Lunch Time

Feeding fifty-five children.  First they eat, then potty, then to bed. Then we eat.

 

Make that 67.

1st day at the center

Its the first day at the center! Everyone is excited to pick up all those smiling faces and just love on them for a week. This is my 4th trip to Guatemala so I kind of know what to expect, but nothing could have prepared me for what I had to do for my first task. I am in the "chicks" room. The chicks are the toddlers who are just starting potty training so the morning routine can be pretty chaotic, with 30 plus kids who have to sit on a pot and not move until they are finished. Well the kids have perfected not actually getting off of the pot but instead just scooting around on their pots, all over the bathroom. I was helping them get dressed, but then the nanny gave me an awesome job..... clean out all those pots the kids just pooped and peed in.... Needles to say I was not very excited about that at all, but I went ahead and did it anyways. While chocking down my gag reflex I cleaned out those pots. I have been saying to myself for days that I was gonna do everything that God put in my way to the best of my abilities no matter what the task. Well I know God has since of humor now, and I have learned that next time I will say..."I will do anything God puts in my way except clean out pots". But amazingly I got through it with a good attitude thanks to God. I just kept saying "I can do all things through Christ, I can do all things through Christ, work for God not for man...." I am pleased to say it worked and well I'm not feeling to sick anymore.

First Day at the Center

Everyone finding their job and meeting the children.

Sunday - Fun day

Our first full day in Guatemala started out beautiful and sunny. We had an amazing breakfast and headed out for the worship service. Josh and Nikki lead us in worship and Jame gave the message about living for God daily and not waiting for the after life to live fully.

We then split into two groups. We had a group ziplining and a group going to the chocolate tour. This is a new option this year. The new zip liners were Jacob, Caleb, Jenna, Lisa, and Gavin. They all loved it!! Jenna was a little nervous the first run of the zip line, but warmed up to it quickly.

The chocolatiers had a great time! We learned about the history of chocolate, where and how it was first used, and how to make it. It was originally used mostly in rich circles as a drink. It was not turned into food until Nestle got a hold of it and made it in mass production available to all. We made two different chocolate drinks, chocolate tea(which was amazingly good), and then we made our own chocolate bars to take with us. They tasted amazing!

For the evening time we came together for our first Wow moment. This is where we share our day and where we had seen God working. Daphine lead out with how even though her purse had been stolen, she could have peace and is hoping the one who stole it will read her book that was inside it. Others shared their days experience. We then split up for learning about what we would be doing for the children starting the next day. A great day in all and getting to know everyone as we play and work together. Can't wait to get out to the malnutrition center tomorrow!! Loving on kids and being Jesus to them.

Preparation for Worship

Preparing to bring a message this morning. This view of Del Agua is a perfect illustration of God's glory revealed to us. We catch glimpses from time to time and they are overwhelmingly beautiful, but then they are overshadowed by the distractions of living and we are left searching for the next glimpse. Fortunately for us, God's presence is in us. His beauty is revealed again in our very next thought.

View from Hotel Soleil in Antigua

An Old Friend

This volcano, known as Del Agua because it is nearly always shrouded in clouds, is an old friend. This is a courtyard view from the hotel. You'll probably see it again.
Headed to the orientation meeting now.

We Have Arrived

The Guatemala City Smog headache is a familiar sensation as we settle into our hotel rooms.  We are now in Antigua.  Orientation is in a few minutes.  Today is basically travel, arrive, get instructions, eat and go to bed.  Maybe I can get someone to post something later this evening.
In the coming days we will attempt to post at least once a day so you can hear from everyone's experience.  Check back often.
Tomorrow is our "tourist day".  After the church service, we will go zip-lining and shop in Antigua.  The real work begins on Monday.  We should be able to get some pics up for you soon.