A Dumpy Kind of Day

It is hard to believe that we have been in Guatemala for 1 week already. We have had a lifetime of experiences since we have been here. The girls are already planning our next trip to Guatemala.
Our original plans for today went totally out the window and we went to plan b. Of course in Guatemala that is the norm. We have all learned not to count on anything until you are actually doing it. This seems to be the Guatemalan way.
So today we headed to the city dump. We took along the rest of the hygiene packs and we made packs up of black beans, rice, and soup mix. We also took along some of our clothes that we wanted to leave here. The people we handed these things out to actually live in the dump. It is estimated that 1000 people call the dump home. One of the most shocking things is that the once you are in the dump it doesn't really smell that bad. It actually smelled worse before we got into the dump. They have tin houses and they go through the trash that is brought in and salvage whatever they can. They sell what they can and the rest they keep. Most of the food that they eat is what they find in the trash. It was truly an unbelievable sight to think that people live like this. Words can not even describe the feelings we had being able to experience this and possibly help them in some small way. As we were leaving I asked an older lady if we could have our picture taken together. She agreed and I thought I should put my arm around her but she was so dirty! I put my arm around her and she just hugged me and laid her head on my shoulder and said "Gracias" several times. I had to think to myself that I may never know what putting my arm around her did for her as I am sure there are very few people who are willing to touch them. It was a very humbling act for me. We have absolutely nothing to complain about and it is only by God's grace that we were born to the life we have. It is definitely not becasuse we are more deserving. We are so blessed and to think that the majority of the world lives in poverty. Ashlee had taken 2 guys, Dervin and Elmer, along to help since they know the language and the people that live in the dump recognize them and trust them. Dervin and Elmer live in the ghetto and are neighbors to Ashlee. When we were finished at the dump we were able to take Dervin, 14, shopping to buy him a couple of shirts and a new pair of pants. These were the first pieces of new clothes he has ever had. When Ashlee told him why we were at the mall his smile was priceless. He was so proud of his clothes that he wanted us to take his picture and he just couldn't stop smiling. He was very appreciative. We all agreed that it was a toss up as to which day was more fun...the dump or the mud slide kids. I think these 2 places we really felt like we were making a difference in a small way.
Late this afternoon we headed out to Fundaninos which is the first orphanage that Orphan Resources started helping. We got to hold some babies. I even was able to feed a 2 week old baby boy his bottle. I am in love! Matt and Lane played some football or soccer with the older boys. Our time there was very limited since we had spent more time at the dump then we had planned.
For supper tonight we met the staff of ORI at a pizza place and ate with them. There are currently four families on staff down here for ORI. Harvey Burkholders, no relation, The Freids, Randy Weavers, and Charlie Weavers. It was nice to learn a little what ORI does and also connect with some fellow Americans. I actually knew two of the families so it was nice to see them again.
We are looking forward to our last full day here tomorrow. It is a full day and we want to make the most of it. So goodnight and I will see you tomorrow.
Karen