Our team had a meeting last night and we are feeling all parts eager and excited, and of course feel some nerves in various areas from food, to travel, to language. Be on the lookout for another upcoming blog next week where the team will be introduced, as well as tell our beloved WPC family how to be praying for us in preparation for the trip! Our hope is to have someone blogging at least once a day while we're abroad, and sharing some of our adventures with our brothers and sisters in Coban, Chajul, and Guatemala City!
I ask, as ever, that you would be praying for us, and offer up this prayer by Freda Rajotte:
"O Lord, I don't want to be a spectator,A tour passenger looking out upon the real world,An audience to poverty and want and homelessness.Lord, involve me - call me -Implicate me - commit me -And Lord - help me to step off the bus."
Blessings -- Rev. Rachel C. Hebert
Hello from Chajul!
ReplyDeleteWe arrived in Chajul on Thursday late after visiting in Coban. Coban was very impressive, and Philip's wife hosted us for a delicious welcome dinner. The following day we visited the school there where we are sponsoring 4 students. They are doing well and thank you for all for your generous support that makes this possible. Then we saw the house where the students live. They fed us a great lunch and we all piled into our bus to travel to Chajul.
The countryside is spectacular. There are lush plants everywhere and beautiful mountains. Due to the terrain, the roads and to a couple of other difficulties, it took us longer than expected, and we arrived after dark. The church women had prepared a dinner for us, and we were all greeted warmly.
On Friday, we began our work project, painting the church. We had many helpers, all of the scholarship students, many younger children, and the leaders of the church. Many hands make light work, and the inside of the church has its first coat of paint. We also played with the children, who are charming. The language barrier is really no problem when working or playing together.
After lunch and discussions with the Central Church people who are with us, we went to the Methodist school where our middle school students are enrolled. We toured the school and talked to the director. It seems that it will be posible for some of our students to go there after middle school as they are adding two high school programs. This will mean that many more students will be able to continue their education after middle school. We are delighted and thankful that everything seems to be falling in place.
Today we will paint, play with the young children and then meet with our scholarship students in the afternoon. Tomorrow, Sunday, there will be 13 baptisms and a wedding as well as church. So much to look forward to!
We will hope to be able to post a photo tomorrow. Thank you all for your prayers and for making all of this possible. God's grace is clearly at work here, and we are so excited and pleased to be here to experience all He has in store.
Your 2016 Guatemala team