My F/fathers and the fatherless...

Some of my new friends....

Checha

Maria and Carlos

Chente and Rebecca

Manuelita, Chelo, and Joshua

Jonny

Have you ever really thought about how an earthly father (the good ones at least) is truly a mirror image of our Lord. Here are a few points to support my theory:

1. A father gives you life and is (partially) your creator (in the literal sense... let's get biological here -you can't be created without a part of him)...

2. You are made in the image of your father ( if you share DNA you are bound to share similar qualities, for example - I got my dad's rediculously white skin than never tans, only burns!)...

3. A father is your teacher (whether it's changing a flat, scripture, hunting, or learning to buy generic)...

4. A father is your protector...

5. A father is wise...

6. A father is patient (I know this one holds true for Daddy and God in my case)...

7. A father is your provider (On earth, your father supplies you with food, clothes, etc... but your Father provides him with those resources)...

8. A father is your friend ( I mean, we all know the lyrics to "What a friend we have in Jesus")

9. A father gives you grace (God IS Grace!)...

10. A father is encouraging...

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Thinking about fathers, and how lucky I was to have an amazing one, makes me think about the amazing kids I met in Guatemala who live life without a father (and in some cases, both parents), as well as the people I worked with on my team. In so many ways... I saw several of these traits of a father displayed through those people. The kids and workers were my teachers and had a lot of patience with me as I spoke to them in Spanish. They provided me with information, joy, entertainment, and so much more. They protected me from any danger I might experience (Josue and Berta especially!). I made so many new friends on this trip... from the team I traveled with, to our translators and driver, to the kids and workers at Fundacion Salvacion.

I think more than anything, during the time I spent at the orphanage, I was encouraged by answered prayer and I experienced joy with the kids and my team.

Those kids reminded me what joy truly is.

Daddy always said that when you get to the end of your rope, look down, because there will always be someone else climbing up below you. These kids I was working with lived in a nice place and had workers who cared for them, and ultimately they were happy... but I know that I have had more opportunities as well as I had 2 parents for 26 years of my life. I was never abandoned by my family (and while yes, some of the kids at the orphanage are true orphans, many of them live there because their parents can't afford to take care of them so they leave them to be taken care of by others), and as a kid I never spent a night away from home that I didn't choose (or plan) to.

No matter what their situation, those little kids (a few of my favorites pictured at the top) found joy. They reminded me (mutiple times) that it doesn't matter what you don't have or where you live joy can be found in a new friend, a swing, new shoes, a color page, a banana, etc... The sound of their laughs ring in my ears, the sight of their smiles will be forever imprinted on my brain (and thankfully in my computer too!).

A word about how God is encouraging. God encouraged me during this trip by showing His faith in me. He gave me an opportunity and I took it, heck... I ran with it. I prayed that during this trip I would be able to see and experience joy again (I have not experienced that much since Daddy died), and I did. And it was such a blessing.

A few prayer requests:

1. Josue's family: Our driver Josue's father passed away on Monday... he was 83.

Pray for peace for the family.

2. Marcos' family: Marcos is the house parent who ran a transitional home and was killed in a car jacking last week. He left behind a wife and two small kids and alot of young men who depended on him. Please keep them all in your prayers

3. The kids at Fundacion Salvacion, Hermana Sandra (lady who runs the foundation) and the workers of the orphanage. Pray that they will be provided all their needs, health for the kids, and safety for them all...

4. The family of Mr. Billy Townsend. Mr. Billy was a member at Midway (my home church) and his wife passed away in the fall from cancer. Unfortunately, Mr. Billy took his own life a few days ago. I just can't imagine what his kids are going through... losing two parents in just a few months. I don't know there names... but please pray for them.

Finally, I found out via Pawpaw Cole that more people are reading my blog than I realize. So thanks to those of you who are reading. I hope that my thoughts and words will help you in someway, or at least give you something to think about.

Many Blessings, Kacey