Day Two: Abre Mis Ojos Cristo

Everything about Guatemala is eye-opening. Everyday is another window into a world we are truly privileged to see and experience, and today we settle into a routine of sorts. For example, how do I brush my teeth with a water bottle, how do I flush without flushing the TP, how do I adjust to life without technology, and when did a bunk bed with an air mattress become a significant source of comfort?  In other words, how to you get comfortable in a world where the "rules" are foreign and the customs confusing?

Groundwork provides a bridge between what we know, or think we know, and what we are experiencing.  The first bridge was built this morning as we headed off to worship at Ministerios Sendero de la Cruz, a open, store front church in the neighborhood in which the mission house is located in Guatemala City. Worship here can be emotional; I associate it with that of many African American churches in the United States.  It is passionate. The music is contemporary and accompanied by young liturgical dancers that have different moves for every song.  Younger girls copy dancers' moves at their seats.  There is clapping, singing and lots of handshakes and Jesus. Music and the message rule the morning.  I would guess there were at least 10 songs and everyone stood and sang for an hour.  Then came the message and today it was given by Leo the Lion. That is what he called himself; he is a lay preacher but it was a well suited name.  Of course, we missed most of what was being said in Spanish but could get the gist by following along with the Biblical references. Just experiencing their worship customs was a message unto itself. (By the way, if you think Pastor Brian can get on a roll, he may have met his match in Pastor Leo.)

This afternoon, we unpacked, sorted, counted, and put away the supplies we brought to Guatemala thanks to all of you.  Bruce and Kelsey ran this operation military style; they are veterans. We followed that with counting and bagging thousands of children's chewable "vitamins." Thank you for that, too. After dinner Emily attempted to whip our voices into shape... good luck with that! And we finished up the day trial running a craft that was not as advertised which means Abby and the creative ones are going to have to get, creative!

We are well and well blessed.
Sally

Sorry for the delay with photos... a technical problem, me.

Savannah and Hannah

Abby

Amanda and Nate

Gordy

Emily

Delainie

Lauren

Sorry, Jim!