11.5.16

So if I can be completely transparent with y’all… Sometimes I don’t like to post all the stuff that we “do” down here. I’ll explain that better in a minute. I guess I’ve just always been kind of a more private person in regards to that. Though we love everyone’s support and encouragement, I definitely don’t deserve the credit or glory for what we’re doing. If you know me personally, you know that I can be cynical, and sometimes I say some real mean comments (most the time out of ‘humor’, but also sometimes just because I really just am a jerk.) However, I am thankful for 2 Corinthians 5:17 that states “therefore, if anyone is in Christ, they are a new creation! The old has passed, the new has come!” I’ve definitely had some not-so-admirable moments in my life with the things I’ve said to people and ways I have acted. Although I am still a turd most of the times, I am thankful that I am not who I once was!!

So about posting all the things we “do”… We do what we do because God has radically provided for us. We do what we do because we have generous sponsors who love us and give in abundance so that we are able to live here. To God be the glory for what we do, not Whitney or Bryan. We are able to serve and to give of ourselves out of the fullness of life that God has placed in us. Today’s post, I want to thank one of our supporters who really truly “Gets It”. She and her family also have such a huge heart for Guatemala and also give much of their time, money, and selves to serve here… and they also do not want the recognition or glory for what they’ve done, they just give out of the overflow of their hearts.

Alicia Yong.. I’m so thankful we met you in January. We instantly clicked, and I knew we’d always be connected by our bond here, but it’s went so much deeper than that!! Our home is always open to you (and Junior! And Jay and Aubrey and whoever else you want to send down!) You not only support us, but you buy our t-shirts in giant sized bulk orders, and even search all of LA and California for ostrich jerky (which I’m still not sure where Bryan ever heard of such a thing) We love you all and your girls and your hearts for Hope of Life.

For the past several weeks, we have been buying new shoes and hygiene supplies for the mommas and children in the hospital who need it. On Sunday, we brought in a 9 year old girl named Blanca Luz who recently lost her parents and literally had NOTHING. She is also taking care of her 2 year old sister Iris for now while her grandma is at another hospital with her sister Rosita who is critically ill. Blanca Luz cries for her mommy every day, and has several times asked me if I am able to stay with her. I had an opportunity to talk to her about Jesus and how she can pray for comfort… but really, what is comfort to a 9 year old girl who has lost almost everything? I asked her if she’d like a stuffed animal that she could hold on to when she’s sad, and she said she would love that. She also desperately needed new clothes and shoes, as well as a hair brush and hair detangling cream. We were able to buy those things because of generous donors like you.

Just part of the donations for Blanca Luz. I will be sure to upload her photos and story in a week or so.

Juana and Francisca were at the hospital a few months ago, and I was able to send this very young momma home with blankets, clothes, education about her baby's health, and a bible. — Juana and Francisca were at the hospital a few months ago, and I was able to send this very young momma home with blankets, clothes, education about her baby’s health, and a bible.

Everyone knows and loves Yolanda!! When her mom and little sister came to visit, we did a bracelet craft from all the bandanas Junior's group left behind. — Everyone knows and loves Yolanda!! When her mom and little sister came to visit, we did a bracelet craft from all the bandanas Junior’s group left behind.

We've got a couple of itty bitty babies right now. Ana weighs just over 4 pounds and needed preemie onesies. — We’ve got a couple of itty bitty babies right now. Ana weighs just over 4 pounds and needed preemie onesies.

As did little 3 pound premature Sergio. Thank you all so much for giving to us so we can give to others!

My prayer is that we live life open-handed down here. When people give to us, that we are able to stretch that and give to others. If you would like to give like Alicia’s family, there are several ways to do that:

Buy our t-shirt! Preorder deadline is SUNDAY NOVEMBER 6th!
Purchasing a Send The Saultons shirt allows us to travel back to the US for Christmas!
T-shirts are $20, add $3 for shipping.
Preorder deadline is November 6, 2016. You will receive the t-shirts by the end of December, just in time for Christmas!
Sizes Youth Medium – 3XL available.
Email whitney7788@gmail.com with your name, address, and size.
Paypal whitney7788@gmail.com your amount via “send money to friends and family.” We will deliver to Lifepoint, FBCK, and Hope of Life. If purchasing and shipping more than one shirt, only pay shipping fee once.
youcaring.com/sendthesaultons is the best way to give as it deposits directly into our account. We are wanting to purchase Christmas presents for the rescued mom and children at the hospital, if you’d like to support this, you can donate here!
If you need a tax deductible donation, do so through hopeoflifeintl.org/donate . You **MUST** add “The Saultons” in the comment field at checkout to ensure your money is directed to our ministry.

We’re thankful for Alicia and family, and we’re thankful for you too.

You all are so loved.
-Whit

PS: Junior, I still have your sock!

11.4.16

I’d love to say that the reason I didn’t post yesterday was because I was out saving the world down here in Guatemala…. But the reality is that I fell asleep on the couch while eating cucos. Cucos is Guatemalan ice cream that’s served in single portion in a bag, we buy it from the village out of a lady named Norma’s house. Good thing they’re only like 38 cents for one because I’m ashamed to admit how many I’ve eaten to this point hahaha Reminds me of one time in high school when I went to Europe and my dad gave me spending money for souvenirs… and I spent it all on Italian gelato. I’m much more responsible these days with money, but ice cream is still my favorite food.

Today (and yesterday when this post SHOULD have been posted), I am thankful for… Amy Hartmann and her family (Lorren, Hannah and Samuel)!!! Listen, if you don’t know Amy Hartmann or have someone of her caliber in your life, you are really missing out.

Amy and I met at Lifepoint back in…. 2012? I can’t remember, but I can remember all the moments my life has been richer and sweeter with her in it. Amy is one of the kindest and most faith filled women you will ever meet. Every Sunday, she took time to pray over me and Bryan and was one of the first people to recognize we were called to come down here to Guatemala. When she prays, she prays boldly. I am thankful for her prayers “back in the day” and for all the moments down here when I know she is praying for us still. She is kind, she is generous, she is thoughtful, and she is hilarious. We can say the same about all of your kids who we know and love too. We’re so very thankful for you, Hartmann family!

A fun flashback story, Bryan once lost his passport and only started searching for it DAYS before we were coming to Guatemala on a short trip. (If you know Bryan, this should not come as a surprise to you.)

This was posted moments after he found it hahaha THANK YOU, Amy!

Hartmann family, here are some people we get to love because of you!

Sweet Rosario is 3 years and some change and FULL of personality. When she laughs, it's the deep hilarious belly laugh... and she laughs about even the smallest things this way. When she came in August, she wouldn't talk, couldn't walk, and would only stare at you with big, brown, empty eyes. It's been so fun watching her come to life! — Sweet Rosario is 3 years and some change and FULL of personality. When she laughs, it’s the deep hilarious belly laugh… and she laughs about even the smallest things this way. When she came in August, she wouldn’t talk, couldn’t walk, and would only stare at you with big, brown, empty eyes. It’s been so fun watching her come to life!

Esvin back in May, possibly early June... So sick, and so fragile... — Esvin back in May, possibly early June… So sick, and so fragile…

Today, Esvin is healthy and doing well!! This is the face he makes when he sees me.

And such a little chubby sweet thing. Gotta love my Esvin boy <3

We love and miss you all very much. We praise God for you, and through your generosity how lives are being changed here in Guatemala!!!

11.3.16

Last night and part of this morning was spent covering myself with tea tree oil and washing all the sheets in an attempt to get rid of a head lice and scabies scare. It felt gross. I’ve never dealt with either of these before, and if you haven’t either, being covered in a constant itch is certainly no fun.

However, as gross as it felt, I thought about the alternatives and how I could have avoided this… I wouldn’t have been exposed to lice if I hadn’t been holding tightly on to a crying and distraught nine year old who had just lost her parents and an older sister this month. I got lice from having her head buried into my chest as we both bitterly wept in the back of the ambulance… and I would do it all over again for her.

I wouldn’t have been exposed to scabies if I hadn’t spent the previous week holding an orphaned baby and working on physical therapy with him on the hospital floor. The alternative would have been to leave him in his crib and not give him a chance at being physically and developmentally on par. As his little fingers grasped on to mine as he stood and bounced up and down on his chunky legs. He smiled as he stood and looked at a view that was different than lying on his back in his crib. In that moment, I was thinking to myself “I bet I’ll get scabies from this one”… and yet still, I would hold him and do that all over again too.

Today, I want to thank First Baptist Church of Kenova for their support. There are just so many GOOD people in that church, and we miss you all so much! Because this church is a church that tithes faithfully and is radically generous, we get to do things like loving the orphaned and abandoned children and go on medical rescues for people who are critically ill. So we might catch a bout of scabies and lice in the midst of it, but if someone feels love and safety and has another day to live and another opportunity to hear The Gospel… well… I don’t really care what health risks I’m exposed to. That’s far more important.

If you live in the Huntington area and are looking for a good church, or if you’re curious about who Jesus really is and what being a Christian means (spoiler alert: we’re not all jerks, and please don’t let a few bad representations of Christianity allow you to form an opinion of how the rest of us are), please just go check out First Baptist Church of Kenova. I promise here you’ll find theologically sound teaching, and a community that loves you, cares for you, and wants you to be included. The same can be said for their second location, Marshall Community Fellowship.

For our FBCK / MCF church family– you are all so loved. We look forward to partnering with you all in the future to begin bringing teams down to Hope of Life!! Stay tuned for more details in the coming months. We would love for you to all be on the ground and serving in a land that holds our hearts. If you want to come NOW that is an option! Just message us for details 🙂

Here are a few things that your support dollars are going towards:

Your support dollars help rescue kids high in the mountains of Guatemala. This area of Guatemala is known as "Corridor Seco" or "The Dry corridor"... Over 70% of the population is chronically malnourished. Mothers are unable to breastfeed their babies because they themselves are so dehydrated and have nothing. to. give. :( Families live in houses made of mud, sticks, or strips of plastic that they have salvaged from the dump. — Your support dollars help rescue kids high in the mountains of Guatemala. This area of Guatemala is known as “Corridor Seco” or “The Dry corridor”… Over 70% of the population is chronically malnourished. Mothers are unable to breastfeed their babies because they themselves are so dehydrated and have nothing. to. give. 🙁 Families live in houses made of mud, sticks, or strips of plastic that they have salvaged from the dump.

The children we find are often in a critical state. In the US, these babies would be in the NICU! Rescuing them gives them access to healthcare that they would have otherwise not been able to receive, as their homes are 2+ hours away in a car, not to mention these families do not have vehicles, and could you imagine carrying a sick baby that far? They'd never make it. IF they did, they would never be able to afford it either. — The children we find are often in a critical state. In the US, these babies would be in the NICU! Rescuing them gives them access to healthcare that they would have otherwise not been able to receive, as their homes are 2+ hours away in a car, not to mention these families do not have vehicles, and could you imagine carrying a sick baby that far? They’d never make it. IF they did, they would never be able to afford it either.

..but our care doesn't end there. To quote Bryan, "If we treat their health concerns but do not tell them about Jesus, we are just prolonging their hell." While their moms stay for free in our hospital, I have the opportunity to talk with these mama's daily. To teach them about hygiene and breastfeeding, and talk with them about Christ when they are in a position that they are ready to receive. — ..but our care doesn’t end there. To quote Bryan, “If we treat their health concerns but do not tell them about Jesus, we are just prolonging their hell.” While their moms stay for free in our hospital, I have the opportunity to talk with these mama’s daily. To teach them about hygiene and breastfeeding, and talk with them about Christ when they are in a position that they are ready to receive.

Some of the kids are orphaned or abandoned. We live in the orphanage and have an opportunity to bond with these kids. While school is out for a few months for break, Bryan has been teaching Tono how to cook and make lattes.

Bryan also leads worship in Spanish for our church here and also when we hold worship nights for the children and families here.

We are so grateful for your love and support and hope to see you all soon!

As I’m closing this entry out, I am praying that bad things don’t REALLY come in three’s. I was exposed to tuberculosis on Sunday… all up-in-my-face, covered in cough and secretions and blood and vomit. I know that’s TMI but I’m just keeping it real, y’all. If you could just pray I don’t develop any symptoms, that would be great.

You all are loved!
–Whit

11.2.16

When we moved to Guatemala, my 8 year old nephew Patrick said “How often will I get to see you?” When I told him once every six months, he shrugged his shoulders and said “Once every six months? Thats good enough!” 10 minutes later, he was crying because his dad wouldn’t let him stay the night at our house because they had plans for the following day.

But that’s just how Patrick is. He tries to look for the positive moments in every situation. He’s happy, encouraging, thoughtful, and kind.

Day 2: I am thankful for those who call me “Aunt”… Aunt Whitney, Aunt Wendy, Aunt Whinty, Aunt Whit-tee. My name is always so difficult for them to say. 🙂

Kayleigh Bug- you’re my Bug, my Shooby Goober, my mini me. 9 1/2 years ago, you were the first one to make me an aunt. Of all the kids, she’s probably the one who takes it the hardest that we live here. Our bond is unique and one of a kind. She calls me on FaceTime, and we talk about what books she is reading or how she just completed a school project about Guatemala.

Patrick- Rick, Rickadelphia, Rickpat… All the nicknames. He is thoughtful and silly. We talk to each other in ridiculous voices and call each other crazy names all the time. Patrick loves to dance and is super creative.

Hannah- My smart, helpful, and sweet first Saulton niece. I love how she’s so responsible and respectful, but also has a silly / weird / goofy side to her.

Micah-roni – My mini me on the Saulton side of things 🙂 She’s spunky, loves the color yellow, favorite animal is a pig, and she’s SUCH a clown. She’s always saying “When I gwow up, I’m gonna be a nurse and move to Gwallamama wif YOU Aunt Winty!”

Sarah Jo – My sweet little Joseph! This girl is just the right mix of sweet, lovable princess with an attitude and independence that you’d find in a teenager.

Nathaniel – Little bubs. I love how he roars like a dinosaur and then comes and gives you kisses while wiping his booger covered face all over you. This one is all boy. 🙂

Hailey – or better known as Squeaker!!! She’s sassy, loves purple and glitter, has the cheesiest grin, and is my little baby who loves being held.

It’s definitely a huge sacrifice to be away from these kiddos… and to be honest, probably the hardest part about living here is being so far away from them. I am thankful that they understand where “Aunt Winty” is and WHY I’m here, but that doesn’t stop me from missing these goons to death. Love you kiddos <3

Since I was laughing at how difficult my name is to say, here are some Guatemalans who also have a hard time saying “Whitney”

These little stinkers call me "AY!" "Memmy" and "Wendy" in room 2 of the hospital. — These little stinkers call me “AY!” “Memmy” and “Wendy” in room 2 of the hospital.

Delmy is the queen of chanting. Whatever it is she is excited about, she very audibly chants it for the whole hospital to hear. Any time I enter the room or even just walk past her window, I hear "WENDY! WENDY! WENDY!" I'd be lying if I said I didn't love it. — Delmy is the queen of chanting. Whatever it is she is excited about, she very audibly chants it for the whole hospital to hear. Any time I enter the room or even just walk past her window, I hear “WENDY! WENDY! WENDY!” I’d be lying if I said I didn’t love it.

She wrote a sign that said “Wendi & Brallan” Stop. It. So cute!

Sweet Junior... He has Down's and is one of the sweetest and happiest kids we have. He doesn't really say much of anything, but I couldn't resist posting his sweet face! — Sweet Junior… He has Down’s and is one of the sweetest and happiest kids we have. He doesn’t really say much of anything, but I couldn’t resist posting his sweet face!

To our sweet nieces and nephews, I know it isn’t easy not seeing us as much as you used to (particularly for you, KBug) But because we’re here in Guatemala, we get to share some of our love with kids and people who don’t have families. While we love the people down here, we loved you all FIRST! And we miss you super much. <3

11.1.16

Well, here it is the first day of November and I’m realizing I may have bit off more than I can chew by committing to one blog post daily this month highlighting someone we’re thankful for and how their support has carried over to here in Guatemala. However, today’s not the day for not posting just because I’m feeling lazy 🙂 Maybe by day 20 or something, but not today.

As I prepare to do this, I am flooded by a list of names of people we are so very grateful for. Our thankfulness spans the course of almost four years when we realized what we were being called into… but more on that another day this month.

Today, I will begin by thanking our parents. While some are reluctantly supportive (my dad) and others are enthusiastically supportive (Bryan’s parents) and others who are supportive but wishing for the day for us to come back (my mom) they have all learned to trust this decision. Being from one of the most remote areas in West Virginia, I cannot imagine the strange looks and questions my family has received when they answer the question “What is Whitney up to these days?”

Dad — Thanks for being the very first person to show me what it means to be generous to others. I can recall many winters delivering food and presents to families who would have otherwise been without for Christmas. Generosity was a seed that was planted into my heart at a young age because of you… and while I’m sure there are days that you wish it hadn’t been (like when your daughter announces she’s quitting her job, moving to a developing country, and having to RAISE money to be there) I’m so thankful I got this piece of your heart. I love you so much and while there are many days you don’t “get” what I’m doing, I’m thankful that you can still be supportive in that. You bought an iPad to talk to us and you write silly emails to me and always know how to make me laugh. You’re my soooo sweeeee and I’m your “My Girl.”

Mom — You cleaned my house after we moved out. You rehomed Roster because you’re awesome and your heart is huge and your patience is never ending. You’re a nurse who is compassionate, kind, and smart… and I am who I am because of you. We send each other volcano jokes while I’m in a country filled with volcanos, and I often sing all your Wanda original songs when I’m here… Particularly because Chiquita bananas are from Guatemala. 😉 I am so very thankful for you and love you so much!

Jerry & Libby — You all are A+. The two of you have always been encouraging and supportive towards me and Bryan. You came to our house the week before we moved here so you could help us clean, fix things, and pack up. You drove all night to Rhode Island to ship all of our stuff down here. You are our mail forwarding system and the people we call when we need help– whether it’s getting something shipped to be brought down here, or questions about problems with our vehicle. We love you and are so thankful for your prayers, your support and your love.

The one word constant in this post is “love.” Because we have been loved so well by our parents, we know how to love others well here in Guatemala. Because we have been so loved by our parents, we get a small glimpse of the love Christ has for His children. James 1:27 makes it abundantly clear that we are to love orphans and widows, and that’s what we’re able to do here in Guatemala because of you all. We are grateful, we are joyful, and we love you all so, so much. Here are some of the smiles we’ve been able to pass along because of you:

If you all could see the smiles we share with some of these sweet kids... This is Selena who lives in Safe Haven with another missionary family from Lifepoint. — If you all could see the smiles we share with some of these sweet kids… This is Selena who lives in Safe Haven with another missionary family from Lifepoint.

Sophie is our neighbor who also lives in the Village of Transformation. She is my helper with pulling weeds and cleaning the porch.

This cutie pie was in the hospital when we first got here, he's now up at the orphanage. He's 100% boy and has a huge heart. — This cutie pie was in the hospital when we first got here, he’s now up at the orphanage. He’s 100% boy and has a huge heart.

THIS GIRL. Melts my heart every day. She's almost 4, but unable to talk or sit on her own. Daily we work together and she's getting stronger and has started making noises. Her little crinkly nose and toothless grin... I can hardly stand it! — THIS GIRL. Melts my heart every day. She’s almost 4, but unable to talk or sit on her own. Daily we work together and she’s getting stronger and has started making noises. Her little crinkly nose and toothless grin… I can hardly stand it!

Grateful.

A few years ago, I was at Advancing Native Mission’s annual retreat with my sweet friends Carolyn Kleinert and Kristin Teeple. It was there, during a missionary’s speech, that I heard the expression “Gratefulness unexpressed is ungratefulness implied.”

Wow. Talk about a harsh reality check. I never wanted to be ambivalent when it came to thanking people, and I realized that so many times in my life, I let the opportunity to show gratitude slip through my fingers. I wondered how many times I had allowed ungratefulness to be the mark that I left behind. 1 Thes. 5:16-18 says “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” I wanted this to be my prayer and to use this as my lens to view my life.

With Thanksgiving coming up, as cliche as it may be, I feel like now is the time that I want to publicly express my gratefulness toward anyone who has sponsored us, loved us, or encouraged us through this process. November I will be posting a short blog every day giving a shout out to one of our supporters, as well as a mention of how their support is carrying over here. So, if you’re into that sort of thing.. come back and check it out. 🙂

Also, we’re extending the preorder deadline for our new Send The Saultons t-shirt. Here’s how to get one:

Purchasing a Send The Saultons shirt allows us to travel back to the US for Christmas! T-shirts are $20, add $3 for shipping. Preorder deadline is November 6, 2016. You will receive the t-shirts by the end of December, just in time for Christmas! Sizes Youth Medium - 3XL available. Email whitney7788@gmail.com with your name, address, and size. Paypal whitney7788@gmail.com your amount via "send money to friends and family." We will deliver to Lifepoint, FBCK, and Hope of Life. If purchasing and shipping more than one shirt, only pay shipping fee once. — **Purchasing a Send The Saultons shirt allows us to travel back to the US for Christmas!**
•T-shirts are $20, add $3 for shipping.
•Preorder deadline is November 6, 2016. You will receive the t-shirts by the end of December, just in time for Christmas!
•Sizes Youth Medium – 3XL available.
•Email whitney7788@gmail.com with your name, address, and size.
•Paypal whitney7788@gmail.com your amount via “send money to friends and family.”
•We will deliver to Lifepoint, FBCK, and Hope of Life. If purchasing and shipping more than one shirt, only pay shipping fee once.

You are loved. And if you’re reading this, we are thankful for YOU.
–Whitney.

Immeasurably more.

You are enough. I’m not sure who needed to read that right now or if I needed to remind myself, but there it is. Today I was journaling and in fancy calligraphy, I wrote out the beautiful, albeit cliche, Philippians 4:13. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.” Well, not really. I cannot bench press a car, I will never be elected president of the USA, and I doubt I’ll ever become a record holder in ‘most slices of pizza eaten in one sitting.’ (but that last one is a big maybe… that’s actually plausible.) So while I cannot do ALL things, I gotta remember that what God has called me into, He will continue to equip me for by His grace and His power.

And thank God that it’s not just “up” to me and my own abilities. Otherwise I would have raised the white flag a long time ago. “It’s too hot.” “I’m too tired.” “Whoa, there’s a scorpion in my couch. Now it’s on my leg. NOW IT’S IN MY BODY.” And if I’m being completely honest, it’s not just the general discomfort of living in a developing country… Often times I battle with my own insecurities. “My Spanish isn’t good enough.” “I missed that IV just now. I suck at nursing.” But I must always remember that when it feels that the expectations of this world are mounting, when I’m doubting myself, and I feel insufficient, that I. AM. ENOUGH. And you are too. Ephesians 3:20 says it best… “Now unto HIM who is able to do IMMEASURABLY MORE than all we ask or imagine according to HIS POWER that is at work within us.” It is Christ who strengthens me. Christ who fulfills me. Christ who sustains me. And because He is able, I am able too.

Marla THREE years ago at age three... bathing in a bucket of dirty water in the village of El Oasis. — Marli THREE years ago at age three… bathing in a bucket of dirty water in the village of El Oasis.

Marli, July 2016, age 6. Now has access to clean water. Excuse the fact that I look a little rough, but I had just finished up a medical clinic and deworming clinic for the village of El Oasis. No more parasites for sweet little Marli!

Claudia had a severe case of impetigo on her face.

She said it itched so bad that it hurt. Her mom saved up what money they could to take her to the doctor, but they were unable to afford the prescription.

"Hop into my car and we'll ride up to the hospital!" Claudia was excited to go, and loved the automatic button that made the window go up and down. — “Hop into my car and we’ll ride up to the hospital!” Claudia was excited to go, and loved the automatic button that made the window go up and down.

Claudia's mom was grateful for a free prescription, and Claudia was excited for another car ride back home. — Claudia’s mom was grateful for a free prescription, and Claudia was excited for another car ride back home.

2 weeks later, Claudia is all smiles. Thank you Dr. Vivi and Dr. Ana Lucia for graciously seeing Claudia during your busy days!

unnamed — In May, precious Mirian was always sick and slow to gain weight.

She now has more energy, looks better than ever, and is gaining muscle tone. "Look! I found my toes!" — She now has more energy, looks better than ever, and is gaining muscle tone. “Look! I found my toes!”

And would you look at that? A double chin and a big, happy smile to go with it. :) — And would you look at that? A double chin and a big, happy smile to go with it. 🙂

We have been in Guatemala for 8 months. And I have seen God do IMMEASURABLY MORE than all I could imagine, and I believe the best is yet to come. Come be part of our journey too. Head over to http://www.sendthesaultons.com/support to preorder one of our new t-shirts!

You are loved. You are enough.

-Whitney

Rescue is coming

emerson — Stole this picture from you, Jessy Nessy! 😉 Thanks for coming last week!! <3

Has it really been four months since I have written on here? I apologize for the extended period of silence, but there has been so much that has happened. If I can be honest, some of it, I want to share but have been too busy when I work up the courage to write about it.. and some parts, some of the more difficult moments, I don’t even know how to share. There are moments in the stillness of the middle of the night, where I am still grieved by the month of May and all the loss we experienced here.

I guess it’s in these darkest moments, in this desert season, on days when it seems hard to wrap my head around what I’m doing here, the last thing I’m likely to do is sit down in front of the computer and formulate those feelings into sentences by pounding them out on my keyboard. But today is my time.

May was a busy month. I enjoy busy. I like to work. I like the feeling of laying my head on my pillow at night feeling satisfied that I have done all I can do and that I have accomplished things during the day. In May, we worked hard, we rescued many babies, and even had a long rescue the weekend of the 14th where we spent both Saturday and Sunday in the mountains on rescues. However, some of those babies never made it back to Hope of Life. 10 days later, we would end up losing 5 babies total from rescues or in the hospital setting. And that is where my hurt set in.

Being a nurse for several years, I have grown accustomed to loss. It never becomes easy, especially when your hands played a part in caring for that patient. Your hands spoon fed them pureed food slowly so they would not choke. Your hands pushed tiny droplets of liquid into their mouth via syringe or mouth swab because they were too weak to suck on a straw. Your hands held their hands and sang them songs in their weakest moments, when each breath becomes heavy and more labored. Your hands are what intervened with the final attempt to keep them here when that wasn’t what The Lord had planned. Yes, I’ve seen a lot of loss in my career, but somehow May seemed heavier. 5 is a lot of loss to process at one time.

Although that lives are gone and all that remains is hurt and sweet memories of them, I have realized that I can no longer remain encumbered by the “what-ifs” of this life. I am thankful for the amazing staff and team we have at St. Luke’s Hospital here at Hope of Life– from the doctors, to the nurses, to the nannies, nutritionists, therapists, social workers, administrators, kitchen staff, housekeeping, pharmacist, laboratory staff, ambulance drivers, and every one in between. I am thankful knowing that I serve beside a wonderful team who works tirelessly to save lives here in Guatemala. What we do certainly isn’t easy, but for every story of loss, we have five more stories of redemption and healing. I am thankful to serve with other families who “get” it. Who are also here serving on the frontline of adversity, in the dirt and sickness and heat, and who help hold me up in these difficult times… The Nash family + Lauren, The Monk family, The Holt family, The Rule family, the other long term volunteers- Kathy, Faith and Marissa. Especially thanks to Bryan who has extended more grace and patience than I should be allowed, and loved me through times when I was unlovable at best. Thank you to all of our generous donors back home! Because you faithfully give and pray for us, we can continue doing what we do… even when the rubber meets the road, I know that I am exactly where I belong in this season. God has given me more than I deserve and I couldn’t do what I do without my “village” (which includes you, if you’re still reading this) 😉

And THAT was just May. I am by no means a good writer, so I will try to update you with more scattered thoughts and semi-processed emotions when the time comes. June+ July + August include a bout of dengue fever, a scorpion sting, house flooding, a visit back to the states to rest and recharge, and coming back to Hope of Life more passionate and excited for what I do than ever before. I am thankful for healing (physical, emotional and spiritual) and excited to see where our journey takes us from here.

Thanks for sticking around. You are loved.

-Whit.

Picture time!

Rescues will take us 2-3 hours into the mountains of Guatemala, where over 70% of the population is malnourished.

Houses are simplistic, people have little, and they live off the land.

Many infants are rocked to sleep in hammocks

Or they sleep on a mattress made of sticks and dried leaves, like Deisy here in this picture — Or they sleep on a cot made of sticks and dried leaves, like Deisy here in this picture

Visit https://www.hopeoflifeintl.org/impact/child-rescue/ to see how you can support child rescues or donate money for a life saving food bag for these families in remote villages.

2 months later, Deisy is alert, happy, and healthy and ready to return to her home.

Many babies are brought out of the mountains each week.

But all desperately needing medical attention.

Please continue to support our mission at sendthesaultons.com/support

MothersDayKankles

In 29, almost 30 years of life I had never broken a bone. Until Mothers’ Day here in Guatemala (it was the Tuesday after in the U.S.) when Whitney and I were watching some of the kids from the orphanage so that the mothers & nannies could enjoy the evening off for a party. We were having a great time but the kids that hadn’t fell asleep were definitely getting restless so we decided that we should watch a movie and Lord willing, the kids would either enjoy the movie or fall asleep or both! I went to go get the computer and it was really dark outside. As I walked across a wooden walking bridge from where we were towards our house, I took the first step down the other side. Except there wasn’t a step. There was a perfect size 10 shoe gap between the bridge and the steps and you guessed it, my size 10s found it! I fell and it hurt, really bad. But like I said, I’ve never broken a bone until then so I can’t say that I knew it was broken at the time, but it was some of the worst pain I’ve ever experienced. I called Whitney and she came running (thankfully not across the bridge where I fell) and then I was carried to a truck of some friends and hurried off to the hospital in Zacapa. Hospitals in Guatemala are not like the U.S. I didn’t have a wait to be seen but there also was no A/C. I was given an IV then a shot then had some x-rays. Then another shot & by that time the doctor was there to review my x-rays. He walked into the “room” where I was waiting wearing shorts and a polo and informed us that I had a hairline fracture on my right ankle. When I was getting the cast, my foot was held in the air by my toes so that it could get wrapped correctly and dry. After it was dry and we were more or less ready to go, the doctor said I needed the cast for 4 weeks and then therapy after that for recovery and that I could leave once my IV was finished. But this is Guatemala. The nurse found out that Whitney was a nurse as well and said that we could go ahead and leave and just let the IV finish on the way home. So we did exactly that. Drove home with IV in tow.

Fast forward 4 weeks. After 4 brutally hot and sweaty weeks it was time to get rid of this cast. I was done. I didn’t care how it was going to get cut off but it was time. I talked to the doctor at our hospital at Hope of Life and she approved of the cast coming off but didn’t have the tool to cut casts. But this is Guatemala… I have tools, I have stuff that I KNOW I could cut that cast off with. So I went home, grabbed my Fiskar’s tree limb trimmers and went back to the hospital. With the doctor’s supervision, I cut off my own cast. with tree trimmers. why? Because this is Guatemala. Sometimes you don’t need all of the bells and whistles of the U.S. Sometimes you don’t need to go back to the doctor and spend more money getting a cast off. Sometimes you just do it yourself!

God has taught me a lot during this time with my cast. I was totally dependent on other people for nearly everything. I took walking for granted. I had no idea how much work & how exhausting crutches were. I couldn’t carry my own plate of food to the dinner table, I couldn’t carry a drink, I was just about useless. But I’ve learned a lot during this time and I’m so thankful that it was just a hairline fracture and that I didn’t need my leg set, I didn’t need surgery, I didn’t need anything expensive! God showed me how many friends that I have that He’s put in my life to get me through that difficult month. God showed me what an incredible wife that I had. From the second I told her I had fallen she was on the job. She never quit. She made me food, carried food, carried coffee, carried well just about everything that I couldn’t fit in a book bag to carry myself. She helped wrap my foot so I could shower. She gave me injections of weird NSAID pain medication that the doctor prescribed for my pain. I cannot possibly tell you how much my wife did for me, how amazing she is, or how blessed I am to be her husband.

This is Guatemala. No other place I’d rather be. Swollen kankle & all.

Rotavirus.

2:30 in the morning here, and an eerie quietness has finally blanketed the hospital. The babies arent crying, the mothers arent pacing the floors, the IVs are all functioning.

The past few days here at the hospital have been difficult with several very sick babies down for the count thanks to a recent outbreak of rotavirus. Rotavirus here is exactly what it is in the states, but here it can be much more dangerous, as these babies are in a much more fragile state when it comes to their health. Already malnourished, and with temperatures soaring above 110, dehydration becomes a very real and serious concern. And have you ever tried to start an IV on a dehydrated, malnourished, sick and screaming kid? Its about as fun as it sounds.

Yeah, I could go into some pretty disgusting details of EXACTLY what we are dealing with and seeing here, but I will spare you the trauma. Just know that it has been miserably hot– so hot that we have had difficulties getting temperatures to read on thermometers. I could also say that the past few days have been pretty CRAPPY.

However, after working nonstop 28 hours Sunday and having our amazing team of Drs coming back on Monday morning, its so nice to see many of the babies feeling better after a few difficult days of multiple IVs per kid, comforting many concerned and crying mamas, entertaining the other kids who are frustrated because they are isolated and cooped up in their room so as to not catch the yuck, and maybe 40 cups of coffee. My kidneys are going to hate me after this.

Its so humbling to see these sweet, sick babies… so well taken care of and asleep in their comfortable beds, while their mothers sleep on the floor next to their cribs. Many of the mothers here sacrifice so much so their baby can receive help. So many of them have left their families and homes to come here and stay at the hospital while we provide care. I realize the same thing happens in the states, but its usually far less inconvenient– where your child may only be in the hospital for a few days, your family is accessible via phone calls and facetime or many of the time may even be at the patient bedside, and visitors always have a comfortable place to sit or sleep.

I just pray that I never find my time spent here as common. I pray that the things I see dont become easier and that with every IV stick, every diaper change, every NG tube feeding, every vital sign taken and every medication administered, that I always remember the story on the other side of that– every hug, every tear wiped away, every Spanglish prayer that was prayed, every crying baby I rocked to sleep, every fever that finally broke, every smile that I have seen when a patient is told they no longer need their IV, that their nutritional status is stable, or they can finally be discharged to go home. My hope, above all else, is that through every action, no matter how tedious, mundane, or difficult, that I can display love and compassion to all who are here.

Jose is finally looking great after battling Kwashiorkors, a severe form of malnutrition

Delmy is all smiles despite being cooped up in her crib and off the germ infested floors.

SO many IVs on SO many babies :( — SOmany IVs on SO many babies 🙁

Yolanda, the selfie queen, loves crazy snapchat filters :) — Yolanda, the selfie queen, loves crazy snapchat filters 🙂

Surprise late night visitors at the hospital. No me gusta.

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