Sunday, August 25, 2019
WRITTEN BY JERRY & SUE FRIEST
As we journeyed to Maya Itza, we learned that it is located about 300 miles and about 15+ hour drive on a mixture of paved and gravel roads north and west of Guetamala City. Even though it was 104 degrees with high humidity on August 22, we were embraced with even greater warmth and smiles and the very generous hearts of the men, women and children of San Marco Church.
While Robert, Jeremy and TY worked with several of the local men on the concrete floor, Sue and Jerry had the privilege of accompanying Pastor Karen, Pastor Steve, on a couple of home visits and were go with them to the school where we met an impressive and passionate principal and another teacher. After lunch Pastor Karen, Sue and Jerry spent the afternoon with several of the children of the church, their mothers and a couple of the fathers. Sue prepared some activities involving crayons and beads and the children added their own painted hand prints to the tee shirts we brought from Easter. The beach ball was a big hit with the little ones. It was evident that the children of Maya Itza are the same as those of Eagan – always eager to try something new with smiles that would melt any Minnesotan’s heart even on the coldest winter day. One surprising event was the Ice Cream truck coming down the road. Yes! It came complete with real ice cream and the real ice cream truck song that announced it’s presence. We ate dinner late that night since the concrete crew worked well past dark. Following dinner TY led a men’s group while Pastor Karen and Sue lead a Bible Study/bead activity with the women. What a joy to have this time to just be together and build relationships with our brothers and sisters of Guatemala.
Today we had an inspirational worship service with the congregation of Salvador del Mundo in Guatemala City followed by lunch at the church and final good-byes. On to the city of Antiqua for time to relax and see a different part of the Guatemalan culture. The people here are also engaging. As Pastor Steve painted near Central Park a group gathered to watch him. A little girl about 3 years old engaged Jerry in an impromptu game of catch, laughing and smiling the whole time. The people in the markets were especially engaging as they hoped we would choose to purchase their goods. Which we did.
Tonight for devotions we reflected on our experiences and how this trip has impacted our lives. It’s been amazing to accompany our brothers and sisters in Guatemala on our common faith journeys and find relationship with them. Even though we speak a different language and live in different countries we have the same dreams and concerns for our children, our churches and our countries. We have been blessed by the leadership and insight that Pastor Karen and Diego have provided. Thanks be to God!
WRITTEN BY TOM YELLE
The team moved from mission trip to tourist yesterday.
Attended the church service and provided lunch for the congregation (20 people)
It was a warm and welcoming congregation. The service was nice. Done in Spanish and English. We exchanged gifts.
We took our bus to Antigua and the environment changed immediately. It’s a tourist area. Quaint, narrow roads, cobblestone roads.
We went tot he market, some shopped, some walked around and then we settled back at the resort for a nice dinner and unwinding.