Day 4: El Rincón

Jen and friends (Living the Dream!)

Trinity with Sonya, Dulce, Gerson, and Gustavo, students sponsored by Trinity and on their way to school.

Dear Family and friends,
You know that time you committed to do something you knew was outside your comfort zone, but you did it anyway? That was today for most of us. We were off to El Rincon about 45 minutes into the mountains outside Guatemala City.  It is an incredibly beautiful setting with equally beautiful people, but the life is hard and the poverty pervasive.  Each of us were placed in situations that were new for us. I am a firm believer that God has a sense of humor, but He is also faithful.  The combination worked for us today.

Our morning was spent visiting the homes of children who had been newly sponsored by team members.  Half of us visited Megan's newly selected 14-year-old, Nelson, and the other half visited Debbie's recent selection of 17-year-old Melody to replace a previously sponsored child who had graduated from high school this year.  Megan, another Lutheran North senior, will describe her experience in her own words, below. I also discovered that Johnny and I can be extremely cool customers when the need arises.  During our time in Melody's home, a rat literally ran across the cinder block wall behind the rest of the team and off onto the roof; neither of us even flinched. A lot is happening in those home visits. We did not even realize the other one had seen it until we got back to Guatemala City. At the same time multiple roosters were crowing, and there was an extremely big, bad dog being held back with an extremely big stick because he has been known to bite strangers. It was a joyous experience all around, really.  In the afternoon, we took on our respective faith lessons. Those of you who have been here know how stressful that can be.  It is ridiculously stressful! I know everything went well, but I can only speak first-hand about the adult lesson.  I loved working with Ali and watching her reclaim her Spanish after her 6 months in Guatemala last year.  I was also thrilled to be silly with the 110 women as well as remind them we are all sisters and struggle with the same challenges. It was truly a privilege to speak with these women and share our lives and God's word, and thanks to Ali and Carlos, they may have even understood us! LOL

It was an exhausting day, but it was filled with experiences we could never have imagined even one day ago. We are well, happy, and focused.  Thank you for your prayers and interest.
Blessings,
Sally

Megan and Nelson

El Rincón

¡Hola todos!

This is Megan.  Last night I picked out my sponsor child, and today I had the opportunity to meet him! His name is Nelson and he is just the sweetest boy.  He is 14, a student, wants to become an electrician, and has a real passion for music.  He was pretty shy, but it was so sweet to hear him talk about his music, and how blessed he feels to have his talent.  His mom shared with us how their situation had made her want to leave the family, but then she saw Nelson playing his keyboard in their kitchen and crying.  When she asked him why he was crying, he said it was because he knew she was sad, and he wanted to make her happy, and the only way he knew how was to play his keyboard for her.  It was so amazing to see people who have such pure hearts.  They have next to nothing, but their relationships with each other and with God are everything.  It is truly a blessing to be a part of their lives.