Donna and Rigo

Donna and Rigo are two special people that are staying in the mission house with us. Donna is from Georgia and Rigo is from Guatemala. Donna and her husband are in the process of adopting Rigo. They started this process months ago. Guatemala has since closed off all adoptions to American people. So Donna and her husband didn't lose Rigo, one of them had to move to Guatemala and become his guardian until the adoption process was over.

Donna has quit her job and left her family to come live in Guatemala and take care of her little boy. They are the sweetest. Donna has such a heart and such a blessing to our team. She starts our laundry, swaps it over, and made us cookies when she knew we had long days.

Her heart was so heavy while we were there. Her daughter was back in the states, pregnant with her first grandbaby. Her husband was home working and her son in school. She was missing her family and ready to give up. We prayed for her so many times that she didn't lose sight of what God had in store for her and Rigo.

Rigo had a huge breakthrough half way through the week. He is very quite and wasn't really sure of us crazy Americans. One night before bed I took in a huge coloring book to give to him. Donna stepped out of their room and stood outside listening. She told me before hand to not be surprised if Rigo acted like he didn't care, was rude, or just didn't say anything at all. Rigo was on his top bunk and so I stood and leaned up to give him the coloring book. I talked to him for a few minutes and told him that I wanted him to have it. He smiled this great big smile and said "Thank you, I really like it" We talked for a few more minutes and I told him goodnight and he told me goodnight and gave me a hug. When I walked back outside Donna was standing there with tears streaming down her face. She said that was the first time ever that Rigo had ever said Thank you for anything. She was getting so discouraged because this little boy didn't trust anyone, didn't show appreciation for anything, and he finally understood. It was amazing.

Donna has since come home with Rigo and they are now back in Georgia with the rest of their family!