I AM ART was full of great adventures and lots of love thanks to an incredible team and your continuous support. During our art camp, we taught children in Guatemala about their wondrous creator and how much He loves them. I learned so much about Art as Healing on a Mission Trip to Guatemala!
We began our trip in the beautiful city of Antigua, preparing and praying for how the Lord would use us. We explored the culture of Guatemala while meeting other team members with who we would be working.
At the end of the weekend, we made our long trek to the Opal House School at Lake Atitlan. We spent the first few hours unpacking our art supplies and settling in. Later that evening we enjoyed a wonderful team dinner and group meeting. We prayed for our week and the children we would encounter during the ‘Soy Arte’ (I AM ART) camp. During the art camp, we focused on authenticity, creativity, humility, well-being, community, honesty, and faith. The children began the week with lots of joy and energy which quickly spread amongst our team members.
Days 1 and 2
We learned that we are all connected to the Creator as His works of art. The children worked on an art project each morning and explored creative processes like color and composition. During the workshops, we discussed our stories through the lens of our daily theme.
On day 3, we experienced sadness as the children explored the idea that we are all broken. This day was hard for many children who had already experienced abuse, poverty, and pain. The children worked on destroying their art pieces and saving them for what was to come.
Day 4 – On restoration day, we focused on the redemptive story of Jesus and shared the gospel with the children. The students constructed their broken projects into new creative pieces to cherish and embrace.
On Day 5, we discussed how God loves each child so much! In the afternoon, family members attended an art show put on by each workshop and their group leaders. The young adult leaders presented a funny skit with costumes to show what we learned in acting class. Watching the children excited to share their experiences was so heartwarming.
We concluded our trip to Lake Atitlan by resting and reflecting on all that God is doing for us. Diego, one of our Guatemalan team members works at a Spanish language school in San Pedro. The school also helps families in need. We were so privileged to come and hand out supplies to the families in San Pedro. What an incredible experience!
Here’s a video of our tour.
The smiles, hugs, and thank you cards that I have received from the children have been so wonderful. I look forward to returning to Guatemala soon. Although we were the ones teaching the children, I feel that I learned far more from them than what they have learned from me. These children are so appreciative and kind to both each other and to us, and it continues to refresh my soul. I gained major insight into the impact of art on the human healing experience and each spiritual journey. Thank you for your prayers and financial support that have kept us safe and able to serve the people of Lake Atitlan!
I wanted to end this letter with one of our theme verses from the week that I have found so comforting in this season of my life. “For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” – Ephesians 2:10.
We are so lucky to have the opportunity to go and love others, and I am blessed to be a disciple able to share and serve the people of Guatemala.
Blessings,
Anna Long