Integr8 Recce To Guatemala
Integr8’s Tim Wood travelled to Guatemala in February, as a reccie for future Integr8 and Through the Roof work in the country. Here’s his diary from the journey…
Day 1 - Landed in Guatemala – the land of ‘eternal spring’ because of the warm weather – at 11.00pm (3 hours late) after 20 hours of travelling. Was met by Bellita, Director of America Latina – the Christian ministry I was visiting, and her father, Dr Zapata, the founder. Was kindly hosted by the Arriaza family, a Christian family who were very welcoming and hospitable.
Day 2 - After a typical Guatemalan breakfast of eggs (Huevos) and black beans (frijoles) I visited the school run by America Latina and attended their school assembly, or ‘chapel’ as they call it. I met some of the staff and students as well as meeting the mother of one of the disabled students. In the afternoon I was given a tour of Guatemala city by Dr Zapata.
Day 3 - Really busy but fruitful day. In the morning I met with Ingrid, the Inclusion Programme Co-ordinator, and met some of the dozen or so students with learning disabilities who are on the programme. The students have moderate-severe learning disabilities but are fully included in all activities which was really encouraging to see. The programme is excellent and there would be scope for sharing inclusive practices between a potential Integr8 mission team of teachers and America Latina staff.
In the afternoon I travelled to a very poor Mayan-Indian community, Santa Maria de Jesus, halfway up a volcano! I met with US missionary, Judy Kerschener, whose ministry is a primary school for 70 children with special needs. God has done amazing things through her and the school building now has 3 storeys with a fully operational lift, donated and fitted by an American company! Judy would welcome an Integr8 team to encourage and give input to her teachers and I’m excited by the potential of returning.
Day 4 - Bellita arranged for me to speak at SETECA, the best-known Central American Bible College for Spanish-speaking students and I presented a Biblical message on disability to around 150 students, from up to 21 countries, which was well received. In the afternoon, we visited “Force of the Fragiles” – an innovative ministry that helps young adults with learning disabilities fulfil their unique role in God’s kingdom. I met 4 men with learning disabilities - Gonzalo (welcomer), Brian (prayer co-ordinator), Paolo (logistics organiser) and Danny (worship leader ). Danny’s parents were told at birth that he wouldn’t be able to speak at all. He is now fluent in Spanish and English! The team, assisted by their ‘Adviser’ – Thelma - run a group for disabled people and also do presentations in schools and Universities to change attitudes towards the inclusion of disabled people – and naturally share their faith in Jesus, as part of their presentation.
Day 5 - Bellita and I travelled to Chimaltenango, a Mayan-Indian community, one hour from the city where I spoke at the Guatemalan Bible College. We then visited Bethel Ministry. Established by Joni and Friends, they repair and distribute wheelchairs to 1100 disabled Guatemalans each year. For lunch we met with Maureen Cassey of “Joy-filled Home”, an orphanage and school for disabled children. One of the girls, Gaby, was told by medics that her brain was like honeycomb and she would never walk or talk. Maureen told us that every day Gaby would discipline herself to practice putting one foot in front of the other and now is a lively 14 year old, running around, talking to us and holding our hands – proof of what God’s care and human love and stimulation can do. In late afternoon we met with Brenda, a UK missionary involved in disability work, originally from Guildford, and now in Costa Rica, who happened to be visiting ‘Force to the Fragiles’ for a few days and had been wanting to make contact with Through the Roof to use our resources! God has a good sense of humour and a perfect plan!
Day 6 - Visited America Latina’s weekend camp, where 40 senior students committed themselves to ministry and a further 30 dedicated to serve Jesus through their future professions. In the afternoon, Bellita’s assistant and daughter of my host family, Carol and I visited ‘Love the Child’ ministry, an orphanage to disabled and orphaned children run by US missionary, Steve Osborn in San Cristobel. Steve has a big vision to help disabled children and said that God is moving in the area of disability work in Guatemala. He would welcome input from an Integr8 team and can offer help with accessible transport and translators.
Day 7 - America Latina’s Administrator, Kenny, with his wife, Sharon, and their 3 year old son took me to Chichicastenango – a 4 hour drive from the city. We stopped for a slap-up Guatemalan breakfast of Mosh (a yummy milky wheat drink), Omelette, black beans, soft cheese, fried bananas and fresh fruit to finish. We then visited the “Father’s House Clinic”, a ground-floor clinic with a focus on disabled children and a pastor training college on the 1st Floor. Sunday is market day in Chichi and so I bought some typical gifts for my family made from wood or local hand-made material.
Day 8 - I met Dr Tito, Director of the Mission Agency based at America Latina and we discussed the potential logistics of bringing a team and working together to serve the disabled children of Guatemala.
Three hours before I was due to fly out from the airport I was taking some final photos at a scenic viewpoint. We left the car for only 5 minutes but when we returned all my luggage and bag with passport and all my belongings had been stolen. America Latina responded immediately and over the next few days they helped me to get a police report and a temporary passport, bought me clothes and wash stuff. My host family were very upset at my situation and were happy to put me up for 3 more days in their home - all of which demonstrated Matthew 25: 34 – 40 in practice.
Day 9 – Helped students to practice speaking English and led a lesson for teachers too!
Day 10 - Kenny and Sharon were really upset that I lost all the presents I bought for my children and really kindly went out and bought almost identical replacements for me to take back – a great example of the love and kindness shown to me by God’s people while I was there.
Day 11 - I finally flew out of Guatemala, looking forward to seeing my family but sad to leave behind newly-found, true Christian friends. My difficulties weren’t quite over as I was delayed by immigration in the US because they had to clear my new emergency passport. The hold-up meant I missed my connecting flight so spent an extra 24 hours at Miami airport before getting onto the standby-list and securing one of the last few seats 45 minutes before the flight left.
Day 12 - Finally arrived home and was pleased to be greeted by my children and wife at Heathrow.
I had felt very vulnerable for the final few days and was totally dependent on God. It wasn’t comfortable but God was in control and very close to me which made it seem like an ‘inconvenience’ rather than a major problem.
