Central/South America Compassion Trip 2013: Reflection Part 1 - Heartbreak and Hope

So, it’s two days since I’ve arrived back in Australia after an indescribable trip and it’s “straight back into it.” Starting teaching at a new school, new group of kids, new way of doing things. It’s a lot to get my head around.

That’s the headspace I’m in as I try and somehow summarize my recent trip with Compassion, with a neat little bow and a cherry on top. I’ll do my best.

The numbers are astonishing, and the mere fact that I am sitting here awake and healthy is a miracle of God.
3 weeks.
7 countries.
14 children visited.
16 flights and a bus trip.
80 hours travelled by road and air.
45,000km covered.

As for $$$$, I lost count, but I know it was less than half of the average Australian wedding, which I understand is $36,000 for one wonderful, self-indulgent day.

All through the trip, I felt God sustaining, protecting and providing for me. He was honouring the prayers of so many people, and at times I literally felt myself being carried through situations and circumstances that in my own strength would have wrecked me completely.

The contrasts of this trip were overwhelming and hard to process. If I was to give the trip a title, it would be “Heartbreak and Hope.” Nice alliteration, but also accurate.

Two years ago, I was listening to the Hillsong song “Hosanna”. Part of the bridge of the song goes:
Show me how to love like You have loved me
Break my heart for what breaks Yours
Everything I am for Your kingdom’s cause
As I walk from earth into eternity

I said to God “I want you to make those words a reality in my life, no matter what it costs.” Boy, did God honour that request! But I am also glad, because I believe my involvement with Compassion, and the things I have seen, heard and experienced are bringing me closer to God’s heart, and making me more like Jesus, which for a Christian is the ultimate goal.

The home visits were mind-boggling, and they cut deep. I didn’t really get any surprises. I’m not ignorant about poverty, and I never for a moment thought that everyone lives like us in the “developed world”. But because I’ve made the choice to jump in and I’ve invested so much into these kids and families through my money, letters, love, encouragement and prayers, it was so personal, and it hurt my guts to see the way they lived, and the lack of opportunity they faced. 

I want to make it clear at this point, and it should be obvious to you, dear reader, that what I do with Compassion is FOR God, ABOUT God and BECAUSE OF God. It hurts me to say I’ve been accused by people close to me of being self-promoting and prideful in the way I go about it, and even that Compassion is an idol for me.

One good thing about the trip is that God continually confirmed to me that IT IS NOT ABOUT ME! If I had gone on this trip content in, and just wanting to see, the difference I alone was making in their lives, I would have been incredibly disappointed and disillusioned, maybe to the point of not sponsoring any more.

Compassion and God are making the real difference, giving the child and their families hope for the future in this life and the next, giving them skills and tools to lift themselves out of poverty (not doing everything for them or forcing them to be reliant on their help). 

By taking that extra step and visiting the children and their families, I found out so many things that I would not have known just from the letters. So many needs. Here’s a few:
* One girl (14) and her brother (12) have to work 6 hours a day to support the family because their father drinks

* One girl’s father has rheumatoid arthritis and is very crook, but works making coffins anyway, to support his family
* The mother of one boy (8 y.o.) is 23, and has just had a new baby. They live in a brick-box (can’t really call it a house), there is no toilet or running water
* One girl is part of a family of six, and all they own is a box of clothes each because a relative stole ALL their possessions over a number of days. Even the kitchen sink, and he tried taking the doors off the hinges.
* One girl is part of a family of 10, and has two-and-a-half walls on her house and no running water
* Two families, one of 7 and one of 11, are about to be kicked out of their house and have nowhere to go
* One girl is growing up with fighting parents because her father is openly living with another woman, even though he is married to his wife. This family had not had running water for two days when I came to visit
* One girl (18) was unable to tell me what her dreams for the future are, what she’s good at or what she likes doing.   

* One girl’s father asked the translator to ask me for money, and either he or his wife have to stay at home because if the house is vacant they will get robbed.

That’s just scratching the surface. Do you see how, if this was all about me and the wonderful difference I was making with my $11 a week and words on a bit of paper, I would have found all this too hard to take, thrown my hands up in despair and ….(I don’t know how to finish that sentence)?

No, it is not about me. I am merely/humbly/proudly (all at the same time), an instrument God is using in His Story. What I give is the five loaves and two fish, and God multiplies it to “feed” thousands. To encourage, inspire and challenge many. What an honour and a privilege it is to be used by God.

So that was the “Heartbreak” part of my title. Now for the HOPE.

Compassion works in 26 countries through partnering with local churches. I love it. The church is the Body of Christ. The hands and feet of Jesus. They set up Child Development Centres, or “Projects” where the children go to be loved, cared for, encouraged, fed.

I have now visited 26 of my sponsored kids, in 10 countries and the Compassion Projects are seriously my favourite places in the world. They are filled with life, love, energy, hope, dreams, laughter.

The Project workers are nearly all volunteers from the local church, who literally give their lives for these kids and their families. They are true heroes. They sacrifice, build relationships and KNOW them, because they want to share the love of God with them. Extravagant love, unearned, undeserved.

There are a couple of reasons the money from sponsors does not go directly to the families in the form of cash. One is the potential for corruption by authorities or misuse by the parents or extended family. But the simple reason is that the Project workers know the families so well, and know what their needs are. Every dollar spent is audited at three levels. Receipts are kept, photos of purchases are taken. I’ve seen it. The integrity is beyond question.    

On my trip the visits to the Compassion Projects provided the HOPE. There was lots of footy (Australian football) played. Lots of singing, dancing, laughing, running, jumping. Lots of music – anywhere there was a guitar, piano or drum kit, I was on it. I saw workshops in action. Teaching kids skills that can be used for income-generation and helping their families. Giving them a way out. I left the Projects confident that God was there, and He was their HOPE.

Looking back, I love seeing the number of situations where I had nothing to offer but PRAYER. I didn’t necessarily like being in those situations at the time, because I felt so useless, helpless and inadequate, but as the Bible says “His strength is made perfect in my weakness.” That statement rang true on too many occasions.

I was left with the profound realisation that when everything else is stripped away and we’re left with nothing but complete and utter dependence on God, that’s when He does His best and most powerful work.

Being able to pray with and for these precious families was such a humbling experience and a privilege, I often struggled to hold it together. The fact we can come directly to the Creator of the Universe and He listens and responds to us. He WANTS to hear from us, and YEARNS to have a relationship with us.

I was able to pray for a miracle of healing. For provision of jobs, houses and food. For strength, courage, wisdom and knowledge. For God’s peace and security to come on each family. For barriers to be broken down so that the families would fully come to know and rely on God for their needs. I was also able to pray for a beautiful group of 13-15 year old girls on behalf of their sponsors who most likely will never get to visit them.

The amazing thing was, the thing I quite often found myself praying the most was THANKS. I was in the middle of this profound experience, smacked around by the realities of life in poverty and the word I kept hearing myself say the most was THANKS?

My two most impacting experiences both involved prayer.
One was with the young mum of the only boy I visited on this trip. I have shared about this in another blog, but seeing her circumstance, her loneliness, her brokenness, we went out into the backyard, and as I looked at the hole in the ground that was their toilet, I had nothing. I was lost, for words and for actions. I held her close, and verbalised the only thought that came to my mind, the only thing left: JESUS. Being able to pray for that woman was so precious, and I’m grateful to God for the opportunity.

My last visit in the Dominican Republic was not one of the most memorable or exciting. I barely got anything out of her all day, and to be honest was ready to go home. However, God turned it into possibly the most eternally significant moment, and showed me what can happen when you pluck up courage and act on a prompting from God.
She was not able to tell me any of her dreams for the future, what she was good at or liked doing, which for an 18 year old was sad to witness. She had mentioned at the start of the visit that she wasn’t a Christian, and I knew I had to follow this up at the end of the day. I asked her “What is the one thing that is stopping you from fully giving your life to God.” She was unable to answer. There was just some barrier blocking her way.
I shared my experiences of being similarly lacking purpose and direction when I was younger. It wasn’t until I fully committed to God at age 21 that He started giving me opportunities and showing me what He wanted me to do with my life. I emphasised that it’s completely her decision, but as soon as she takes that step and gives her life to God, He will start working on her and make something great out of her.
The time of prayer we shared was incredibly powerful. She was moved to tears and I could feel God working in her heart. He has given her wisdom and protecting her from falling into the teen pregnancy trap that has snared most of her friends. I can’t wait to see what God will do with her life.  
 
Time after time I was floored by the faith and trust these families had in God, despite the “predicament” of their circumstances. It was so counter-intuitive, but that’s the Kingdom of God. It’s just so backwards, upside down and topsy-turvy to our “human” way of thinking. Their gratitude at my visit, as well as their hospitality and generosity with so little to give, was also amazing to experience. I received t-shirts, traditional Guatemalan garments, pictures, notepads, letters, all made and given out of pure love.

It was amazing to witness the differences between the families who were completely committed to God and the church, and those who were on the edge. Two families in particular, you could literally feel the unity, love and hope that existed in their homes. They were no better off materially than any of the others, but they knew that their true value and Hope was found in Jesus.

One family of six makes money by selling a traditional drink called “horchata”. On a good day they make $20. Yet with their faith in God and help from Compassion, all four kids dream of having jobs in the medical profession. The thing was, with this family, I honestly believe that those dreams can be fulfilled.

One thing I’ll never forget is twice having the offer of someone else washing a weeks worth of my dirty clothes (this is something I wouldn’t wish on anyone!) It was an incredible act of servanthood and humility, and it was much appreciated.

Some highlights to finish off:
* Playing drums and leading a church of 300 Mexicans in celebrating our Great God
* Taking each family out to a restaurant for lunch, often for the first time. Such a simple gesture, met with such thankfulness and gratitude
* Eating so much wonderful fried chicken I’m surprised I didn’t turn into one!
* Witnessing the pure, innocent joy of going to a fun park, a zoo, jumping on a trampoline and a bouncy castle.
* Meeting Rosa and her family for a second time three years on, and seeing the differences which are evident in their lives, thanks to their faith in God.
* Going on a Moto-taxi ride in Mexico
* Teaching the kids about Australia, jumping like a kangaroo, snoring like a koala and laughing like a kookaburra
* Singing songs to kids and being sung to by kids
* Seeing the joy, life and hope at each of the Compassion Projects, and knowing it is from God alone.
* Getting the Australian football out in soccer-mad Central and South America
* Being a passenger in a car in seven different countries in South/Central America and not witnessing (or being involved in) a single accident!
* Getting to know each of the families I’ve invested in through sponsorship on a much deeper level, knowing that God has connected us.

Even though, as you can tell, I’m a hugely passionate advocate and supporter of Compassion and what God is doing through them, I’m not going to finish with an “altar call.” I’m not going to beg, coerce or guilt you into sponsoring a child. That decision is up to you, and is between you and God.

However, over the course of this trip, I am confident I have fully, completely and honestly (sometimes too honest for my own good) painted a pretty clear picture for you.
A picture of the state of the need in the world.
A picture of the difference between our world and theirs, and the clear fact that, if we are willing, God can use us to make a difference to a child (or many!) and their family.
If you want ANY more information about anything you’ve seen or read, feel free to contact me and I would love to share with you. The ball is in your court.

TO GOD BE THE GLORY!

Central/South America Compassion Trip 2013: Visiting Carolina (DR)

Today was my last visit day on my Compassion trip. It wasn’t overly outstanding, exciting, action-packed or joyful. It was real life. There was awkwardness, there was silence, there was honesty, there were hard questions asked and answered.  

I went from thinking “I should have left after Ecuador” to saying, in all humility, “Thank you God for the way you are using me in other people’s lives”. Incredibly profound. I came straight from the airport to the Project, having been delayed by an hour and twenty minutes. I was tired and a little bit grumpy, after a 5.30amstart and being fleeced by hustlers at the Haitiairport. The first thing I learned was that Carolina, who Compassion told me was 15, is actually 18, and a mistake with the birth certificate was the reason given.

It was evident right from the start that I should put this visit in the “I know she enjoyed it but she didn’t really show it” category. I could not get a peep out of her, and she stretched and exhausted my limited conversational skills. I’ll have to take their word for it, but the Compassion staff and her Mama said that she’s normally very chatty and outgoing, but not today. When she found out a couple of days ago that I was coming, she just went mute. Also, normally her Mama has to wake her up, but today, on the day of my visit, she was up without the wakeup call. So that was encouraging.

Carolina is the third of a tribe of nine kids, aged 9 to 23. It was sad to see her unable to answer questions about her dreams, or what she likes to do or is good at. She seemed to lack direction and purpose. She also mentioned at the start she is not a Christian, despite being in the Project since she was 4, and her family goes to the church attached to the Compassion Project. This stuck with me, and was the catalyst for our powerful farewell.

When we visited Carolina’s house, any delusions I had of being anyone of importance were thrown out the window when the siblings rushed past me out the door on their way to school. I found out that, similar to a couple of the other families I visited, they are about to be removed from their house that they are renting. Where to find a house suitable for 12?

I did my best to engage her by getting out the letters I had sent to her and going through some of the pictures. It was good to see the letters were incredibly well looked after and valued. After more awkward silence, a tour of their very crowded house and a blackout that left us in near darkness, I gave out some gifts. I once again found myself apologising at the smallness of the gifts when compared to the family’s needs.

We went for ice-cream, and I stupidly bought a cone, while the others went for a cup. Predictably, it got messy, and Carolinasaved me from a nasty double-scoop spill by catching it in her hand! What a girl! :) During this time we had a conversation, where Carolinaopened up a bit more. I learned that a major problem in DR is teen pregnancy. Many of Carolina’s friends have gone down that path, but I’m so thankful she hasn’t. God has given her wisdom, and I’m so proud that she has made wise decisions.

Pretty soon it was time for me to leave, but there was one more conversation I wanted to have. I asked her “What is the one thing stopping you from fully giving your life to God?” She couldn’t really answer. She’s so close, but there’s just this barrier in the way. I shared with her my experience. When I left school I was not a Christian and I had no idea what to do with my life – I lacked direction and purpose. As soon as I made the commitment at age 21, God started giving me opportunities and showing me what I should do with my life. That led to Compassion, teaching, music and basketball coaching.

I assured her that God loves her so much, and His plan for her does not involve working for 40 years at a job she absolutely hates. That only happens when people choose to go their own way and make certain decisions in running their own life. I assured her that this decision to invite God in was completely up to her, and as soon as she made it, He would start working in her life.

I then prayed for Carolina, in the name of Jesus. I thanked Him for creating her and for His love for her. I thanked Him for giving her wisdom and asked him to remove that final barrier that is preventing her from committing her life fully to Him. I thanked Him for the future He had for her, and for allowing me to play a part in her life. This was such a powerful time, and was a privilege. I could feel God stirring in her heart, inviting her to come to Him. Carolinawas reduced to tears, and I was pretty close.

I was overwhelmed by God’s love for this young woman, and for the fact that He used my visit to encourage her, to speak words of life to her in person, rather than on a page, and this may even be the thing that “pushes her over the edge” and helps her make the final step of faith to once and for all ask Jesus to be the Lord of her life. I can’t wait to see what happens.

Central/South America Compassion Trip 2013: Visiting Jacqueline (Ecuador)

Trust in the Lord with all your heart. Lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge God and He will direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

For Christians, these words are very well known and we do our best to live by them. But how often do we really trust God WITH ALL OUR HEART or acknowledge Him IN ALL OUR WAYS? I sure as heck don’t as much as I would like. When I was in Ecuador in late January, visiting my Compassion sponsored child Jacqueline, I caught a glimpse of what it really means to trust fully and completely, and I want to share it with you.

I’m so glad I went to Ecuador. When I planned my trip to Central America in January, I wasn’t originally going to include Ecuador, because it was a little bit “out of the way” compared to the other countries I planned to visit. I have been sponsoring 6 year-old Jacqueline for two and a half years, and it was her letters that got me. Here is a sample:

- I would like to meet you because I would like to know you and your toys

- Jacqueline loves you, and for her, the wish to know you is the most beautiful in her life

- She also wonders if you will be able to meet face to face someday

- She wants you to know that she would like to know you in some moment to share with you nice moments

- Do you know something incredible? You are a hero for Jacque, she would like to be like you when she grows up – a great professional. She wants to work with children, and the same as you, to be mature spiritually in faith. Jacque wants that you never get apart from Jesus. Jacque would like to be like you because you follow Jesus Christ’s footprints. Jacque asks God that you come to Ecuador. She wants to see your eyes and tell you she loves you

Alright, alright, I get the hint! So Ecuador was included on the itinerary. I say it again, I’m SO glad I went to Ecuador. It was one of the three days on the trip that I didn’t leave with some sort of heartbreak or negative feeling. And that’s not because her family’s life isn’t hard. They’re a family of seven, about to be turfed out of their house, and the parents jobs are anything but secure.

However, what I found was, because of some of the situations I experienced that wrecked me, God multiplied the impact of the joyous moments. And this day was JOYOUS. I'll admit that the main reason I'm writing this blog is just so I get to relive the day - pure innocence, joy and excitement!

We met in the foyer of my hotel – Jacqueline, her mum, her Project Director and my translator – all women. I’d kind of become used to being surrounded by women by now (and loved it) :). I wasn’t sure what sort of reaction I’d get from Jacqueline, but she turned out to be one of the more affectionate and open of my children, right from the start. I had an 18 year old who didn’t say “boo” and I had a six year old who chatted away.

She was tiny, like a doll, and she squeezed her way into my heart right away. The visit took place on a Saturday, and our first stop was an amusement park in the city of Quito. We loaded up a prepaid card with $40 and off we went. Jacqueline was (to paraphrase Homer) “like a kid in some kind of a store.” For whatever reason, she particularly liked the rides that did nothing but go round and round. We did merry-go-rounds, giant slides, trampolines, mini-pirate ship, even the waste-of-money sideshow games (though on this day, not one cent was wasted).

I was able to go on some rides with her. To be able to share this time with a precious little girl who was enjoying what we consider to be standard childhood experiences for the first time was an amazing privilege, and more than once I got lost in the moment.

During our morning together, Jacqueline was running purely on adrenalin and excitement. Her Mama shared with me that she hadn’t slept very well the previous night, as she was so excited, and I could see her getting gradually more tired. She made it through lunch, then we travelled an hour to her home. During this time, Jacqueline finally succumbed and fell asleep. In my arms.

I cannot describe the significance of that moment. God was showing me His love for Jacqueline and His love for me. This was Proverbs 3:5-6 come to life. To me, falling asleep in someone’s arms is the greatest example of trust we can demonstrate as humans, as we make ourself totally vulnerable, and our lives are completely in the other person’s hands. Jacqueline was showing me that she trusted me with all her heart, and God was whispering to me “This is how I want my people to trust me.” Lesson learned.

Trust is something that takes a long time to earn, but only a moment to lose. Every day I am thankful for the people God has entrusted to me to educate, encourage and love – my class, my nieces and nephews, and my Compassion kids. It is equally a privilege and a responsibility, one that I don’t take lightly.

Central/South America Compassion Trip 2013: Visiting Antonio (Nicaragua)

The Turning Point

Antonio. This 8 year old kid was full of life. Chatty, talkative, animated. We hung out at the church for a while, drank coke, played with my Australian football.

In contrast, I noticed his mother, who looked so young and was nursing a brand new baby, didn’t say a word. Even in our conversations she almost had to be prompted. I sensed much sadness and loneliness in her life.

I took Antonio, his cousin and a few other relatives out to a chicken restaurant for lunch and they continued to talk, and talk, and sing, and talk. We had a ball. Then it was time for the home visits.

Visiting the homes of my Compassion kids was always confronting. The realities of poverty were right there, there was no hiding from it. I was always received with hospitality and they were always welcoming, but because I have invested so much in these families, it hurt my guts to see the way they lived and the lack of opportunities they faced.

Antonio’s home visit was probably the hardest I have done. It was The Turning Point, as I have entitled this blog. The house was nothing more than a brick box. Dirt floor, holes in the roof. One bedroom. No privacy for this woman with an 8 year old and a new baby.

We sat around and chatted for a while. The conversation was driven by the Project workers, since I was lost for words, taking in everything around me, and still sensing Mama’s sadness and shyness. We got Antonio talking, showed him some pictures, gave him some gifts. When I do a home visit, I can normally ask to take photos of the house, even when I’m thinking “How do they live like this, day after day?” Today I couldn’t do it. It just didn’t feel right.

I learned that Mama was 23, so she was just 15 when she had Antonio. Antonio’s father left just after he was born, and she now had a husband, who was as young, if not younger than she was. He scratches an income selling newspapers at the local market.

The Turning Point came when we ventured out into the backyard, and I use that term loosely. It was a dump, with a cinder block out in the open for a toilet.

At this point, everything that had been building up inside me as I learned about their reality came crashing down. I felt the full force of their despair, their hopelessness. I could not move. I had no words.

After a couple of minutes I managed to speak: “Jesus. Jesus.” Over and over again, that was all I could say.

The next few minutes were holy, sacred and powerful. I did the only thing I could think of. I held this beautiful young woman and I prayed for her. I lifted her up to God. God gave me the words, and He gave me the strength to say them. Mama was overcome. Her brokenness was evident, but as I prayed, I could feel her responding and crying out to God in her spirit.



The Bible says God’s strength and power is made perfect in our weakness, and it was certainly true on this day. This was “The Turning Point” because God helped me to truely realise that without Him we have nothing. I guess I knew this in theory, but my wealth, prosperity, abundance, self-reliance and self-sufficiency prevented me from knowing it fully.

People who are materially poor know what it is to depend on God and trust Him completely. They have to. This is a great example to me, and I know God wanted me to see all these things for this exact reason.

I want to live a life that demonstrates complete trust, dependence and reliance on God, which is one of the reasons I am headed to serve Him in the Philippines. I don’t want material possessions or a life of comfort or ease to stand in the way of my relationship with God, so I am giving it up to pursue what I believe He has created me to do.

Postscript: As heartbreaking as this day with Antonio and his family was, God has put two sparkles of blessing in their lives: Compassion and Antonio’s grandmother.
Without Compassion, Antonio wouldn’t have regular food, clean water, education or medical care.
Even though Antonio’s father left, his grandmother stayed. I was inspired by the love Antonio’s grandmother has for him, even though technically she has no obligation to. Love of God in action.

Compassion Adventure #3 (Central/South America 2013): Visiting Katherine (El Salvador)

Poverty of Family and Hope for the Future

I saw true courage today. The courage of a Mama trying to hold her marriage together for the sake of her children and future generations. The courage of a couple sharing their struggles so personally with someone they just met. I also displayed courage today. The courage to ask hard questions of a woman I’d just met, not knowing how or if she’d respond. The result of this courage was that I now know this family on a whole new level and I’m starting to get a true picture of just how significant a sponsor is, not just to the child, but to the family.

At breakfast, my Compassion host and translator Jorge shared with me some interesting things about poverty in El Salvador. While the physical poverty is evident everywhere, the deeper issue is “poverty of family”. Marriages everywhere are breaking down, and as a result the children do not feel secure, safe or loved. This goes on for generations. I took it on board and stored it in the memory bank.

Little did I know I would soon be face-to-face with this “poverty of family” in an incredibly personal way.

I have been sponsoring 6 year-old Katherine for a year. She’s one of the newer additions to my Compassion family. Katherine lives with Mama, Papa and Older Bro (11) in the east of El Salvador.

Today’s visit was going to be short, due to having to drive three and a half hours back to San Salvadorto catch a plane. Therefore I wanted to make every minute count. I had to quickly catch and destroy my local “Negative Attitude Monster” when we didn’t get to the Project until 9.30am.

Katherine's Project has been operating for five years. They started with 150 kids, and now have 266, aged 3-14. The Project Director is a friendly young guy who loves what he does and clearly has the respect of the children and families.

I was welcomed by a relatively small contingent of children in the church, since it was a school day. This didn’t matter one bit, as I still felt very loved and accepted. They had stuck red, white and blue streamers and balloons around the place (seems to be a common theme), and had “Very Welcome Mr David Chalmers” projected onto a wall.

I met Katherine, and she presented me with a foam square painted like the Australian flag, with outlines of her hands on the back. Some children recited Bible memory verses, then I introduced myself, taught them to say “G'day Australia” as well as jump like a kangaroo and sleep like a koala. They invited me to get on the drums (to which I never say no), so I had a quick bash while they clapped along. A little guy who would have been 9 or 10 also got on the drums and did a very good job.

We then went on a quick tour of the Project and met kids and staff. There was a lot of construction and extension work going on, which indicates growth. The staff told me a bit about the programs run by this particular Project. I’ve found it interesting how each Project has a different “focus” in terms of the activities, skills or workshops offered. This Project has three main workshops, aimed at giving kids income-generating skills for the future: bakery, computer class and “electricity” was how the third one was translated to me. I can only assume it’s to do with basic engineering or fixing things.

The next stop was Katherine’s home. I was pleased to hear that the neighbourhood is considered very safe, and they have no real problems with gangs. In the house they have a front living area with a large hammock stretched across it. There is one bedroom, and the “kitchen” is outside, what we might call the “back verandah” or “patio”. Except it’s definitely not a patio. The roof is made from iron sheets, held down with rocks and whatever other heavy-ish objects they can find. The backyard is a courtyard filled with crud, and shared with three or four other houses. There are two “toilets” to share. These are basically hollowed-out concrete blocks, which are raised up in order to be able to sit on them. I don’t recall seeing a door in front of either toilet. They have running water, but it’s incredibly unreliable. When we visited, they hadn’t had water for 2 DAYS! When I heard that I thanked God that both kids are registered and sponsored through Compassion.

Papa was not there when I visited. He earns $175 a month working as a cleaner/security guy at the local school, where Katherine is about to start First Grade. There’s a bit of symmetry there, since I am also about to starting teaching First Grade. I understand Mama does not contribute financially to the family at the moment, but she told me she sometimes makes and sells tortillas.

For lunch, Katherine chose Pollo Compestre, which is the El Salvador version of Pollo Campero (from Guatemala, but in El Salv also). Every three months the Project takes the kids there for birthday celebrations. On the way there we did something that wasn’t in the schedule, but turned out to be incredibly significant. We stopped at the school to meet and talk to Papa. We met outside the front gate, which he initially left open. In no time, half a dozen faces had appeared and he motioned for them to get back inside. Apparently some of the students like to try and escape, so, seeing the open gate, thought they’d seize their opportunity. Papa is in his mid-30s, and seems like a nice guy, though I can imagine him being quite intimidating if you got on the wrong side of him.

We talked about his job, and then asked for prayer requests for the family. The reply came “Please pray for my family. My wife and I sometimes fight.” I was taken aback by, but appreciated, his honesty, and made sure I told him this. Later, as we were sitting in the children’s area of Pollo Campestre, I wondered how I was going to follow this up with Mama, or even if I should.

Lunch was okay (not as good as Pollo Campero). We traded questions and the conversation flowed. Mama was beautiful and engaging. I asked Older Bro some questions and found out that he is in 6^th Grade, wants to be a professional football player (who doesn’t?) and his favourite player is Lionel Messi (not a bad choice). He has sponsors from the US, who he hears from regularly. I gave him the Australian football to have a look at, and told him a bit about the game. They mistakenly thought I was giving it to him to keep, and later on put it in their bag to take with them. I had to sheepishly retrieve it. I then gave out gifts to the family, and I’m pretty sure the other patrons of the children’s area of Pollo Campestre were wondering what was going on at our table, and where they could get a necklace, teddy bear, Australian flag and snowglobe, among other things.

Mama started talking about her relationship with her husband. They got together 13 years ago, when she was at school. She was selling bread at the same time, to raise enough money to keep going to school. She said she always knew, when school finished “The bread was waiting.” Papa laid eyes on her and it was “love at first sight.” Ah yes, that old chestnut. He did not attend the school, but would go in just to see her. They are together 13 years later, but one gets the sense all is not well.

Finally, when the two kids were off playing, those remaining at the table were Mama and three males. Me, Jorge (host) and the Project Director. I decided to ask the question.
“Your husband said that you and he fight a bit. Can I ask what you fight about?”
"He’s seeing another woman.”
Silence. Me: “But he’s married to you?”
”Yes.”
Me: Baffled silence. Then: “I’m just trying to understand how that works.”
This was “poverty of family" come alive right before my eyes.

Questions go round in the head. Scenarios, solutions. The reality that she couldn’t really leave him at this point even if she wanted to (not that that would be the solution), because he’s the one financially contributing to the family, and selling tortillas is not going to provide for two children.

I look at Mama. She is strong, patient and understanding. I would also add brave and courageous for sharing it with us. Three males, two of whom she’s only just met.
But it’s a testimony to the trust she has in the Project Director, who’s built a relationship with the family over the five years they’ve been involved with the Compassion Project.
It’s a testimony to the trust she has in me, her daughter’s sponsor, who speaks words of love and encouragement into her life, and loves them enough to travel halfway round the world to see them and BE WITH them.
It’s a testimony to her trust in Jorge, who has been much more than a translator for me. He also considers himself to be an advocate for Compassion, and does a standout job of connecting with families he’s just met.

“I am fighting for my marriage for the sake of my children; setting an example for them.” I learned that Mama’s parents were in the same situation. This “poverty of family” is a generational thing in El Salvador, but Mama is determined it will stop here.

With God’s help and Compassion’s support, it can. But there is one more step they need to take. Older Bro listed his favourite Project activity as “learning about God”. Katherine, being a life-loving, enthusiastic six-year-old, loves everything about the Project, especially the God-stuff – singing songs and learning the Bible. However, neither Mama or Papa have fully committed themselves to the church or to Jesus. Yet. That is the Great Unknown. Or, depending on how you look at it, with their two kids being cared for like they are with Compassion, the Great Inevitable.

I’m not suggesting that by becoming Christians all their marriage problems will instantly disappear. Being “perpetually single”, I’m no expert on marriage, but I’m pretty safe in saying that marriage requires hard work on both sides. Papa has a decision to make in regards to committing completely to his wife.

However, the first thing I thought of when I got in the car after saying goodbye was the incredible contrast between the two families I visited in the last two days. Both families live in El Salvador. Both families have children sponsored and supported through Compassion. Both families are in economical and living situations which are not real flash (hooray for understatements).

Here’s the difference: In Rosa’s home (the one visit so far where I have gone away with my heart completely full and joyous) I felt love, joy, peace, dreams, positive ambitions and contentment. This is due to one simple fact: They are a committed Christian family with a incredible faith and trust in God to provide for them, and are part of a church community. That’s where their Hope lies.

And that’s what I believe is missing from Katherine’s family. Mama and Papa both love their kids, but when the marriage is not strong, the family disintegrates. And trying to fix broken relationships is the sort of problem that if you try in your own strength, you will fail. If they really want to solve their conflicts in a way that won’t lead to a continuation of the “poverty of family”, they need to commit their lives, marriage and family to Jesus.

If I had not come to visit, I would not have known any of this. In such a short time, we went deep. I had the courage to ask hard questions, and Mama had the courage to answer them. I am now better equipped to pray, and trust that God will work in the lives of the family. The final decision lies with them.

Compassion Adventure #3 (Central/South America 2013): Re-Visiting Rosa (El Salvador)

Excuse the hyperbole, but today was sent to me straight from heaven! In contrast to some of my other blog posts, it's vast-majority "sweetness and light" today, folks.

In 2007 I started sponsoring 7-year-old Rosa and in 2009 I ventured over to Chinameca, El Salvador to visit her and her family when she was a shy 9-year-old. This visit was actually the “kick-up-the-bum” I needed to stop being a “dead-beat-sponsor” (one that only sends money) and start writing regular letters, because that’s what the kids really need and want. I could see how disappointed she was that I had only written a few letters, so I resolved to change, and now write monthly to my many Compassion kids.

Rosa has a Mama, Papa, Older Sis (18), Twin Sis and Younger Bro (10). Unfortunately Older Sis couldn’t be with us. Papa told us she had really been looking forward to seeing me again, but she had received the call at 9pm the previous night to go and work at the little shop which is her place of employment. Older Sis was never sponsored, but has ambitions to have a career, and she is using this job to try and pay her way through University.

Normally on a sponsor visit the Project is the first stop, but since today was the first day of school for the year and there was no Project action in the morning, we went to the family’s house first. It was interesting going back a second time. A lot of the conversation revolved around what had happened in the last three years, for both of us, and what had changed. We reminisced over what we remembered about the last visit. The family knew a lot about me, because they are very interested in my letters.

I still learned some new things about the family today. I learned the kids have to get up really early to get to school (which starts at 7.30) because there’s 49 kids in Rosa’s class, and if they get there late they get a seat up the back, and can’t hear very well. The kids all have dreams related to the medical profession (doctor, nurse, clinical lab technician), and are currently achieving good grades. Rosa and her sister have only just started 7^th grade, but the family is already talking LDP(Leadership Development Program, in which a select group of Compassion-sponsored kids are then sponsored through College and raised up to become Christian leaders of their communities and countries).

Rosa’s parents make money by making and selling a traditional drink called Horchata. The recipe has been passed down through the family, and it is indeed a “family business”. When the kids aren’t at school or the Compassion Project they help their parents sell it. They spend all morning preparing it, go out on the streets with a couple of buckets full, and sell it in plastic bags. On a good day in the warm weather they make $20. In the cooler weather, they don’t make much. Mama has a couple of other job options for lean times, such as cleaning houses or helping make and sell a traditional El Salvador food called pupusas (I had three today, and they were delish!). The family’s house is adequate, and belonged to their parents, so they are blessed to not have to pay any rent.

The ambition, optimism and dreams of this family is mind-blowing and breathtaking considering their circumstances, but it comes purely and simply from their unshakeable contentment, joy, faith and trust in Jesus. I felt so blessed to be connected to this family. Papa took us out the back and showed us the process for making horchata. The family’s menagerie of animals was still there from last time: a cat, a couple of dogs, some chickens, a green Australian parrot…

After a wonderful conversation, gift giving and recreating the family photo out the front of the house, we headed out to San Miguel for some lunch. I received some respite from Pollo Campero (not that I need it) because Rosa likes pizza, so just like the first visit we went to Pizza Hut. After lunch it was time to visit the Project – ES718.

Project visits are always a joy, and this was no exception. Last time I was here it was El Salvador Children’s Day, so things were quite chaotic, with piñatas and lollies flying everywhere. Today was a lot more relaxed. We were greeted with the children in a guard of honour, some holding red, blue and white streamers. We went upstairs to a big room, where they welcomed me, I introduced myself and showed them the Australian football, they sang a couple of songs to me, and I played “Blessed Be Your Name” and “Open the Eyes of My Heart” on an unfortunately out-of-tune guitar. After this it was off to their classes.

Rosa and Twin Sis are nearly 13, and are into things most girls that age are into. The Project offers a Cosmetology workshop (hair, nails, manicures, pedicures etc.) for the girls, and I understand some of the girls who have done it in the past have gone to earn an income out of it. So part of what Compassion is offer the kids (and often the parents) income-generating skills to help lift themselves out of poverty.

In a very special time, I was able to meet and talk to the group of girls, aged 13-15 doing the cosmetology workshop. We traded questions and answers, and of course the question came up about whether I was married or had a girlfriend. Answer: No. Moving on, thanks… I was privileged to be able to lift up this group of girls to God, and pray for them on behalf of their sponsors. We went around the circle and they shared prayer requests. Most of them kept it fairly basic, but I was honoured that they’d only just met me but were willing to share things that were happening in their lives. I prayed about their families, friends, studies, sponsors, and that they would make wise decisions about their lives as they got older.

After this was play time. We went out on the street, kicked the footy and the soccer ball, jumped a skipping rope and had races. I did much more than my knees were happy with. We finished with a special time of eating pupusas (and too much orange drink) with just Rosa’s family a couple of the Project staff. The Project staff shared about just what an impact the sponsors have on their children, particularly through the letters and visits. I’m continually amazed at the reaction I get from kids who don’t even know me, who speak a different language, and who I would have thought may be a little bit scared of this bald, bearded guy. They just love having a sponsor there, and it doesn’t matter if it’s their sponsor or not. That’s how much it means to them.   

I was also honoured to be able to pray for and encourage each family member and the Project workers who were there. I will never cease to be amazed and inspired by Compassion Project workers. Every person who works for Compassion is an incredible servant of God and their stories need to be told. They give their lives for the kids and their families, in the name of bringing them the love of Jesus...

Because the driver, Jorge my translator and I are staying in San Miguel, I was able to spend more time with the family and didn’t have to rush off. We ended up leaving at 5.00, which made for a tiring, but incredibly rewarding and positive day.

Compassion Adventure #3 (Central/South America 2013): Compassion Guatemala - An Inside Look

Before I left Guatemala, I had the privilege of visiting the Compassion Guatemala office in Guatemala City. It was a fantastic opportunity to look behind the scenes and meet people involved in making Compassion such a godly and amazing organisation to be part of. It was Friday afternoon, but everyone was friendly and willing to talk to me. I met:
- Facilitators
- Medical people
- IT people
- Finance people
- Admin people
- People who translate and process the letters
- People who organise trips and tours
- A couple of staff who used to be sponsored kids and are now working for the very organisation who gave them a hope and a future (LOVE those stories) :)

Every one of these people are professionals who could be getting more money/recognition/status etc if they worked elsewhere. Instead they choose to spend their lives serving God and helping the children of Guatemala by working with Compassion.

I even met the boss of Compassion Guatemala, Jose Carlos. It says something about him that he was still in the office at 3.00pm on Friday arvo : )

He showed me a giant map of Guatemalaon his wall, and on it were little magnets of different colours. They represented every Child Development Project in the country, the Project number and who was in charge of it.

My favourite story he shared was about the Project GU400, which is where my Josefa attends. Each Project has a special name, and the staff of GU-400 wanted to call theirs the “Rain of Blessings” project. The reason for this is simple. Every month, all the staff of that Project go to the nearby Santa Maria volcano, and they pray. They pray for the children and their families, the sponsors and the country of Guatemala. They do not publicise or advertise that they do this. Since they have been doing this, every month at least one child from the Project receives a family gift, or a visit, or something extra from their sponsors, above and beyond the usual $11 a week.

Rain of Blessings indeed.