Monday, January 20

Today was another great day here in Guatemala. We split up today into 3 groups to all different locations. One van went to the orphanage to continue working on the playhouse and to hang out with the children and hold the babies. They had a very successful day, getting the shelter nearly completed and the playhouse's roof and interior done. All that is left to do is side it tomorrow and a plaque will be placed on it and dedicated in memory of Scott Silvernail. Another group went to the village, where we did 3 houses, cemented 1 house, and finished up 6 of the houses that were started earlier last week. All that's left to do tomorrow is finish the other ones and put on doors and windows on all of them. Bible school had a huge turnout with over 100 children; Judy and all the girls were kept busy, to say the least. The last group stayed at the mission house to build the last doors and windows for the houses tomorrow in the village and then they went out to the market to get housewarming gifts that we will present and give to the families on dedication day on Wednesday. Almost everybody was back by 4:30 to see the food distribution center where the children had received food and school supplies that they cannot afford. They were all very gracious and thankful to us and they were hugging us, along with their parents, to say thank you - what an awesome experience... to know that the work we are doing is appreciated is a great feeling. We came back and enjoyed a wonderful meal of lasagna and enjoyed one another's company. We are excited to finish our work at the orphanage and in the villages tomorrow, serving God and showing His love to others. Kari DeBoer and Jessie Buiter