I’m sure you all have heard the news– the devastating volcano eruption that has claimed over 100 lives, displaced over 3,000 people, and left thousands more unaccounted for in ash covered, melted villages. The reports we are seeing here are horrific on the Guatemalan news.
One thing I’m so proud of though, is we are serving with a ministry that never sleeps. Whether it is here in Zacapa, the mountains of Chiquimula, or the department of Escuintla, Hope of Life rushes to the front lines to bring help to where it is most needed.
As a nurse that specializes in rescue missions, my heart is also wanting to rush to the front lines. When I heard about the complete devastation, I was ready to pack my bags and leave the same day. However, the news reports were suggesting how dangerous it was for rescue workers to access these villages. The pyroclastic flow spewed from the volcano reached up to temperatures of 1,800 degrees Fahrenheit. Several firefighters had died in trying to find survivors among the hot ash and destruction. The more I prayed about it, I realized I would be most helpful here at Hope of Life, doing what I already do.
At first I felt somewhat discouraged, but as I took myself to work every day, I realized that there was a lot of action going on here, too. I’m excited to share with you what this past week has held as we have witnessed God’s healing in some of our teeny-tiniest blessings here at Hope of Life.
Six weeks ago, I posted this story to my Instagram about a little baby girl named Estefani. She was malnourished due to feeding problems related to a birth defect. Months later, she is healthy and now awaiting a surgery date to repair her double cleft lip and palate.
Her precious mama told us about her neighbors who just gave birth to two tiny, precious twin girls. “They are chiquititas, como Estefani!” she reflected on when Estefani was first admitted into our care. Yesterday, Hope of Life arranged for the little 4 lb. babies to be brought in. They are our third set of twin girls this year, and I’m so proud of Estefani’s mama for making us aware of them.
This is why you do for one what you wish you could do for everyone. Helping others is not some sort of debilitating crutch that leads them into a life of dependency. Rather, giving help is an extension of your hand to lift them out of their current situation. If it is done in grace, love, and with some education, it can truly change future generations. Empowered people empower people. [Acts 20:35]
Empowered people empower people, y’all. That’s just a fact. And you know what? So much has changed since I posted that story! Estefani has had her first surgery for cleft palate, and although she had some complications, she is doing well and awaiting another surgery for her mouth.
Estefani came to us as a teeny, tiny 4 pound little girl. Once she was at a healthy weight, we sent her out for surgery. Here she’s waving goodbye <3 Still healing after some surgical complications, but overall doing well! Look at those rolls!
Along with Estefani, the little twins have made tons of progress as well! Keila and Keimy are so much bigger, much more alert, and love being held. Their mama has also taken pride in helping other mama’s in the hospital — sharing her phone for them to use, and helping them care for their babies even though she has double the work.
Keila (left) and Keimy (right) when they were admitted into our care. Notice their skin is loose- something very common we see on malnourished babies because of their dehydration. Keimy and Keila are growing! They look so much alike in this picture. Double chins have never been so cute! Keimy was sleepy, but Keila could not stop giggling for these pictures. Their loose skin has been replaced with little rolls of fat on their arms and legs! My heart is so happy to see healthy, happy girls.
I feel like I say this all too often– but the transformation we see in the mamas is just as beautiful as the transformation we see in their precious babies. I truly believe the change in them happens after receiving love– unmerited, unabandoned, unreciprocated love. The kind of love that comes without a price tag, but is worth the weight of the entire world.
Andy Stanley says it best, “Do for one what you wish you could do for everyone.”
Sometimes it’s almost overwhelming how much is constantly going on here. While Hope of Life is continuing treatment for children like Estefani, Keimy and Keila, and sending out donations to the volcano victims, we also rescued 4 new babies this week too! Two of the babies were a set of preemie twin girls, our fourth set of twin girls this year at Hope of Life!
I’m thankful to serve in a ministry that springs into action, no matter the cost, no matter the place.
I’m thankful that love and service have a ripple effect, and that we can reach many by first starting to reach people one by one, wherever help is most needed.
I’m even more thankful to know a God who brings beauty from ashes– within the lives of these children, the lives we are reaching near Antigua, and even in my own life… As we continue to work hard at the tasks laid out before us, we trust in The Lord to bring hope and restoration to this beautiful country.