Going strong in Guatemala

The team members that went to the local schools to show the Jesus film reported that it was a wonderful experience! They played games with the students and shared the gospel through the Jesus film. They were amazed at the joy and generosity of the students even though they seem to have so little. The team also painted a school room building interior and most of the exterior while they were there. On Thursday we had another outreach. Seven of our team members got a break from the worksite to perform our presentation including puppets for an afterschool program. They also were able to hand out wordless books and gospel bracelets to the youth. Pray that the seeds that were sown will bear much fruit! We ended the day with a bonfire with the other American team that came and shared our reflections on this trip so far. Friday was back to work and the team members were happy to report that they finally finished the trench they’d been digging for a retaining wall. The ones working on the stairs broke through and there is now a passage from the driveway up to a new building spot. Saturday was one of the highlights of the week. We drove an hour and a half through the mountains to some Mayan ruins. The team members played soccer in the ancient Mayan arena and climbed the various pyramids. We had a picnic lunch on the mountain where the ruins are located before heading home. Today we got to sleep in and then eat a huge pancake breakfast including Mr Caleb’s famous spam cakes! It’s a slow day today with team members getting caught up on memory verses. Tonight we will return to the evening church we attended last week. We have three more day at this location. Each day the team will take turns taking part in SendMe Ministries medical missions. While the teams go to help with medical, those that remain behind will finish up the stairs, continuing building the rock wall, and prepping another wall. The team has worked hard. Please pray they finish well.

Went to a school and saw all the amazing kids. They were just so happy in what they had. I thought it was great. They absolutely destroyed us in soccer. It was kind of embarrassing. -Hudson A

It was awesome to see all the kids smiles when we did the presentation and when we got to play games with them after. It was fun playing soccer with them and getting to know them better and working with the other American team that came. 10 out of 10! Totally recommend! -Nathan V

The Mayan ruins were cool. Soccer in the arena was fun. -Gio

Lots of work in the sun but it was fun. My favorite part of the Mayan ruins was playing soccer in the arena. Also there was a cool ring around the sun. Having a great time! -Christian O

I really liked the presentation. That was really fun. I really like going to the Big Back Snack Shack. -Asher

It’s been fun to finally to have something to break up the monotony of work. It was fun to go play soccer in the Mayan soccer field of death. -Mr Ben

I’m exhausted after a week on the worksite, and getting out and about in Joyabaj. I was one of the few who visited a school in rural Joyabaj, and spent much of my time painting the interior while the boys played with the kids. I also discovered that I know quite a bit about Mayan culture and history. -Phoebe C

I have been very tired but it’s very fun. I think the coolest thing was getting to see the Mayan ruins with all the ancient structures. They must be very old but they’ve survived very well. Really cool to see. Work has been hard but we have been making good progress. -Gus T

Sleeping in was nice. I needed that. The Mayan ruins were cool. Pavement (paved roads) are really nice. Food is great and we are almost done with the staircase and the trench for the retaining wall. Pancakes are very filling and sock coffee is good. -Krit B