Day 4: August 19, 2014

Today was full and wonderful day.

So far our weather has been very good.  Even though the forecast called for rain each day, so far we've only had one night with rain.  The days however have been very hot.  We are drinking lots of water.  We do love our bus and it's air conditioning.

James 2:14-17

“14 What good is it, my brothers and sisters, if someone claims to have faith but has no deeds?† Can such faith save them? 15 Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. 16If one of you says to them, “Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,” but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it? 17In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.”

Each day we start with a wonderful breakfast and a devotion.  Our morning devotions are on the bus ride to the clinic site.  It's about a 45 minute ride. Amy also usually leads us in a song.  Nury is always full of inspiring stories.  So, with the air conditioning and a chance to reflect and share and fellowship, our bus rides are very enjoyable!

The day started out with a steady stream of people.  We were much less apprehensive and much more efficient than the first day.

Tia's and Nancy, the pastor's wife.

Some children playing around Amy. It was great to hear children's laughter throughout the day.

This is a typical house.  One thing that strikes all of us is that the mix of living conditions with technology is astonishing.  People live in houses like this and many have TVs and cell phones.

It is a strange phenomenon.

Several of us took a break and walked to the corn mill around the corner from the clinic.  This woman and most all others come to the mill 3 times a day. They first boil the corn, carry it to the mill and it makes the dough for the tortillas.

This gentleman is a taxi driver in a small car called a tuktuk. These small cars zip around everywhere.  After this man got new glasses Jim, Maricella and Heidi got a ride to where we can use the restroom.

This is the house where we could use the restroom.  Pigs, chickens, dogs... But we were grateful to have somewhere to go.  It was one of a few that had a toilet.

Many children showed up for VBS.

Looking forward to what blessings God will give us tomorrow.

Thanks for all of your prayers and support!!!!!

Day 3 reflections: Sandi

First day "in the field" doing eyeglass clinic was filled with anticipation and a little lack of confidence as we set up and anxiously waited for "customers". The morning was hazy and hot with the threat of rain and business started out slow. This worked great in helping us feel our way and build our confidence in doing exams/testing, dispensing and fitting in preparation for the afternoon rush. Returning from lunch at Pastor Luis' house we found a packed clinic with adults and children waiting. VBS was lively and full of energetic and beautiful kids and the clinic was hopping. The team members now feeling more confident jumped in at all stations to keep things moving. We packed up the clinic for the day and it was a happy but tired team on the drive back to the hotel. The night's devotion was filled with amazing personal stories from the day from a very tired crew. 

Our makeshift testing area.

Sandy is testing this grateful youn man.

Day 3 reflections: Gail

Today was the first day of our clinics.  After being "fed" by others the last few days (i.e. worshipping at Resurrection Lutheran Church, being chauffeured around by our host, Nuri and being educated about all things Guatemala, etc..), I was anxious to share the gift of better vision with the people of Los Limones.  A good part anxious and a giant part nervous!  Training seemed to be forever ago and I felt very insecure of my abilities.  I think most of our team felt the same way.  We set up our clinic with care and with encouragement from our team leader, Debby.     She was confident in us, so we grew confident.  The Lord blessed us with a slow pace in the morning.  We could take time in learning our skills.  It turned out that all that worrying and anxiety was not needed.  God had us in the palm of his hand the whole time and gave us the gifts to succeed that we needed.  Why do we doubt His plan?  We have been told several times since we have signed up for this mission trip that this team and these clinics and all that is to unfold here has already been designed in the eye of our Savior.  We are right where we need to be.  I thank God for being  tool of His love here in Guatemala!  Can't wait for tomorrow!

Day 2: reflections from Amy

I think the thing that touched me the most today was during our prayer walk.  We walked through the neighborhood we were going to serve and met and prayed with the families.  The people were so gracious.  Though their homes were nothing more than cinder block walls, tin roofs and dirt floors, they welcomed us with such warm smiles.  They showed us the water filters that previous teams had installed which they were obviously very proud of.  In one homes there was a 16 year old girl with a two month old baby named Walter hanging in a hammock.  How precious and quiet this family was even though her mother was pregnant with her 12th child.  Our team leader asked the mother what she would like to pray for.  She asked us to pray for her family especially for her unborn child.  It was such an honor to stand with this family and pray with and for them.  The Holy Spirit united us as our translator Nury translated our words as we spoke!  To God be the Glory!

Baby Walter is in the hammock.