It's Thursday! We are headed back to the states at 5:00 am tomorrow morning. Everyone will be excited to get home, see their family, sleep in their own bed and put their tooth brush under the faucet knowing it won't turn their stomach upside down. We all look forward to sharing the past few day's experiences with friends and family. From graphic diaper stories in the malnutrition center to heart challenging moments at the construction site, there is much to tell.
On the other hand, it will be hard to leave knowing the vast amount of needs, both physical and spiritual that remain unaddressed. Knowing that our God is sovereign is the only possible consolation for the task that lies before this team tomorrow morning as we head back. Despite cultural and financial differences, God sees Christians here in Guatemala and those in our communities as His own. We American Christians are not blessed because we have bigger houses, drive newer cars or reside in cleaner living conditions. We are blessed for the same reason as Guatemalan Christians...God's grace through Jesus Christ.
This wasn't more evident than at the construction site house dedication yesterday afternoon. After two days of work and many setbacks due to materials or equipment, a small 12' x 24' home was constructed from warped wood and corrugated sheet metal. Inside was a concrete floor and small wood burning stove (a luxury). Incredibly, we were asked to split this home in half so that two families who currently live under one leaky small roof, with dirt floors could share the space. More than a hundred people from the area were watching as the last screw went into the north corner of the building. Our team gathered around the two mothers, who happened to be sisters, and their children for a prayer of dedication. We were tired, dirty, sun-burned, hungry, and definitely ready for the van ride back to Hotel Soliel in Antigua. After a couple of our team members prayed for the families and God's blessing on the house (probably a little extra needed if you knew our team's skill level) we were ready to bolt! Orily is the local lady that is the liaison for each construction team, and she stepped forward and pronounced her appreciation for the work. She continued, through an interpreter, to state that through Christ we are all one family before God. It was God that orchestrated this event and the house was a gift from Him. The team's demeanor seemed to change. We listened intently as each of the sisters receiving the home echoed Orily's thankfulness and expressed their devotion to Christ. That truly is our "blessing". Because of Jesus Christ and despite our earthly differences, these dear ladies and our team from the States stand on equal ground before our righteous God. Praise be to our God who deserves all the glory.
As we look forward to our return tomorrow, our team will be faced with a decision. Will we feel "blessed" to have a lot or see earthy things as resources for the advancement of God's kingdom?
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