Sorry, for falling behind on my bi-monthly posts. We are already in the end of November, I can't believe it. I was in the states for 3 weeks at the end of September into the first part of October. I was able to spend 2 weeks with my family, surprise my dad for his 70th birthday and I spent 1 week visiting friends in LA. I also attended my year-end apprenticeship retreat with others who have completed their first year with InnerCHANGE. We were from 5 different teams, Guatemala, Miami, Minneapolis, San Fransisco and LA. It was a time to reflect on the last year together, hear each others experiences and take a break from our context. I was super blessed, encouraged and refreshed going into my second year. Even though we don't work directly with each other it was such a joy to be with like minded people.
When I returned to Guatemala, the school year had finished. The kids are out of school until mid-January which has opened up our schedule quite a bit. We have kept some weekly rhythms like bible study and games in the park on Fridays, but it has also allowed for some spontaneity. I have tried to have lunch with various families each week over the last month and found myself playing every possible form of tag for hours in the park. I finally found a used bookstore and bought a few kids books, so I have spent some one on one time reading together with kids who are in the park with their parents. I have enjoyed the unplanned and unscheduled time to play, chat or just hang out for awhile with no real plans.
Hector, the 16 year old who was living with me moved out and has decided to live with a family he knows from the park. Another young man, Pedro, moved in a couple weeks ago. He is 21, with a full-time job and is studying in university. He had previously lived with my teammate Chris before Chris got married this summer. He has been part of the community for several years and met German and Karla when he was working in the park. He came to Xela from a village about 2 hours away when he was much younger. A couple months ago, as a team we visited his home and met his grandparents who raised him. It has been a blessing to have him live with me and support him in this practical way.