Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Tuesday – we have two groups today. One heading to the Center and one to a construction site where a new home will be built in two days.

The construction crew headed out at 8am, picked up supplies and equipment and arrived at the site around 9:15. Robbie is the local missionary that Orphan’s Heart coordinates these type projects through. Orli and Carlos are two locals that assist in the building as well. Orli is in charge – don’t let any one tell you otherwise. The team set the block for the foundations and then it was concrete time in Guatemala. There was a report of Steve O’Hara taking a dive into the already leveled concrete but since it was repaired there is no evidence save the shoes he was wearing. Jeremy Page worked in every aspect of the build. Many of the activities were his first time but he tried them all and did a great job. Cody is the master of leveling. Don’t get in his way or you may get buried. The intern for Orphan’s Heart that is working with the building team is Parker and he has been a tremendous help to the team.

Greg West asked the family what type of fruit was on the tree and within minutes they were picking oranges for Greg. Of course some one said that they just washed the fruit in unfiltered water so Greg had a dilemma on his hands – eat the fruit and risk getting sick or offend the family by not eating it. The problem was solved by telling them that we would eat them when we were finished and everyone enjoyed some oranges from the family (after they were properly cleaned – we think). Other excitement was in the form of our ride to the site. Our driver decided to pass a tractor trailer while climbing a steep grade on a two lane highway with curves. As we pulled out and got beside the truck another semi truck appeared around the corner – coming right at us. Not to fear though as our driver Samuel pulled back into our lane with at least 2-3 inches to spare.

The family that we are building the home for has eight children – all with beautiful smiles. They live in what we might call a shack in America. The home that we are building (maybe more like an addition to the shack they currently have) will be 12 feet by 24 feet. Not very big by our standards but totally appreciated by the family. May we learn to except what God gives us as sufficient. We are so blessed even when times are tough in America.



Kevin Lethers