Day 2: Faith, Friends, and Fun

Dear family and friends,

At church this morning, it occurred to me that what makes this experience so powerful is not our differences but our similarities.  The blog is filled with descriptions of the differences between our lives and those of the Guatemalans, but the only reason that may be meaningful is because basically all of us are profoundly alike.  To be the same in different settings is almost poetic as it was in church this morning, except when those people that are just like us, are living in poverty. 

We were not directly exposed to poverty today.  However, we met and worshiped with warm, lovely people and experienced a cultural, faith explosion set off by a band, vocalists, young dancers, flags, awards, and communion in "mini-mugs." It was fascinating, meaningful, and occasionally, not translatable.  It was a good morning.  

This afternoon we continued to do the bulk of the unpacking and sorting.  We were fast and thorough; of course, Bruce would not have it any other way. Because this is Guatemala's winter, the school supplies will be stored until the beginning of the school year next January.  Thank you so much for making that possible along with so much more. 

We practiced our lessons and made a surprise trip to a large, local municipal park to walk or play soccer. That was a particular privilege as there are not many locations we will visit with the ministry where we can get out and just enjoy the out-of-doors.  It was also an opportunity to get to know each other better.  That alone was a gift.

After practicing our skit and lessons, we all headed in different directions to prepare for bed.  The young ones all managed to gather at the table where I am struggling to write this blog and are entertaining me with their youthful silliness.  They are absolutely great kids. We all look forward to getting to know them and each other better as well as serving together.  I will update you with photos tomorrow. The young ones wanted me to tell their mothers hello, and I am sure Sue would love for her husband to know that she was moved by a letter she discovered from him in her luggage.

We are well and looking forward to another great day tomorrow.  

Thank you for being our partners in this faith walk.

Blessings,

Debbie, Sue, Bruce, Jim, Jim, Nathan, Lauren, Alaina, Amanda, Jenna, Emma, Kara, Emily, Olivia, Kelsey, Riley, and Sally