I looked forward to this board meeting, because we were going to my favorite restaurant. I possessed a little skip in my step (I was too old to have a big one), when we entered one of the most popular places in Guatemala. The smell from the roasters assailed my nostrils, and my stomach gurgled in anticipation of this tasty pollo (chicken). There would be no eating of beans and tortillas this night. While we waited for the rest of the board members, my friends and I chatted, as I gradually pulled myself away from food thoughts.

For months, I had been asking the Lord why I felt like there was more He wanted me to do in Guatemala. I hadn’t received any answers, but something resonated in my heart—something besides teaching missionary children. I just hadn’t been able to put it into words yet. I shared my feelings with my friends. “I know I’m doing what the Lord wants me to do, but I sense that there is a change coming.” I had no clue how quickly those words would come back to me.

The last member of the board, Pastor Juan,* came in, and the board meeting started. As an advisory board, we needed to make some decisions as to what widow or orphan needed assistance, and then act upon that need. A gentleman in Missouri sent money to ACSI (Associated Christian School International) for this purpose. The director of ACSI gave my friend, Joanne, the responsibility to oversee this project. Believing in doing things properly and with accountability, my friend formed an advisory board. She asked me to be a representative, because I had been widowed and worked with children as a mother and a teacher.

During the meeting, Joanne addressed the group, asking, “Does anyone have concerns or suggestions for someone who needs help?” I did have someone on my heart. My sixth-grade students from Christian Academy of Guatemala told me about twelve-year-old Arelie. I spoke up and shared the story of this young diabetic orphan girl. She lived with her sister and husband, who sold any donated medicine and used the money for their personal use. Arelie was dying.

“What could we do as a board to help her?” Joanne asked, looking at me expectantly.

“I would like to offer her sister and husband some money, if they would give me custody of her. Then we find her a home,” I responded. The words hung in the air as my friend translated them into Spanish for the others. Pastor Juan reached over, put his hand on my shoulder, and said, “You couldn’t get the girl out of the village, but I could. Then I would put her in the orphanage you are going to start.” His prophetic words spilled forth like cold water thrown on me. An orphanage? Lord, what are you telling me? Pastor Juan added that I had shown a heart for children, and I should be the one to start the orphanage.

With wide eyes and her mouth open, my friend responded, “Carroll, that’s a great idea! Have you ever thought about such a thing?”

*Name has been changed.