Greetings from Guatemala!
Wow, I really can't believe it's the middle of October already! In the states I know it's fall with pumpkins, cooler weather, leaves changing, the smell of campfires in the air, and the excitement of a new season coming on. I can say that I feel that here, the excitement of a new season coming on, just with Central American weather instead of cooler weather, and YES I do miss fall in the states. :)
The summer months brought many teams from many different places, which meant many new friends, and many awesome hearts pouring into the children and community of La Limonada. Hosting teams has been such an awesome privilege to serve alongside those who are willing to sacrifice their time, comfort, and finances and give everything they've got for the time they're here. I fully know the feeling of having your heart broken for La Limonada and leaving a BIG part of yourself here. It happened to me almost exactly 5 years ago on my first short-term missions trip here.
With the teams slowing down a bit now in these months, it has given me more time to focus on the Child Sponsorship program that I'm in charge of here in Guatemala. I've spent the last 8 months getting that up and running while updating sponsors with what's going on with their child, through recent photos and prayer needs. With over 350 children between both of our schools in La Limonada it's proven to be a BIG job! I can't say enough just how much it means to these children to know that someone cares about them, is praying for them, and takes the time to write to them. It gives them
hope, when so many of them live in what feels like hopeless situations at times.
When the decision to come back here in the beginning of 2009 was made, I really felt pulled to commit to at least a year in being here, with an open-ended ticket. As the end of the year is approaching, I have been spending much time praying and seeking guidance about where God wants me, and when he wants me there. I do feel like there will be a time to be back in the states to continue to be the main contact liaison for Child Sponsorship, as well as raise awareness in various outlets for the work being done here in La Limonada. I also believe it's important to be able to pour into my relationship with Doug first hand as we're moving forward. Being long distance for this long has been a big challenge, but it has allowed us to grow in ways we might not have seen such a need for, and given us the opportunity to depend on God even more for the strength and base of our relationship. Thank goodness for Skype! :)
At this point I have enough support to be here until the end of January, and I am so blown away and thankful that a full year has been provided for. Your generosity and sacrifice for seeing the value of the work God is doing here in La Limonada, that I am so privileged to be a part of, is something that I am eternally grateful for. I will be going back to the states for the month of December to see family and friends and spend some time refreshing before I come back to Guatemala in the beginning of January. After that at this point, I don't have a return date to the states. I can not tell you how much I appreciate your prayers and encouragement and if supporting me financially as well is something you would like to consider, you can do that in the following way on our secure Lemonade donation page:
https://app.etapestry.com/hosted/LemonadeInternational/OnlineDonation.htmlUnder the
"Fund" button you can select
"Support a team member" and then click on my name.
For those who are supporting me monthly and would consider to do so even after the year commitment so I can continue this work, know that I am deeply grateful. Above any financial donations, your prayers are
THE most important thing and I am
SO thankful for you. I continue to believe that God will provide for the work that he has called me to. I can't begin to go into the depths of what God is doing here through email, so I hope to one day talk to you about it in person! When I have the time I am continuing to update my blog as well as the Lemonade blog with recent stories and photos, sort of like a living newsletter. Check back for updates!
http://www.lemonadeinternational.org/blog/Thank you for your love, support, prayers and encouragement. It means so much!
Such a medicine is Love,
Leah
As things have finally slowed down here, I've actually had time to reflect and process all that happened for these kids at the Art Camp last week. Two words keep coming up in my mind, joyful & broken-hearted (I guess that's technically 3 words.) Kids came alive last week when they were given the chance to completely be themselves...to laugh...to play...to sing...to dance. Kids who I've never even seen smile I watched run and laugh. I watched parts of their hearts being healed through expressing themselves, I feel like I don't even have words for what God did in them last week. It was so fair for them, so necessary for their young lives that have already been through so much. There was so much joy in their eyes.
