Groundwork sponsors about 180 students in schools in Guatemala City, El Rincon, Buena Vista, and Amatitlan. Many of the sponsors are short-term team members who have been able to meet their student in one of the four sites where Groundwork serves. Kelsey and I were privileged to reconnect with our sponsored students today, and additionally, Joel's family invited the entire team for a Salvadorian lunch of pupusas in their home.
Kevin took pictures in Joel's home, but there is no way to share with you the depth of the sacrifice that this meal must have been for this family. We were stunned by their generosity and at the same time thoroughly enjoyed the delicious meal of pupusas (tortillas stuffed with cheese or beans, topped with a cabbage slaw) and lemonade. The pupusas were hot, slightly spicy, and unusually exotic. Even the idea we were eating real Central American food in a humble Guatemalan home felt like we were living on the cultural edge. Joel's mother encouraged us to eat heartily and we did. Jim seized this opportunity to add another culinary skill to his repertoire. It was an extraordinary experience.
Honestly, I don't know how to describe their home. It was up on a hill surrounded by other shanties and homes made from cinder block, metal sheets, and plywood. The house was dark, since there were very few windows, and the furnishing sparse. Nevertheless, we had a glorious meal in a warm, welcoming Guatemalan kitchen. What an experience.
The afternoon was faith lessons at Gonzales Park, a slab of concrete in Amatitlan. It was our most highly attended day; I would guess about 300 people. Gloria put it best when she said that when we we arrived it was just an inner city piece of concrete and after we set up tents, stools and supplies, it came alive with women and children of all ages not to mention the street dogs, unique carts and wheels for folks with handicaps, and an elderly man or two. It was hot and exhausting but exhilarating. Kelsey was thrilled to reconnect with her sponsored student, Karen. She had changed a lot in the past year and it was enjoyable to watch them. Ben discovered young men that he had played basketball with as children a few years ago. And we were all thrilled to spend time with Francisca and the only bathroom available for gringos. Each ministry location has a slightly different feel, but each reflects the needs and spirit of these people. And again, it was a blessing to experience another.
I know there is much more, but it may not make it in the blog today. We stopped at Lake Amatitlan for just a few minutes this afternoon. It was beautiful, polluted, yet fascinating. "It" just never stops here. We are blessed each day with new views, new experiences and new relationships. We continue to share the faith but the faith that has been shared with us is immeasurable.
Buenas noches,
Sarah, Sally, Ben, Jim, Bruce, Keely, Gloria, Kelsey, Val, Gloria, Kelsey, Erin and Sam
Mother and son, Gloria and Ben, with Lake Amatitlan in the background
Erin leading the children's lesson
Bruce leading the adult lesson with Ody translating
Jim with the cooks; Joel's mother is in the middle
Sally and Joel
Team at Gonzales Park
Kids at Gonzales Park
Kelsey with Karen and Ody
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