Wednesday we touched up some painting in Dylan and Missy's house and then were able to hang out with some kids in Linda Vista. We were told there would be about 50 kids, but 150 showed up!
It was a fantastic afternoon of soccer tournaments and bracelet making. We were running out of supplies for the beaded bracelets that tell about salvation and there was a looooong line of kids waiting---needless to say The Lord provided and all the kids had a great time.
Thursday we made some final touches in Dylan and Missy's house and went back to Apalonia's house (where we couldn't finish Saturday because of the rain). We got finished just as the sun was going down--now she has a roof protecting her from the elements and can still collect the rainwater.
Friday was a day of rest in the nearby town of Antigua before we departed for the USA on Saturday. This trip was amazing not only because of the work we accomplished with the families but also the relationships that were built.
Please continue to pray for the SARF families and Dylan, Missy and Jon who work with them regularly.
Tuesday, July 30, 2013
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Tuesday
Today, Tuesday, we continued painting Dylan and Missy's house in the morning. We are almost finished painting!
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| Aubree edging carefully. |
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| Sam painting the bedroom. |
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| Molly taping before we paint Dylan and Missy's living room. |
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| Kasey taking charge of the bathroom. |
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| Lee removing the tape, because we finished!! |
After lunch, the team divided into two groups. Half of us stayed behind and continued to paint and the other half went to Emilia's house to fix her roof and added a wall for privacy in her bathroom. This house was similar to yesterday's house in that a lot of the floor was dirt, so the rain can cause quote a problem, especially because of the holes in the tin roof. Thankfully, we had the supplies to caulk the roof and make it more secure. Emilia and her son were also very grateful for the assistance and supplies we provided. Emilia said that she was at a loss for how to thank the team for all the help.
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| Kasey, Jon, Erik and Dylan adding beams to the house so the roof new section of room will be stable. |
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| Sam and Esther adding the finishing touches on the bathroom. |
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| Sam and Esther with a very grateful Emilia, after we fixed the holes in her roof. |
Tuesday, July 23, 2013
Monday
Yesterday, Monday, was another great day or working and serving the people of Guatemala. The rain held off so that we could get a lot accomplished.
After breakfast and devotions, we got right to work painting in Missy and Dylan's house, so that their house feels more like home and they can spend their time serving families after our team leaves. We have a lot of skilled painters, so we got a lot done!
Then, after lunch we packed our materials and headed to Carmen's house to help make it more livable for her, her son and daughter-in-law, and 4 grandchildren. After seeing her house, it was quite obvious that any help we can offer to make the house more stable would be much appreciated. Her kitchen only had 3 walls, so we added another wall and affixed a door that she can close to keep out the elements. We also patched holes in the tin roof and added an extension to the roof so that when it rains, the water doesn't run in the house.
Finally, we presented the family with a gift of school supplies and everyday food/necessities to help them out. The family said that the school supplies were especially helpful at the moment, as the kids in the family didn't have any. A major difference between schools in the United States and here in Guatemala is that if kids don't have the required school supplies and uniforms, they can't attend school. Needless to say, the family was very appreciative.
The team went to sleep pretty early, because we were pretty tired after such a great day!
After breakfast and devotions, we got right to work painting in Missy and Dylan's house, so that their house feels more like home and they can spend their time serving families after our team leaves. We have a lot of skilled painters, so we got a lot done!
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Then, after lunch we packed our materials and headed to Carmen's house to help make it more livable for her, her son and daughter-in-law, and 4 grandchildren. After seeing her house, it was quite obvious that any help we can offer to make the house more stable would be much appreciated. Her kitchen only had 3 walls, so we added another wall and affixed a door that she can close to keep out the elements. We also patched holes in the tin roof and added an extension to the roof so that when it rains, the water doesn't run in the house.
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| Esther, Val and Aubree patching holes in the tin roof. |
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| Dylan horsing around with the kids :) |
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| The kids were excited about their new soccer ball! |
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| Jon and Kasey cutting the tin sheets for the roof. |
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| Kasey entertaining the kiddos with some balloon animals. |
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| The team with Carmen's family. |
Finally, we presented the family with a gift of school supplies and everyday food/necessities to help them out. The family said that the school supplies were especially helpful at the moment, as the kids in the family didn't have any. A major difference between schools in the United States and here in Guatemala is that if kids don't have the required school supplies and uniforms, they can't attend school. Needless to say, the family was very appreciative.
The team went to sleep pretty early, because we were pretty tired after such a great day!
Sunday, July 21, 2013
Let the adventure begin!
Greetings from Villa Nueva, Guatemala!
The team arrived safe and sound on Friday evening. We settled in and prepared for work on Saturday with families in the community of Linda Vista.
The team had some great opportunities to see God at work in the community on Saturday. First, we were able to help with a bible school lesson and game time with some children from the community that Jon, a missionary with SARF, hosts every other Saturday. Let's just say that Erik made a fantastic Goliath, and fun times were had by all. :)
In the afternoon the team worked with a single mother in the community with some work projects in her house. We also brought her a basket with some food necessities and toys for her children. We intended to fix her roofing, but the Lord had other plans and there was a torrential downpour. Instead, the team got to assist this mother in collecting the rainwater in 55 gallon drums so that she could use it later. This woman, who has a dirt floor and 4 children sleeping in one bed, rushed to be sure that we were dry and comfortable. Even though things did not turn out as planned, the team got the opportunity to get to know this family better by spending time with her and playing with her children.
To learn more about the SARF (serving at-risk families) ministry, click here:
http://www.servants.org/#/serving-at-risk-families
This morning, Sunday, we went to church in the nearby town of San Cristobol, called Fraternidad Cristiana de Guatemala. Even though they were in Spanish, we recognized some of the praise and worhsip songs! After that, we had lunch as a team and spent the afternoon at New Life Children's Home with the kids. Several of our team members got to connect and spend some meaningful time with children they sponsor, which really means a lot to both of them! Sam got to reconnect, both inside and outside of the children's home, with some children she met two years ago and that time was special for her. Here is the link for New Life Children's Home, so you can see more about where we are staying:
http://www.nlch.net/
Check back often, as pictures will be posted :)
The team arrived safe and sound on Friday evening. We settled in and prepared for work on Saturday with families in the community of Linda Vista.
The team had some great opportunities to see God at work in the community on Saturday. First, we were able to help with a bible school lesson and game time with some children from the community that Jon, a missionary with SARF, hosts every other Saturday. Let's just say that Erik made a fantastic Goliath, and fun times were had by all. :)
In the afternoon the team worked with a single mother in the community with some work projects in her house. We also brought her a basket with some food necessities and toys for her children. We intended to fix her roofing, but the Lord had other plans and there was a torrential downpour. Instead, the team got to assist this mother in collecting the rainwater in 55 gallon drums so that she could use it later. This woman, who has a dirt floor and 4 children sleeping in one bed, rushed to be sure that we were dry and comfortable. Even though things did not turn out as planned, the team got the opportunity to get to know this family better by spending time with her and playing with her children.
To learn more about the SARF (serving at-risk families) ministry, click here:
http://www.servants.org/#/serving-at-risk-families
This morning, Sunday, we went to church in the nearby town of San Cristobol, called Fraternidad Cristiana de Guatemala. Even though they were in Spanish, we recognized some of the praise and worhsip songs! After that, we had lunch as a team and spent the afternoon at New Life Children's Home with the kids. Several of our team members got to connect and spend some meaningful time with children they sponsor, which really means a lot to both of them! Sam got to reconnect, both inside and outside of the children's home, with some children she met two years ago and that time was special for her. Here is the link for New Life Children's Home, so you can see more about where we are staying:
http://www.nlch.net/
Check back often, as pictures will be posted :)
Wednesday, July 10, 2013
We are really excited to be sending our first official Serving at-risk Families (SARF) trip to Guatemala July 19th! This team will be helping us set up our new ministry in Guatemala and will be working with some of our SARF families in the communities of Villa Nueva and Linda Vista.
Please join me in praying for our volunteers who will be serving!
Val Ludwig, Kasey & Esther Smith, Lee March, Aubree Davis, Molly Childress, Sam Andel, & Erik Bedwell.
Please join me in praying for our volunteers who will be serving!
Val Ludwig, Kasey & Esther Smith, Lee March, Aubree Davis, Molly Childress, Sam Andel, & Erik Bedwell.
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