Guatemala – Day 4

First off I want to say, Happy Birthday to Dayton and Dara! I love you both so much! Today has definitely been a bittersweet day, trying to go about the day like normal but constantly thinking of Dara and wishing Dayton were physically here! I can’t express how I feel and what is going on in my mind. I just know I don’t understand it, I’ll probably never understand it and my heart breaks. My last mission trip I was on, just about every morning started off skyping with Dayton … a time I truly enjoyed. We had some really great conversations. And some we were looking forward to when I got back to the states – he didn’t want to talk about some things over skype, he thought it’d be better in person. And this trip I find myself wanting to skype with him and tell him everything about being here. Man, I REALLY REALLY REALLY miss him! It still is such a surreal feeling. I don’t like to cry, but I cry a lot with him … tears of sadness and joy. We really had some great memories together. So today I celebrate the life of Dayton his beautiful twin sister, Dara. I am so thankful to have them both in my life!

Today all the students in the schools were given a bible and a journal. Amanda, Joey and Shawna went over daily devotions with them and the importance of reading the word and talking with God. There was a large morning group and a smaller group in the afternoon. We also went over and finished up the kitchen and presented the students with a new commercial mixer, new miscellaneous supplies, a homemade pot rack and shelves and everything organized for them. They were all so excited and expressed their thankfulness and gratitude.

After lunch, we made a house visit to a boy named Thomas. His father committed suicide about three weeks ago so the team wanted to give the family some support and encouragement. They received a small food basket to help the family. Thomas is only 10 years old and walks several miles to attend the art school. Some of the pictures from today have the steep path we had to walk after driving as far as we could.  Once we left this family we met up with one of the leaders of 12:12. 12:12 is a program for building homes for the people here. They find needs and try to get the story and help out families they can help. Again, you’ll see the pictures of one of the most recent homes, almost completed, from 12:12.

It has been incredible to be a part of what goes on here. This is an awesome ministry. What I love most is seeing the relationships that are built with these people – the kindness and love of God that is being shown.