Day Three - Sunday

Sunday is church day!  We took all 70+ kids and staff to church.  Believe it or not, we attended a mega-church in Guatemala City. It is one of only three in Central America. The church seats 12,000 and was built in phases only when they had the cash to do so - no loans.  It was a two hour service and although the music was in Spanish, it was still so touching - you just knew what the words were in your heart.  We had communion too, which was so special to do so while we're here serving God.

The afternoon was spent playing with the kids - Willie and Lana played cards and hung out with the little girls while Scott played Barbie Dolls with them...LOL... A work crew of Katie, Julie, Chris, Lori, Larry, Lorri, Barb, Bobby, & Dave  had to finish painting the office in the afternoon due to the pregnant worker coming in on Monday. The rest of the mission team played with the kids.

The evening was spent watching Kung Fu Panda, which Bobby gave a short lesson about how God uses the least of us to make a difference in this world.  The kids got a popcorn machine for Christmas, so they had movie and popcorn night.  It was a special treat for them and they savored every moment - some even ate 7 bowls of popcorn!

The weather is sunny, but cooler - low 70's with wind.  We can see two volcanos from the the school - Mt. Fuego which we see smoke coming out of about every other day.  We can also see Mt. Picao, which had a major eruption in May.  The school had 4" of ash they had to clean up, which resembled little pellets.  We also learned that ambulances here are actually pickup trucks that come and get you when they can.  We have a rooster that must be blind or something nearby as he crows at all hours of the day and night...ugh! (Hi Laurie, Josh, Zane and Allie;

There are 17 mission teams coming here this year. I can't help thinking about how difficult that must be on the kids as they connect with you, then you leave and a new team comes in for them to attach to.  I heard that it makes it harder for the kids to connect in relationships as they grow up.  The older kids know better and don't connect with us as well, but the younger kids crave love and have been clinging to us.

Dinner at Elmer and Sarah's home on Saturday night.

Left to right by row- Jose, Alec, Willie, Sarah, Willie, Lana, Elmer, Chris, Bobby, Larry, Trent

Chris, Bobby, Sarah, Elmer

Remember to keep Elmer and Sarah in your prayers as Elmer begins to Pastor a church.

Barb and Alejandro

Iris, Willie, Francis, Alejandra

Alejandra, Allette, Brian, Sonia, Julia

Dan the Ironman continues to work with a cast and crutches serving God and working on the team.

Bobby and Lee giving the lesson before the movie.

Dan the Ironman and Samy

The team heading to church.

Dan the Ironman digging a deep hole.

Willie and Arlette

Willie giving directions to Bobby - as usual :-)

Fraternidad Cristiano - the mega church 

Amy, Arlette, Katie, Iris, Alejandra Sunday afternoon

Dan's cast for his sprained ankle came from him trying to be like Mike (Michael Jordan that is). The basketball game score was even and time was running out. Pressure was on for both teams and nerves were high.  Dan got the ball and seeing the a path to the winning shot, took a chance on the layup and for it.  The crowd went wild as Dan made the move...and....and....came plummeting down on his right ankle and everyone held their breath as the ball went rolling off the court and Dan was left laying there as the game continued until a winner emerged.  Oh, and then we figured Dan needed to go to the hospital for x-rays but did he just get in the van - NOOOOO - he had to get his camera first before he would allow us to take him.   He finally came home hours later with a cast and crutches....and some good video tape.  Now he gets a driver and golf cart....hmmmmmmm

Movie night with the little kids who loved popcorn and Kung Fu Panda

Dave welding the bike rack

Julia, Aldolfo, and Katie

Picnic lunch on Saturday

Dave and Kevin

Randy, Lorri, Josue, Jorge