelyn and her story.