A Day of Smiles

Throughout our time at Guatemala, we have been visiting an orphanage with only 7 kids.

7 kids that have been left by their families and by society.
7 kids that are desperate for love.
7 kids whose smiles light up a room and whose laughter is contagious.

On Saturday, we decided to take these 7 kids on an adventure to the water park.
 
As we traipsed through the park to meet the kids, I was not sure of what to expect. We rounded a corner and as soon as I made eye contact with them, I knew all the planning and work was worth it. Joy* pointed at us and smiled a smile so big that it almost didn’t fit on her face. She squealed with happiness and jumped up and down—quite the display of excitement for a deaf and mute child that a mere 7 weeks ago didn’t even want to interact with us.  Jamie*, mi hermanita, also grinned from ear to ear and ran to me with her arms outstretched for a hug. At that moment, my heart was full.
 
The rest of the day was full of laughter and joy. Our team proceeded to swim, splash, and go down the waterslide endlessly—all with children permanently attached to our backs (since none of them can swim). I saw my teammates love selflessly, serve wholeheartedly, and pour themselves out onto these precious children.
 
Although we can’t permanently change their situations right now, we were able to love them with Christ’s love.

And that love has power.
Power to bring smiles.
Power to heal hearts.
Power to change lives.