Guatemala 2024/25

Dadada

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 cloth...

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 als...

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...