We're Here!by Elijah Platchek | January 3, 2015 5:52 PM
The team arrived safely at the airport in Guatemala City this afternoon. We loaded up our suitcases, hopped on the bus, and headed for our lodging site for the week!
First Day of MInistryby Elijah Platchek | January 4, 2015 10:03 PM
We spent most of the afternoon at the top of the mountains overlooking lake Amatitlan. Our team play games, painted nails, made friendship bracelets, and played football (both soccer and American football).
Pelota!by Elijah Platchek | January 4, 2015 10:07 PM
That is Spanish for "ball", that is all we have to say to start a soccer game! We won't mention that it was a complete blow out between Guatemala vs America. However, relationships were strengthened and friendships are forming!
Sunday AM at "the Line"by Karen Graham | January 5, 2015 11:52 AM
Approximately 250 families, the poorest of the poor, live in an area called the "line" where the old railroad tracks ran. We joined the church in an open air service down in the "Line" area, with well over 100 children in attendance.
Sunday Evening Serviceby Karen Graham | January 5, 2015 11:54 AM
We had an incredible time joining the local church and Pastor Regelio during the evening worship service! Sarah shared her testimony, we had a great time enjoying the "spanish" style worship (lots of clapping!), and we ended with a beautiful time of communion facilitated by missionary Les Melton.
Prep for Food Distributionby Karen Graham | January 5, 2015 11:57 AM
In preparation for going door to door in the village, we loaded bags with essentials including rice, beans, flour and sugar. We're working to reinforce the ministry of the local church as they do such a wonderful job reaching out to families in desperate situations.
Fun and Gamesby Karen Graham | January 5, 2015 12:12 PM
Enjoying our time with the children!
Schools Loving Schoolsby Elijah Platchek | January 7, 2015 7:52 AM
We were able to serve on Tuesday in a 'red zone' district. We began a partnership with New Hope Christian School through serving their families with food distribution, while our teaching staff provided a Professional Development time with the teachers from New Hope. This picture sums up the amazing time of supporting this school, a light in the darkness.
Piggyback Rides!by Karen Graham | January 8, 2015 10:22 AM
We had a great time playing with the children who live on "The Line" in Amatitlan.
Sharing Our Storiesby Karen Graham | January 8, 2015 5:12 PM
We connected with the children by sharing our stories. Each child had the opportunity to draw a picture and share about their lives. Then they made a mural depicting their hopes and dreams for the future.
Buen Provecho!by Karen Graham | January 8, 2015 5:36 PM
Guatemalan food is delicious! Our cooks this week have been fantastic and we've enjoyed many traditional Guatemalan dishes.
Street Marketby Karen Graham | January 9, 2015 6:03 PM
Every day we passed by street after street of markets, bustling city life!
Guatemalan Ice Cream Breakby Karen Graham | January 9, 2015 6:09 PM
Some of the guys enjoyed a nice view after lunch on their ice cream break.
Principal Mildredby Karen Graham | January 9, 2015 6:16 PM
Principal Mildred addressed the team at the end of our day there, having conducted a teacher's workshop, distributed food to local residents, and assembling some shelving we purchased locally. She was so extremely appreciative of the love Dayspring offered through their work - and hearts were joined in ongoing school to school partnership!!
District Pastors Visitby Karen Graham | January 9, 2015 6:18 PM
The district meeting of pastors was happening not far from the school, so they stopped by to see the work they had heard about. The pastors were all very encouraged to see the team helping their local school. As you can see, they are a lively bunch!
Chameleon?by Karen Graham | January 9, 2015 6:23 PM
What a coincidence! This little lad greeted us on the street during food distribution, notice how he matches the wall color!
Greeting a Familyby Karen Graham | January 9, 2015 6:24 PM
We had a nice visit with this family, they live just down the street from the school.
The "Plank"by Karen Graham | January 9, 2015 6:26 PM
We had the privilege of visiting a new church plant established by a Bible Institute graduate. They currently meet on the porch of a house (nick named "the plank") and what a view!
None of us will ever forget the sermon that night, the power of God demonstrated, and the lives changed forever. It was one of the key highlights of the week!
On Top of the Worldby Karen Graham | January 9, 2015 6:28 PM
This is a view from an overlook above the village we worked in (Amatitlan). You can see the team and children playing in the field in the foreground. Guatemala, it's just beautiful!
Banana's!!!by Karen Graham | January 9, 2015 6:31 PM
We had over 200 children gather every day, and man did they love to go - BANANA'S!!!
Letters from the Kidsby Karen Graham | January 9, 2015 6:36 PM
We had the joy of inviting Pastor Regelio to our closing meeting. He surprised us with letters of thanks the children had written to the team. John (Mr. Witty :O) made the observation that, thankfully, Pastor will continue the work that we were just a part of - sustainable ministry! Pastor's team of teachers will continue on, and for that we are so humbled and thankful!
