Buenas noches amigos, esto es Sarah,
It's crazy that this week is wrapping up so quickly. It feels as though we just got here, yet tomorrow will be our last day. God has blessed our time here abundantly. It's clear to see with every new day that each of us has a special purpose in being here.
Today started out like many others, breakfast just the way you like it at 7am, then devotions to follow. The location today was Gonzales Park (Spoiler Alert: This "Park" is an old basketball court with broken-up cement and only one basket with no net). As soon as we got there we split into 3 groups because we had multiple people who decided to sponsor children from this location. When you decide to sponsor a child you are taking care of their tuition costs to attend school for the year. Many children don't get to go to school because their families can't afford it so children go without an education. In Guatemala it is nearly impossible to get a job as an adult without a high school diploma.
Every group had a unique experience during their house visits. I went with Maddie and am so happy I did. Maddie felt called to sponsor 2 children and the first we visited was Blanca. The area we were in today was way more urban than we have experienced so far, but some things remained the same. Blanca's house had a tin roof, dirt floors, and sheets separating the different rooms. Their main room didn't have a roof, but it had a batch of newborn puppies lying on the floor who seemed to be in very poor health. We also saw the mother dog nearby who was so malnourished her ribs were clearly visible. Our heart strings were first tugged on when we saw the puppies, but quickly were hit much harder. Blanca and her mother (who was also named Blanca) introduced themselves to us. We then introduced ourselves to them and one of the Guatemalans on the ministry team, named Sandra, kept pushing me to speak Spanish and to help translate. After the introductions Blanca's mother delivered a very heartfelt and emotional thank you to our group and especially to Maddie. As she was speaking I was trying not to get choked-up as me and the Guatemalans were the ones in the room at that point who could understand what she was saying. As we translated her kind words to Maddie, her own tears started flowing. It amazes me how kind the Guatemalans are to us consistently as they ask strangers into their homes. They are constantly so thankful just for our presence and prayers. After Blanca's mom said her words, Blanca said some of her own about her thankfulness to Maddie and she started crying too! It was such an emotional visit, but I thought it was truly beautiful for them to be so grateful and connect with Maddie so much after just meeting her.
After leaving la casa de Blanca, we went on to find Maddie's other sponsor child, Josuè. His house was the complete opposite of Blanca's as it had a car in the garage, cement walls and floors, wooden doors, and healthy pets. In this home, however, lived multiple generations. The head of the house was the grandmother of Josuè. She was the caretaker of Josuè, his 2 siblings, his cousin, her 93 year old mother who is very ill, and her 2 sisters. She is unable to work because of all the people she takes care of and said that by Maddie sponsoring Josuè she is not only helping him, but helping his who family as they can use that money to provide other necessities. Everyone in this house was very kid, but it was a much less emotional experience.
Once we left the last house we went back to the park and ate our homemade PB&J's for lunch. After lunch we headed down the road to John the Baptist Park for the faith lesson with all of the children. It started off a little rough with one of the children realizing I understood her and then proceeding to tell me her entire family history, followed by Courtney getting hit in the face with a microphone while singing the word "Donde"(where) instead of the word "Porque"(Because) loud and proud! Even though the beginning was rough, I think we made up for it by delivering our best performance of our skit so far. The reading of the verse by Despina went smoothly as well. After that it was time to make our sheep. It truly warms my heart to see these kids making the sheep my family and I put so much time into putting together. They are always so proud of them and it is just the sweetest thing. Today was a little less heart warming than normal. We didn't realize that yesterday the kids were pretty rough on the glue sticks and we ended up very short on them. Kids kept gathering around us asking for our glue sticks when we only had about 1 per 10 kids. Finally I just sat down on the ground in the middle of the kids with my one glue stick and roll of tape and asked the kids to give me their pieces. It was more stressful today than normal, but it was still so nice to see them happy and playing with their sheep.
The kids finished their lesson by receiving a box of milk and some bananas on their way out the door. We then walked back to the buses to use the bathroom and head back to Kevin and Ginny's house. On the way back we stopped by a lake which had a beautiful view, but as we got closer we saw it was actually a nice shade of green and cringed as we saw locals swimming in it. We took a few photos by the lake with our Guatemalan friends and then kept on our way back for dinner. Mac and cheese with black noodles was muy bien and we thoroughly enjoyed hearing stories from Kevin and Ginny's past. Currently we are sitting around laughing hysterically about different events which have happened over the week including Melissa getting pooped on by a bird and Clair telling Skyler that she looks like a hamster.
Thanks for reading my very detailed explanation of our day and I hope you all are doing well at home. We can't wait to be back sharing about how God has used us through the course of this week.
Buenas noches y dios le bendiga,
Sarah
P.S. Happy birthday Melissa! Maddie loves you so much and hopes you had a great day!
Thursday, May 18, 2017
Wednesday, May 17, 2017
The Village with the Good View
Hello friends! This is Melissa Dailey coming to you from the one and only Guatemala. Today was such an eventful day! We woke up at 5:45am (because we all love waking up that early) and we ventured our way towards Buena Vista.
Out of the four times I have been to Guatemala, today was my best experience in this place. Usually Buena Vista is HOT. And very humid! But this time it wasn't as hot as it had been in the past, which made the day a more enjoyable. After the two hour car ride, we drove down Main Street and we got to the Groundwork Guatemala Headquarters. We also made our way to the Executive Bathroom. We took a quick pit stop and we headed to a rural school.
I had visited this school many times before, though this time I was viewing it after I had student taught this past semester in an excellent school. It was interesting because at this rural school, the teachers were standing around talking while the students were running wild. Some students were in their desks, but many were playing and running down the road. The school had no textbooks or computers. In fact, many of the classrooms had tin roofs, holes with bars in the walls (windows), a small white board for the teacher to write out sentences for students to copy, and some decorations. A couple of the classrooms were closed because some teachers decided not to come to school today. The kids were still there, though, but they were just running around.
Coming from student teaching at a wonderful Christian school near Chicago, it was very eye opening to realize how little the students were actually learning. I planned lessons that allowed students to critically think. I used the SMARTboard to display the notes sheets I created on my laptop. I was able to distribute copies of these notes to my students using a copier. None of this is going on at this school. They don't have the resources to really help the students critically think and apply their skills to other situations, and that was really sad to see.
After we visited the school, I went with a group to an unknown place. We were trying to find a family and it took us 45 minutes. We finally got there and we were able to meet everyone in the family. They older couple had lost their son about a year ago, and because of it, they had to move away. They weren't able to attend the faith lessons anymore, and they needed encouragement on their faith. Every person in our group read a few verses from the Bible. We then prayed with them for a few minutes. The family was very grateful for us to be there. They even gave us Coke and crackers! We also each had a chance to make a tortilla and it was very fun. Some of our group members did very well, while others (like me) struggled. My tortilla looked like a triangle. I couldn't get it perfectly round like the Guatemalans do. Skyler and Maddie both dropped their dough on the ground! Regardless, we all had a great time.
When we got back, we taught the faith lesson with the kids. They really enjoyed singing and creating a sheep as their craft! All of us had fun serving the kids. They were so friendly and they wanted to play with us. We all enjoyed our time at Buena Vista.
I think I can speak for everyone when I say this week is going by way too fast. We only have two more days in Guatemala, and then we'll be home on Saturday! It's gone by so quick, but I am thankful for being able to come here with this wonderful group of ladies.
Until tomorrow, family and friends! And tomorrow will be exactly like today, only completely different.
-Melissa Dailey
Out of the four times I have been to Guatemala, today was my best experience in this place. Usually Buena Vista is HOT. And very humid! But this time it wasn't as hot as it had been in the past, which made the day a more enjoyable. After the two hour car ride, we drove down Main Street and we got to the Groundwork Guatemala Headquarters. We also made our way to the Executive Bathroom. We took a quick pit stop and we headed to a rural school.
I had visited this school many times before, though this time I was viewing it after I had student taught this past semester in an excellent school. It was interesting because at this rural school, the teachers were standing around talking while the students were running wild. Some students were in their desks, but many were playing and running down the road. The school had no textbooks or computers. In fact, many of the classrooms had tin roofs, holes with bars in the walls (windows), a small white board for the teacher to write out sentences for students to copy, and some decorations. A couple of the classrooms were closed because some teachers decided not to come to school today. The kids were still there, though, but they were just running around.
Coming from student teaching at a wonderful Christian school near Chicago, it was very eye opening to realize how little the students were actually learning. I planned lessons that allowed students to critically think. I used the SMARTboard to display the notes sheets I created on my laptop. I was able to distribute copies of these notes to my students using a copier. None of this is going on at this school. They don't have the resources to really help the students critically think and apply their skills to other situations, and that was really sad to see.
After we visited the school, I went with a group to an unknown place. We were trying to find a family and it took us 45 minutes. We finally got there and we were able to meet everyone in the family. They older couple had lost their son about a year ago, and because of it, they had to move away. They weren't able to attend the faith lessons anymore, and they needed encouragement on their faith. Every person in our group read a few verses from the Bible. We then prayed with them for a few minutes. The family was very grateful for us to be there. They even gave us Coke and crackers! We also each had a chance to make a tortilla and it was very fun. Some of our group members did very well, while others (like me) struggled. My tortilla looked like a triangle. I couldn't get it perfectly round like the Guatemalans do. Skyler and Maddie both dropped their dough on the ground! Regardless, we all had a great time.
When we got back, we taught the faith lesson with the kids. They really enjoyed singing and creating a sheep as their craft! All of us had fun serving the kids. They were so friendly and they wanted to play with us. We all enjoyed our time at Buena Vista.
I think I can speak for everyone when I say this week is going by way too fast. We only have two more days in Guatemala, and then we'll be home on Saturday! It's gone by so quick, but I am thankful for being able to come here with this wonderful group of ladies.
Until tomorrow, family and friends! And tomorrow will be exactly like today, only completely different.
-Melissa Dailey
Tuesday, May 16, 2017
A Day at the Corner
It's not what you think, just let us explain. We started the day like always with a devotion from our dear friend Manuel. Today we visited El Rincon, which was about an hour from where we are. This is area was a lot more rural than where we are in Guatemala City. We started our time there doing home visits. Courtney, Melissa and Sarah were able to meet the child that they are sponsoring. It was very sweet to see how excited these children were to get a sponsor and know that they have someone back in the States supporting them. The homes in El Rincon were different than those we saw in the city. One house we saw had dirt floors and only two or three rooms. They had electric but no plumbing. The main room in the house did not have a roof over it, rooms were separated by curtains or sheets, and there was a chicken, a dog, and a cat just wondering around. The other house they visited was bigger and more finished than the others. They had cement floors, more electricity, a separate room for eating and sleeping. We then did our first faith lesson of the week! The faith lesson went very well, it is based on Matthew 28:19-20. Our skit was a little bit rough, but the kids were able to follow and seemed to enjoy it. Our skit was the parable of the lost sheep with Courtney being the lost sheep, and she was the happiest lost sheep you would ever see. We read to the kids and attempted to hold conversations. It is amazing how much they will insist on communicating with you despite not knowing our language or us knowing theirs. The kids were able to make a fun sheep craft using paper plates and cotton balls. Seeing them make the craft was great because they were so proud of their work and wanted to show everyone. After everything was over we got chased around and tickled for about 15 minutes, Deaconess Betsy may or may not have ended up on the ground under a pile of kids. All the kids and adults were very happy and grateful to see us there. Guatemalans are definitely huggers!!We ended the day by coming back to the house, eating some dinner, working on some crafts, and George from Only A Child will be here in a minute!
P.S. El Rincon means "The Corner."
Until next time, adios!
Skyler and Maddie
P.S. El Rincon means "The Corner."
Until next time, adios!
Skyler and Maddie
Monday, May 15, 2017
First Day Adventures
Hola from Guatemala!
This is Courtney Lofink here coming to you live from Guatemala. We just want to wish all the moms out there a Happy Mother's Day (even though we are a day late). We hope you guys had an amazing day just like we did out here in Guatemala City! Yesterday we got the chance to go to church and experience a Guatemalan church service. It was such a fun experience to worship in Spanish and know that even in a different country we all worship and love the same God.
Today, we were blessed with more opportunities to see how God is working in Guatemala. Our first adventure of the day was getting to visit George's ministry called Only a Child. He takes in boys off the street and provides them with the opportunity to work and go to school. He told us his story and the way God is using him in the lives of these young men is inspirational. It is so incredible to hear someone be so convicted in their faith and so passionate about their purpose in life.
After hearing George's incredible story, we were hit with reality when we took a trip to the dump. In Guatemala all the garbage is taken to one spot and dumped in a landfill. There are Guatemalans who live on top of this garbage and spend their time searching through piles of garbage in the hope of finding something they can sell. It really puts things into perspective witnessing something like this and made me realize how many simple blessings in my life I take for granted on a daily basis. It was a very humbling experience for all of us. Our hearts and prayers go out for all the Guatemalans who deal with this reality everyday.
Our last adventure of the day was definitely the highlight for everyone! We got the opportunity to do house visits and pray with some of the Guatemalans. It is always so neat to talk and share bible verses with these amazing people. One Guatemalan, Meryl, told us a moving story about her uncle who had recently overcome the doctor's odds and was on the road to recovery after an accident he had been in. We shared Randell Newton's incredible story with her and were all overwhelmed by the realization that God truly does perform miracles. We are all sending our best wishes to Randell and his family from Guatemala and hope he can find comfort knowing that people in a different country are praying for his recovery also.
Please continue to pray for our team throughout the week and like Groundwork Guatemala on Facebook to keep up with the rest of our adventures. God's Blessings on the rest of your week!
Signing off,
Courtney Lofink
This is Courtney Lofink here coming to you live from Guatemala. We just want to wish all the moms out there a Happy Mother's Day (even though we are a day late). We hope you guys had an amazing day just like we did out here in Guatemala City! Yesterday we got the chance to go to church and experience a Guatemalan church service. It was such a fun experience to worship in Spanish and know that even in a different country we all worship and love the same God.
Today, we were blessed with more opportunities to see how God is working in Guatemala. Our first adventure of the day was getting to visit George's ministry called Only a Child. He takes in boys off the street and provides them with the opportunity to work and go to school. He told us his story and the way God is using him in the lives of these young men is inspirational. It is so incredible to hear someone be so convicted in their faith and so passionate about their purpose in life.
After hearing George's incredible story, we were hit with reality when we took a trip to the dump. In Guatemala all the garbage is taken to one spot and dumped in a landfill. There are Guatemalans who live on top of this garbage and spend their time searching through piles of garbage in the hope of finding something they can sell. It really puts things into perspective witnessing something like this and made me realize how many simple blessings in my life I take for granted on a daily basis. It was a very humbling experience for all of us. Our hearts and prayers go out for all the Guatemalans who deal with this reality everyday.
Our last adventure of the day was definitely the highlight for everyone! We got the opportunity to do house visits and pray with some of the Guatemalans. It is always so neat to talk and share bible verses with these amazing people. One Guatemalan, Meryl, told us a moving story about her uncle who had recently overcome the doctor's odds and was on the road to recovery after an accident he had been in. We shared Randell Newton's incredible story with her and were all overwhelmed by the realization that God truly does perform miracles. We are all sending our best wishes to Randell and his family from Guatemala and hope he can find comfort knowing that people in a different country are praying for his recovery also.
Please continue to pray for our team throughout the week and like Groundwork Guatemala on Facebook to keep up with the rest of our adventures. God's Blessings on the rest of your week!
Signing off,
Courtney Lofink
Saturday, May 13, 2017
We're baaaaack!
It is hard to believe it, but here we are. We're in Guatemala! Thank you to everyone for your prayers for our safe travel. For the most part, our journey was uneventful and smooth with no glitches(which parents and family members always like to hear!). Check-in, security, wait at gate, wait to board, fasten seat belts, deplane, go to next gate, wait, get Starbucks, board plane, watch in-flight movies, etc. Our quick landing in Guatemala City though was hard enough to wake the dead or maybe just Courtney and it evoked lots of cheering from the passengers when we stopped! Thank you Jesus for landing gear that can handle the short Guatemala City runways. Don't worry, because of Guatemala City's location in bowl, they don't have a lot of space to just glide in for a landing, so this is normal!
Despite that exciting part of our trip, the best part is always being welcomed into the warms arms of Kevin, Ginny, Manuel, and anyone else they bring along for the ride(this time it was Julio). For those of us who have been here before, we know these faces and how seeing them gives us the feeling of coming home again. For the newbies in the group, they will soon find this out. The missionaries here are going into their 3rd straight week of hosting teams, and even still their love and joy is not diminished.
Please continue to keep us in your prayers. Pray for all of us to stay healthy, and for our friends to get rested from the busy last two weeks. Keep coming back here for daily updates on our adventures, and enjoy hearing about our activities from a different person each night!
Buenas noches!
~Deaconess Betsy
Despite that exciting part of our trip, the best part is always being welcomed into the warms arms of Kevin, Ginny, Manuel, and anyone else they bring along for the ride(this time it was Julio). For those of us who have been here before, we know these faces and how seeing them gives us the feeling of coming home again. For the newbies in the group, they will soon find this out. The missionaries here are going into their 3rd straight week of hosting teams, and even still their love and joy is not diminished.
Please continue to keep us in your prayers. Pray for all of us to stay healthy, and for our friends to get rested from the busy last two weeks. Keep coming back here for daily updates on our adventures, and enjoy hearing about our activities from a different person each night!
Buenas noches!
~Deaconess Betsy
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