6.2 - Arrival
We've landed in Guatemala safe and sound! Soon after entering, we found ourselves in awe of the people and the pace of their lives here. This was especially true for those of us visiting for the first time.
It was striking how much people smiled at us and seemed to welcome us to their home. Many times, you'll find a stranger smiling warmly at you and saying, "Buenos Dias!" The atmosphere is friendly, and most everyone greets you kindly. You feel as though folks are genuinely happy we're here.
Another part of this country that sticks out to us is the driving habits of the locals. As we made our way to Pana, we watched hundreds of motorcyclists weave fearlessly between the barely two-foot gap between our bus and the other vehicles on the road without a care.
Our hosts welcomed us with open arms and provided us with a wonderful first meal of chicken and bean burritos and guacamole. After the long journey, we drifted to sleep to the thumping pulse of nightlife music and the many barking dogs who roam the streets.
6.3 - Exploration
Today was our first full day in Guatemala! All of our group spent the day exploring the city and learning more about the culture and people here.
In the morning we ate a wonderful breakfast at the Atlantis cafe, just a few steps away from the hotel. The meal was exquisite: fresh orange juice, coffee, eggs, avocados, melons, beans, potatoes, and pancakes. Next it was time to tackle the day.
We split off into two groups, one going on a zip lining tour high in the mountains, and one going on a boat tour filled with learning experiences and a mountain hike.
The boat tour featured demonstrations of local craft, history, and sweeping mountain views. The zipliners experienced similar spectacular views of the mountains and lake as the sped through the trees and above the forest canopy far below.
Once back in town, we split off and began to explore the city. The streets are filled with people, motorcycles, and dogs all seeking their spot on the crowded, colorful path. Every store here is adorned with colorful blankets, masks, signs, and other art so thickly placed that you can barely make out what the buildings actually look like.
At the end of the night we finished up with a delicious pasta dinner and live music at the Hotel California.
6.4 - Reverence
Today was our second free day in Guatemala. We began the day by meeting up with our local guide, Anthony, who took us down to the water where a boat was waiting to take us to breakfast.
We soon arrived at Casa Del Mundo, a very beautiful cafe built into the side of the cliffs. We ate our breakfast and drank fresh fruit smoothies while overlooking the three volcanos that adorn the edge of the lake. We finished our excursion with some swimming and relaxing in hammocks. The entire time we stayed, we were in reverence of the beauty that God has bestowed upon this region.
Shortly after we returned we had our worship session and received God's message for the day. We talked about the power of influencers, and how to be a good one. The difference between a good and bad influencer lies within the "chest" of the individual. Greg taught us about "Men without chest", and how one may have great intelligence, and aspirations but without a spiritual filter or "chest", they often lead folks astray from God's path.
We now prepare to go to the work site and meet the family we will be serving with. The names of the kids we will be working with are Marelin (11) and Kevin (16). We look forward to forming a strong relationship with them and serving their family in a meaningful way.
6.5 - Service
Today was our first work day in Guatemala, we began by eating a delicious breakfast where we learned that several members of our team had fallen ill. Despite this, we were determined to do the job God has provided for us.
We boarded a boat and headed across the lake to the job site, where we met the local workers and the family we would be serving. The full project for this family is to build them a three-bedroom home complete with a proper stove (ecoplancha), running water, and a septic system.
Today we focused on creating a shed for our tools, working on the septic tank, and unloading 630+ concrete blocks for the construction of the home.
The VBS team headed to a nearby rehab center, where they work to build relationships in Christ with young children and their mothers. They played, sang praise, and poured their hearts out for those in the rehab center. The kids told the VBS team that they couldn't wait to play again tomorrow.
It's fair to say the God gave every member of our team a courageous heart of service to put 110% effort into their work, and to work diligently with a smile and a positive attitude, no matter how tough the work got.
We wrapped up the night with dinner at a local restaurant and some reflection time on the roof of our hotel. Praise be to God for this amazing opportunity for service.
6.6 - Gratitude
Today was our second physical work day in Guatemala. We began the day with breakfast at the hotel, and soon left on our boat for St. Lucas.
The tasks for today were to finish the bathroom, construct rebar supports, level the ground, and measure the dimensions for the home.
The kids were brought to the work site today, and the VBS team interacted with them there. They played soccer, sang, took polaroid photos, and taught the families about the love of Christ.
We are only here for four days working, but ten weeks worth of work needs to be done to finish this home. It makes many of us emotional to be leaving so early after doing such little work in comparison to what's ahead.
Afterwards, we headed back and ate burgers for dinner at the Hotel California. Most of our sick have now recovered, and we pray for strength in the day ahead.
6.7 - Resilience
We began our third workday with a delicious breakfast of omelets and French toast at the Hotel California.
On our boat ride to the work site, we had clear skies and a beautiful view of the volcanos. Once there, we got to work on the hardest day so far of our project.
Today we needed to construct more rebar supports, and dig a grid-like trench for the foundation of the house. The sun was brutal until the end, and a nice cloud cover drifted over and cooled us off. The clouds brought rain, and at about 3:15 we departed due to concerns that the rain would make the boat ride back too dangerous.
The Porch had a special dinner planned for us tonight at Pana Rock, and we had live music with a delicious wood-fire pizza.
As we enter our final workday, we're praying for God to give us the strength to finish strong and give it 110% for our final day.
