Saturday, August 24, 2019
WRITTEN BY JULI YOUNG
Our group came together this evening after 4 days of separation. We wondered how the conversation would get started in the large team after doing so much as two separate teams. Well, that wondering didn’t last long. Once we all gathered in the communal kitchen with guacamole, chips and cold drinks, the stories came pouring out from everyone. An observer might have thought we were long lost friends reuniting after a long separation – and to me it did feel like that. So wonderfully unexpected :)
Our large group talked continuously through our meal, clean up and then we all headed up to the roof for devotion. After more discussion through each of us sharing our high’s and lows, Jerry lead us through the reading of The Acts of the Apostles 10:9-44, the story of Peter and Cornelius. What struck me in our discussion of that reading and our individual perspectives through the eyes of our experiences this week is how blessed I am to be on this trip with such amazing people. Hearing the group discuss what part of the story resonated and why provided insights and thoughts that I know I will be pondering for several weeks to come. Between the experiences with the people of Guatemala that we have been introduced to and the openness of this team to share themselves, I have truly been expanded in ways I am sure I don’t even understand yet.
Tonight is a point of transition for us. We have completed our time with the congregation in Maya Itza and with the Milagro Center. Tomorrow morning will we will experience worship service with the Salvador del Mundo congregation and share a meal. Then is it off to Antigua. We will have an opportunity to see a different part of Guatemala, learn more about their history and continue to build on our relationships with our large team.
Honestly, I don’t know the right way to end the blog for today as my mind is whirling with so many thoughts so will leave it at this – Thanks be to God for bringing this group of people together for this mission and I can’t wait to see what He has in store for us next!
WRITTEN BY TOM YELLE (MAYA ITZA)
We make the final leg from Coban to Guatemala City. 6 hours seemed like a light day.
It was awesome to stay at a nice hotel. No AC but a ceiling fan and lower temps. Slept like a rock.
Robert is feeling better after the heavy heat and Jermey is back on his feet after what he thought might have been a meal that didn’t agree with him.
We had huge temperature shifts while going through the mountains.
The 2 teams gathered for small party to share stories and get reunited.
Both teams have had a great experience. Funny lines that stick with the teams. “We plan, God laughs.” The Mya Itza teams favorite saying was, “I could do that” (Eat, bathroom break, go to sleep)
Taco night at the ILAG tonight!
WRITTEN BY JULIA YELLE (GUATEMALA CITY)
We had a fun animal day at El Mirador school! As we arrived, all of the children were so welcoming and happy to see us, shaking our hands and kissing our cheeks. With all ages gathered in the courtyard, I read the story of Noah and the Arc while the rest of the group redeemed their acting abilities. \
After the story, each student was able to make an animal mask of their own. Even though the kids at El Mirador are the most well behaved group of kids I have ever seen, their excitement could not be contained. The kids were so proud of their creations, their smiles beamed.
As closing to animal day, we decided to sing the hippo song. Although the words were in English, the kids giggled uncontrollably to the fun hand movements and dancing like a hippo. Speeding the song up and slowing the song down was a hit! All age groups could bond over the silly hippo song.
Desserts and devotion on the rooftop was a wonderful ending to another successful day!
