Day 2 - Bodega, Rats, and Airport

First of all, thank you to anyone praying specifically for my protection against “arthropod assault.” I have only gotten one bite and it’s not bad at all. By this time last year I was pretty well snacked on. My armor is knee high socks, long pants, lots of deet, insect repellent bands worn around my ankles, and avoiding areas that were problematic for me last year. I’m so happy and thankful that I haven’t had any issues! Such a blessing!

Second, I completely forgot to share that yesterday this sweetheart came up to me and said, “You prayed for me last year, do you remember me?” To be honest, I didn’t remember his name and he has changed a lot in appearance, but I do remember very clearly praying with two boys who were struggling. He’s doing so much better and thriving. God has been working in his life and he will (and does) have quite a testimony to share.

This morning we got to work on re-organizing the “bodega” which is where they house all of the donations (mostly clothing). 

Before…

During…

After…

I only helped for a portion of the project, but the ladies told me that Hannah was a beast carrying loads and loads of hangers and clothing up and down several flights of concrete stairs. Tomorrow afternoon the families are going to bring the children “shopping.” The moms are so excited to have a more organized experience. It can be pretty stressful sorting through so many clothing items for 10+ children in a household to find what everyone needs. Another blessing! I thought this project would take the whole week but these ladies had it finished by the time I got back from the airport with Caleb.

Aren’t you dying to know about the rats? There were a few rats nests (and live ones) in a storage area under the missionary team dining room. The area was filled with junk. As our leader, Tom, said, there is no excuse for filth. He wanted to take care of this right away as it is a health/hygiene issue. Timmy gloved up and as some adults on the team started clearing out the misc items, Timmy hauled them in a wheelbarrow up the hill (not a Michigan hill! A real hill) and emptied them onto a fire. Hopefully I’ll have a before and after picture to share from someone on the team soon. 

I’m so proud of my kids because they stepped it up…while they were working their tails off I was enjoying a ride to the airport, coffee at McDonalds, and then lunch at Pollo Campero. Didn’t feel a whole lot like a missions trip for me today, but it was really special to be invited to join the driver (a house parent) and the missionary liason. I got to know them on a much deeper level and they taught me a lot about Casa Bernabe and Guatemalan culture. They were so gracious to answer my millions of questions.

It was amazing to have Caleb join us and I could feel a heavy weight lifted off the kids shoulders. He says that Paisley is doing amazing and we are so so grateful to everyone who offered to take a turn helping with her. My in laws are keeping her for the week and she loves her grandparents.

Some of the team demo’d a wall in the beauty salon to begin the expansion project. I don’t think Caleb was too disappointed to miss out on the rat fiesta, but I know he is looking forward to helping with the salon.

Tomorrow, the team is heading to the village of Jocotillo. Three team members and a house dad went out to this village today to buy rice, corn and beans from the local farmers. No joke…they go 1 ton of rice, 1 ton of beans, and 1/2 ton of corn. Your returnables donations (and monetary) provided $500 of the $2200 needed for this blessing for the community. THANK you for feeding the hungry. The food will be distributed through the church there tomorrow.

It hasn’t quite worked out schedule wise to hang out with my buddy from last year. When I got back from the airport I got to watch her play soccer. After the game we arranged to meet up in the morning because she’s working in the kitchen most of the day. After we parted ways I remembered that we were going to Jocotillo. I felt terrible because I wasn’t sure if there would be another time to connect this week because we are busy with projects. During our team debrief and prayer time, I felt God nudgung me to ask permission to stay back tomorrow to honor my promise to my friend. The leaders all said absolutely and that it would actually be quite helpful to the house she lives in to get a break from the undesireable behaviors, but even more so for my friend because some of the behavior is most likely for attention. She craves one-on-one but isn't able to receive as much as she wants or needs because there are so many children and only 2-3 house parents/helpers per household.

I can't wait!!! What a beautiful gift of time for the both of us!

It’s beautiful to see the body of Christ working together, using the gifts God has given them to accomplish his purposes. I’m so grateful to have this opportunity. Thank you for your love and support (and prayers! We need lots of them!)