A Day in Guatemala and My Endorsement for President:)

This picture was taken on a different day than the 4th.
I won't post that picture - it's definitely not in the
least bit flattering :)

I'll never forget standing in beautiful southern Guatemala actually on the 4th of July.  We were giving supplies and business lessons to a gathering of dear Guatemalan women and young girls.  Knowing it was American's Independence day, they asked if we would sing our national anthem.  That day I will also never forget since it was what I recall, the sickest day of my entire life.  I was green in the face and couldn't keep anything down for days.   As I sang that song, tears ran down my face as I held a throw up bag in my hand.  I learned that day a deep love for AMERICA, as well as a love for the Guatemalan people.

Some children will never be able to walk or talk much.  Others will never enjoy living in a home with a mother and father.

Children waiting anxiously in line to receive one toy.  If your children start whining about something they want, show them this picture :)

Little boy so excited to own his first ball.

You can see the "home" behind us is where a family of eight lived.  We were building a studier home for them - still dirt floors.  Our previous 400 square foot carpeted apartment would have seemed like a deluxe stay.

A natural disaster destroyed the water system that supplied water to an entire community.  Can you imagine living a long time without water.  No, we can't!  Here we are (the Guatemalans were really the ones working hard) trying to rebuild the water system.

This amazing older lady you see started an after school program in efforts to help get kids off the streets.  Thanks to American donors, we were able to teach them how to grow their own square-foot gardens to improve their health.  I made a deal with them that if they could each build their own garden in this plot of dirt, that I would bring plenty of seeds for them to plant.  I was beaming with joy when I walked in and saw this...

Thanks again to American financial donors, these children were finally able to have their school classroom's roof fixed!  Every time it rained, water would pour into the classroom and greatly disrupt their learning.  I love these children!  Many Guatemalans, including these kids, desire to learn English. 

I LOVE this great nation AMERICA!!!!!  SO much of the world, especially Central and South America long to step foot on American soil.  I remember sitting in Church sharing a hymn book with fellow Guatemalan grandmothers.  As we sang, I realized they didn't know how to read.  What a privilege and immense opportunity we have to get an education and to have a bright future.  And because of that, our Heavenly Father expects much of us to bless those around us.  The call to action is not one which needs to overwhelm.  As we feel overwhelmed by the love and grace and blessings of God, we rise with a burning desire to do His will and serve all of those in our spheres of influences.  We are so incredibly blessed to live in this nation and I would love to see a President who can improve our country and our opportunities and our future!

We spent last night spraying our hair blue and red, making another flag, listening to "God Bless America" as high as it would go, and trying to watch the Republican debate!  CLICK HERE  to read about how important it is for us wives and mothers to have our own personal pursuits and passions.  And HERE to read ideas of how to keep learning and progressing amidst the motherly mayhem.

So, I hereby publicly declare my endorsement for Mitt Romney for President :)!   The great thing about America is everyone gets to have their own opinion.  But that's just my vote!  I have full confidence that he can get America back on track and a place where jobs can thrive again.