O Dios Es Bueno! April 9th - it was too late to post last night

This morning was another early start. We had a good breakfast and headed out to begin our day with devotions at the Vida school in Tactic. We walked to the school at 7:15 alongside many Guatemalan children. They are all so friendly. Devotions were amazing. We were humbled once again by their eagerness to praise God despite their struggles. We were blessed to hear them sing to our God with a vibrancy and fervour we rarely see in our North American churches. After worship, they asked the team to join them at the front so the students could pray for us. As we bowed our heads a class of primary students came and wrapped their arms around our waists. They held on to us and prayed as their principal led them. I am certain each team member was touched by the love and kindness of these gentle children.

At the close of devotions we were told to line up for hugs. Students in grades one and two would be coming to us. Les tried to prepare us for their exuberance, but nothing can describe the feeling you get when a child who may have walked 1/2 an hour to get to school, been abused last night or even this morning, arrived hungry and unclean wraps their arms around you and squeezes as though they've known you all their life. Their faces glow as they give their love and ask for nothing in return but our love and tenderness as well. It was an emotional, but beautiful start to our day.

We left devotions and returned to our work site. We spent the morning hauling rocks to improve the driveway, burrying electrical cables and digging trenches for the sewer lines. As the Guatemalan workers were also on site, we didn't have enough tools for the entire team. As such many of us got down on our knees and worked the ground with our gloved hands. The team worked hard and enjoyed sharing their nutrition break with the workers and ending the morning with a fun game of soccer. After our work, we had lunch and were off to Purulha for our VBS.

Our first day of VBS went well. The school invited students in grades 2-5 to return in the afternoon for our program. We had about 70 students. We taught them a few songs and shared Christ's loving and protective nature through the parable of the lost sheep. After our teaching time, we did crafts, played games and let the children do some activities. The squeals of laughter were delightful as they played with the parachute and bubbles. It was wonderful to see our students playing, laughing, and talking with the Guatemalan children. Despite the cultural and language differences, the joy of a new relationship and the love of Christ was evident in the Purulha school yard.

Near the end of our program, Impact Ministries provided a cookie and juice for each child. Most of the kids quickly opened the package and began to eat what was likely the only food they would have the remainder of the day. However, at least one little boy stuck his in his pocket to share with his family at home. It was humbling to think we had already eaten two meals and were packing up to head to our third.

This evening we enjoyed a truly Guatemalan cultural experience. We are grateful that Edgar and his wife opened their home to us. We made our own supper - doblados. Some of us were better at it than others. We ate supper together, prayed for our host family and headed home for bed. We have another full day tomorrow with a team birthday, a 15th birthday party for an abandoned Guatemalan girl, school and home visits and another afternoon of VBS.

We value your prayers. Continue to pray for our time spent with the children at VBS. As well, please pray for digestive health and general well being.