The final day in Los Esclavos began with breakfast, devotions
and packing to prepare to leave. The team was obviously struggling because they
were wrestling with various emotions as they were excited about heading back to
Guatemala City but were sad to leave the children they had built relationships
with.
We had much to do in finishing the projects, but only a
couple of hours to complete it. We also had the opportunity to go on home
visits and give out bundles of food, so that was going to limit our time as
well. All that being said, the team got
right to work on the projects that we had to finish, and by lunch time we had
made 2 house visits – handing out bundles of food/oil, finished the kitchen and
put all of the furniture back in (including the new shelves we completed
building this morning, and we cleaned the office completely and put it back
together.
The team did an excellent job of balancing relationships
with the kids and getting the jobs done.
The women in the kitchen were thrilled with the increase of space that
was now available as a result of the wall being torn down and rebuilt.
As we ate lunch, the children surrounded the table and gave
each of the team members a gift – a hand painted sculpture – for them to take
home. It was humbling to have the
children give to us, but they really enjoyed the opportunity. The team also gave out gifts of candy,
clothing, and hugs and kisses to the kids.
It was a wonderful time of closure as the team loved on the children.
Finally we took our team picture with some of the workers
and then said goodbye to the masses of children that gathered to see us off.
After a 2 hour drive back to the city, we arrived at Thelma’s
house. It was a very welcomed site to
see Thelma at the gate of her home. I
love staying here. Thelma loves hosting
teams, and every team that has had the opportunity to stay here has loved being
with Thelma and her grandkids. Sammy,
Sassy and Kiki came in an served us dinner and then cleaned up after. They are fun to watch as they minister to the
teams.
After dinner we recapped the day – as we always did – and sang
songs. The team laughed together, shared
with one another, and gave glory to God for what they had heard and seen
today. This is always my favorite part
of the day. I love to hear what people
are learning and what experiences they had for the day.
We wrapped up the evening by playing cards and sitting around
talking. This group knows how to enjoy
being together – I am truly blessed to be part of their team.
Tomorrow is Antigua – and I really love that shopping thing –
I hope the Olympics are on the television then I will have something to do
while the team shops. Tomorrow my wife
and daughters head to Carson-Newman to drop Kendra off. Dee really needs prayer.
I am excited about going home Saturday – it will be wonderful to see Dee in Nashville!
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