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Day 1 - Orientation

This morning we had a yummy breakfast followed by worship and devotional time. I wish all days could start this way! Next, we were given an orientation by the missionary liason. Many of the kids from last year recognized us during the tour and we got so many hugs and warm welcomes. Timmy was quickly invited to play basketball and Hannah was recruited for swing pushing. :) One of the girls that I connected with last year was having a rough morning so I was a little disappointed I didn’t get to see her. Totally understandable. Bank and Walmart were next on the list. We purchased all the food for the New Years Eve party.  We are all looking forward to it! I’m not sure how we fit 6 adults and all this food in a Honda Pilot, but we did! My friend from last year was working in the kitchen when we were unloading groceries. She shouted my name when I walked by and I received the brightest smile and kindest hug. I can’t wait to spend time with her and encourage her and pray with and for her. Wh
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Day 7 - Antigua

The team got a day off today and we had a wonderful time in Antigua. We left Casa Bernabe at 6am to beat traffic. These sweet buses are a very common way to travel in Guatemala. Most are lifted in the front and have tons of lights as well. First, we went to “La Cruz” to do our team devotion. The view was breathtaking and we got to see one of the 3 local volcanoes erupting. Super cool! Next, we went to the McDonald’s which is seriously beautiful! They have a section of the restaurant just for McCafe and you can get so many different kinds of coffee drinks and even cheesecake or small donuts. They also have free bathrooms here :) Afterwards, we explored some cathedral ruins, popped in to a few shops, and visited the market. Antigua is so colorful and vibrant.  When we picked Caleb up from the airport, I asked the house dad who drive us a lot of questions about the native clothing. I had no idea, but the different patterns and colors represent different indigenous heritages. The clothing

Day 5 - NYE Fiesta

In the morning, we attended church here at Casa Bernabé. When I entered the room, I was looking around for my family and there, in the front row, my friend had saved a seat for me. That was such a thoughtful gesture for a girl who is facing so much trouble in her life. I am so grateful for the honor to sit by her and worship together (although I felt so bad that I couldn’t sit next to my family). After church, we went in to all out preparation mode for the huge party we were going to throw the kids. Skit practice, trying up activities, cooking, dishes, and so much more. The team really came together and God provided everything that was needed and more. The smiles on the kids’ faces say it all! My favorite part of the evening is always bringing a meal to the families and eating with them in their homes. These girls were a riot! They entertained us with jokes and tongue twisters that we failed miserably at. After the fiesta, we praised God for all He has done for us this year and what He

Day 6 - Games!

We got to sleep in a little bit today and then we did a major clean up from the big party. In the afternoon, we had lots of time to play with the children and give them the attention they crave. Unfortunately, my friend had to visit with the director because she continues to make unsafe choices. It breaks my heart to watch her struggle. However, the Lord created this special girl for a purpose and I am trusting Him to draw her close and help her through her pain. He knows. We had arranged to play some board games with another house in the afternoon and we had so much fun.  The boys in this house are nuts - in a fun, energetic way. Most have ADD and/or ADHD, but the house parents are absolutely incredible. They found a way to channel their energy and need for stimulation into daily board games. I got to play Sequence with the house mom and a few kids while Caleb and Timmy played Settlers of Catan with the house dad. Hannah taught some of the others house to play Spot It and they also di

Day 4 - Low Key

The biggest blessing and answer to prayer today was the special time I got to spend with this beauty…. Thanking God for helping my friend make good choices today so I could selfishly spend time with her. We made bracelets for each other and caught up on life over the last year. Im looking forward to praying with her and asking God to reveal the correct time and place. We all need our Father so much and I’m praying that he draws her near. Our day…. 1. Kara helped make a sample meal for our big party tonight, but really had the most fun washing dishes with the middle school boys most of the morning. They are a riot! I love to joke around with them. 2. Hannah continued her diligent work in the bodega and doing hundreds of stairs again. She also spent some time playing volleyball with the girls today. Ask her how her wrists feel! 3. Timmy took one for the team and headed to the store today to get more food and supplies needed for projects and the NYE party tomorrow night. Part of the shopp