Luis Fernando, Danilo and Fatima... These are just a few of the very special little friends that I have had the privilege to meet over the last three months. My friend Becky and I began a ministry to children in the public hospital here in Guatemala City, and we go visit once a month with the other youth from our church.
It has been a truly impactful experience to witness the standards of a hospital in another country. I have seen cockroaches scurry across the wall beside a sick child's head, I have seen 10 year old children left alone for weeks in the hospital because their parents had to return to their homes to care for the other siblings, and I have seen kids unable to wash their hair, brush their teeth or eat because they have no money to buy soap, toothpaste or utensils - things they are expected to provide for themselves.
But it has been really exciting to see the youth of my church rise to the occasion, collecting hygiene supplies, crayons and coloring sheets, water and other supplies, and devoting their Saturdays to visiting these children, playing with them and praying with them. I think all of our lives have been blessed by these children's smiles and hugs, and we hope they have been at least as blessed as we have.