Day 3 Update

Another Update from Kelly:

Day 3 - Friday
In the early morning, 9 of us set out to repair two homes on the mountain. These homes are made of plastic and corrugated steel -- the plastic was so dry rotted and ripped that any weather events would leak on the families there. in the winter, temperatures in the mountains can go as low as 40 degrees F. We removed the filthy plastic, coated with soot and dirt from their cooking fires which they keep inside. For one family of four, we repaired their entire two room home. Note that in the sleeping area, there is a muddy floor -- no beds. Kids and parents sleep on dirty bed rolls. We hope to bring blankets to these families later this week.

At the next home we find a 6 year old caring for her 3 year old sister and 6 MONTH old sister. -- there mother is away in the river washing dishes. The infant weighs about 7 lbs -- she look like a newborn and brought us all to tears as we took turns holding her. Her sister shows the classic signs of malnutrition -- reddish hair and distended bellies. We struggle to get to work but finally begin to take down the old plastic and completely "re-plastic" their home. As we finish, the mom returns and is happy with her new home.

Back at Myra's garage, four of our team prepares food for 150 people -- today is rice, vegetables and chicken in a broth with a warm, fresh tortilla. They also get all the craft supplies out for the hundred or so kids that come to the comedor for lunch. The kids make puppets and put on a puppet show behind our PVC pipe theater that we brought. They play with Playdough and then blew bubbles--which was an event in and of itself. Every child and mother wanted bubbles--very popular!!

After 4.5 hours on the mountain, the 9 of our team returned dirty (very) and tired (very) to the comedor. When we walked in the door and saw all the kids making puppets and playing with the Playdough, we were instantly filled with energy that only comes from seeing all of the God's children. We served all the kids and mothers their lunch. After lunch, Myra and our team handed out medications for those that were ill. You can only dispense as much as they need for a few days-- a bottle of tylenol is worth a lot of money and many sick people will sell it for money.

One of the very special things that happened during the comedor was that some of our team members who are supporting children to go to school got to meet in person. One little girl, Juanita, ran to her sponsor, Jen Zombron and hugged her so tight. So many more children need sponsors so that they can attend public school -- it is the ONLY way to break the cycle of poverty in Guatemala and so many other 3rd world countries.

Tonight, we eat and make a large cake to take with us to the pool and "fun fair" program we are doing tomorrow (Saturday). Look for further entries on Sunday.
We ask for your continued prayers that we do God's will here in Guatemala and grow as Christians working together.

Note that Kelly had led her update with the following:

...
Sorry for the delay in getting to you -- we have been so busy but Michael Jenkins got Myra's new computer up and running! its works great!
Photos to come soon - having a little issue with the internet. thanks so much!
Kelly