It's Time To Go Back!

It's that time of year again...high school students will be signing up to go on our trip in March/April 2012. We will begin the signups by letting the 11th and 12th graders sign up first. After a certain date, if there is enough space on the trip, we will begin letting sophomores sign up, and then freshmen if there are still spots remaining.

TO SIGN UP:
Grab a Guatemala registration packet in The Lodge and turn the 2 forms in along with a $50 non-refundable deposit. The total cost of this year's trip will be close to $1,500 per person.

Additional Insights on the Guatemala Family Mission Trip

One of the great opportunities we had was to install wood burning stoves in the houses in the landfill. They usually use open fires for their cooking. Below is an article taken from the Helps International website. They were the provider of the stoves. It is so easy to take running water and a clean cooking source for granted. The team was able to install multiple stoves throughout the homes of the families of El Camino church this week.

The Problem

In the late 1980's, HELPS International's medical teams reported an alarming number of children being treated for burns and numerous respiratory problems. Don O'Neal, an engineer with HELPS, investigated and found that the problem was the method of cooking that the indigenous Mayan women used in their homes, a centuries old tradition:  cooking meals using an open fire pit on the dirt floor of their one room homes known as a "three-stone fire" with no ventilation, so families were inhaling noxious fumes causing Acute Respiratory Infections (ARI).  More specifically, Mr. O'Neal found:

·         That the high instances of facial and hand burns were due to children falling into these open fires when they were playing or learning to walk. 

·         That excessive smoke inhalation is the leading cause of death in Guatemalan children under the age of 5, according to the World Health Organization.   The deadly gas carbon monoxide was found to be twice the level considered to be dangerous. 

·         That inefficient burning of wood for three-stone fires required the women and children to gather huge amounts of wood daily, contributing to Guatemala's deforestation at a level of 2% per year. The time lost to long treks to get the wood combined with the effect of carrying heavy loads had a detrimental health impact on women and their families. 

The Solution

After consideration of the cultural as well as technological factors surrounding three-stone fires, Don O'Neal developed the "ONIL" Stove, a method of cooking that is compatible with traditional methods.

Today, thousands of rural Mayan families are using the ONIL Stove with the following benefits:  

·         The fire is contained in a clay-fired firebox in an insulated, durable stove that sits off the floor, thus minimizing the risk of burns to small children.

·         Vented by a galvanized steel chimney, the stove uses an efficient burning technology, and virtually eliminates smoke and deadly carbon monoxide in the home. Using the ONIL stove means longer life expectancy, safer child development, and more time and energy for families.   

·         The ONIL stove reduces wood consumption by 70%, resulting in a long-term benefit to the environment and a better quality of life for families. 

·         Women who use the ONIL stove gained the equivalent of two days a week in time saved from gathering wood, allowing them time for social and economic activities like cultivating a vegetable garden. 

·         Each ONIL stove uses only 15% of the equivalents of one tree per month per family, and, since there are over 40,000 stoves in use, Guatemalans are saving over 300,000 trees per year.

Guatemala Family Mission Trip Day 6: Thursday, July 28, 2011

“No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws them, and I will raise them up at the last day.” John 6:44a

This morning, we awoke to the smells of fresh fruit and coffee served at our Hotel de Carmen.  We were greeted by sunny skies and a gorgeous view of the volcano from the rooftop of our hotel. We then loaded up our vans and took a short ride to Casa Shalom, an orphanage located 30 minutes outside of Antigua. We were met by boys and girls playing on an asphalt playground with old soccer balls and makeshift toys. It amazed me not only how happy the kids were to see us, but how independent they were as well. A few of them were working in their garden planting various fruits and vegetables. After a spirited game of soccer, where the "gringos" were soundly beaten by Team Casa Shalom, we gathered in a circle to read a story about Nicodemus and made bracelets. The Holy Spirit was upon us as six children accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. What a great way to end our short visit!

From there we ate a quick lunch back in Antigua at the nicest McDonalds that I've ever seen. We then had some free time to walk around the square and do some shopping. We were treated to a great dinner at Hotel Antigua and enjoyed fellowship with Pastor Saul and his family. A great end to a wonderful day! Hard to believe that we only have one day left in Guatemala. I believe that although our limbs and minds are tired, our hearts and souls are overflowing with God's grace and a newfound sense of purpose in our lives.

Brian Willman

First time to Guatemala

Guatemala Family Mission Trip Day 5: Wednesday, July 27, 2011

“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11

Yesterday, we went to a special needs hospital. I had no idea what to expect, but I could not even imagine how many children were there. They are trapped in their own bodies. It was a temporary sadness for me and the team. We can leave them and our sadness behind, but that is their life. As I was thinking and taking everything in, I started rubbing a little girl’s hand. I felt led to start singing “Jesus Loves Me." I looked down and saw this little child, who was trapped in a cage, with the biggest smile across her face. Even though I was happy, I started crying and decided to take my sadness and spread joy to these children that have little joy in their lives. The rest of the time I was there I walked around and spent time with each individual child in our room. Before we left we prayed, and I felt changed. We still have two more days of ministry, and I am excited to see what else God has in store for us.

Regan Puckett

13 years old

When we went to the special needs hospital yesterday, I was nervous to say the least. There are many people who have special gifts for children with disabilities, but I do not consider myself one of those people, so I was a bit uncomfortable. Nevertheless, when we arrived I just began to walk around and pray for each child. It was both eye-opening and heartbreaking to see this different side of missions. There are people that simply aren't going to comprehend the words you are saying about Jesus and His love, so all you can do is your best to SHOW them His love. It was definitely one of the hardest things I have ever had to experience, but I left that hospital knowing that Jesus holds every one of those children in the palm of His hand and loves them unconditionally.

Anna Eades

17 years old

Guatemala Family Mission Trip Day 4: Tuesday, July 26, 2011

“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” (Matthew 25:35-36)

Another blessed day in Guatemala!  We went back to the preschool to sing, laugh, and play with children.   In the older class, we celebrated Evelin's birthday, which followed her “born again" birthday from the day before.  She was one of the children who asked Jesus into her heart at last night's service.  We got to love on her again today as Brian prayed over her this time.

Many of the men left early to tackle the job still to do at the dump.  All in all, they were able to put in 15 and a half stoves.  Mind you, Bruce and Brian R. were on this job so that helps explain the half done job! :)  A particular highlight from this project is that Jennifer's family received one of the stoves! Jennifer is the little girl that inspired this project because she had been very sick from carbon monoxide due to the makeshift cooking stove her family used.

Meanwhile, the rest of the group hosted activities for many of the precious children of the dump.  Yet again, we were amazed at the love they show for one another, but the best lesson from the day came from one young mother.  Tamara Willman had been holding this lady's eight month old baby both times we were there.  As we got ready to leave, this lady gave Tamara her ring!  Tamara tried to refuse it, but one of the interpretations explained that refusing to accept the gift would be an insult to the lady.  Just like the Widows Mite, she gave all she had to show her love and gratitude.  God continues to work in us!

This evening was spent at Pastor Saul's church.  We were blessed with their praise and worship even though the only word most of us could make out was Jesus.  The Holy Spirit was in that place!  Robert preached, Allie shared a word, Brian gave his testimony, and we all sang Amazing Grace to the congregation (in English, of course).  Okay, so we messed up a few words, but they didn't understand us anyway. Actually, we are considering starting our own choir after that performance.  Who knew we could harmonize so well?  Before leaving, we paired up with members of the church to pray specifically for one another, out loud and at the same time.  It was truly an amazing and powerful time of prayer unhindered by a language barrier. Our God is a God of all languages.

Lakewood Family Mission Trip

Guatemala Family Mission Trip Day 3: Monday, July 25, 2011

"We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please his neighbor for his good, to build him up. For even Christ did not please himself.” Romans 15: 1-3

Today, we were His hands and feet. This morning, we went to the preschool to work with the kids to do arts and crafts, a story, and a snack. The kids were so excited to see us, and we were so excited to see them. They sang for us when we first arrived, and then our families went into the classrooms and started the love. We had such a great time loving on them and playing with them. The little children here are artists! They take great pride in their coloring. I met a little girl there, Zoe, who stole my heart. She would not let go of me. I have no idea what her home life is like, but I just held her and prayed for her. It was amazing to see the preschool that Lakewood supports. It's a wonderful place right across the street from the dump. The teachers are wonderful! They provide great instruction and hope for these children.

After a yummy lunch at Seteca, we changed and headed to the dump. The ladies planned to do VBS, and the men planned to install stoves in the homes of the dump. The shelter we went to do VBS in was filled with many happy children. I would be lying if I said I was not afraid of the dirtiness of the place and the people.  However, I said a prayer, and everyone started to relax and play. Anna was amazing in leading the children in a couple of songs. Then we moved into the story time. Alaina told the story of David and Goliath three times today with Elsa translating. The children showed respect and seemed to understand and enjoy it. After the story, the children played Duck, Duck, Goose. It was so neat to see that these children are just like mine. They like to play games, they love a snack, and they need love most of all. I do not know much Spanish, but I can speak love. I'm so proud of the dads and young men that installed the stoves. My son saw inside several homes today in the dump, and he will forever look at our home in a much different way. We are so richly blessed. Where much is given, much is expected.

Finally, we did the hardest mission thus far: the Neighbor Church. This is held at the preschool's courtyard every Monday night. Usually only the men of Lakewood go to this event, but we as families decided we would all go. There was someone at the locked door to let us in. I was overwhelmed by the smell of mineral spirits and glue. Robert had told us that this “neighbor” night consists of men that were high on glue, and they were definitely high. It was scary to say the least. I prayed open-eyed, "Lord give this place your grace and presence." There were little children there that we took upstairs and this was the third place sweet Alaina shared the story. After the story, six children accepted Christ!  We laid hands on them and prayed, “Praise You, Lord, for You are faithful to answer.” He answered my prayer. He showed himself in a mighty way in that scary place. I had no idea what was going on downstairs with the men, but we were shedding tears of joy upstairs.

I'm so thankful for this time to serve alongside my son and these families of Lakewood.

Jennifer Hicks

Guatemala Family Mission Trip Day 2: Sunday July 24, 2011

Our day started with a light breakfast of coffee cakes and fruit in the courtyard of Setca. Everyone seemed to be well rested and ready for our day of traveling to the Shadow of His Wings Orphanage to work with over 70 girls aged 3-19.

The three hour ride to the orphanage was absolutely beautiful. We saw rolling, tropical mountains that were so lush and green they looked like they were from a movie. We passed active volcanoes, coffee plantations, pineapple fields, rows of huge banana and avocado trees, acres of sugarcane and corn, and herds of sheep and cattle. Very beautiful scenery, but as we passed through the small towns and villages, the corrugated metal sheds, barbed wire fences and tall concrete walls surrounding homes reminded us that this is still a very rural, poverty stricken country where people need compassion, love and hope.

Upon arriving at the orphanage, we were greeted by a loving staff that prepared a wonderful lunch for us and explained their ministry to girls aged 3-19.  It was quickly apparent that this was not what most of us envisioned when we were told we would be visiting an orphanage. This is more of a "girls home" that cares for orphaned girls that have been placed with them through the court system. They have 5 families that live onsite and care for 8-12 girls each as a functioning family unit. We were very impressed with the families and children. We were able to spend several hours with them singing songs, making bracelets, telling Bible stories about the love of Jesus as well as just hanging out with our new friends. Several of our mission team families mentioned they wished we had more time to spend with the girls there. It didn't take long to start getting attached.

The staff also shared with us that they were expanding next year to start housing boys that need a good, loving environment to live in. We pray God continues to open doors and provides resources for this organization to minister to the children of Guatemala.

Last night I wondered how any of us could really make a difference in this place where so much is needed. God spoke to me through His word in Luke 9:10-17. After reading the story of how Jesus feed the 5000 with just a few loaves of bread and a couple of fish, I realized, once again, I had it all wrong. "I" probably couldn't make much of a difference, but "I" could be obedient to His word by ministering to these people who need it so badly. Even though I just hung out and made a few bracelets, handed out a few bottles of juice and cookies, and tried to make a few children smile, I was sure God could multiply the efforts  like He did with the loaves and fish and use the experiences of this day for huge things in His kingdom. We will probably never know how much impact we made on this trip, but one thing we do know...TODAY, Sunday, July 24, 2011, we saw two small, Guatemalan girls accept Christ as their personal savior ! Hopefully that can be the start to making eternal differences in the lives of many more as these children tell others about their experience.

Again, this is all about Gods work...we did nothing special today...but we did do what God called us to do and He used us to make a difference in the lives of a few beautiful families.

Thank you, God, for allowing us to be a part of this. I know this is just the start to seeing many more exciting things this week as You work in the lives of the people of Guatemala.

Henry Lawson

First time traveler to Guatemala

Guatemala Family Mission Trip Day 1: Saturday July 23, 2011

“But you, God, see the trouble of the afflicted; you consider their grief and take it in hand. The victims commit themselves to you; you are the helper of the fatherless.”

Psalm 10:14

Well, this day started very early for us all. Many of us left Gainesville before daybreak. However, to Robert's surprise, we were all on time.  God was definitely already at work! After gate changes, terminal changes, passengers disembarking an overbooked flight, our 9:50 a.m. flight departed at 12:50 p.m.  We kept ourselves entertained and amused, and with some of the adults on the trip, this was easy to do!  Going on a mission trip has brought back some fond memories.  Others of us are experiencing what is sure to be a spiritual marker in our lives for the first time.  

Our flight arrived safely, and once through the airport, we were greeted by Allie, Anna, Sydney and a host of worshippers from Pastor Saul's church singing a praise song to God!  What a great way to start a trip.  We settled into Seteca, our new and temporary home, and headed out to see the places we will be serving.  This was humbling and in the words of Parker Hendrix, "a shock."  It didn't take long for our children to see how blessed we are; a sentiment realized by all.

We visited Pastor Saul's church first.  Let us say thank you to Lakewood for being committed to helping this church.  It is full of servants ministering daily to the poorest of people.  Next, we toured the dump.  Words cannot fully describe what we saw here. Contentment lives in the middle of trash, bugs, diseased animals, raw sewage, mounds of used plastic and over-crowdedness.  Yet, we were greeted with smiles and laughter, hugs and children wanting to be carried or swung by their arms.  Immediately, our hearts were touched and the very people we came to serve were teaching us.  God never seizes to amaze us.  Our last stop before our authentic American meal at Wendy's was to the lot where the preschool we support as a church looks to relocate in the future.  With the plans in hand, as a congregation, we prayed over this lot. Please be in prayer for this project.  Pray that the building can be started as we work with the city in this process. So many more children can be nurtured in a bigger facility, and hopefully, families will be able to begin breaking out of the cycle of poverty that four generations have already experienced.  

Well, it has been quite a full and emotionally draining day.  Thank you for all the prayers and support.  God is at work, and we are a blessed people.  Good night to all!

Lakewood Family Mission Trip 2011

P.s. Please let our families know that we haven't lost any of the children, yet! (Namely, Kevin.) :-)

June 2 and 3, 2011 Guatemala Construction Trip Day 4 and 5

Day 5 and 6, July 2nd and 3rd

These past two days were tough and wonderful at the same time. They were tough because we knew that our week was coming to a close and our time with the people in Guatemala was limited. On the other hand, they were both days filled with the Spirit of the Lord as we finished 5 more houses for the people in the dump.

After we finish each house, we pray for the family that lives there and each time you can see the appreciation and joy in their hearts after receiving a brand new remodeled home A few families were in tears! This past week we have seen 12 new remodeled homes for the people in Guatemala that will provide shelter for about 50+ people, and after the last two days we did not want to come home because of the houses we had seen that were still in need of roofs, walls, doors, and etc. There is still so much more work that needs to be done in the dump which makes our time here seem too short.

Wednesday evening we had time together with Pastor Saul and some of the families we had built houses for, and our time consisted of more prayer and gratification. For some reason the way that these people pray for us stirs up emotion that grips your heart. Every time we gather with them to pray, they desire to pray for us, and without understanding the words, you can feel the presence of the Lord in their words of appreciation and thankfulness. It's an overwhelming experience to be prayed for like that on a mission trip again and again. Their prayers magnify their hearts and how thankful they are for their new homes and for our group who followed a call to do what the Lord desired. I don't know if there were any salvations this year, but we most certainly know that the Lord is using and will use our time down here to change lives! The feeling of serving in this country has been more than humbling and places us down on one knee before the Lord as we return to the U.S. as servants of the King.

Thursday morning we went and finished our last homes of the week and began to clean up and clear out of the dump in Guatemala. Before we left the dump and departed to head to lunch, our group, Pastor Saul, Darwin and Ingrid gathered to pray once more for the people there. We have prayed for each family and the people here multiple times every day, but it still feels like we can do more, give more and pray more for them. Our interpreter, Ingrid, prayed and tears came to our eyes as she has a heart for us and the people in the dump. If I could bring some of these people back home to Georgia I would.  They are more of an encouragement to us than we are to them. It's funny how the Lord can do that with people like us on a trip because He knows what it is we need to see or hear so that we can further glorify His name.

I want to thank everyone who made this trip possible: families for letting their husband go for a week, Lakewood for partnering with Pastor Saul and making this opportunity possible, and the men and women on this trip for following a call and serving with their hands and feet.

In Christ, Mark Thomas

Tuesday, May 31st, 2011 Day 3

On day three, we completed three more houses to bring our total to five. Construction is going well, and the families in the dump all know that we are here as they come out and watch us rebuild houses.

This afternoon one of our groups finished a house and gathered to pray for the family that lived in there. Instead of one of us praying for them, the woman that lived in the house just started praying for our team. She was unaware that we wanted to pray more for her. Of course most of them couldn't even understand what she was saying, but several guys said, “We didn't even know what she was saying, but you could feel that she was praying for us! It was in another language, but it was one of the best prayers I have ever heard in my life!" Our interpreter Anna Maria said that she had tears in her eyes as she listened to what they lady was praying. The lady in the home prayed for God to protect us, to send angels down, and that the Lord would meet all of our needs because we have given so much to her family. It was a different feeling to be prayed for on a mission trip but very powerful at the same time. It gave us a clear picture of how appreciative and thankful the people are here in Guatemala and their perspective on life.

The kids in the dump love to come by and play or try and talk with us. They are a joy to be around! They come by our site and interact with us, but somehow you can almost always understand what it is that they want after a few minutes of being with them. It just breaks my heart as we have learned this week that some kids have never really left the dump because it is their home, and they will probably never live anywhere else. The environment that some families grow up in at the dump has been the same for three or four generations, so the kids here are not even aware of any other way of life. Some will grow up and dig through trash and others will grow up and get involved with drugs because that is one of ways quickest ways to make money.

Tuesday evening we went to Pastor Saul's church, saw a beautiful building in the downtown area, and attended their church service along with about 45 others. We sang songs in Spanish the best we could and listened to some encouraging words from Robert Puckett on time and relationships and how they are related. After the service some of the members of the church and Pastor Saul laid hands on us and prayed for us. Again it was an unexpected moment for us as we were being prayed for again. It just shows the heart of the people here and how they are so thankful. They appreciate every bit of hard work and wanted to thank the Lord for all that we have given.

We pray and hope that tomorrow will be the same as our week has reached the middle. Pray for us that we can continue to work hard and serve where God leads.

Monday May 15th, 2011, Day 2

Today was a busy day that consisted of culture shock, construction, and Christ. We started out eating black beans and drinking warm milk that the local seminary provided for us, which is not our usual breakfast back home, but we were thankful. After breakfast we started our eye opening day and headed to the dump around 9 o'clock to survey and prep ourselves for what laid ahead of us.

You may have heard people or Dr. Tom from Lakewood talk about the dump after coming back from this trip, but until you are here your idea of the dump may not even be close. One of our crew member said today "whatever you think about abject poverty...it's worse than that", which is a pretty accurate description of the kind of environment God had us serving in today. I cannot even begin to describe to you what goes through your mind or how you feel when you see people going through trash for a living, kids sniffing glue to fight hunger, smelling filth in the air because there are no bathrooms, or seeing people drink water out of trash they found on the ground.

Our team split into two groups today and helped remodel/construct two houses that were either rained on during the night or had used tarps as their roof the night before.

Walking through the dump we heard the kids say "gringos gringos" as they watched us carry supplies near their homes. Going in there to find the particular "house" to work on instantly puts a different perspective on the word possessions as you realize the cloths on your back may have cost more than the money they see in a month.

A few of us got to work with Pastor Saul, who i have more respect for within a few minutes of meeting him than friends I've had my whole life. Even with a language barrier you can understand his heart for Christ by how he acts or what he does for these people. He shows it not just in his words but in His sacrifice for the Lord as he washed peoples hands and hair this evening, and then served them food. It is so clear that he listens to the Lord, and is willing to do whatever the Lord asks. We can praise him and admire what he is doing but only his courage, sacrifice, and willingness to follow a call. Someone said today as we were watching a young man come to him for help that "pastor Saul is a hero here". He replied, "no it's Jesus".

Jesus is the only reason we are here. We will be here for a week and constructing houses that take three hours to finish, but given the chance the tools will be laid down to share the Gospel that will establish a stronger foundation than some wood and tin. I am honored to be apart of what Pastor Saul and his team are doing because it is more than just building small 12 X 12 houses or serving food, but they are being Jesus to these people with their hands and feet!

This week is already humbling as we realize that we are being used by the Lord as an answer to prayer for these people.

Thoughts from our team...

"Appreciative for so little that we did"

"Children are a special part of the week. They have a way of touching your heart."

"They are serving the same Jesus in Guatemala City as in Gainesville, Ga.

"You Really see Christ in Pastor Saul, because he brings it to life."

"God loves the people down here the same as me"

"What's going to happen when we leave?"

Guatemala Blog 05/29/11 Sunday, Day One

Mission Team-Jimmy Martin, Charles Pharr, Dale Stauffer, Yale Moore, Mike Beard, Richard Hunt, Babe Campbell, David Waldrip, Mark Thomas, David Dillard, Tom Bryant, James Tipton, Anna Maria Tipton, and Robert Puckett

Hey Lakewood, we are back at it and on another adventure to build houses and

support Pastor Saul and his church. Iglesia El Camino. Getting to the airport was very smooth thanks to great volunteers. We arrived got the team through security, got to the gate, and boarded on time. I thought to myself this is going to easy, where is the stretch in this. Then it occurred, the pilot came on while taxing out of the gate, and stated the word you hate to hear, DELAY! I thought ok how long. Well needless to say 2 hours later and after replacing an engine computer we were back at it.

The flight was smooth and we would be there soon. We connected quickly with several of our friends at the airport, got checked in at Seteca Seminary and made our way to our favorite neighborhood in Guatemala, Rayitos de Esperanza (Rays of Hope) school. We walked from the school to around the corner, where the new school will be built and were greeted from several families and friends we have connected with over the years that Lakewood has been serving in Guatemala. We had a short service and time of prayer. Pastor Saul welcomed us in the meeting and told the families how we would be serving this week in the landfill, the families and people were so excited that we had arrived, their faces were filled with so many smiles. We then were able to pass out shoes to 20 or more children, new shoes for caldron who have so little. I bet you could guess their response, smiles, thanks and joy. I was so blown away from their gratitude and expressions of thanksgiving. The children didn't care about the color, the brand, or even if it was a perfect fit. I have some thoughts on this shoe experience in the landfill neighborhood of Guatemala

First, the reality of why do we take so much for granted. We have so much to be thankful for, and we miss giving thanks a good bit of the time. I want to be more thankful! In a recent Bible study I did on the word blessed and blessing it meant to be totally content in God and His provisions. It means you were satisfied in Him alone. I desire to be more satisfied in Him. I want to be blessed in that since of the word, not hobbies, possessions, or stuff.

Matthew 6:33-"But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you."

Secondly, thanking about the shoes and the children's experience of possibly having new shoes for the first time. I thought of our salvation and how Christ greets us and clothes us in Him. A far better gift then our temporary needs, as important as that is. I want to be more appreciative for the great gift God has given to us in Christ...we have been clothed in His righteousness.

We start construction today in the landfill. Please keep our team in your prayers, more later.

Thanks,

Robert Puckett

June Trip Is Almost Here!

Several of our church members will be traveling to Guatemala City, Guatemala to build and repair homes in the Guatemala City landfill.

Group Photo

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Last One!

Thank you all for reading the blog, and for your support (prayers and financially) that made this trip possible! This has been an incredible group of students and adults, and I can't wait for you all to hear their stories.

WARNING FOR PARENTS:
Sometimes trips like these can lead to isolation, depression, and feelings of irritation for a few days after the trip because of the things we have experienced. Please be aware that these feelings are normal (leaving complete poverty and coming back to a life of abundance) for students and adults alike. Also, know that stories may not start coming out until each person is ready to share. Please be patient and sensitive to what your children are dealing with. When it is the right time...they will start sharing and talking for as long as you can handle it! : )

Please let me (Cliff) or Allie know if you are concerned or need help!


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Guatemala Photo Album...More Updates Soon

http://www.flickr.com/photos/39874975@N05/sets/72157626457185102/

Pictures From The Week

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Malnutrition Center & Some Pics

Today our group went to the malnutrition center to play with, hold, and love 70+ children that have been orphaned or dropped off by parents that can't afford to feed them. The center is managed and maintained by only a handful of people, so the children often go without/or get very little attention (being held, hugged, and kissed) but ARE being fed and taken care of. Our group got to run around with, hug, and love on these kids almost all day long!! Some of the pictures are below: (more pictured coming tomorrow)
























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