Day 2 of handing out bundles, and we are going to Alameda and La Florida. So far we have seen a group of 850 kids, and a group of 250. Today we have 210 and 160 kids respectively at the centers we are going to. It is a lot of work for a small group of 6 team members, plus the Wilson group and Amber (our honorary team member). But the team is ready to go!
We had breakfast, walked through our devotions (we studied
the gift brought to Joseph by his brothers when they were wanting food and
desired the return of Simeon), and we were on our way by 8:00 AM.
As we pulled up to Alameda, I remembered the last time I was
here in 2009 with my son and wife. It
was my first bundles trip and my first time to Guatemala. Now, it is my 15th time to
Guatemala, but only my second time to this center. The kids put on quite a show as they sang,
danced, and reminded us of the glorious Christmas story. The pictures and video we took is
precious. We had the opportunity to
share with them as well, and I told them of one of my favorite pictures – the picture
of Dee at Alameda, sitting in a very small chair with a little child sleeping
on her lap.
We handed out bundles and took pictures. Ben played with the kids on the play
structure after we were finished. Doug
and Lynne were making balloons and they taught the teachers a game to teach the
kids. The rest of us played soccer, or
just hung out with the teachers/students.
La Florida was our next center, and a beautiful center it
was. Located in a completely gated area
of the community, La Florida has a fairly new building – just built in
2010. With 160 students, it was very
crowded. It wasn’t a very large
facility, but with 3 floors, I imagine the kids and the teachers can spread out
a little. The top floor is the play
area, and from there you can see Las Vistas (another child care center). While we were looking at it, I was told that
Ludsvin, my sponsored child, was here. I
had the privilege of spending a couple hours with him. We talked, played, I shared with him the
gifts that my son and my family had sent.
He is always a joy to see.
The program started, and our team again introduced
themselves. Doug and Lynne tell the kids
of their children and grand children.
Ben reminded the kids that God loves them and told them that some day we
will be able to speak to them in the language of Heaven (which I told Phil is
Greek – or at least that is what they tell me at AMG). Wayne encouraged the kids, and Jack did as
well, to know that they are loved by God.
The kids sang a few songs, and we started handing out bundles again. After the bundles were handed out, we passed
out candy, painted faces, played with kids… whatever we could to show them they
are loved by God.
We returned home and had dinner with the Wilsons. We played a few games, learned a few card
tricks, and reflected on the day’s events.
This group is loving the opportunity that God has given them.
Tomorrow is a long day in Oratorio – it starts early – and will
go late. It’ll be a great day!
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