Opal House: A Refuge of Hope and a Place of Healing

What is Opal House?

http://www.opalhouse.org/

Mission Statement: To Love our Neighbor and to Comfort those who mourn through spiritual enrichment and educational advancement, nutritional support as well as medical, surgical and dental treatment.

What is an Opal? An Opal is the beautiful gemstone that owes it's fire and radiance to it's imperfections.  The more imperfections, fissures and cracks inside, the more light can refract and radiate in brilliant colors. We and the people we care for are Opals- imperfect people letting the Lord's light shine brightly through us through our imperfections.  We are not flawless diamonds who don't need the Lord and His healing light.

Opal House and the mission that has been created here...is truly the work of the Lord. Imagine being a doctor, living in Kirkland WA, and giving it all up to work on a farm and at a school in Guatemala. This couple, Diane and Will, had a calling to love and support the children here in Guatemala. Their number one mission is to love the children and show them the love of the Lord. Their second mission is to educate the children and provide a save haven for the children and families. This couple, has left their glamorous life behind, and they don't look back. They do not regret or miss their old life, they are absolutely content and happier living their new life here in Guatemala. 

The same goes for Jackelyn. Jackelyn first went to school to become a teacher. After that, she studied and became a lawyer. It is rare, absolutely rare for a woman to be so educated in Guatemala. Jackelyn came to Opal House to volunteer for one year as she finished her thesis...And now...she doesn't want to leave. There is something about this place. Something about the children, that nothing in the world could be more rewarding or worth your time than being right here. 

The photos and the stories can only do some much. I had heard stories, I had seen photos...but did not truly feel it or understand the power of this place or the beauty of the children until I got here. It hits you so deep in your heart every time you see these children smile, every time they embrace you with a hug. Its a love that is like no other, a love that can not ever be taken away. Their love is contagious and genuine, and their love is powerful.