July 16/17, 2016

Yesterday and today we were in Antigua. We went to the market and a new steak place. Then we came back to the hotel and hung out for a little bit and had some good laughs. Then we had breakfast this morning and then walked all the way to the Cross In Antigua. We met Colleen and Ramsis there and then went to see a Catholic Church. Then we went to Pollo Comperro and had lunch. Then we went to the market again and had a lot of fun there and got some stuff for everyone.

Then we went back to the hotel and hung out until dinner. Dinner was at a Polish Pizza place and it was really good and we made a lot of good memories. Then we came back to the hotel, said goodbye to Colleen and Ramsis, and then went to bed. Now we have to go and get some rest for our plane rides back home to see our wonderful and amazing families. Good Night!

July 15, 2016

Today we had a lot of fun with the kids! We went to see the fifth Ice Age movie with the kids who were on levels 3 and 4 which is a scale of behavior. It was all in Spanish so the kids knew what they were saying but most of the team didn't but still loved watching anyways. After that we had McDonald's for lunch and just talked with the kids. After that we came back and rested for a bit before playing with the kids. We played with the kids and then it was time for dinner.

At dinner we had tostadas and the kids went around and said what they were thankful for with us being here. Then we all got picture frames with us and at least one kid. And then the kids and adults prayed over us and it was just a heart filled night. We all loved playing and hanging with the kids today. Then we had our own worship time where we sang in English and they sang in Spanish and it was awesome! Then we had a great conversation about God and who we should share His love with (Luke 14:8-14). Now it is time to go to bed and get some rest because tomorrow we are helping out with a school fundraiser. Good Night!

July 14, 2016

Today was our last day for work! We finished the digging, painting, trimming, and rain gutter clean out today. It was nice to have everything done and still had energy to play with the kids. We played with them for a bit and then had dinner. After dinner we had gotten pictures with the kids with a remake of ancient cameras (Polaroids). The kids had a blast getting the pictures and shaking the pictures.

After we took the pictures with the kids, we went back to the dorm and had a deep conversation with the group. The story for today was about the Prodigal Son and how whenever we turn from God and tell Him our sins, He will run after us (Luke 15:11-32).

July 13, 2016

Today we kept going on the gym walls. We had finished putting most of the second coat of paint on the walls. We only have a few more walls left and basketball backboards to do and then the gym is finished. Some of us were still working on the septic tank holes and are almost finished with that. And Lee had given others another job around the home which was the trimming of the bushes and low-lying branches. We then played with the kids and had dinner with them. Then we played some more and went back to the dorms.

At the dorms, we had doubled up on the devotions and hung out with Kasey, Esther, Dylan, Missy, and Val. Then we played some dice, hung out, and now we are going to bed to rest up for the rest of the work around the home and hopefully finish... Good Night!

Tuesday, July 12, 2016

Today we painted more of the school gym and we are almost done with it. We only have a few more walls that need a second coat and a little more blue for the base of the wall. Some of us were taken aside and were looking for septic tanks to begin with and then we realized that there weren't any where we were digging and we started digging for septic tanks to be put in. Then we played with the kids and had dinner in the dining hall. We had fun with the kids after dinner and then we had Lee and Stacy tell us about the Home and then just hung out for a bit. Now it is time for us to get some sleep for tomorrow's work!

Monday, July 11, 2016

Today we started work on the gym! We have been tasked with prepping and painting the gym before the home hosts the community for an event on Saturday. The team was busy all day pressure washing, painting, pulling staples out of the concrete (which we didn't even know was a thing), and a few of us had the pleasure of digging out two septic tanks!

Guatemala is so beautiful, the weather has been amazing and the kids and our hosts have been awesome! Each day the language barrier (for those of us who don't know Spanish) seems to come down more and more as we are finding new ways to communicate and learn about each other.

We ended our day with a great devotion time on Micah 6:8, "He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God". Pray with us this week that we can live this out and show the love of Christ here in Guatemala!

Monday, July 11, 2016

Today we started work on the gym! We have been tasked with prepping and painting the gym before the home hosts the community for an event on Saturday. The team was busy all day pressure washing, painting, pulling staples out of the concrete (which we didn't even know was a thing), and a few of us had the pleasure of digging out two septic tanks!

Guatemala is so beautiful, the weather has been amazing and the kids and our hosts have been awesome! Each day the language barrier (for those of us who don't know Spanish) seems to come down more and more as we are finding new ways to communicate and learn about each other.

We ended our day with a great devotion time on Micah 6:8, "He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God". Pray with us this week that we can live this out and show the love of Christ here in Guatemala!

Sunday, July 10, 2016

We have made it to Guatemala finally! We had safe airline travels and didn't lose anyone or anything belonging to us. We are glad to see all the kids at the home and to have spent some time with them when we got there. We have a full day of work ahead of us tomorrow and more time hanging with the kids. We will keep you updated everyday on the blog. For now, it is time for some much needed sleep! 

(This bunny peed on Abby)

Our Guatemalan adventure continues. Our flight to Miami has been delayed a number of times. Currently we are to fly out at 5:14 tonight. But this will likely mean that we will not make our connection, so there is a good likelihood that we will be spending the night in Miami. The team will have to be split on flights out tomorrow. The internet at the airport here in Guatemala is sporadic and weak so that is why team members are having a hard time connecting with family. So if you read this blog, please share with family members you know. Please pray for safe and speedy travels home!

Yesterday we wrapped up all of our jobs. Praise God for all that He helped us do this week! After a long day of work, we had a sweet time of saying goodbye to the children and staff at the home at dinner. Then we did our team wrap up which is always a wonderful time of sharing how God has worked in our lives through the week. Today we had a new adventure, we climbed Pacaya, one of three active volcanos in Guatemala. It was a hard climb and some of us choose to take horses, but the views were worth it! We roasted marshmallows on hot spots of lava. Then on to Antigua for a good dinner and good nights sleep. Please pray for our safe travels home tomorrow. Our flight is just before 2:00 from Guatemala. Gracias for your prayers!

Hello Friends and Family! The team worked hard today. Progress was made on the block wall as well as the cabinets.  Late this afternoon, team members that sponsor children at the home had time to give gifts that they brought to the children. After that, we had a time of worship that was really special because some of the older sponsor children were able to stay to worship with us. It is hard to believe that tomorrow is our last day at the home! Please pray for health and a special day as the team and with everyone at the home.