Getting There!: Thicker than Blood

Thicker than Blood

In the near constant Guatemalan rain, children in out-of-date, worn-out clothes played with rocks and sticks and a group of teen-aged boys kicked a soccer ball against a cracked wall. The view was sad and depressing for us high and mighty Americans.

I immediately judged the situation as one of need. These kids needed clothes, toys, love, attention, and every other convenience I had in America. But I was wrong.

Casa Para Ninos Aleluya is an orphanage 30 minutes outside of Guatemala City, Guatemala. They care for and raise 381 orphaned, abused, and mistreated children. Under the direction of Mike and Dotty Clark, the kids are housed in a Christian founded orphanage. The obedience of the Clark’s has led to an amazing story that includes zero debt and complete provision for all the children.

When I arrived at the orphanage I didn’t know what to expect, but I sure got a reality check.

The kids, from infants to college and career-aged students, have a system of support that is uncommon in American society. They take care of each other and love one another like family even though they are not related.

The kids are used to American do-gooders coming and going from the orphanage and while they crave attention and love being held and played with, they really connect with each other and take care of one another without any of our help.

Megan Strickland has been to the orphanage many times for missions and also to visit her parents. Her mother and step-father live there as dorm parents to young boys. She has observed the culture of the orphanage during her time spent there.

“The first time I went to Guatemala I was thinking that these kids just need love but if you watch the kids just hug each other, like they’re that support for each other.” Strickland said. “I mean I just love that. I was just watching the teenagers and they took that motherly role, and what teenagers would do that here? They just have so much love for each other and instantly one of them will have a piece of candy and just give it to one of their friends.”

I saw this support role that she spoke of as I spent more time there. I saw a group of girls picking lice out of each other’s hair, a common occurrence in the culture and conditions. They are very self-less and conscious of others needs because most of them long for loving relationships.

We got to speak with the Clarks, the founders, and heard several children’s stories. Eighty percent of the older girls have been raped and abused by male family members, which has caused a lot of mental and emotional issues. The community bond the girls create helps with the healing process and gives them an understanding of healthy love.

Seeing this love and simplicity really affected how I view my relationships and desires. American society tells us to look out for ourselves and get the latest stuff, but the laid back society in Guatemala places importance on investing in people and enjoying life.

Abby Allen also went on the trip with me. She was impacted by the community in the younger kids.

“Even the babies and toddlers take care of each other,” Allen said.

The older toddlers that know some English will notice Americans trying to communicate with a child and will come up and translate. The camaraderie is inspiring.

They unfortunately are used to change as well. Kids come and go all the time. So, while they do grow close and take care of one another, they are not affected much by loss. Over her many visits, Strickland has seen kids leave and the reaction of the kids left behind.

“They have that relationship with each other, but they are also willing to be like, ok, something better, and let them go,” Strickland said.

Overall, the experience of going to the orphanage and seeing the love these kids have for one another was inspiring. They don’t need a lot to be happy and they form relationships that prove that love is thicker than blood.

“They may not have a whole lot, but they are content,” Allen said “You go there expecting to be a blessing to someone, you know, help someone out, but you come away just so filled up, so blessed.”