Monday, July 8, 2013

Guatemala, Sunday, July 7

Today was our excursion day so that we could rest and get used to the climate.  The altitude and dry air as well as long travel for some combined to make us glad to have a day of rest though most of us are eager to see the children as soon as possible.  We started out the day with an enthusiastic worship service with music led by the team from Labelle and two messages.  Mark Creech spoke on Psalm 46 and reminded us that when we depend upon God to be our refuge and strength, we are lead to be still and let Him work through us for His glory.  Preston Long followed up with a reminder from Acts 16 to have courage because
God gives us the power to overcome all obstacles.   Then, we divided up into groups. Some went to the coffee plantation to zip line, tour the coffee plantation, ride horseback or just sit in the shade and sip coffee.  Others went to the chocolate museum to learn about the history of chocolate and make their own candy.  After lunch at the McDonald's where the staff should be given an award for efficiency and courtesy, we divided up again.  Olivia took some team members on a walking tour of the city with a stop at the market, while Isabelle took a group directly to the market.  The market was very crowded today, so many of our team members only got a taste of the shopping experience and are looking forward to return visits this week to do more shopping.
Before supper, we took some time for orientation and to get our work assignments.  This week, we have enough people to have travelling recreation, craft, Bible story and music teams so all of the children will have a chance to participate in those activities, not just the older children.  At orientation, we also had our WOW time and people shared what they had learned throughout the day.  Ester was humbled to learn that the coffee plantation workers pick beans on terrain that is almost vertical.  Julie noted that they pick 150 pounds of beans each day and are only paid $8.00 a day.  Diana told how scared she was to zip line and how she got twisted up and was coming towards the platform backwards.  But, she remembered how the men told her that they would have her back and so she trusted them to do so.  It was a reminder of how God “has our back” as well.  Kenneth was praised for his massive scream that lasted across the entire canyon, but he denied screaming like a little girl!  Stella reported that she learned she is a princess because chocolate was only served to royalty and she loves chocolate.  In fact, she is a daughter of the King!  Matthew had a great laugh in the market when a vendor wanted him to buy something and he said he didn’t have any money.  The vendor offered to trade him for his shoes!

 After orientation, we had another great dinner and are now ready for a good night’s sleep and time at the Malnutrition Center tomorrow. 

Please continue to pray for our team, so that as we learned this morning, we will rest in God and allow Him to work through us for His glory!







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