LLU SIMS - Guatemala 1998

Students for International Mission Service (SIMS)

Guatemala

by Jared Baptist, speech-language pathology student, Graduate School

Come with me to towering volcanoes and deep clear lakes.

Snakes? Yeah, we got 'em. Poisonous lizards? Yep, got them too.

Still want to come? Travel with me to the northeast sector of Guatemala, into the wildest section of Guatemala called the Peten.

Come with me to Los Pinos (the pines), about eight to ten miles from the nearest town. Los Pinos is an orphanage for children who have either been abandoned, or the parents simply cannot support the number of children they have (I saw on average six children per family).

Guatemala is a poor country, but oh, so rich in character! The warm semi-tropical climate just perfectly matches the warmth I found in everyone's heart.

My role was as a part-time English teacher and part-time construction worker. I typically taught for two to three hours in the morning in what can best be described as a large bamboo structure. For the rest of the day I worked building ten new houses for more orphans.

What a remarkable experience it was. I came to know the love for God and for others that the Guatemalan people share. I just wish I could have done more. If you have ever considered missions, consider this great land of opportunity. You won't regret it·ever.

[Sims Outlook contents]

[SIMS homepage]