Today, May 10th, is Mother’s Day in Guatemala. Sometimes I’m hesitant to make posts for Mother’s Day. I am aware that Mother’s Day can sometimes stir up painful memories and loss. If that is true for you, my heart goes out to you. At the same time, I also don’t want to miss out on celebrating and honoring others as well. So today, we give honor to the woman, and so many others, in these stories.

I remembered the first time my parents came to visit me in Guatemala. Three things stick out to me about their first visit: 

1. Josue’s mom applauding for my parents when I introduced them to her. What a sign of love and respect and so much more. What would she have said in words had we understood K’iche? 
2. My mom being frustrated that she couldn’t speak Spanish to talk to our rehabilitation promoters and the people we worked with and their families. She loved people. I know that must have been hard. 
3. My mom, with such tenderness and concern in her voice, turning to ask me would happen to the children with disabilities when their parents were no longer around to take care of them. I think we both were teary eyed. 

Thinking about these things not only reminded me of the love, compassion, sacrifice, and resilience I saw in my mom, but also that I saw the same in so many of the mother’s we’ve had the privilege of working with in Guatemala and around the world. Today, I want to thank God for these moms and share a few pictures and stories of what they’ve done.  

I wonder how some of them are doing now in the middle of the pandemic. Do they have what they need for their family? How are they demonstrating the characteristics I’ve seen in them during this time, and what legacy are they leaving their children? We’re checking on them now to see if there is a way for us to help. 

I still remember the look on the face of Sara, Maria’s mom, the day she first walked in therapy. Doctors had told Sara to find her daughter a wheelchair because she would never walk, but Sara refused to give up. Sara faithfully brought her daughter to therapy for years and confided in us so much about the joys and struggles in their lives. I may not have been able to get a picture of the mom’s face, but it is forever etched on my heart. 

Then there is Joshua’s mom. He was one of the first children to start the new physical therapy program at ASELSI. She, too, saw her son walk five years after starting the therapy program. Though he doesn’t always want to participate, she brings him regularly for his therapy and school, often doing the activities with him so he will participate. They both have such loving smiles. On market days I see her on the corner selling her chocolate covered bananas and other things.

Or this guy’s mom. ( I didn’t find the picture, but I can see it in my mind.) They came to a wheelchair giveaway we had several years ago. Her son has cerebral palsy, and she had never received a wheelchair for him. She was so thrilled that day to get a chair to be able to take him with her and not have to leave him at home. It still puts a smile on my face when I see them out and about in town.

Like the writer of the list of the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11, I don’t have time to write about all the others. However, this Mother’s Day I am encouraged by them and reminded of their love and sacrifice. I am honored and thankful to know them and benefit from the lessons they’ve taught me.