Guatemala Trip - Day 5

Time to say goodbye.  All week long we worked at Las Vistas child care center, and today we finished our projects - the 6 rooms we painted and the beautiful mural.  More importantly, we spend a couple of hours visiting with the children, playing games, hugging on them, loving them in Jesus name.  One team member picked up a sponsored child today, so he was able to visit with 3 year old Christian for the "first time" as his sponsor.  Jon even had the opportunity to go visit his home - a one room shack about 10 x 12 that housed 6 people.  What a joy to know that this child has a chance to have a better future because of Jon, AMG, and most of all, Jesus Christ!

The day was full of laughter as we played with children, acted like crazy people, were silly with the kids, etc.  The day was also filled with tears as group members realized the end was here.  I walked classroom to classroom giving hugs and kisses to the children and teachers.  The kids posed for pictures, hugged me, and some didn't want me to go.  The director of the center called us all into her office to give us small gifts that the teachers had purchased for us.  With eyes full of tears, she thanked the group for their work, their friendship, their love for the children, their ministry to the teachers.  The team responded with equal emotion as they hugged her and thanked her for the work she was doing and praising her for the ministry that she does everyday.  It was a blessing to be part of, and to watch.  The staff stood outside as we made our final walk up the dirt road to the van's pick up spot at the top of the hill.  Some of the team walked backwards to prolong the goodbye (while others walked backward because it was so difficult to walk up the hill).  It was a very emotional time for the team.

The day ended with a relaxing dinner and home visit at the Wilson's home.  The Dennetts and the Osbornes were also there to enjoy dinner and visiting with us.  From the oldest to the youngest team member, we had a great time hanging out and enjoying our time together.

Tomorrow - Handing out food at Pacaya and then going to Antigua for afternoon historical lessons and shopping.  I hope I can find something worthy to bring home to my wife and children.