So Amazing!

A bunch of us walked over to the hospital property yesterday to watch the concrete pour that was going on. The footings are completely done so this pour was the 2nd to last one for the stem walls. They are planning the last pour for some time next week!

Those of us that were gawking at the process taking place decided that it was very similar to making a cake! They dump some stuff in, stir it a little bit, dump in some more ingredients, mix it up and then pour it into the 'forms' and let it 'bake'!!

Here are a few pictures of the process!

One of the greatest joys for me is to see one of the boys from the Children's Home working on the hospital.  The young man on the ground in the white shirt was at the Home on our very first trip in 2003. We have watched him grow up and have prayed for the Lord's purposes in his life. I am not sure what the Lord has for him in the future but I pray that he will take more from this job than the 'work experience' that he is receiving. 

Since the Lifegate team was here, we have been providing lunch on Fridays for the workers.  Last Friday, a teaching was shown as part of the lunch.  Dr. Luis has also been sharing his heart with the men.  We are praying for lives to be changed and for deeper relationships with the Lord for all the men. May the Lord be glorified at each and every step of the construction process.  May this be about more than a hospital!

Finding Our Rhythm

Some sort of routine seems to help our family function a little bit better. Doesn't really matter where we live. Our drive through Mexico and then our first week here were anything but routine for us. Our next week was a great week with the Lifegate team, but again, no 'routine' that week. 

We take our Sabbath on Wednesdays. Today is our fourth Wednesday in Guatemala and it finally feels like a true Sabbath. We had a wonderful day of sleeping later than normal, having a late breakfast and then packing up some snacks for a walk.

There is a canal that was constructed a long time ago to help irrigate during the dry season in Canilla. There is usually a fee but then those that participate can channel the water from the canal to their property on certain days. (I think our day may be tomorrow - we will try to post a picture of the 'irrigation' on the property - i.e. mud!)

The canal comes down from the river up in the mountains.  There is a trail alongside of it all the way to where it starts.  You can get on the trail close to the ministry compound or you can cheat and drive up part way.  We chose to cheat today!

We drove the Suburban up to a place to park and then followed the trail to the beginning of the canal. This is the 3rd time that we have gone on this hike in all of the times that we have been in Guatemala. Check out this entry from the first time (click here). This picture is much different from the ones on that post! 

The other difference is that the kids pretty much left us in their dust today. We lost sight of them very quickly! 

Don and I were reminiscing about the difference as we walked. Today, the whole walk from where we parked to the head of the canal took us about 30 minutes.  In our minds, the walk in 2009 with younger children took HOURS!!

On that first trip, Don, Caleb or I helped the younger three.  Here is Don being helped by Hannah!! And yes, she helped me as well!

We spent about 2 hours at the top.  The kids swam and climbed on the rocks.

Caleb and I watched as the others all disappeared behind this pile!

And then Samuel entertained us with his 'moves' on this rock!

We came home, had some food and took showers!  Now we are ready for a movie to cap of the day!  It was a wonderful day of rest and family time! Part of the rhythm of life here! 

Meanwhile, back in Canilla . . .

While Don is taking care of the team and doing a ton of shopping.  We are having a Sunday movie!!

Sam and Gracie

 Abi and Kymiah

Hannah and Anna

Bethany is at clinic in San Andres.  They asked her to help paint the pediatrics room.  Caleb is helping Joe at his property with a fence or something. The original plan was to do some school - that pretty much got thrown out the window today.  Oh well, there is always tomorrow!! 

Building

Physical work continued Friday morning. Friday afternoon the team built up the workers through sharing testimonies and prayer. It was a great way to cap off a great week. 

In Guatemala city now getting ready to take the Lifegate city to the airport. Very thankful for their time with us. 

4, 5, 6...

Busy days!  Front porch finished up, a trip to a local church service, time at the airport!  What a great group of guys!  It has been a great week!

Time to worship!

With Aaron at the airport!

How did they get so much stuff in their bags?

Day 3

Day 2

Pics from another hard day's work!

Awesome First Day!

After a long day on the road yesterday, the Lifegate team hit the ground running this morning!  Their first project was to add a roof over the front porch on the 'big house'. The roof will provide relief from the sun as well as covering during the rainy season.

After some time of introductions, prayer and breakfast, the team met with Duane and Ryan Ficker for their assignments.  Most of the team worked on the front porch project but a couple members headed to the hospital grounds to work on the team housing structure.

The day ended with an awesome time of sharing and prayer with Naomi and Luis, another family living and working with Adonai. Naomi and Luis shared their testimonies and their hearts. The team then prayed over them and Luis led us in some worship to end our evening.

The first day was so amazing - we are excited to see how the Lord will move tomorrow!!