Colossians 3:23

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters." We began today with this scripture and lived it wholeheartedly throughout the day. We started off with a little game of soccer/volleyball/golf/basketball in the driveway of the Mission House as we waited for the vans to leave. It was a great start to the day with plenty of laughter. We got to the village and started conquering construction like a bunch of pros. My team finished a house we started yesterday and then quickly moved on to the next. We learned that the next few houses we would build were up on the mountain! We all knew we were in for a workout but everyone picked up tools and marched up and up and up. I don't know when I've ever been so excited to get so exhausted to carry a water jug or tool box up a mountain. The guys got right to work measuring out posts and I spoke with the family to see where they wanted their door and how they'd like to collect water runoff. The families are so excited to see us and their smiles are so big. You instantly forget how tired you are from the climb and just get to work. We all know how many houses we have to get done in just a few days, too (18!!!) so we are so eager to make sure we get them all in and get them done right. I might be favoring my team just a bit but I have to say that we work so well together! Everyone knows what needs to get done and people get opportunities to try new things in the building process. The men don't do all the hard work and they allow us women to use our muscles, too. We encourage each other, we tease each other but no matter what - we build houses very well. :) As for a few of the holes in walls where we missed the posts - is that "Pulling a Sarah" or "Pulling a Matt"? haha! We did split up a bit today. As we got one house started, some of us moved on to the next location to get post holes dug up...mainly because we knew how long it took to dig through the rock. The kids were a riot today, too. Some of our team would play with them on the side and they made a point to learn all our names so that while we were drilling on the roof pieces they'd call out our names to us. Too cute. The second to last house of the day was when they were most enthusiastic. We handed out some toys and games and in return, they handed out rocks to our team. It was a very special gift to us and we were so grateful for their thoughtfulness. I'm so thankful to be part of this experience. I see the families and how much this new home is going to impact their lives. When we leave, we look back and they're inspecting the new construction or playing around in it and then make sure to wave at us leaving. We've worked two days so far and both times, no one wants to leave at 4:30 to head back to the Mission House. We all want to keep going. "Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters." It's natural to live this message while on a Mission trip to Guatemala with 35 other loving Christians who signed up to work in the first place. But when we leave here we have to remember to live this every day back home with our families, friends and work life. It's easy to cut corners or get frustrated with someone who is difficult to work with or do the minimum required. But you'll find yourself trying harder, working harder and loving more when you picture that person, that work as if you were serving the Lord. With Love, Jess Garrett