Thursday, August 9, 2012

New England Bible Church - Guatemala Trip - Day 5


We awoke to a new day, and I was feeling better, the stomache seemed to be a little more under control.

We had breakfast and spent some time in the Word, and then headed off for Matochos.  We tried to get there a little sooner this morning, but due to the traffic (as a result of grading of a mountain next to the road) we again were stuck in the car for about a half and hour or so.  The fellowship is wonderful, but you can sense the anxiousness of the team to get to work and finish the tasks that have been set before them.

As we passed the “grading” point, I looked up and noticed that some of the rocks were falling – just as I was telling the team, rocks began pelting the van – Phil sped up and we got out of the “danger zone”.  We really weren’t in danger, but it was exciting.

Finally we arrived at Matochos and got back to work.  The wall needed completion, the bathrooms needed to be painted a second coat, the floor tiles needed to be laid, the kitchen needed painting, the tables needed to be finished and a bookshelf needed to be built!  Yes indeed, we had our work cut out for us.

Early on, Isaac was running around with the kids – it is hilarious to watch the kids responding to him and the other kids.  Most of the team members spent a little time interacting with the children before we began working.  It is wonderful to see the connections that are being made.  Jody was handing out “dulces” (candy), you know that she was a favorite person.

As the day progressed, many of the jobs were being finished, or were completed enough to be ready to finalize tomorrow.  They are doing a great job.  Lee spent most of his day on his knees – laying the tile in the kitchen.  Along with Y, they got that room done!  I was very impressed, especially since they did not have all the tools that they needed, and Y had never cut tile before.  They did an excellent job.

At one point in the day, I pulled out the guitar and all the kids gathered around to sing.  As they sang their worship songs praising God, it was very moving.  I love watching the passion and zeal of kids as they sing about God.

Pastor Tyler and Matteo had the opportunity to speak to the men of the church briefly in the afternoon.  As he shared in our evening time together, it was a wonderful and encouraging time for the men of the church and for Tyler and Matt.  It is neat to see the body of Christ working together to encourage one another.

We headed home a little later today, so dinner was at 7.  After dinner we met for our debrief and worship time.  We sang songs (I had to play because Lee’s fingers were sore from laying tile) and then the team shared the lessons they learned and the wonderful experiences they had today.  I am always encouraged as the team sees their connection to the ministry here, the impact they have had for the week, and then the desire to deepen and lengthen that impact.  I pray that as they go home their passion for the people of Guatemala continues to grow.

Tomorrow we finish here and head back to Guatemala City.  I am SO looking forward to talking with Dee.  It has been way, WAY too long.  I do miss her and the kids.  Kendra heads off to college on Friday, so I am going to miss that, but I know God will be there for her.  Enough for tonight – tomorrow we do it all over again!

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