Tuesday Pictures

The construction work begins

Today was day one of our work on the second floor of the Christian School in Zapote sponsored by the Galilea Church.  Zapote is an hour and half drive from the Oasis.  The first 45 minutes covers the majority of the distance on paved roads and the last 45 minutes covers that last 5 kilometers on rugged roads that closely resemble the surface of the moon, except that we have to drive through 4 rivers, whereas there are no rivers on the Moon.  Nonetheless, the Lord showed up in a major way.  When we finally got to the school, the children radiated with the joy of the Lord.  They were so eager to help, even the smallest child wanted to carry some of the many heavy materials from the first floor up to our work zone on the second floor.  It was a joy to see their excitement to help.  The team had a productive day.  A lot of painting, tile laying, door hanging (mostly game planning and preparation), and electrical work (all preparation, cleaning plaster out of boxes and trimming pre-layed conduit).  We’ll be working in Zapote all week long, so we hope to really transform the unfinished second floor of the school.  The kitchen staff at the school truly went out their way to bless the team by cooking an excellent Mayan lunch for us over an open fire when they lost propane to the kitchen. While in Zapote, the team got to really see what a blessing that school is to the community.  Zapote is very poor community, with very sub-standard public education.  That school is truly a highlight to that community.  The team has a holy calling in helping to get that second floor opened to the children.  We are so blessed to be able to serve this way.  At dinner back at the Oasis we were privileged to have the Pastor of the Galilea church explain to the team the history of Zapote, their church plant in Zapote, the school, and how the Lord is working mightily in that community.  We also heard from Corbey, the director of the Oasis, of how the Lord continues to work strongly in the lives of the girls at the Oasis and all the wonderful ministries they are pursuing to restore families and raise disadvantaged girls in God glorifying way. Please pray that we accomplish beyond our expectations this week in Zapote and that we shine the light Jesus wherever we are.

Mondays Pictures

This Is Church!

Today we experienced what we’ll call a glimpse of heaven. We almost don’t dare say that the sun was shining brightly, the air warm and fresh and not one but two volcanoes were puffing away! But the natural beauty of Guatemala isn’t all that we experienced today. On past trips we’ve usually attended a church in the city with the girls from the Oasis on Sunday mornings.  This year, with a desire to connect with and support the local church, we invited the kind people of the Nazaret Church in San Lucas to join us for a picnic after church. But God worked it all out even more beautifully than we could have imagined. They agreed to hold their service right here at the Oasis! So, for the first time ever, Nazaret Church in San Lucas, New Hope Church, the staff of Kids Alive Guatemala and the girls all gathered together as the body of Christ at the Oasis. We filled the dining room with as many chairs as we could fit and still had standing room only.  We were especially blessed to be led by the Oasis worship team - the girls we’ve watched grow up and heal were now serving us. Our team was then invited to the front as nearly the entire church came forward and graciously offered hugs, kind words of welcome and thanks and a gift. It was incredibly warm and humbling. The pastor then taught us from God’s word, reminding and encouraging us to love God first and foremost. After church we shared a picnic lunch and visited all afternoon.  People were scattered all around the campus playing basketball, soccer, jumping on the trampoline, face painting and just enjoying one another’s company. Nobody wanted to leave, it was a great day. We enjoyed God’s people, His creation and His sweet presence. There were many people involved in planning and organizing this day but no one person can take credit for what happened here today – we are truly blessed to be a part of what God is doing here in Guatemala and all the glory goes to Him!

Sunday Pictures

Saturday

Saturday morning gave us a chance to settle in and get orientated. Sandy led a jewelry making workshop for some of the older girls, a few of the guys went shopping to buy groceries for tomorrow's picnic, while others stayed behind at the Oasis and played with the girls. We are excited for tomorrow -we just found out that the Nazaret church will be holding their morning service at the Oasis and then staying for the family picnic and games in the afternoon - what an awesome opportunity to build a connection with the local church!

Safe Arrival

We arrived safely at the Oasis at 10:30pm along with all our luggage!

We were delayed just 30 mins in Minneapolis while the plane was de-iced...hard to explain exactly what that is in Guatemala...

Supplies we are taking with us

Here is a sample of some of the things we are taking with us - please pray it all arrives safely!

For the Oasis Girls

Scarves and dresses from “Knitters and Stitchers”

Shoes, Socks, PJs, Underwear, T-shirts and Tops

Nail polish and Make up 

Puzzles and Toys

Galilea Church in Zapote

Projector, case and spare bulb

Nazaret Church

Money for construction supplies

Construction supplies

Wire, cover-plates and receptacles

Circular saw, router and bit set

Epoxy and Chisels

For the missionaries

Driver’s license, candy and oils 

Laptop

Spanish Bibles

Hunger Games books

Shoes, brake pads and phone cover

Butterscotch chips

Corn grits, Chia seeds and Fiber One cereal