Our first day of handing out bundles, and the team is ready
to go. We started the morning with
devotions in Genesis, wrestling with the gift that Jacob gave to Esau when they
met on the road after 20 years. We
discussed our “faithlessness” like Jacobs – when we know what God has promised,
but try to “hedge” our bets just in case.
We headed off to Verbana where we were supposed to start the
day with a tour, but God had other plans.
We helped the maintenance guys unload a truck, got a “brief” description
of the ministry of AMG from Phil, and then were ushered in to talk with the
parents of the students. After the brief
time there, we went and handed out bundles.
One after another, we hugged kids, gave them their gifts, told them
Jesus loved them, and “Feliz Navidad”.
Diego, a young boy that my son helped 4 years ago, stopped
by to see me, as I was giving bundles out in another classroom. He waved, gave me a hug, and then smiled for
a picture. He always asks about my son –
it is neat to see that an interaction so long ago still has a lasting impact.
Another young boy, Daniel, played with us as we were
wrapping things up. He brought his
sister over to meet us, and then he climbed on team members, laughed with them,
played with them. He was a very cute
little boy.
The rest of the time there was spent hearing the story of
Betty, the director of the school, taking a walk through the cemetery toward
the homes of the students and to get a “backside” view of the dump. The view was overwhelming, as such beauty was
surrounded by garbage and people who looked like ants working through the
garbage looking for treasure. We got a
brief tour, and then we were off to Amparo – an AMG Child Care Center in the
city.
We arrived just in time to see the kids sing a few songs,
and then hear from parents about the ministry there at the school. They shared how much they appreciated the
sacrifice of the teachers, and the giving of the Padrinos (sponsors). Doug shared from his heart and told the kids
he loved them, and Jesus loved them even more.
From there we went and handed out bundles. About 250 kids go to this school, and
although all of them were not there, it sure seemed like it. It was a blast handing out bundles, taking
pictures, hugging kids, using the laser to keep them occupied while they
waited, handing out candy, painting faces…
Whatever we could do to love on these kids, the team did – and they did
well.
After the bundles were handed out, we were challenged to a
game of soccer. Teachers against us –
Ben, Jack, Phil and I took on a slew of teachers and students. No one scored, but we had a wonderful
time. The teachers loved it, and I know
our team did too. We shared some chocolates
with them, some hugs and pictures with them, and we said, “hasta Viernes” (see
you Friday!), because they are planning to go to the teacher party on
Friday. We are really looking forward to
that!
Well, as we wrapped up the day, there was much discussion
about the things they saw, and their impressions of the ministry of AMG to the
Guatemalans. God is doing amazing
things, and we are humbled to be part of it.
Tomorrow is more of the same – 2 more centers – more bundles,
more kids, more fun, more energy… So for
now – it is time for bed! Hasta Mañana!
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