Reflections from David C.

Wednesday was another productive day at the Oasis. We worked hard and got a lot accomplished on our projects. Things are moving along and as a group I believe we feel like we are on track to finish what they have for us and finish well. However sometimes in Guatemala, actually ALL the time in Guatemala, there are surprises along the way that change our course and force us to adjust and adapt to the changes. Construction supplies and tools are scarce at times, and when we need additional items like screws, nails and wood, they are usually purchases by the piece, so there is rarely room for error. But those changes and speed bumps only bring us to a closer reliance on our Lord and they are all blessings. God is good all the time.

Speaking of blessings, God was so very present on Wednesday as we concluded the day with a special devotional and worship time with the girls. After work, we all assembled in the Bethany House (the Oasis' multi-purpose building) for a time of games, worship songs and a devotional in Spanish by our own Tony R. Worshipping the Lord in Spanish was wonderful and it was so awesome to see the girls and their House Tia's worship the Lord, raise their hands to Him and praise His name. Randy M. amused the group with a hilarious group game of Musical Chairs. The get-together concluded with an ice cream party. For those of you that have not experienced 40+ girls on sugar highs, it is a sight to see. We ended the evening with the special time of delivering our scripture bookmarks to the girls at their homes. One of the most special aspects of being down here is the amount of things that we can pack into a 24 hour day. Giving, serving and loving, but before we know it, each day is over. It is such a joy to plug into a ministry as this and get touched by the Lord as we are allowed to serve Him with our hands and hearts.

Thursday we started the day again with a morning worship song in unison, devotions as a group, breakfast and then got to work. Our projects are well underway and we are working well together as a team. There is no doubt that we will finish the goals set before us on time. The realization is now sinking in that we have only a couple more days with the girls and both the girls and us are getting ready for the hard goodbyes. It will be so very hard to not have them with us each day.

We worked hard up to the end of day bell and got ready to have dinner in Antigua with the staff and missionaries. We dined at Santa Domingo and fellowshipped with them. Thanking them for all they do for the girls here seems incomplete. It is obvious that they need our prayers daily for the Lord to give them stamina, strength and the ability to discern the best for these precious little lives that the Lord has entrusted to them.

We ended the day exhausted but ready to press forward on Friday. God has made this year's mission trip a huge blessing to say the least. It is a privilege to serve the Lord God Almighty in this way. It is only made possible by the prayers and support of you all, and for that we all are very grateful. To God be the Glory great things He has done!