Today we experienced something that less than 1% of Guatemalans have seen themselves. Not because they can't, but because they choose not too. Joel VanDyk had time to take us to the city dump and give us more insight to a forgotten people of Guatemala. These people earn their living off the dump. They actually live here, marry, have children, and die here. This group of about 11,000 are a proud people and work sun-up to sun-down for a meager $5 (at the most) a day. We entered the dump through a cemetary surrounded by turkey vultures and overlooked the dump from above. With the eariness of gloom and death all around, Joel took a passage from Judges 19 and helped open our eyes to see that God hovers everywhere. He cares for ALL his creatures and grace DOES flow like water and pools at the bottom. There is hope for the hopeless. Now, what do we do with this? That is the real question. Where do you start after seeing a picture like that, something that will forever be embedded into your memory? Randy Ellens' devotions this morning really hit home when he challenged us to be uncomfortable, to look where God can use us in our communties at home. God gave us all gifts and talents-don't look the other way when we get home. Look where God is . . . even the places we consider to be the "dark" places. It's truely God's hand at work here.
As for the morning, we split into 2 groups again. Some went to Love the Child while others went to help at the Seminary. This consisted of various tasks like painting, organizing, and lots of carpentry. We have been surviving the crazy driving here and dodging chicken buses! Your prayers and notes of encouragement are a tremendous blessing. We will be doing the dedications for the houses tomorrow and covet your prayers for the families who receive them.
"Above all, love others deeply . . . serve with the strength God provides, so in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power forever and ever." 1 Peter 4:8a,11
Tony & Allisun Westhouse
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