In San Lucas

We have made our way to San Lucas Toliman.  A town of about 12000 people, but that serves 30-40k people. San Lucas will be our base camp for the next four days. We got here yesterday afternoon after traveling from Guatemala City on Sunday.  On Sunday we also spent some time at Eagles nest orphanage, where we spent a couple hours hold , reading books to, and just loving on the children.  The orphanage is always a hard day for some of us, as our hearts break for these little guys. It's was neat to see a couple of the kids that we remembered from 2 years ago, and for the first timers it was inspiring to see the love that the missionaries have for these kids.  This time my heart broke for a little guy named Berney.  When we got there the little kids were out walking around.  As they walked past us Berney slowed down to figure out why we were there.  Quickly I realize he had gotten separated from the group so I gave him my hand and led him to where he belonged. Later when we went in to see them he sought me out and had me pick him up and hold him.  It was both cute and heart breaking.  

After spending the night at the orphanage we got up Monday morning and went to meet a guy named Mike who is a missionary in Pana.  Mike runs a coffee shop and roastery and uses that as a place to share the gospel. He is just one of those people that exudes the love of Christ.  After having coffee with Moke we then went zip lining.  One of the cool things that happened zip lining was that Parker convince Zach Agrellas to try it.  Zach had never gone before (despite the many opportunities he has had ever time his family hosts a group), but because of the strong relationship that our young men have formed with Zach, this time he wanted to try (despite his fear of heights).  It was just neat to see that we as a team are connecting with and encouraging their family.

After zip lining we had to hurry to catch out boat ride to Terri's house, so we jumped in a line of tuk tuks (small motorcycle like taxis) that took us to the docks.  We then boated over to Terri's house where we had lunch, spent some time getting to know Terri, and a few of us (Parker, Nicholas, Chloe, Kassidy, and myself) decided to swim in the lake.  I can not tell you how beautiful it was looking up out of a volcanic crater lake.  It was then back on the boats to get to San Lucas. 

In San Lucas we got settled in, had dinner and started preparing for a week of house building and kids programs. Then... then it hit.  Practically all at once for four of us (Kassidy, Cheryl, Megan, and myself) then had the worst case of food poisoning I have ever experienced. Everyone of us said it was the worst sickness we have ever experienced. Luckily we each had our own bathroom to hang out in.  In the morning we sent the team on without us so that the sick ones could sleep and start to recover. For me it was hard to be sending the team without going with them. But it was a chance for the team to shine without Cheryl or my leadership. Later in the day, Kassidy, Kim, and I went up to the worksites to check on everyone and help lead the vbs that we were in charge of. They were doing great, working hard, and having a lot of fun. It's good to get building and exciting to be here in the villages. I love this part of Guatemala. The culture, the people, the beauty of God's world. This is an amazing place and God is an amazing God.