Birthday party

Jennifer from El Mirador parish of the ILAG turned 7 on Sunday. Her mom treated her to a birthday party… the guests were the members of the church. She received four small gifts graciously, carefully wrapped by the giver, and with thanks brought each one into the room she shares with her mother, 8 year old sister and 16 year old brother. Their home is rented and is comprised of their bedroom, a bathroom, a hallway that has sheet metal overhead which is their kitchen and a patio that is also the garage of the owners of the house. When we arrived, the neighbors/ owners removed their car and dog so that we could set up a table and chairs to eat. The girls, without complaint, picked up after the neighbors dog. Doña Odilia cooked chicken with rice in honor of her daughter. The girl’s father called that day from the States where he is working to extend his wishes as well.

The members of the church shared a meal together and talked about life in Guatemala… how many come into the City thinking that the $200 a month they can make is a huge improvement on the $6 a day they can make in the countryside. However life in the City is difficult in a different way… yes you make more but an apartment is at least $75 a month… food even more… transportation… school… clothing… hours of work that require that one gets up at 5am if not before… whereas in the country you set your own hours and your money is yours to save and spend to add to your life not to maintain a baseline existence. The truth is both country and city life presents significant difficulties. I always think of the Cosby Show episode when Cliff teachers Theo the realities of life away from mom and dad with the help of monopoly money.

I am feeling the pinch of money right now too… I am waiting for news from the ELCA and hoping that somehow I can find support to be a missionary here in Guatemala. Please keep this in your prayers… right now I am living off of my savings… $200 a month to pay off my loans from 8 years of school and life insurance and $200 a month to live… food etc. It is not much and really not enough… but I feel called strongly to stay here in Guatemala working with the ILAG and with my church, the ELCA. I hope and trust that somehow either the Division for Global Mission of the ELCA or another mission body either within the ELCA or part of the world Lutheran Church can provide me with support to remain with sufficient resources to be a bit more comfortable. Your prayers are welcome and needed as I continue to love the ministry I am involved in here in Guatemala and to trust that God is gracious.