We woke up early, packed up, and headed to our new "home" in Reu. We will be here until Friday afternoon. We were running a little late by the time we arrived in Monte Margarita and the community was waiting for us with music, welcome signs, fire crackers and smiling faces. Jerry's favorite part of the day was that they made us a sign that was the Pease CRC logo in Spanish. (Note: unfortunately since I am doing this on my cell phone and have to take the photos on my phone the photos aren't great and I can only put them on the end of the post not scattered throughout.) As everything in Guatemala does, it took much longer for us to get to work than we expected. While we were a little disappointed, what they had prepared for us was awesome. The children sang songs and had little skits prepared for us to thank us and welcome to their school. Terri loved the little dance that some of the students did that involved the "women" making tortillas and the "men" gathering firewood I bring home for the cooking. Then, they had us present school supplies to the kindergarten class which was amazing and was Kris' favorite part of the day. After they served us a HUGE lunch. We finally got to work. We split into 3 groups: painters, road workers, and water filtration builders. Lynn really enjoyed being able to learn about the water filters--why the do them and how they work. We only worked for an hour or so before heading to La Palmera for VBS.
We had a great time with the students, singing, playing, learning, laughing. But, since we were running late all day, we didn't have much time with the students. But, we'll be back tomorrow!
La Palmera and Monte Margarita are Level 4 and 3 communities which means they have been working with Vid y Pompanos for quite a while and are close to being self-sufficient. It is wonderful to see the work the villages have done and how excited and wonderful the people are.
Again, I cannot really express quickly on this blog how amazing our time has Ben. I feel like I am failing to express even an ounce of what we are experiencing.
(PS the group really likes to hear from you, I am always getting asked what people are saying but we haven't had many comments. Please leave us notes!)
We miss you all - talk of you every day! Peggy, the ladies missed you at Mission Society this afternoon. Marian Smit is in town, staying with Karen Bouma...Dave is at a conference in the city.
ReplyDeleteA bit of snow is coming tonight, and then much warmer weather, finally. My neighborhood feels empty...Julie to the SE, Kevin to the S, Phil and Deb to the SW, Larry out my kitchen window, Peggy and Jerry to the North. Jerry, Warren,Kevin,did you guys see the number one super bowl commercial? Advertising Dodge Ram, Paul Harvey's '...and on the eighth day, God made the farmer...' poem. Amazingly cool. I went to the Capitol a few days ago for 'Dairy Day at the Capitol', shook the Guv's hand, got on Channel 5 news that night - that was cool, too! Praying every day for great things to happen!
Hi Patty! (Translator) Glad to see your smile again. I feel detached! The smile on the children are Great. Give them hugs for me! Phil, how is the tar work going? building roads are you? Ha Ha! Pics make me want to pack my bags and come and join you.
ReplyDeleteThe work is not the ministry; the time with the people is. From the sounds of it, ministry is happening! Keep up the good work!
ReplyDeleteAmen Pastor Calvin! You all look like Kingdom builders to me!
DeleteBuilding up the body of Christ in Guatemala and in Pease, and building Spirit-initiated relationships in the villages. God will bless all that you do, whether you sweat and develop calluses, or make Kingdom friendships by listening, talking, laughing and crying together.
It's great to hear from you and the pictures are awesome, even if they are taken with you phone. You all are in our prayers!!!
ReplyDeleteBob & Lynn
Greetings! It's a pleasant 22 degrees here today - yay! Love the pictures, especially the one that shows you and the children walking together on a road with beautiful foliage all around you. There's a meataphor in there somewhere, I think.
ReplyDeletePraying for you day and night!
Some questions from ICS 5th and 6th graders:
ReplyDeleteIs the guard in the picture holding a gun? Do they go everywhere with you?
What kind of animals have you seen?
When do the students attend school?
I would like to know how warm it is there.
We have a lot to be thankful for!
Love the pictures! The banner is awesome. I love seeing these questions that the 5 & 6 graders have asked. We are praying for health for your team. Who is preparing your meals?
ReplyDeleteSo great to hear from you! Pictures and updates are wonderful. Miss not being there! Miss not being able to see those faces when you handed out the money for the seminary and distributed the school supplies. They seem so happy to see you all and I am sure they enjoy seeing all of the new faces! Phil make sure if you going to time the girls shopping to give them an extra 5 minutes for me would ya? Say Hi to Patty for me! Praying everyday and night!
ReplyDeleteDoes the banner in the first picture say "Reach and teach, redeem and restore through Christ"? I used an on-line Spanish-English translator, but sometimes they aren't very accurate.
ReplyDeletewhat is on Larry's plate ? I miss the food!
ReplyDeleteSo fun to see the pictures and read about what you guys are doing. It is obvious the kids enjoy having you there and that you are an encouragement to kids and teachers. Praying for health and safety. Say hi to Curly :)
ReplyDeleteWhat an AWESOME adventure to serve an AWESOME God! The pictures and updates are spectacular! I can't wait to hear all the stories when you return. I'm also thinking that Julee could handle the big-people sermon this time...:) AMEN! May God continue to bless your time as you touch hearts and lives, and are in turn forever changed by this trip! God is good all the time!
ReplyDeleteYup, Julee.... it's the big people sermon for you! That's what happens when you are REALLY good at what you do! :)
ReplyDelete