Day 7- Thursday
First thing Thursday morning, we visited the School of Hope which is located a few hundred yards from the orphanage. This is an English immersion Christian school for grades 1-6 where all age applicable children from the orphanage attend. There are now approximately 40 students from the surrounding area that attend and their tuition helps fund the School of Hope. This is a wonderful opportunity to receive a Christian education along with English classes.
By 9:00 am, we were busy with work projects at the orphanage. We finished painting two additional bathrooms as well as completing the remaining shower repairs. New shower curtains were hung in all bathrooms. This was a high light especially for some of the older girls staying at the orphanage who desired personal time and space. Other small improvements included fabricating an indoor clothes drying rack, expanding the kitchen faucets, and painting a small mural in the dining room featuring our Bible verse and theme from this week (Philippians 2:15-16). Following the completion of these projects, a traditional Guatemalan meal of tamales was served to us.
Today, we hosted a "carnival," which included a mock snowball fight, fake snow, Go Fish, a photo booth, and other games. The kids have never experienced snow, and despite the lack of cold temperatures, the replication was accurate! It was a wild and fun time for everyone involved! Around 5:30 we started the grill and served hot dogs and chips. The kids ate every last hot dog of the 160 that we purchased. Following dinner, we were assembled for a speech from Dr. Caesar thanking us and our work. At the end of the short programme, every child lined up and gave us all a hug (some went through the line multiple times). This was a unique experience and allowed us to personally say good bye to each child. Parting was hard for all of us, as we had a beautiful time connecting and forming bonds and relationships with many children and staff!
Please pray continually for the light of Christ to minister to each and everyone of these children even after we have left, as well as safe travels for the days ahead. Gracias!
P.S. Later today we will try to post some photos of our week!
Friday, August 5, 2016
Thursday, August 4, 2016
Day 6
Day 6- Wednesday
Greetings from Huehuetenango!
Today was a productive day, a variety of tasks were accomplished. Two bathrooms were painted, additional broken valves in shower faucets were replaced (and now functioning), a deteriorating bathroom wall was patched, gate hinges were repaired, and playground equipment was fixed. A chest freezer was repaired, which we paid for.
The team enjoyed lunch at the new downtown Huehue coffee and sandwich shop (called Fuego Cafe) that is operated by Fundacion. We were told that Fuego Cafe broke even after the first month of operation. This bodes well as profits go towards supporting the orphanage. While at the cafe we met three volunteers from Michigan, one from Hopkins, one from Barlow Lake, and one from Gun Lake. It's a small world!
Again VBS went well with the children exuberantly participating in our opening songs. The story of Creation was the focus today. The kids really enjoyed the crafts, and towards the end of VBS, torrential rains postponed our further plans of water balloons. The rain didn't stop the kids from enjoying juice and cookies!
We all have worked together beautifully, accomplishing much while strengthening bonds with each other, as well as developing wonderful bonds with the children. We thank God for this unforgettable experience! Please pray for us tomorrow as it is our last day and we must say good bye to children and staff.
P.S. As a small note, we continually keep trying to upload some photos from our trip without success. We wish to provide you with a few pictures, and will keep trying!
Greetings from Huehuetenango!
Today was a productive day, a variety of tasks were accomplished. Two bathrooms were painted, additional broken valves in shower faucets were replaced (and now functioning), a deteriorating bathroom wall was patched, gate hinges were repaired, and playground equipment was fixed. A chest freezer was repaired, which we paid for.
The team enjoyed lunch at the new downtown Huehue coffee and sandwich shop (called Fuego Cafe) that is operated by Fundacion. We were told that Fuego Cafe broke even after the first month of operation. This bodes well as profits go towards supporting the orphanage. While at the cafe we met three volunteers from Michigan, one from Hopkins, one from Barlow Lake, and one from Gun Lake. It's a small world!
Again VBS went well with the children exuberantly participating in our opening songs. The story of Creation was the focus today. The kids really enjoyed the crafts, and towards the end of VBS, torrential rains postponed our further plans of water balloons. The rain didn't stop the kids from enjoying juice and cookies!
We all have worked together beautifully, accomplishing much while strengthening bonds with each other, as well as developing wonderful bonds with the children. We thank God for this unforgettable experience! Please pray for us tomorrow as it is our last day and we must say good bye to children and staff.
P.S. As a small note, we continually keep trying to upload some photos from our trip without success. We wish to provide you with a few pictures, and will keep trying!
Wednesday, August 3, 2016
Day 5
Day 5- Tuesday
Buenos Dias!
After breakfast and picking up a few supplies, work began in earnest! The dining area and kitchen that were cleaned the previous day were now ready for fresh paint. We had to remove the tables and kitchen shelving units before we could paint. The dining room and kitchen are approximately 40x40 ft with 14ft ceilings. We used around 7 gallons of paint to coat the dining room and kitchen twice. The new paint was a much needed face lift for the area! During the painting, another crew updated shower fixtures and hung mirrors and shower curtains in some dorms. Painting was an all day project; but at 2:30 one crew continued painting while another transitioned to VBS. The story of Naaman was presented followed by crafts and more play time.
At approximately 5:30 pm, four motorcycles rode up with pizza. This is a tradition when we visit Fundacion Salvacion. The kids don't often get pizza, so this was a real treat. 45 minutes later, 44 large pizzas and 11 gallons of pop were devoured!
Not long after supper was finished, we started a fire for a marshmallow roast. Many bags were consumed, and the kids kept coming back for more and stuffing their cheeks and pockets! This was a fun night and an extra treat for the kids as the bonfire let them stay up past their bed time. As the week progresses, the children become more and more open with us, which is a delight to experience!
We give thanks to God for a wonderful day! We very much appreciate your continued prayers!
Buenos Dias!
After breakfast and picking up a few supplies, work began in earnest! The dining area and kitchen that were cleaned the previous day were now ready for fresh paint. We had to remove the tables and kitchen shelving units before we could paint. The dining room and kitchen are approximately 40x40 ft with 14ft ceilings. We used around 7 gallons of paint to coat the dining room and kitchen twice. The new paint was a much needed face lift for the area! During the painting, another crew updated shower fixtures and hung mirrors and shower curtains in some dorms. Painting was an all day project; but at 2:30 one crew continued painting while another transitioned to VBS. The story of Naaman was presented followed by crafts and more play time.
At approximately 5:30 pm, four motorcycles rode up with pizza. This is a tradition when we visit Fundacion Salvacion. The kids don't often get pizza, so this was a real treat. 45 minutes later, 44 large pizzas and 11 gallons of pop were devoured!
Not long after supper was finished, we started a fire for a marshmallow roast. Many bags were consumed, and the kids kept coming back for more and stuffing their cheeks and pockets! This was a fun night and an extra treat for the kids as the bonfire let them stay up past their bed time. As the week progresses, the children become more and more open with us, which is a delight to experience!
We give thanks to God for a wonderful day! We very much appreciate your continued prayers!
Monday, August 1, 2016
Day 4
Day 4- Monday
Our bus left the hotel at 5:40 this morning for Fundacion Salvacion so that we could serve breakfast for the children. We served around 90 children their favorite breakfast: cereal and juice and fruit. They devoured 15 boxes of cereal, 36 quarts of milk, 5 gallons of orange juice, and large amount of fruit, with requests for more!
Once the kids were off to school and clean up was finished, we were shown the coffee roaster that Fundacion recently installed. The orphanage uses the roaster as a source of income with older children learning how to roast coffee. This coffee is sold at Fuego Cafe in downtown Huehuetenango where we will be having lunch on Tuesday.
We spent a few hours in the morning shopping for plumbing fixtures, paint, and supplies. After a few stops, we finally found everything we needed. When we arrived back at the orphanage, it was later than expected, and it gave us a brief hour to clean and prepare some walls for painting. We enjoyed lunch at the hotel and gathered supplies and returned to Fundacion for the afternoon's VBS. Today's Bible story focused on Jonah, we had fun coloring and making bracelets with the kids as well. The remaining 5 gallons of orange juice were consumed along with cookies as a snack. During VBS some of the guys were able to repair bathroom fixtures in a girls dorm. Following VBS, we had more time to play with the kids. Some of the activities included copious amounts of soccer, Four Square, Go Fish, playing on the play ground and pushing kids on swings, painting girls' fingernails, and enjoying conversation with some of the older kids. This time was important for establishing relationships with the children. It's wonderful to see their smiles and experience their hugs!
We left the orphanage at 5:30 and enjoyed an Italian dinner in downtown Huehuetenango, followed by devotions at the hotel.
Your prayers are coveted for tomorrow's work project. We hope to continue with bathroom repairs as well as painting the main dining room and kitchen. Muchas gracias!
Our bus left the hotel at 5:40 this morning for Fundacion Salvacion so that we could serve breakfast for the children. We served around 90 children their favorite breakfast: cereal and juice and fruit. They devoured 15 boxes of cereal, 36 quarts of milk, 5 gallons of orange juice, and large amount of fruit, with requests for more!
Once the kids were off to school and clean up was finished, we were shown the coffee roaster that Fundacion recently installed. The orphanage uses the roaster as a source of income with older children learning how to roast coffee. This coffee is sold at Fuego Cafe in downtown Huehuetenango where we will be having lunch on Tuesday.
We spent a few hours in the morning shopping for plumbing fixtures, paint, and supplies. After a few stops, we finally found everything we needed. When we arrived back at the orphanage, it was later than expected, and it gave us a brief hour to clean and prepare some walls for painting. We enjoyed lunch at the hotel and gathered supplies and returned to Fundacion for the afternoon's VBS. Today's Bible story focused on Jonah, we had fun coloring and making bracelets with the kids as well. The remaining 5 gallons of orange juice were consumed along with cookies as a snack. During VBS some of the guys were able to repair bathroom fixtures in a girls dorm. Following VBS, we had more time to play with the kids. Some of the activities included copious amounts of soccer, Four Square, Go Fish, playing on the play ground and pushing kids on swings, painting girls' fingernails, and enjoying conversation with some of the older kids. This time was important for establishing relationships with the children. It's wonderful to see their smiles and experience their hugs!
We left the orphanage at 5:30 and enjoyed an Italian dinner in downtown Huehuetenango, followed by devotions at the hotel.
Your prayers are coveted for tomorrow's work project. We hope to continue with bathroom repairs as well as painting the main dining room and kitchen. Muchas gracias!
Sunday, July 31, 2016
Days1-3
Hola from Guatemala!
Our apologies for getting this blog started a little later, we have had a busy last few days with travel and spotty wifi connection. We hope to give you a brief overview of our activities and travels as the week progresses and God's hand at work!
Day 1- Friday (Travel Day)
The group left Grand Rapids airport at 6 am on Friday morning, and the flights went smoothly with a short layover in Atlanta. While walking to the next terminal, we encountered Uncle Si from Duck Dynasty. He was gracious, and allowed us to introduce ourselves and take a few photos! We arrived on time in Guatemala City, and after a quick immigration process we collected our luggage and were greeted by Antonio, our translator. We boarded the bus for the final and longest leg of our journey to Huehuetenango. Soon after leaving the airport, our bus driver thought that our bus had a problem with the transmission, so half an hour later we were able to switch buses. Antonio told us later that our original bus while being driven back to the city had the rear brakes lock up and lose control, causing an accident. Thankfully, no one was hurt by God's grace! Thank you for your prayers! We were able to continue on our trip without any mishaps and arrived late that evening at 8:30 Guatemala time, and 10:30 Michigan time!
Day 2- Saturday
Our day started right after breakfast with a bus ride to Fundacion Salvacion, in Huehuetenango. The hotel where we are staying is a short 15 minute drive to the orphanage, which was a welcome change after the long travel day yesterday. We had the opportunity to spend a few hours with the children in the morning playing games that the leaders at the orphanage arranged. After the games, we enjoyed lunch at Pollo Campero (a local fast food restaurant specializing in fried chicken). Then, together we shopped for food. We will be providing snacks and some meals for approximately 120 people during our time at the orphanage. People were staring at the Americanos who had supplies that filled four carts full!
With supplies in tow, we rode to nearby Mayan ruins. Especially for new members of the mission team this stop was enjoyable and fascinating. The ruins were a popular attraction for locals as well. The weather was sunny and warm and a great way to spend an afternoon before the upcoming work week.
That evening, we headed back to Fundacion for popcorn and movie night. The kids enjoyed watching The Secret Life of Pets along with the snacks. After the movie we returned to the hotel for devotions and a needed nights rest.
Day 3- Sunday
After breakfast we headed into downtown Huehuetenango to attend a Guatemalan worship service, however, when we arrived, the service was almost over so instead we returned to the orphanage. It was a great opportunity to better connect with the children by talking and playing games. We were also able to take a look around to assess the plumbing needs and other projects. In the afternoon we began VBS with songs, a Bible story, and crafts, followed by cookies and juice and more wonderful time interacting with the children. For the first time mission team participants, this was about the time where the kids started to open up. After seeing us yesterday, and learning that we would be back this week, the kids really responded and we had a great time playing and interacting with them. Their memories of the other mission team participants from previous years did not go forgotten! We pray that God will bless our time with the children along with our work starting tomorrow.
Our apologies for getting this blog started a little later, we have had a busy last few days with travel and spotty wifi connection. We hope to give you a brief overview of our activities and travels as the week progresses and God's hand at work!
Day 1- Friday (Travel Day)
The group left Grand Rapids airport at 6 am on Friday morning, and the flights went smoothly with a short layover in Atlanta. While walking to the next terminal, we encountered Uncle Si from Duck Dynasty. He was gracious, and allowed us to introduce ourselves and take a few photos! We arrived on time in Guatemala City, and after a quick immigration process we collected our luggage and were greeted by Antonio, our translator. We boarded the bus for the final and longest leg of our journey to Huehuetenango. Soon after leaving the airport, our bus driver thought that our bus had a problem with the transmission, so half an hour later we were able to switch buses. Antonio told us later that our original bus while being driven back to the city had the rear brakes lock up and lose control, causing an accident. Thankfully, no one was hurt by God's grace! Thank you for your prayers! We were able to continue on our trip without any mishaps and arrived late that evening at 8:30 Guatemala time, and 10:30 Michigan time!
Day 2- Saturday
Our day started right after breakfast with a bus ride to Fundacion Salvacion, in Huehuetenango. The hotel where we are staying is a short 15 minute drive to the orphanage, which was a welcome change after the long travel day yesterday. We had the opportunity to spend a few hours with the children in the morning playing games that the leaders at the orphanage arranged. After the games, we enjoyed lunch at Pollo Campero (a local fast food restaurant specializing in fried chicken). Then, together we shopped for food. We will be providing snacks and some meals for approximately 120 people during our time at the orphanage. People were staring at the Americanos who had supplies that filled four carts full!
With supplies in tow, we rode to nearby Mayan ruins. Especially for new members of the mission team this stop was enjoyable and fascinating. The ruins were a popular attraction for locals as well. The weather was sunny and warm and a great way to spend an afternoon before the upcoming work week.
That evening, we headed back to Fundacion for popcorn and movie night. The kids enjoyed watching The Secret Life of Pets along with the snacks. After the movie we returned to the hotel for devotions and a needed nights rest.
Day 3- Sunday
After breakfast we headed into downtown Huehuetenango to attend a Guatemalan worship service, however, when we arrived, the service was almost over so instead we returned to the orphanage. It was a great opportunity to better connect with the children by talking and playing games. We were also able to take a look around to assess the plumbing needs and other projects. In the afternoon we began VBS with songs, a Bible story, and crafts, followed by cookies and juice and more wonderful time interacting with the children. For the first time mission team participants, this was about the time where the kids started to open up. After seeing us yesterday, and learning that we would be back this week, the kids really responded and we had a great time playing and interacting with them. Their memories of the other mission team participants from previous years did not go forgotten! We pray that God will bless our time with the children along with our work starting tomorrow.
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