Wednesday, 1/18/17

Wednesday was our last day here in Guatemala. We spent the day dedicating the 12 houses that we had built over the past week. We are amazed every year by how God works though this team to reach the hearts of the people of Guatemala. After the dedication of our first house, that was donated by Seth and Cambree Harkema, the recipient of the house gave Cambree a picture. He gave this picture because he knew that he could never pay for his house, so he gave this to show his gratitude to them for this new home. The picture was of a field. The picture shows that all your work will be blessed wherever you may be. He was blessed by God though our team by receiving this home.

Another family that has especially touched our hearts is Juan, his wife, and four children with the  fifth on its way. Juan works for Grace Ministries, and also relieved a house from us this year. The whole team grew very close to this family by spending lots of time with them this week, even with a very strong language barrier many good times where had. Everyone clearly saw Jesus shine through this wonderful family.

It was a very emotional time when we finally had to say goodbye and leave the village for the last time. Kids gave countless hugs and kisses. As we left we closed by singing praises to God with the children. Another thing we will really miss is leaving the little bakery with the tastiest doughnuts in the world. Which supplied us with multiple doughnuts through out the day.

We also got the chance to visit the feeding center ran by Lazaro and Glendy, We had lots of fun listening to all the older children sing to us in English, Afterwards they greeted us all with hugs. We then had a chance to play with the children. We did everything from face painting to soccer, swinging on a rope swing, and playing on their playgrounds. We ended our time their the same way it began hugging the children goodbye, and waving to them as they drove away in their buses.

We ended the night off sharing our experiences with each other.

~Quinn Grassmid and Erika Hulst

p.s. Justine we found out is the most amazing funny person we know. Could not imagine my life without her awesomeness. ~Justine