Day 3 - working at the Oasis

The team awoke this morning to another beautiful Guatemala morning; singing birds, the bluest blue sky, crisp fresh air and enthusiasm in our hearts for the day ahead. And though we have enjoyed the weekend to get settled and reconnect with the girls, we are so anxious to get started on the projects planned for us.

Each year the team gathers at the bodega on Monday morning to meet with the construction coordinator from the Oasis to go over the details of the work slated for us. For the first time since the New Hope teams have come to the Oasis, we were not greeted at the bodega by Doug Johnson. You may or may not know that just before Thanksgiving of 2012 Doug was shot repeatedly right in San Lucas. God has heard the cries of his people on behalf of Doug and spared his life. It is truly a miracle that he survived and lives to testify of God’s faithfulness and healing hand! We hope to share more about that later.

This year, we are blessed to be working with Josh as our team and construction coordinator. We learned that we will be working on constructing some cabinets, painting of the psychologists’ offices and building a guard house by the front gate. And as always, there are random painting, electrical or plumbing needs. We divided the group into teams and set out to accomplish these projects. This team has such a great blend of giftedness and personalities and attitudes, it’s wonderful to see! 

Most of the girls were at school today, but some of the older girls go to Saturday school so throughout the day we would see them preparing food, doing chores, or meeting with staff members. And as we were going about our work, we might find ourselves being greeted with a big hug and a smile from one of them! You can’t find a sweeter break or blessing than that!

Many people from church donated wonderful gifts for us to share with the girls. We unpacked our extra suitcases full of these games, puzzles, books, toys, dolls and doll clothes, stuffed animals, dress-up clothes, hand-made pillow cases, scarves, hair binders and headbands, shoes, purses and so much more. We are so grateful for the many who have demonstrated love and generosity to the girls in this way!

At the end of our day of work, several from the team set off for a visit to one of our favorite destinations outside the walls of the Oasis, Chicoman. This small village is just a quick walk up the hill from the Oasis. Year after year we have enjoyed visiting these precious people.  We’ve begun to remember one another and build relationships with them. Randy again shared his magic tricks (they humor him by acting like they don’t remember the same tricks he did last year!) and shared the gospel with all the children and adults who gather around. It’s great having Tony along too who can help us share a greeting or have short conversation with someone. We walked back to the Oasis being “serenaded” by God with one of his glorious sunsets lighting up the evening sky! Thank you, Lord!

After dinner tonight, Corbey Dukes, the Kids Alive Guatemala Field Director, shared with us some of what’s been happening at the Oasis and Source of Hope (in Zapote),  and some of what they are hoping and praying for regarding future ministry. And even though most of us are pretty familiar with the ministry of Kids Alive here in Guatemala, hearing what they do is still overwhelming. We were reminded of the tragedy of what these girls have been rescued from and the many ways that God is restoring them and healing their families. But the needs continue to press in. In fact, this very night three new young girls were being delivered by the court to the Oasis. It breaks our hearts to know that there are little girls experiencing so much pain and abuse. But it thrills our hearts to know that there is a place like this where these now 48 young girls can find a safe and loving place tonight!

So we thank the Lord for providing the Oasis, for calling the staff to love and serve, for equipping them to do the work he’s called them to. And we thank all of you who are supporting us through your prayers and gifts. We are privileged to serve and be blessed by this powerful ministry!

Written by Sandy Dahl