Dear family and friends,
After a bit of a delay in Atlanta, and a 757 filled with American mission teams, at least five, we arrived in Guatemala City late Saturday afternoon Michigan time. "Almost" everyone had a great flight, caught up on some sleep, and experienced the thrill of arriving in Guatemala City with all of our bags intact. (Some of our boxes were questionable leaving Detroit.)
The number of American down here right now is impressive. There are so many who wish to be a part of the solution in Guatemala; it is evidenced in the airport by the number of duffle bags filled with supplies from every corner of our country. Furthermore, there seemed to be a pronounced shift in our reception by customs and airport officials compared to previous years. This year officials seemed to sense we wanted to help and many even seemed appreciative; that has not always been the case in the past.
After loading our 41 bags of all sizes into two 12-passenger vans along with Ginny, Kevin, Manual, Bequer and all of us, we made are way to the mission house and began to unpack and organize supplies. There is a system in place here, for everything, and once you understand it, it's all good. Ginny and Kevin put us through the paces on everything from the "electric" shower, to the "rules" on toilet paper, brushing your teeth with bottled water, passport copies, and so much more.
We are exhausted but happy to be together, here, in Guatemala. We are hoping to be courageous in all things this week. We look forward to sharing this adventure with all of you, as best we can, and when we can't, please check the Groundwork Guatemala Facebook page for additional pics of the our activities each day.
We are humbled to represent each of you in this experience. Your generous support of and prayers for Groundwork Guatemala and the Trinity mission team make you as essential to this effort as any of us. The medical supplies, the school supplies, the crafts, the office supplies, the Thrivent shirts, the pillow case dresses, the hygiene kits, and let's not forget those pesky bottles and cans are all thanks to you; thank you for talking this faith walk with us.
Blessings and love,
Sally, Mona, Lexi, Marisa, Adam, Ryan, Dylan, Alaina, Lauren, and Megan
Thank you for your gracious reflection on the day's journey, knowing that many back home have been thinking of and praying for you all.Rejoicing with several of you who have been reunited after a year's separation and for those who begin new friendships this day. From 2 Thessalonians 2:16 "May the Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by His grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word." God bless your night and day tomorrow. Arlene Hallberg
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