It’s about time for an update. Some of you may have been wondering ‘what in God’s green earth’ I am doing down here in Guatemala. Well, we have partnered with a number of ministries down here and have done a variety of projects. We work Monday through Friday. We usually walk to our contacts house and then ride in the back of their truck the rest of the way to work. We are living in a hostel downtown Antigua. We cook and eat together as a family. We have team debrief, or “family time” every night and discuss and process our joys, struggles, and experiences. I am loving every minute of it!
Servants For Him
We have worked with Carol and Forrest Kendall from the states on making water filters and wood-burning stoves for families in the mayan villages. The water filters provide clean water for families that are exposed to/sick with parasites from the water. The mayan families also cook over an open fire in their one-room homes which creates a black film on their ceilings and walls. We can only imagine what their lungs look like. The Kendall’s have created stoves that have chimneys; taking the smoke out of their homes and their families living environment. Their product also provides a way for their teams to share the gospel with these Mayan villages. Both the stoves and water filters provide a tangible example of our lives with Christ, or without; dirty water or smoke representing sin in our lives.
We also worked with Sharing His Plan and dug trenches for pipes to be put in the ground prior to building homes. We all had a great time shoveling through cement, hard rock, and brick just to get to the dirt! I got to use a pick axe for the first time!
Casa Jackson
Casa Jackson is a hospital that children are brought to if they are malnourished. We have sent three volunteers from our team every day of the week. We get to bathe, feed, change, and play with the children. They are so sweet and tender. I am holding my sweet Camille in this picture.
Late last week we also had the opportunity to visit an orphanage. A couple from the states moved down here and began an orphanage for children that have been physically or sexually abused. I was blown away by the light still in their eyes. They were so well mannered, loving, and full of joy. We played soccer and volleyball all morning. Before lunch they all prayed for us and read scriptures. Their worlds had been completely transformed. You could see it on every child’s face. The work that was being done in this ministry was extraordinary.
I have loved every minute of being in Guatemala. I have truly embraced being here with everything that I have. I must admit; it took me awhile to get to that point. It was hard to let go of that part of me that was still back home. Though, the second I surrendered it to Christ I was fully rewarded. I have been incredibly blessed and humbled by every experience of every day here.
Also, I would like to testify of my amazing Lord and His provision. Not even a day after I posted about my camera – God used a family to provide a new camera for me. They sent a brand new camera, my dream camera, with a team from Iowa that arrived this weekend! This is not only an incredible blessing to me, but it will provide amazing pictures for all of you to see the beautiful work God is doing in each country! All glory to God!! Amazing!!
Be blessed!
