I couldn’t believe what I saw. Or smelled.
Dump trucks brimming with garbage caravanned through the Guatemala City dump. Expectant foragers – men, women and children – chased behind them, anxious to see what treasures they held.
Their eyes searched for any potential provision. In addition to food and clothing, they gathered anything recyclable:
glass, metal, plastic, furniture, used electronics and toys.
A successful day results in a handful of dollars. An unsuccessful day means they’ll head out earlier the next.
The Disrespect
“Scavengers” are the dregs of Guatemala City society and are even shunned by the local churches. Marta attends church on the other side of town, where she won’t be recognized. She’s willing to make the one-hour bus ride, but her family is not.
The Danger
The dump presents many hazards to those who scavenge it. Methane gas rises from the heaps and fills their lungs. The unsteady ground shifts beneath their weight. Younger, stronger men compete for the best loot.
The Despair
Many of the residents know no other life. Families of eight, 10, and 12 squeeze into a space no bigger than the average American living room. No running water, a single electrical line, one or two mattresses. As soon as the little ones are old enough to sort through the trash, they venture down into the dump.
Some will grow old here and will care for the next generation of scavengers. Others’ lives will be cut short by drugs, disease and neighborhood violence.
The Hope
As we toured the neighborhoods with The Potter’s House ministry, we visited and prayed with several families. In addition to requests for prayer, we asked the matriarch what her dreams were for her children and grandchildren. Each gave us the same answer:
To get an education and have a life outside the dump.
The Potter’s House doesn’t view their neighbors as scavengers, but as treasures. For more than 25 years they’ve ministered in the area, changing thousands of lives.
“Making an impact with those who live and work in the dump requires more than just giving them money. To have a real impact, we must change the way they view themselves—to help them see themselves as God sees them. It is only with this shift in perspective that they can experience grace and hope for a better life.”
As difficult a place as the dump was is, it made me sad to leave. We delivered bags of staples and toiletries, chatted through interpreters, and clipped hair barrettes into little girls’ tresses. Yes, it was an incredibly small thing, but it was SOMEthing.
Mother Teresa said,
“If you can’t feed a hundred people, feed just one.”
I can feed one. Can you?
I assure you, when you did it to one of the
least of these My brothers and sisters,
you were doing it to Me!
~Matthew 25:40 (NLT)
If you’re interested in helping one of the least of these through The Potter’s House, check out their opportunities for partnership.
Thank you for sharing your visit with us. What a convicting reminder of the wealth and the opportunities we enjoy here in America, Susan! I think it can be easy to look at travel brochures or National Geographic mags and think about what lovely and idyllic places all these countries are, and to just not see the needs because we would prefer not to.
You’re so right, Kim. It can be easy to turn a blind eye to poverty and need, especially when we’re surrounded by such abundance. But once God opens your eyes to it, it’s all you see!
I well remember scenes like this when I went on a mission trip to Haiti. We have been given so much here in the US. To think that people live this way is appalling. Thanks for sharing and the link. I will check it out. I agree that it’s so important to change the way they see themselves. And only knowing Jesus can truly do that.
Blessings and love,
Debbie
Thanks for checking out the link, Debbie. I love the passion behind the PH vision – “it’s unthinkable that God’s highest creation must rummage through the trash to support themselves.” They do an amazing work!
To which much has been given, much is required…Lord let us all live this!
Amen!
Gut-wrenching. So true- “To have a real impact, we must change the way they view themselves—to help them see themselves as God sees them.” THANK GOD for people who are willing to invest the time for this to happen. Thank you for going, for caring, for sharing.
Thank you, Marcia. I can only imagine what you saw when you lived there. Thank YOU for investing in the lives of the Guatemalan people!
oh wow, I thought the Philippines has the worst poverty! But this one is too sad. But I know that it is also getting worst there, while growing up there I was really numb what was around me. It was a way of life to some & they don’t know the difference. My family was the fortunate ones. I remembered my dad would have a clinic for free consultation at a Catholic church to help the poor who can’t pay for medical expenses & meds. He would ask the Medical Reps for medical samples so that he can give it to the poor people who can’t afford to buy medicines. When I visit the Philippines & come back to America , I have to sort my thinking & feelings. When I took my daughter to the Philippines when she was 12 , she practically cried & culturally shocked as well as my husband….. so different kind of world that most Americans has not had a chance to see unless they go on mission trips. My husband went to the Phils & he will never forget the lady whom we saw squatting on my parent’s land & offered Mark & I a corn on the cob for lunch which we declined because we feel like it was not even enough for her family. My friend, I am so thankful that you blog about this for an awareness of what it is like to live in a place other than America. Someday I would like to take you to the Phils my friend.
love you!
Anita, I would LOVE to go with you to the Philippines one day! And yes, every country, especially third world ones, have an abundance of poverty. It’s so sad, but so encouraging to see the different ministries and individuals who have a heart to help. What a compassionate man your dad was!
God bless you for going — and for sharing. Between this and my study in Nehemiah, I sense God stirring me to action in some way. Praying.
Thank you, Susan.
Oh yeah, Cathy – Nehemiah will do a number on you. Before long, you’ll be raising funds and heading up a God-sized project! I’ll be praying with/for you.
Hokie hugs
Oh Susan,
Thank you for sharing a glimpse of your trip with us. My heart felt the same last April when I went to Haiti – deplorable conditions, but the mission statement of Potter’s House is vital — “Teaching others how God sees them.” I’m sure their lives were blessed by your love of them and their witness of Christ in you.
Helping to feed too,
Love, Hester
Thanks so much, Hester. I know the Lord blessed your trip to Haiti and also opened your eyes to so many things. It’s amazing to watch the Lord work in the midst of such despairing conditions. I can’t wait to go back
Thank you for sharing. I especially liked reading the mission of Potter’s House that Hester and others quoted above. My family is in the middle of deciding how we can actively participate in Lent this year- what things we can do for real change in our faith. I think this post will be a “must read” item…
I can’t wait to see what y’all do, Julia. Your kids are at such impressionable ages, and I know you’ll guide them to some great opportunities. Please share them!
Thank you, Susan, for going, and sharing…I asked my husband that my Valentine’s Day and Anniversary Gift be to sponsor a child…praying your cold is going bye bye…hugs to you
That’s a GREAT idea, Dolly! We never did a lot for Valentine’s Day because it’s my daughters birthday. (Turning 21 tomorrow – woohoo!) Now that it’s just us and Steve wants to know what I want, I’ll tell him “to rescue a Guatemalan child from the city dump.” That’s way better than jewelry or flowers or a gift!
Thanks for praying for my cold. Slowly slowly working its way out, I hope. At least I’m not coughing or as stuffy.
I am crying, Dolly! Just beautiful. My initial trip to Guatemala was my hubby’s Christmas present to me. I had no idea how my life would change and how I want to go back over and over. Maybe now that should be my birthday and Christmas request. Praying for all kinds of miracles — and especially for sponsorships for these precious kids.
Praying along with you, Alene. Excited about the doors God will open and how we can help those kids and their families
Susan,thank you for sharing about your trip and about the mission of The Potter’s House. Thank you for having a heart for missions. I have been stirred to action.
YES, DeeDee — we all need to be stirred to action! (And I would’ve bet you’d be one of the first. You’re the best
)
Amazing that people live that way, Susan, and that it is a generational life…for those who survive. You have the most amazing heart for missions, Susan. Blessings on you!
Oh, Di – nothing about my heart is amazing (just see Jer 17:9!) except that the Lord wrecked it. It’s hard NOT to have a heart for missions when you see things like that. Thanks for praying for the trip and for following my ponderings. More to come
We live in such a bubble. Stories like the one you share are such good reminders of our need to have compassion and act as a result.
I’ve been convicted lately about reaching out to some at our church who I’ve previously wanted to overlook. While their lives reflect the consequences of previous poor decisions, God’s giving me the eyes of compassion for them. I’m beginning to see past the exterior and into their hurting hearts. I know that becoming more compassionate will lead me to relate to them in ways that will extend the love of Christ.
We DO live in a bubble, Jodi, but it’s a special grace for God to open our eyes to the needs around us and the hurts behind those needs. It’s hard to return to our comfortable lives after that.
Yes, their decisions often land them in a messy circumstance, but when we meet a physical need, God often opens a door to meet the more important spiritual need. I’m excited to see how God will use you!
Such a brave act of obedience in going, giving and sharing. So courageous to temporarily wreck your life for someone else. It’s so difficult to remember all that goes on in the world when live in the United States. Thank you for being one to go and sharing your experience with us.
Thank you, Celeste. I’m not sure how brave it was, but it certainly did a number on me! I’m excited to see how God stirs all of our hearts, and the ministries that develop.
Susan, Thanks be to God for the Potter’s House ministry that is changing lives. May the Lord continue to send help and hope through His people.
Amen, Glenda! My Valentine Day gift from Steve was a Potter’s House sponsorship. I can’t wait to go back
Just beautiful!!!! LOVE
What sad sights. Just feed one…yes! I wish people could see that what they can give will be multiplied by God like the fish and bread in Jesus’ day.
So true, Pamela! Just like a prayer offered in faith can heal (James 5), so an offering given in faith will be used to do exceedingly abundantly more than we can hope or imagine!
Thank you so much for taking time to read and comment.
Blessings, Susan
Hi, Susan, I recently found your blog here and learned about your trip to Guatemala. I sponsor a little girl through Compassion in Ecuador and would love to visit her.
My youngest son made a missions evangelistic trip to Ecuador years ago and I fell in love with the country through his eyes. He said that the trip changed his life.
Thanks for sharing your trip with us. We take so much for granted!
Thank you so much for stopping by, Melanie! I sponsor kids in El Salvador through CI and would love to go there one day.
How wonderful that your son’s trip to Ecuador had such an impact. Once God breaks your heart for the “least of these,” you can never look back. We are blessed and He wants us to share those blessings!
It’s easy to turn a blind eye, but the more talk and write about how it is our calling and our blessing to care for others who need us, the more we inspire others.
So true, Jen. Then to lace up our shoes, grab some friends and go DO IT. Thanks so much for linking up!
This is the first time I linked up with Jen in a very, very long time. I’m so glad I did, because YOU were the link before mine that I was supposed to come read.
Your first picture stopped me dead in my tracks. I have been to Guatemala City. I have an adopted daughter from there.
When I saw the picture of the sweet children eating, it made me wonder if Elliana would be sitting there had we not come to get her. My heart aches.
Thank you for sharing this. And for doing something about it. I love Guatemala.
Blessings,
Sandy
Wow, Sandy. I haven’t linked up with Jen in a couple of months, and just did it on a whim this morning. Isn’t God amazing?
I now love Guatemala too, and I can’t wait to go back to the dump. We sponsor one of the children there, so I hope we can arrange a meeting next time. I’m hopping over to your site and hope to see photos of your Elliana. Those children are so beautiful, and I know she’s a bright light in your family
Thank you so much for visiting today!
Wow, Susan. You’re right. I cannot imagine. Those precious babies! I’m so glad to hear about the work of The Potter’s House, and how they treat these beautiful, precious people with the dignity they deserve.
What an eye-opening trip, Susan. You must have come home with so many mixed emotions. Thank you for sharing just a small portion of what you experienced!
Thanks so much for taking time to read and comment, Julie. Yes, I have so many vivid memories of my time in Guatemala. I can write about some of them, but others need to stay in my heart. I’m looking forward to going back and working with The Potter’s House again!
wow, it’s so hard to believe that people really live like that, so sad. Going a mission trip is something i hope to do as a family one day, so that we won’t ever take for granted what we have here. What a blessing to go and to be Jesus with skin on to them. Thank you for sharing your story, and opening our eyes!
There is something so satisfying (soul-feeding) about meeting the needs of another in a visible/tangible way. I can imagine the pangs you’d feel about leaving — especially in a place where Jesus is so real because we’re undistracted, as you noted in your other post. An experience I”m sure you won’t soon forget and are inspiring others with.
Hey Susan- great to have discovered your blog at last!!
I have such huge admiration for people who go on Missions trips- you leave me awestruck.
It was good to pray for you when you were there- and now to read what you were getting up to, seeing, smelling, considering. thinking about.
It must be incredibly hard to come back to ” normal life” and just get on with it again!
I loved reading about the work at the Potters House.
So many challenges- but as Mother Theresa said- if you can;t save the whole world, then save one- and many are being helped here.
The missions I support are in Uganda, where the Watoto Children’s choir come from- they visit my area once a year- and a mission to girls in Russia who have turned 18 and would be tossed out on the street from orphanages where they have grown up- but for the wonderful work a friend does by taking them in and training them in some way that will make it possible for them to gain employment.
Love to you, wonderful Susan!
Oh Mary, you’re sweet comment made my day! And since you’re on the other side of the world, it was the first thing I read when I opened my email this morning
Thank YOU!
I can only imagine the ways God uses you. You’re such a great encourager, and now I see your generosity and compassion. I do hope we get to meet on this side of Heaven, but if not, how fun will it be to chat up there?!
Hugs to you, sweet lady
I look forward to meeting all the blog ladies in heaven too, Susan!! What an amazing time it will be.
You will see all the people to whom you have ministered, too!
I am reading about Heaven- Randy Alcorn’s book including excerpts of Charles Spurgeon’s sermons-and sometimes I just want to hurry up and get there!!
But I want to hear ” well done good and faithful servant” so I temper my patience and pray that I will NOT go until I have done everything on my list of assignments from God- and as many of other people’s undone tasks as it is possible to do.
After all, he has done so much for us!!
It’s going to be great getting to know you better- I feel like Diane and I are old friends now!
May you find peace, so you can pass it it;
hope, so you can share it,
beauty, so you can reflect it.
joy, so you can scatter it,
and love, so you can live it.
In Jesus’ name …
love, Mary.
I’m so glad you stopped by today, sweet Mary! And I LOVE that blessing! I’m going to write that down and stick it in my Bible
Randy Alcorn’s “Heaven” is one of my favorites! Be sure to do the Bible study. It fills your heart with such joy and hope! But yes, there’s still work to do, so I’ll keep after it and be ready when He calls me home
Isn’t Diane fabulous? You should meet her in real life. She has such a great personality! We both have Southern accents, but that’s where the similarities end. She’s teeny tiny and stylish and lives in heels, as opposed to me in my jeans and sweaters and flats. I’m sure she love to do a makeover on me
Thank you so much for reading and commenting. You’re in my prayers today!