First Day

It is such a blessing to be here.

What an exciting day to start our stay here. We began with a Kid’s Day, very similar to our Eggstravaganza. We opened with puppets and song then dismissed to stations to play and do crafts that centered on God’s amazing love for us.  Every child went home with a photo of himself framed with the words “Jesus loves me.”  The local “Zoe Zone” put on a clown presentation.  Emily then read a story where every other page stated, “Jesus loves children! Jesus loves you!”  Our host wrapped up the event by pulling in volunteers to reenact Mark 10:13-16, when the disciples would not let the children come to Jesus, but when Jesus saw it, He set them straight. He welcomed the little children, put his hands on them and blessed them. 

We ate a late lunch and headed in different directions to work. One team sorted food and clothing and headed out to do a distribution.  One team member’s comment was that he had never experienced anything like it.  The children were thrilled as they tried on new shoes, picked out clothes and a toy, blew bubbles, and ate candy.

The other team headed to the church we built the wall at last year. We split into two groups and worked on a wheelchair ramp and sidewalk to act as gutter to take water away from the classroom building. After many hours with a pickax and shovel, the sidewalk is ready to be poured.  The ramp needs an additional piece of plywood and then it will be complete.

Our team doing food and clothing distribution visited the first family we had the privilege of building a house for. Our VBS was at the first church we visited with Pastor Tino. At the job site, the other pastor’s son, Gabriel, worked alongside us on the sidewalk and ramp. Continuing to develop the relationships we started one year ago, two, or even three years ago, is so meaningful.  Seeing familiar faces this first day of our trip brings such joy. I am looking forward to church tomorrow in hopes of seeing Erica, the lady we built the house for last year.

Thank you for being obedient to God’s command to love.  You are a huge blessing to the people of Guatemala.

Marcy