We have all been waiting and anticipating for this day to come. Finally, with much preparation and prayers, we were all introduced to the families and children that we will be spending the next week with. For some, including myself, who have not previously been on this mission to Guatemala, it felt like a fire drill today...but with great pleasure, I can confidently say that all who are a part of this team were more than ready for challenges and tasks ahead.
We started the day with a devotion from Jack Mowreader. What stuck out most to me was a point that he made of how, we (US folks), tend to become so task oriented and focused on a goal and getting it done as efficiently and as quick as possible. This resonated with me because I personally am someone who likes to set a goal, and just get it done quickly...check the box, task completed. However, the point Jack brought up, was the fact that we are here in Guatemala to spread the love of Jesus to these people first and foremost. We are not just a construction team from the states looking to build a structure that will only last for this lifetime, but we are here to build upon the foundation of Christ, Who's structure will last for eternity. So, take in the families with open arms, listen, joke, and don't be so consumed with stacking bricks, that you miss the opportunity to share a moment or two with some people that we came to love on.
We split up in four groups, three of which were working specifically on house building projects for three different families. One of our groups spent time at the church playing with children. All of the families were so appreciative and greatful for our time and efforts. It was energizing to be around some truly genuine people who thanked us from thier hearts. We still have much work to do to complete the homes by week's end, but all of them are looking good, and we should have no problem getting them done.
The second part of the day was spent with the little ninos at Pastor Diego's Good Shephard Church. By rough estimates, there was nearly 80 rambunctious kids who showed up...which is pretty amazing considering it was the first day, and a torrential downpour started about a 1/2 hour before Vacation Bible School, and didn't subside until VBS was finished. The kids were amazing. Some were more reserved than others, however by the end of sending them through three different sessions including bible stories, crafts and games, most had come out of their shell, and were singing worship songs with us before they headed home. We all look forward to building upon the relationships that were started today, and hope and pray that our energy will continue to meet our desire to reach all these kids.
Special thanks need to be given to our translators: Cesar,Pablo, Julia and Gloria make this trip possible, and are amazing. They are our mouths, and so much more. They communicate to the families and children with genuine love and servant hearts. They wouldn't do this job if they truly didn't believe in what we are all doing here.
I look forward to the week to come. We are just getting started, but feel a great foundation was started today. Can't wait to see God work throughout the rest of the week and beyond! ~ Aaron
We started the day with a devotion from Jack Mowreader. What stuck out most to me was a point that he made of how, we (US folks), tend to become so task oriented and focused on a goal and getting it done as efficiently and as quick as possible. This resonated with me because I personally am someone who likes to set a goal, and just get it done quickly...check the box, task completed. However, the point Jack brought up, was the fact that we are here in Guatemala to spread the love of Jesus to these people first and foremost. We are not just a construction team from the states looking to build a structure that will only last for this lifetime, but we are here to build upon the foundation of Christ, Who's structure will last for eternity. So, take in the families with open arms, listen, joke, and don't be so consumed with stacking bricks, that you miss the opportunity to share a moment or two with some people that we came to love on.
We split up in four groups, three of which were working specifically on house building projects for three different families. One of our groups spent time at the church playing with children. All of the families were so appreciative and greatful for our time and efforts. It was energizing to be around some truly genuine people who thanked us from thier hearts. We still have much work to do to complete the homes by week's end, but all of them are looking good, and we should have no problem getting them done.
The second part of the day was spent with the little ninos at Pastor Diego's Good Shephard Church. By rough estimates, there was nearly 80 rambunctious kids who showed up...which is pretty amazing considering it was the first day, and a torrential downpour started about a 1/2 hour before Vacation Bible School, and didn't subside until VBS was finished. The kids were amazing. Some were more reserved than others, however by the end of sending them through three different sessions including bible stories, crafts and games, most had come out of their shell, and were singing worship songs with us before they headed home. We all look forward to building upon the relationships that were started today, and hope and pray that our energy will continue to meet our desire to reach all these kids.
Special thanks need to be given to our translators: Cesar,Pablo, Julia and Gloria make this trip possible, and are amazing. They are our mouths, and so much more. They communicate to the families and children with genuine love and servant hearts. They wouldn't do this job if they truly didn't believe in what we are all doing here.
I look forward to the week to come. We are just getting started, but feel a great foundation was started today. Can't wait to see God work throughout the rest of the week and beyond! ~ Aaron
No comments:
Post a Comment