Sunday--- Our Day of Rest

Fourth day here, where has the time gone?! Today, the Lord's Day, we were able to take rest and have ALOT of FELLOWSHIP! Some of us took pleasure in sleeping in a little later before we headed up to the squatter village of Linda Vista up on the hill of Villa Nueva. We also had some time to explore the home and yard where we are staying. Here are some pictures of our free time in the morning:

(Volcanic ash that accumulated in the crevices of the palm tree)

(First good picture of a native bird)

(Deek tiring Cate out, or the other way around)

Our hosts, Missy and Dylan, attend a church up in the village of Linda Vista (Beautiful View) that is led by Pastor Jorge. The service was full of praise, worship, and prayers. Of course all of these were in Spanish, but we were lucky enough to be able to borrow headsets from the local Children's Home that Dylan was able to translate the entire service for us. The music was beautiful with or without the translation due to the talented musicians that make it happen. After the service, we met some of the people who attend, some of whom were familiar faces as they attend the Celebrate Recovery classes that the boys and girls attended on the respective nights. After the service and fellowship, we were able to go on top of the one building to take some pictures of the view. Unfortunately it was a little foggy, but it was breathtaking just the same.

(Part of the Praise and Worship Team)

(Pastor Jorge and Ron)

(View from Linda Vista)

(Another View)

(Two carnivals are going on, but it is not overly frequented by the locals due to the cost)

(Anna-Marie and Mary Lou enjoying the sights from up top)

(Team Pic)

After church we changed and went for lunch at Pollo Campero, which is like the Guatemalan equivalent to KFC, but with table service. It was delicious, and we actually went back later in the day for ice cream (and flan.)

After lunch, we made our way to meet one of the SARF families, The Chinchillas. We hit a few road blocks (literal ones as they were paving many of the roads on the way) but God allowed us to deliver a basket of food and enjoy some time with the family. The mother Jaceline and some of her other family members spoke with the team while other team members went out and enjoyed some time joking around and playing bubbles with the kids, Jairo (7) and Alejandra (6). Everyone was so kind and it was like they made us all feel like we were close friends, opening up their home and sharing their drinks. Guatemalan hospitality is really something to behold!

(Mono "Monkey" Jon getting his hair done by Alejandra)

(Giving the kids, Jairo & Alejandra, candy... and toothbrushes)

(Anna-Marie teaching the fine art of Bubbles)

(The team with the Chinchillas and their extended family they live with)

After a day full of seeing the country (and a quick trip to Walmart...yes Walmart!), our team sat down and some of the experienced members, Jon and Derek, taught the team the game "Dice".  The King of Dice, Jon, was defeated easily the first game by first timer, Anna-Marie, FOR SURE!

(The Team learning Dice.... this was not a game for those not awesome at Math)

(Champion Anna-Marie taking down King of the Dice, Jon)

Today truly was a blessing and a great time for our team to get to know one another. I can't wait to see how God continues to build relationships and use us while we are down here.  Thank you all for your continued prayers!