I found a gem today here in Guatemala City, and I wanted to take this little treasure home. Her name is Darling, and she is nine years old.  She is sponsored, but she has never received a letter from her sponsor.  She clung to me today as we got to know each other.  Her bashful spirit, sweet smile, and affectionate hugs were more beautiful than any masterpiece I have ever seen.  She was a treasure, so today I prayed for her and told her that she was loved and valued!

Sometimes I just want to pack them up and bring them home.  These precious lives.  I want to rescue them from neighborhoods infested with gangs. My heart continuously breaks for these children as I see the conditions they live in.  All I can do is pray.

As we walked through the neighborhood to visit the homes of two Compassion children, four bodyguards escorted us.  They kept a watchful eye on the street corners around us, so we could visit the homes of the children without any problems with the gangs. The streets were empty because parents won’t let their children play outside in this gang infested neighborhood.  A reminder of the darkness that surrounds this impoverished place.

But in this dark place, I found beautiful treasures.

Back at the church project, we had the chance to meet the staff and hang out with kids.

The Compassion project director and the church pastor were amazing.  Watching them maneuver amongst the children and tenderly care for the kids inspired me.

I saw Jesus in them.  The pastor has been at this project for 15 years, and his commitment to children was obvious.

While at the project, I saw masterpiece…..

after masterpiece……

created in the image of God.

Before we said good-bye, we prayed for the project director.

I was reminded that in this place, there are servants who daily care for these works of art, and because of their commitment, their love, and their compassion, poverty cannot destroy these little treasures.

What a blessing to be apart of this ministry!  What an amazing day of seeing God’s beauty amongst these children.

Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless:

Maintain the rights of the poor and the oppressed:

Rescue the weak and the needy:

Deliver them from the hand of the wicked.

Psalm 82:2-4

To read the other bloggers posts from today, click here.

Today’s photo’s are by my dear friend and awesome photographer Keely Marie.