Today I had the privilege to go on a tour of the mountains near the mission house with Paul, the man who owns the coffee plantation. A few of us piled in his truck and he took us up the road to the top of the mountain. It was a rough ride up but very much worth the trip. We got to the top just as the sun was beginning to set behind the mountains on the other side of Chimaltanango. The view was spectacular and definitely a once in a lifetime experience. -Eli Tehennepe

Sunday in Guatemala is a day of reflection.  As middle-class white Christians we bring big bags filled with just a small percentage of what God has blessed us with.  We travel far from our homes intent on blessing, not expecting to be blessed.  On Sunday we begin to realize what happens in this country.  We begin to experience something we don't recognize as well while we're at home.  During our van ride to Antigua this morning we talked about the reality that with only a few days spent away from West Michigan, we were realizing that being a community of believers, being the family of God, extends far past the four walls of our home worship space.  The distraction of our everyday lives is removed here and while we dig holes, put up walls and love on kids we start to experience freedom.  We are free from the plans we've made, the responsibilities we normally allow to control our days and the mental and spiritual apathy we sometimes feel trapped in.  Grace becomes tangible and so does guilt.  Sunday in Guatemala allows us to grasp the truth that our lives back home interfere with what God calls us to and often stop us from serving as Christ served, loving as Christ loves and following Christ rather than attempting to lead.  Life is simpler here, at least for us.  God seems nearer.  Hopefully the knowledge of ourselves that we gain as we live, work and worship together this week translates to more than just memories.  We are called to serve, not just for a week, but for a Christian lifetime.  When we get home our opportunities are no less abundant and the importance of the work of spreading the gospel through service and love is just as integral a part of our faith as it is in Guatemala.  - Jamie DeVries

I am not so sure where to begin, I am so overwhelmed with emotions. The mission house is beautiful surrounded by amazing country. The people on this trip have been really fun to get to know, and to see the love of God in them being poured out to those in need. Yesterday I went to the orphanage, I was happy to see the place where the kids stay was very nice, and well kept. Even though the situation that has brought them to the orphanage is not good, they are very well loved and taken care of. I had the privilege of holding two beautiful babies and rocking them to sleep. What a blessing that was for me! Even though I left there sad that those little guys didn't have a Mom and Dad to love and care for them they had others to love on them and do their best to give them a good life. It was my prayer as I left there that day that God would work in the hearts and lives to come to know Him as their personal Lord  and Savior someday, and help them to make good choices in life. Today being Sunday, we began the day with singing and praying (as we have done every morning so far, but today we also had a sermon given by Jamie. The sermon was on Abraham and Isaac and how God called Abraham up the mountain to sacrifice his one and only son who he loved, as a sacrifice to God. My favorite part of the sermon (this time hearing it) was how Jamie brought out that Isaac carried the wood on his back as Christ did on the way up the hill to be crucified. I wish we would take this kind of time to read scripture at home and reflect on Gods word like we are doing so far this week. Our God is an awesome God and we tend to lose sight of him at home when our minds are focused on our to do lists and schedules. I believe as a Mother loves to hear from her children, so it is with God wanting to hear from us. As this day has drawn to a close, my heart is full resting in Gods plan for me. Tomorrow we will head back to the village to wrap up some of the homes we began on Friday. I am looking forward to seeing their beautiful faces again and the love and appreciation in their eyes.

God bless and goodnight. ~Rayanna Oetman