On the ground:   

We found a new friend! Baby E, a precious two-month-old who has just entered our ministry. We received word of his unknown illness and resulting head surgery, and upon meeting his family, we quickly learned the challenges they faced in understanding his condition. 

 
In many places, patient rights to information are not prioritized, and for families who don’t speak Spanish, the struggle to get clear answers is even greater as they are treated poorly by the medical community. We took time reviewing Baby E’s limited hospital paperwork and explaining to his parents, in their own language, that he has hydrocephalus and Spina Bifida – diagnoses the hospital had failed to adequately communicate. 
 

We are walking alongside this dear family as they begin to navigate what these diagnoses mean for Baby E. Beyond the medical journey, we are also praying for their spiritual growth, as they carry much on their shoulders. 

 
 
I thought you might be interested in:   

 The first time we hear a baby’s heartbeat with the doppler, it’s pure magic every single time. There’s nothing quite like seeing a mom’s face light up as she hears her baby’s tiny drumming for the very first time! And when fathers are there to share in that moment, seeing their baby’s heart beating on the screen – “This is your baby’s heart. See how it’s already beating!” – truly brings tears to my eyes. 
 

Here in Guatemala, many families don’t name their babies until after 40 days, a time when they feel more certain the baby will survive. But oh, how God values every single life, even from the earliest moments! Whether a baby’s life is short, just a few days, or less than a day, their life held immense value to God and to their families. They deserve to be remembered, by name. 

 
That’s why I cherish hearing and seeing that first heartbeat so much. It’s when that precious life truly feels real to the parents, a tangible connection to the little one growing within. God holds us from the day we are born, and even before! Every beat, every life, is a testament to His loving creation.  
 
And he knows us by name. Even before our parents gave us names, God knew us. 
 

I’ve been encouraged by:   

The recent rains have made many roads across Guatemala quite dangerous. From communities flooded for days to major routes covered by landslides, it’s impacted us everywhere. 

 For us, the only road to the nearest city, then beyond is spotted with 5 or 6 small landslides. They’ve been cleared enough to only cover half or one lane, but it makes the drive very dangerous, and the situation changes with every new rain. 
 
I share this to highlight what a huge praise it is to have traveled and returned safely from a recent visit to the group homes horus away. I praise God for every recent close call that God prevented from turning ugly.  

Prayer requests:   

• Please pray for Baby E and for hid family.  Both for the phsycial needs, and their spiritual needs as well.   

• Pray for our safety as we travel on both the mountian passes to reach isolated families, and main roads to reach resources we need.  

• Pray also for Daniel and I as we approach our wedding in under 6 weeks, and life and ministry together.