On our first full day in Guatemala, we took a trip to the dump. Hope of Life has built a shelter near-by and they bring food to the villagers three times a week. I really did not feel right taking photos at the dump. It felt wrong to be staring and snapping photos, so I quickly took a few to show to my friends and family so you could see with our own eyes. Yes, those are homes at the top of the hill. An entire community lives at the dump. When a garbage truck arrives, the villagers run to the truck and begin to rummage through the refuse, looking for anything that can be salvaged and/or sold. They sell glass and use whatever they can from the rubble to survive. We were there when a garbage truck pulled in, I could NOT bear to photograph the activity. My heart broke, as I stood gazing down. It was hard to stand there, in "tourist mode," I felt that I was violating their privacy.
One family who lives here was offered the opportunity to leave this life and come to Hope of Life to live in a village. They refused. This is their home. This is what is familiar. This is what they know.
I had to ask myself, "How often do I do the same thing? God is offering me hope, healing and a new way to live and love and I choose to stay in my brokenness, because it is what I know..."
Father, help me to follow after You and not settle for the norm or what is comfortable. I trust You with all of my heart. All of Your plans are for my good.
”Spirit lead me where my trust is without borders
Let me walk upon the waters
Wherever you would call me
Take me deeper than my feet could ever wander
And my faith will be made stronger
In the presence of my Savior.” –Oceans
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