This morning we welcomed our first beautiful sunny morning in Guatemala. We sat outside our bright yellow Team "Motel" and enjoyed devotions together surrounded by God's beautiful handiwork, including regular smoke belching from volcano "Fuego” in the distance. The girls were busy with their normal Saturday morning chores so we all decided to walk up the hill just outside The Oasis to Chicaman, the small neighborhood we have visited most every year. We were able to greet many of the families we have met in the past and marvel with the parents on how their kids have grown. A few brought out photos we have given them over the years to share with us these precious memories.

After lunch we were able to spend more quality time with the girls, and then enjoyed dinner in their houses. We enjoyed games, fun, laughter, and good food shared by all. We enjoyed showing photos of our families to them and in turn asking them questions about their ages, hobbies, and favorite subjects. We were split between all 5 homes and enjoyed varied levels of success with communication depending on our Spanish skills.  It was interesting to see how some of the girls revealed how they knew more English than we thought as they helped us along in the conversation. 

This evening we shared how we have seen real joy showing through these girls lives.  In spite of the pain they have experienced, they surround and tenderly support the new girls that show up frightened and confused. They have learned how to show love and empathy to those around them, including us. This hasn't gone un-noticed by our team, and is a great source of encouragement in this otherwise dark country.

We're looking forward to worshiping with our brothers and sisters in Christ at the local Galilea church tomorrow. Blessings to you all.  Thank you for your prayers.

 A sunny morning view of the Oasis...

 Visiting our friends at Chicaman...

 

 

Dinner with the girls...

 

 

Hola from Guatemala! 
We arrived safely this afternoon and spent the remainder of the day settling in, playing soccer and hanging out with the girls at The Oasis. The flight down took place without a hitch and even customs seemed easier this time as most of us passed through easily. The van ride up to San Lucas was a bit crazy as there were many more cars and 'chicken' buses on the roads during this time.

Tomorrow we have a planned orientation time as we have done in the past. We will be able to fellowship and get to know many of the new girls throughout the whole day, as well as get reacquainted with many of our old friends. We had the pleasure of meeting a few new staff members here, and briefly discussed the upcoming work.

Since we'll be gone most of the week working in Zapote, it's nice to have the day to spend time here with the girls.

Please continue to keep Josh Ma in your prayers. He had his second chemo treatment today but is struggling with on-going pain. They are exploring additional pain med options with a new doctor. Pray for wisdom and guidance for Josh, Susan and the doctors.

 

 

 

The team will meet early at the Main Campus this Friday at 3:30am as we fly out from MSP at 6:25AM - We look forward to arriving in Guatemala around 1:30pm in the afternoon - thank you everyone for your prayers for safe travel...