A day of gratitude, a day of hope

By Amy Selheimer, New Castle Presbyterian Church

Gratitude can look like many things – a hug, a simple nod, a verbal thank you, or a handshake. Here in Guatemala gratitude was witnessed by our group in ways that touched our hearts and souls.  

One amazing stop on our trip was to the Utz-Pan Bakery.  This program supports teenagers who are interested in an after-school program where they can learn how to run a business of baking delicious breads, rolls, and cakes; and then selling them to people in the community.     

These 8 young people bestowed on us gratitude that I have not had the pleasure to witness in many years.  Signs were made for us, small gifts were given – but the most expressive form of gratitude was when these young boys and girls got up and gave testimonials about how this program and a trip outside the city had changed their lives.  Tears flowed and hearts were full.  The gratitude was present in that room that was profound.  

After our visit and dinner with these young people, we went to church at Emerson Morales church Jesus es El Camino for an uplifting and spiritual service.  A theme throughout the night was hope.  Hope for all in attendance to find the love of God, hope that the community is free from violence, and hope that all are blessed with gifts from Jesus Christ.  

The next morning our group visited the Association of Mam Christian Women to present them with gifts, monetary contributions, and needed technology.  All important parts of running an organization.  After the business of the meeting concluded, Carrie was able to present each woman on the board with a calendar.  The kind of calendar that can be created online with your choice of pictures.  One woman on the board sat and couldn’t stop looking at the calendar.  You could see she had tears in her eyes as she looked over each picture- most likely remembering the day, the event, or those that she shared that day with.

Without uttering a single word – her gratitude was evident and palpable.  

Besides gratitude – hope was as evident in everything we did and everything we saw. Hope that these young boys and girls will be granted an entrepreneurial spirit that will stay with them into adulthood, hope that these women on the board will continue to strive and empower each other as they grow their communities and families; hope that their children see their mothers as strong women, but maybe most importantly, that we all hope that with the love of Jesus Christ, we all continue down the path of love, courage, forgiveness, and gratitude.