Guatemala June 21, 2011

Day Two...
...began as several of the group’s early risers took a morning walk around the city and reveled in the beautiful scenery. Our devotion focused on the fulfillment and joy of serving others by decreasing ourselves and allowing God to increase. The men, one woman and several of the boys headed to the construction site to pour the foundation for the first home--built for a family of 11! Being able to provide a roof for this deserving family is truly a gift from God. The men were a bit surprised to find that the construction site was in the middle of the city and not in a more open farm location as it has been before. The locale and the weather (torrential downpour!) made progress a bit of a challenge, but there was nothing that God couldn’t help us overcome. We were also inspired by the amazing Guatemalan woman, Orily, who (in her Guatemalan skirt!) helped us with strength and determination unrivaled by any of the men!

The rest of us were eager to get our hands on the children and continue God’s work at the Malnutrition Center through loving, teaching and caring for these precious children. The teacher, Claudia, was there today so the older children headed to their school room while the little ones colored and made bead bracelets. Some of the children were able to work one-on-one with a few of us to learn their colors and numbers in a new way. Their love for learning was undeniable! The little ones enjoyed songs and a Bible story of creation, led by Mrs. Nina’s expert storytelling. During nap, the group worked on odds and ends around the Center, cleaning out the food pantry, painting the door to the toddler’s potty and helping the staff work with the special needs children. We were all sad to say good-bye today, and the children must have sensed it because they bid us ‘adios’ from the patio. Such tender, loving faces that we will continue to pray for and hold close in our hearts…..

On the way home, Ron took a bus of all the children and teens in our group, giving the adults a bit of a break! Many of us made a stop at the market on the way home and bartered for some beautiful Guatemalan treasures. After dinner, our devotion brought us all together to remember the power and glory of Jesus Christ and to share the joys and challenges of the day. Ron then was brave enough to take a group for Mc Flurry’s at a nearby Mac Donald’s. What a sweet ending to a truly wonderful and blessed day!

Prayer requests:
Pray for one of the Nineras (Nannies), Claudia, who needs surgery on her gall bladder. She has three children at the Center and is struggling with taking the time off from work, missing out on her salary, and who will care for her children.

Pray for Simeon, whom many of our former team members know. He visited the Center yesterday with his mother and 20-day old little brother. He and his family need our prayers!

Pray for the two little ones in the hospital in Antigua, Jose and Walter, that they will soon return to the Center and be able to be strengthened with food and nourishment and lots of love.

CESAR has gone home! He and his mother came to visit yesterday! He looks great, but he sure misses all his friends at the Center! It was great to see him doing so well. Praise the Lord!