Guatemala 2013

Tuesday Jan 29, 2013
I am sorry that there hasn't been an update, the internet has been down!  We are all done with all 16 houses!  We have food distribution later this afternoon and then we are having the 1st year seminary students over for pizza tonight. We are so thankful to God for safety on the roads and worksites.  Thank you for your prayers!!  Pray for us tomorrow as we go into the village one last time for house dedications.  Pray that the gospel that will be presented will be well received.  We had a chance today to return to the part of the village we were in last year and the year before.  For those who met Wendy 2 years ago she passed away last spring.  We will be visiting her family tomorrow after house dedications.  We are having free time right now and I am off to enjoy the sunshine!! 

Sunday Jan 27, 2013
Today was a change of pace.  We "rested from our labors" and drove to the city of Panajachel.  This was a 2.5 hour drive there and another 2.5 hour drive back.  We saw a lot of beautiful scenery and were yet again in awe of God's creation.  You'll have to ask TJ about the monkey that made off with his peanut butter and jelly sandwich when we were eating our sack lunches.  Later when we were back at the mission house, Paul (who lives across the road) led several of us on a nature hike around his property.  He showed us many of the trees, plants, fruits and other living things that are found in Guatemala.  Our evening church service was truly a group effort.  Everyone took a turn reading a Bible verse which mentioned one of the many names of God or an attribute of God.  There were a few duplicates, but with 40 people, we listened to a variety of names which the Bible ascribes to our Lord.  After approximately every 10 verses read, we sang a song that continued along the theme of the names of God.  To quote another song (which we didn't sing), it really feels like "we are one in the Spirit; we are one in the Lord."  Our thanks to all who have been praying for us.  Please continue to do so as we return to our work sites tomorrow. 
Sue VL

Saturday Jan 26, 2013
We have 12 houses done with only 5 of them still needing concrete.  We had 2 sessions of bible school today at the same time at 2 different locations.  There were around 180 kids total between both sessions.  Our food distribution today was in the village where we live (El Tejar).  This church has experienced rapid growth in the last year and included us in their worship service. They made us feel very welcome and even gave us a chance to say a few words.  Don and Ruth explained that we were happy to be here and that we worship the same God they do which makes us brothers and sisters in Christ.  We are looking forward to tomorrow, our day off.  Please pray for our safety on the roads tomorrow and an enjoyable day away!  Thanks again for your prayers!
Here are a few highlights from our youth:
Jacob S.I enjoyed building houses and playing cards/poker.
Tony B. It was fun doing concrete work and getting to eat first
David L. Doing concrete was fun because I knew it would be a major upgrade for the homeowners since they only have dirt floors
Jared S. I liked playing soccer with the kids and building houses
Justin S. I like playing with the kids
TJ VL I like playing soccer with the kids
Ally N. I like the van rides
Lindsey VL I liked giving silly bands (bracelets) to the kids and washing dishes with Tristan
Tristan F. I likde bible school and playing with the kids
Lauren F. I liked talking to my little buddy Mario
Kailee N. I liked coloring with the kids
Mikayla VL. I liked playing with the kids and painting their nails.
Cassidy H. I liked playing jumprope with the kids and painting nails.

Friday Jan 25, 2013
Today was an amazing day!  We have built 7 houses with concrete done in 3 of them already!  We are ahead of schedule!!  We have met many new friends in the village.  Tomorrow we will be building, doing concrete, bible school in 2 places at the same time and food distribution in a different village.  We have another busy day ahead of us.  Please pray for bible school and the food distribution that the message presented will be well received and that a seed will be planted in their hearts.  Thank you for your prayers!

Thursday Jan 24, 2013
We have arrived and we thank everyone who prayed for our travels.  Everything went smoothly and all of our luggage arrived as well.  We unpacked and then went out for a delicious chicken dinner and some exploring at the local mall.  We are all pretty exhausted and ready for rest.  Tomorrow we head out to the village where we will be working this week to get started building our 16 houses!  Please pray for our safety in the village and on the job site. Pray also that we will be the hands and feet of Christ as we interact with the Guatemalans.

Wednesday: 
Pray for the Guatemala Team as they get ready to head out.  They are meeting at the airport tomorrow morning at 4:30.  Pray for health, safety and easy travels.   Also pray for the village where they will be working at.   Pray for hearts that will be ready to hear what they say.