It’s been awhile since I wrote a longer post with many picture–and a surprise ending. By the time you read this I will have just returned from Argentina a day. I went with a group of 20 serving Su Refugio, a ministry to children and families in Paraguay (where I went in 2008) and Peru, as well as their new Christian school in a very poor neighborhood in the city of Rafaela.
Arrival with the group in Buenos Aires after a 10-hour flight, to be followed by another 10-hour drive, very grueling.
I was with a media team, including friend David Orgill, expert videographer, who will produce a video for the mission’s public relations use.
My part was to make paintings. I’ve painted for the ministry before, the Paraguay center having many of my large works done over the years. This was a first for me in Argentina. I made one (above) before coming as a surprise give to the founders to hang in the activity center. Featured is one of the main full time staff, overflowing with love for everyone always. (She was also surprised to see this painting . . . actually delighted to tears.)
To provide even more connection, the paintings are backgrounded with handprints the children place on the blank canvas first.
Great fun for all.
My intent was to provide a theme, and have the children involved in the art making.
In process. With two days travel time, each direction, I had just four days to work and I stayed at it. It was winter and none of the rooms are heated, thus I dressed warmly with caution to keep away from the paint.
Here’s the first painting I made on location. The plan is to make ten, creating an almost “surround” environment in the activity center. The remainder I’ll make at home and send back.
While the facility is clean and spacious and full of light, the homes these children come are anything but. In fact it’s known as a dangerous area. But it’s all the more reason for this school and ministry here.
A bit of neighborhood disarray, not unusual. Click for larger view of the dog on the chair, lazily looking back.
Just a shot, one of many, driving around the adjacent area.
Here are future artists in a kindergarten class. The school has only lower grades but will build class rooms, one per year, as the children grow. This is the requirement of the government, as well as the mission’s intention.
Here’s the second painting, receiving a favorable inspection by some of the very children featured, on the last day.
In addition to my duties, I was asked to preach and paint at the neighborhood church. Starting with just a sketch, I created a version of Van Gogh’s “Parable of the Good Samaritan.” I told them not to expect too much . . . a whole painting made in an hour while teaching, and that being translated into Spanish. But we all got into it and the long clapping that followed indicated it was well apprecicated.
Notice my jacket. Some time ago I was given it by a friend, now deceased, who got it from another. The myth was that it had originally belonged to the president of Argentina . . . and that became a running joke between us. His wife/widow asked if I’d be wearing it on the trip. So I did, passing the joke around to everyone. Then a local citizen recognized the look and found a picture of a previous president wearing the same kind of jacket! So, maybe it wasn’t a joke after all. Still very funny.
Preidente Menim in “my jacket” in the 90’s. I understand there will be a Netflix movie about him. I plan to watch for it, and very closely for my jacket.
Have a good week.
Hyatt
4:35 pm
What a pleasure and gift it was to have you join our team Hyatt. Your paintings will impact our children for generations to come.
8:54 pm
This is so amazing, Hyatt. Did you meet anyone who knows Pope Leo in Peru? I love all the children being involved and the way this mission cares for them. Blessings!
1:05 am
Thanks for sharing your stories! Now we can all vicariously travel with you!- Jackie
7:19 am
What a beautiful way to serve the Kingdom…these special children and those who love and care for them. I’m always amazed at how you paint and complete such large and wonderful works on location! And then to add preaching to it…God has truly gifted you with extraordinary abilities, and you have stewarded them well. You are a constant encouragement to all!
8:32 am
I love this so much, Hyatt. What a gift to so many people. And I love the story about the jacket, too! Remind me, are you painting with oils or acrylics when you do these large paintings? They’re all wonderful!
8:40 am
Thanks, Lynn. It’s always acrylic at these events. Fast drying.
1:44 pm
Thanks for posting about your trip. I feel as if I was with you. I love seeing the smiling faces on the children. It’s so easy to see how much God loves children and why. What a blessing your art is and will continue to be to those sweet kids.
5:30 pm
Hyatt, thank you so much for blessing the children and the church and our mission team with a wonderful God-given talent that he has given you to paint children and their expressions and to tell of God‘s glory and Jesus is love through your artwork! You are a blessing to us all!
5:25 am
What a blessing to read about your travels to Refugio ministry. Thank you for sharing. Do you know about Operation Christmas Child, a ministry of Samaritan’s Purse that sends fun-filled shoeboxes to children and shares the Good News with them? Perhaps Refugio would want to receive these gifts? https://www.samaritanspurse.org/what-we-do/operation-christmas-child/
8:42 am
So so inspiring and waaaaaaaay cool! I love that you continue to share your wonderful artistic talents simultaneously spreading the love of Christ and His Good News globally! May God continue to richly bless you and your family because of this! Super special that you not only painted but also preached while doing so. The jacket story was hilarious too. Love your sense of humor! Thank you for sharing and for using your life to further God’s kingdom. I rejoice with you over this fantastic mission outreach! Praise & glory to our Heavenly Father!