Sorry for the gap in my blogging. We had such a wonderful time with our guests this past week! Rebekah and Diane came for a week and my Mom surprised us with her presence as well! We did a bit of touristy things while they were here as well as showing them around some of the local ministries that we have been involved with. We spent several hours at Joy Filled Homes, playing with the kids and holding the babies (both 4 years old!). On one of the days while we were in Antigua, we got a phone call from Dick Rutgers, a local missionary, who was in the area and he invited us to visit Hermano Pedro, a Hospital and Home for many disabled people from infants to adults. It was a very moving experience. Though the Hospital was very clean and the basic needs of all the occupants seemed to be met, all the children were starving for love and attention. There are so many individuals that call Hermano Pedro "Home" and not enough staff or volunteers to regularly spend any time building relationships with the children. Laine and I will be going back to this hospital to hold and feed malnourished babies as soon as we can make the arrangements.
While we had an excuse to be tourists, we drove out to Lake Atitlan and spent an afternoon in Panhachel. It was a lovely day, always so many cultural wonders to see as we travel. We also found our way to Volcan Pacaya and had an adventure to remember! We rode up the trail on horseback, as far as the horses could go, then we hiked another hour in pouring rain up the volcanic rocks until the ground was hot and steaming! We made our way carefully up to the peak of the volcano and roasted marshmallows over molten lava; best marshmallow I ever ate! I have to say that it was probably the most dangerous thing I have ever done with my children, but then how can one have adventure in the abscence of danger! My mother climbed up the volcano too! I hope to be as much fun as she is when I am 60!
We had the oppertunity to bring some food and essentials out to the city dump in Chimaltenango on Saturday with a small local church. We put together care packages with rice, toothbrushes and toothpaste, shampoo, rehydration packets, shoes and a few other items and handed them out to men, women and children who spend their days in the dump, foraging for valuable items to sell to make a living. The Pastor gave a short message and prayed for many people. Then they formed lines and we gave them each a package, sometimes holding their hands or hugging them to extend the love of Jesus. The women with their babies touched my heart the most; the stuggles that they face raising their babies in that kind of poverty.
It was such an encouragement to have our family with us to share part of this experience with us. We have also really enjoyed all the feedback we recieve from all of you on a regular basis. We really feel your prayers and support as we continue to serve in Guatemala as a part of your body. Blessing to you all.
While we had an excuse to be tourists, we drove out to Lake Atitlan and spent an afternoon in Panhachel. It was a lovely day, always so many cultural wonders to see as we travel. We also found our way to Volcan Pacaya and had an adventure to remember! We rode up the trail on horseback, as far as the horses could go, then we hiked another hour in pouring rain up the volcanic rocks until the ground was hot and steaming! We made our way carefully up to the peak of the volcano and roasted marshmallows over molten lava; best marshmallow I ever ate! I have to say that it was probably the most dangerous thing I have ever done with my children, but then how can one have adventure in the abscence of danger! My mother climbed up the volcano too! I hope to be as much fun as she is when I am 60!
We had the oppertunity to bring some food and essentials out to the city dump in Chimaltenango on Saturday with a small local church. We put together care packages with rice, toothbrushes and toothpaste, shampoo, rehydration packets, shoes and a few other items and handed them out to men, women and children who spend their days in the dump, foraging for valuable items to sell to make a living. The Pastor gave a short message and prayed for many people. Then they formed lines and we gave them each a package, sometimes holding their hands or hugging them to extend the love of Jesus. The women with their babies touched my heart the most; the stuggles that they face raising their babies in that kind of poverty.
It was such an encouragement to have our family with us to share part of this experience with us. We have also really enjoyed all the feedback we recieve from all of you on a regular basis. We really feel your prayers and support as we continue to serve in Guatemala as a part of your body. Blessing to you all.
Well here's a big ole Sarah Cry. Wahhhhhh! My heart hurts when I read these tough things. Bless you.
ReplyDelete