We made it safely to El Salvador...without any problems.  The lines were awful at the airport...checking in, going through security, and through customs.  Thankfully we add extra time into the schedule for delays.  Carlos picked up at the airport - we all enjoy seeing him - he is an added team member while we are here.  He has been our driver for the past 2 trips to El Salvador and to Guatemala.  We headed to the hotel to unpack and settle in and then we then headed to Wal-Mart to do the shopping for most of the week.  We decide to eat a very late lunch or early supper at the Pizza Hut right next door. We all agree that the pizza is soooo much better here than back home.  After we ate, we headed next door to Wal-Mart to purchase the items we need for the rest of the week and then we headed back to the hotel.  We had our devotional (about being humble) and discussed the plans for the rest of the week.  I need to add a little story here.  When I was at the Summit Orphan Ministry Conference in May I spoke to a lady about getting dresses for the girls at the orphanages we will be visiting both in El Salvador and Guatemala.  She told me that she had hundreds in stock and would love to donate the large quantity we would need to give every girl a dress. She gave me her contact information and told me to contact her with the exact number I would need and the sizes and the dates of the trips.  She also made t-shirts for boys.  When I contacted her about the dresses she told me that she had been overwhelmed with orders since the conference and she would not be able to provide the items in the short time that our trips would take place.  I told her I would contact her next year.  Shortly thereafter - I received an email from a precious lady asking if she could make some dresses for our trips.  I gave her the quantity that I needed for all of the little girls we will visit.  She replied back that she almost had all of the sizes that we needed.  I received the dresses from her - each with a tag that says "Precious Girl Jesus love you" in Spanish.  It was very obvious to me that much love had gone into making each dress - and also the packing of each dress.  Summer also wrote each team member an individually addressed letter - telling her daughter's story.  In the letters we were all thanked for delivering the dresses and for serving these precious children...each letter also told us that we were being prayed for by name while we are here.  I cannot tell you what a blessing this was to each of us.  If you would like to read about their ministry - and the story of their daughter you can do so at www.lilaslamb.org. We ended the meeting praying for the children we will see tomorrow, the Gilmer family, Gretchen (who was supposed to attend but became ill and did not make it), and for our translator Luis. We have a great team and I am looking forward to seeing how God is going to use each one of them this week!

Each frame cost $80 and at this time we only need 11 more to complete this request!  God is so Good!  We have ordered all 50 mattresses and 25 frames having faith that God will provide the funds for the additional 11 bed frames.  We will post pictures of the beds and mattresses being delivered next week!

These photos from the 25 frames we purchased in 2009.  We are so happy to be able to provide the remaining 25 frames this year.

There is a button for PayPal on our home page - just type in mattresses in the comment section.

Mail or drop a check off at the HIAOM office - 114 East Alamo Street, Suite 32, Brenham, TX 77833

Call the HIAOM office at (979) 421-6471 or Debbie at (979) 277-8045 and I would be happy to pick the check up from you.

While the team is in El Salvador they will also be    purchasing other items for the children at each of the    orphanages.  Items to be purchased include the following;  shampoo, soap, toothbrushes, toothpaste, Bibles, tennis shoes (3 orphanages have requested these), backpacks, towels, undergarments, powdered milk, diapers, and fabric.  We will also be purchasing a wheel chair for one of the little girls at the AIDS orphanage.

“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’

“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’

“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’  Matthew 25:34-40

The photos are of mattresses that were purchased in 2009.

Got up to early.  Couldn’t sleep anyway.  Scott was so sweet to get up with me and take me over to the drop off point to meet up with the rest of the team.  The Team consisted of Robert Kitzman, Bryan Batchman, Monica Waller, Jeromie Wells, Kelli Soots, Azamat Pate, Sasha Kitzman, Carolina King, Cliff Holdridge and me.

Robert and Bryan used their trucks to haul everyone to the airport.  “Thanks Guys”….  We stopped in Chappell Hill and picked up the Az. Then we stopped in Waller to pick up Kelli.  We are going to meet up with Monica at the airport, since she lives in Houston.  The drivers dropped us off while they went to Park’n Fly. That was major helpful since we had 21 bags to lug.  “Thanks again Guys”.  Started introductions and then looking for Monica.  Never meet her so I started walking toward the doorway holding out my shirt with the Here I Am Orphan Ministries emblem slightly out so that this Monica could see it.  Nope no Monica.  So I asked if she had already checked in and they said “no”.  Jeromie, such a friendly good ol’ boy, found her.  Monica is a cute little short thang.  I liked her right away.  She was so friendly.  I was happy since she was going to be my roomie.

We started checking in and had to pay for the extra bags.  They do not take cash by hand.  You have to feed it into this teller machine which gives you a receipt and then you give it to the Group Check-In Lady.  We then went through security.  We always have one person get caught up in the mess - this time it was Jeromie.  He wasn’t too happy about it, but made it through.  We headed for the terminal.  I and others were so excited to have some Pappasitos for breakfast.  Nope, it was exchanged for some Chinese.  Chinese for breakfast, yuck.  So we ate Wendy’s.  Didn’t know Wendy’s served breakfast.  Anyways.  We ate then went to our terminal.  We found 3 other teams going to Guatemala; I believe all have their t-shirts on with scripture written on also.  That was exciting to see.

Got a middle seat - luckily it was a semi short flight.  No more breakfast.  That’s ok it was never any good anyways.  No flight movie unless you want to swipe your card for 5.99 for a flight that is 2 or less hours or 7.99 for flights over 2 hrs.  Our flight was 2 hrs and 22 minutes.  They always have a plan on how to get money from people.

I just rested.  I sat next to Sasha.  He wasn’t interested in the scenery out the window.  He was interested in what movie he was going to swipe and watch.  He was funny to watch.  I forget what movie he watched, but he had a smile on the whole time watching it.  We landed and started for the exit.  We had no problem at the immigration or baggage check.  Thank God.  We started out the door with our baggage to look for Carlos, our driver - who drove in from El Salvador.  Five minutes later he showed up with 3 other people.  Family or co-workers I forget who they were.

I was expecting it to be a lot cooler than what it was, but it was cooler than Houston, Texas.  Headed for the Hotel first to drop off all our fifty million bags.  Not really just 21 plus our carry-on’s.  Hotel Ciudad Vieja is a nice little place.  Its rooms like most little hotels in South Central America, circle around a court yard.  Beautiful bird of paradise plants and others.  They even have hummingbirds zipping around in the courtyard. We got to our rooms and chose the beds.  I like to sleep by the door on mission trips.  To kind of feel obligated to protect the people I’m with. Not that we felt unsafe, just a precaution.

We then got everybody back together and ate lunch at the hotel before we were off to Wal-Mart.  We had a large list of things to get.  We were able to get this nice young man named Pablo.  He got all the departments heads needed and they gathered our order together.  We also had to exchange money so that was crazy.  You have to have an account at the banc’s to get any money exchanged.  We needed to get money exchanged to make purchases at the market in Rio Dulce.  The manager that was helping us also talked to the banc and they said we could do a certain amount each.  So everyone had to get in line to get the amount we needed.  I think we were at Wal-Mart for like 5 hrs.  Crazy.  Oh, come to find out Pablo was an orphan and lived in an orphanage for years.  He is married and has a baby.  He seems to have turned out good for himself.  Nice personality.  Got minutes put on the country phone (we thought).  Also we found turkey dogs on sale and they were not individually wrapped.  Yahoo!!  We purchased all they had.  We asked if they could have our second large order ready for us on Wednesday.  They said yes.  We talked to the Bimbo Bread man and he said there was no other place in town that would have the quantity that we needed, but he could have what we needed at this Wal-Mart on Wednesday.  Got everyone back together and loaded the bus up.  Compared to the other countries I have been to, where the bus for 12+ people, plus bags, plus food, and you have to sit on top of the bags with food and another person practically sitting on your lap.  And the bus over in those countries that we rented was so low to the ground we bottomed out quite a bit.  Not complaining, just saying this trip the bus was super.  Off to dinner.

We ate at Pollo Campero.  They have Chicken, Salads, and Pizza.  Some good Chicken.  It was Father’s Day and Jeromie`s birthday.  Robert got a king crown and we all sang Happy Birthday to him.  It was funny.  We drove back to the Hotel to have a short meeting and off to bed because of another early morning.

6/18/12

Got up at 4:30 and got ready to leave.  The hotel staff had coffee and rolls for us.  That was nice of them that early in the morning.  We loaded the bags and food for the trip to Casa Guatemala.  Everyone aboard and we were off.  Sleepy but excited.  Guatemala to me, compared to Colombia and Panama, is very clean.  On our 5 hr drive to Casa Guatemala in Rio Dulce I didn’t see much trash anywhere, beggars, or children just wondering around alone.  Not sure what the laws are on the trash or beggars, but people there are doing a great job of keeping their cities clean.  I know this might seem petty, but all goes hand in hand and how you care for your families and neighbors.

The country side was beautiful.  Mountains as big as the ones in Texas, but not as big as the ones in say Colorado.  We headed North winding and turning up and down mountains.  It was cool in Guatemala City and cool going through the mountains - about 68 to 72 degrees.  We saw where there had been mud slides and giant boulders on the shoulder of the road.  It looked like these giant boulders just decided to jump out of their snug little hole on the side of the cliff and plop right on the road.  It’s funny; it seems they don’t move these boulders they just paint them white so they are seen buy cars passing by.  We crisscrossed over rivers and through valleys.  We noticed that they farmed on the side of the mountain, even steep mountain sides.  We saw corn, agave, fruit trees, and normal garden veggies being grown.  I didn’t see any Volcanoes going this direction through Guatemala.  I was tired, but didn’t want to miss a thing.  We stopped after about 2 hours for a break.  I think the team is getting along great.  We finally made it to Rio Dulce in about 5 hrs.  Last a time of HIAOM went it took them longer because of an accident.

We went straight to the Hotel Backpacker.  It is where we will stay for 1 night.  This hotel is like summer camp type lodging.  Small mattress, lots of people to one room, no a/c, but it’s all good.  We meet with Heather the Director over the Hotel Backpackers, Casa Guatemala orphanage, meat market, and restaurant.  She, from what I gathered is just a volunteer who have been here for 11 years and goes back to Canada where she is from and fundraises for her stay her for the rest of the year.  She is nice and seams to love the children.  She doesn’t seem to mind being all sweaty all the time.  It is humid and hot here.  Not as hot as Texas, but hot.  We loaded a boat with the bags and food that we are taking to Casa Guatemala.  The boat is made of fiberglass and can hold some weight.  It is bigger than a typical john boat, but defiantly not a yacht.  Loaded up all the guys, except Robert.  He stayed behind with us girls.  Such a gentleman.  Hey but it’s all good.  They had the stuff unloaded and the hot dogs on for lunch.  Thanks guys.  The rest of us waited for a boat to take up down river/up river?  15 minutes to get to the orphanage.

We unloaded ourselves and jumped right in on the lunch line.  We served 280 or so hot dogs.  What we had left over we left.  There are 6 kids in town at college and 4 children that are sick that they will take their plate to them.  This place is like a camp setting also.  Its buildings include an office, several class rooms, a doctor office, bathroom, computer room, music room, craft room, meeting room, dorm rooms, cafeteria and volunteer dorm rooms.  We were stopped many times by staff, volunteers and the children, thanking us for making hot dogs.  They have been eating beans and rice and rice and beans.  There is a difference.  One has more beans and the other more rice and sauce.

After getting lunch done and cleaned up we moved to the basketball court.  The guys pumped up the balls and the girls started on jump ropes.  Got the rest of the games and faced painting together while Bryan got the message together.  Got all the children to sit and Bryan gave the message about how God is like oil and we are like water.  Because of sin we do not mix.  But because of Jesus, God has adopted us.   We prayed over which children wanted to be prayed over.  We did a craft to show them the colors of salvation. And then we played with the kids.  We painted hundreds or more hands.  They didn’t want their face painted.  That was fine.  They would go wash their hands and be back in line again.  I know the guy on the team where worn out later playing ball with the kids.  There were girls and boys at this orphanage.  I met one little girl, her name was Clorrisa.  She is so cute - about 6 or 7 years old.  I looked down at something and noticed she had a prosthetic foot.  My heart just hurt for her.  She also had some fingers missing on both hands also.  Later we asked what had happened.  She said she fell on a machete.  She showed us her prosthetic leg and foot.  She was happy to show us.  She is a strong willed little girl.  We were told she just got a new prosthetic foot/leg because she grew and she got new shoes because she doesn’t let anything slow her down and she wore the others out.  She can jump rope and run just like the rest of the kids.  Next time I feel whiny about something, I know I will think of little Clorrisa and say a pray for her and pick myself up and go forward.

Carolina and Kelli got their face painted with side walk chalk.  They didn’t seem to mind.  The little girls loved playing with their hair also.  We all played and watched the kids play with bubbles, balls, and chalk until it was about time to go.  The director Heather said that the teachers wanted us to pray over the dorm rooms.  So the girls prayed over the dorm rooms for the girls and the guys prayed over the dorm rooms for the guys.  I told the lady we are praying over the building body, like it would be the church body.  Not the building frame its self.  Not knowing if she was a Christian or not.  I may have sounded stupid, but didn’t want to seem that I was praying for a superstition or idolatry.  I wanted her to know we are praying for the children and teachers in whole.  She definitely understood and was grateful we agreed to do so.  She said they will sleep better knowing that someone cared enough to pray for them.  That was so sweet.  We said a prayer of love for these children and the workers.

We went back and waited for the guys.  We had to leave by 4:30, before dark because these little boats have no lights and its 15 minutes by fast boat to get back.  The workers and the 5 guys took the fast boat.  The rest of us took the slow boat.  It was all good.  We got to see some beautiful river front property.  There was even one log that looked like an alligator.  The village people just go to the river and bathe.  I was thinking I’m sure that that river water is what our shower would be made up of also.  There were some large fancy boats and ships docked at some fancy villas.  We got back to backpackers hotel and Cliff, Jeromie, Sasha, and Az wanted to paddle board.  It’s like a large surf board that you’re supposed to stand up on and paddle.  It looked like fun.  I only brought one change of clothes or I would have definitely tried it.   They had so much fun.  They fell in and then started pushing each other in.  They got out and we washed up a bit and walked over to the restaurant to order dinner.  Sasha ordered the lobster.  That sucker was huge.  He ate every bit of it.  I think everyone loved the dinner they picked.  It’s kind of hard how and what to choose to eat.  You don’t want to eat something where you are looking for the bathroom - that might or might not be available.  You don’t want to eat something that is going to make you deathly sick and then you will not be able to do your part in taking care of the team or playing with the children…...  I don’t know it’s kind of like the only choice is bread. Or take a chance.  A wise chance that is.  Ate a great dinner, had a devotional and went to take a shower and then bed.  We were dead tired, dirty and full as a tick.  It was beautiful to eat over the water and watch the fishermen drive by in their little boats.

6/19/12

We at some point slept like a rock.  Besides the trucks letting of the air breaks and then going over the longest or highest bridge in Central America, the rooster crowing all times of the night, the dogs and the load people.  Well maybe we got an hour or two in.  There are only screens on the windows.  No glass.  Heather said one night there was a python under her floor that was sleeping there full as a tick because he just ate something and couldn’t move.  Creepyyyy.

Had breakfast at the hotel restaurant.  Some of the kids from the orphanage work there to make some money and get experience.  Some of the funds go back to needs at the orphanage we were told.  We loaded up to go to market to get a list of needed items. We got fruit, veggies, shoes (just flip flops because of the terrain they live on), plates, bowl, meat, and disinfectants. Heather seemed very appreciative for anything we could do.  When we were walking back she knows a lot of people and each one of them has a smile for her.  She said the post office is never open.  Then she showed us the company that donated a truck to them.  The items bought where loaded onto the boat right at the market.  We went back to the hotel and loaded ourselves into a boat to go to the orphanage to take a tour.  The kids were in school, so we didn’t bother them.  The grounds need some maintaining but they have so much potential.  All will happen if enough money comes along I guess.  They have many gardens, Noni fruit tree, pigs, just got chickens, and have their own butcher shed.  We took pictures of the market purchases and it was time to go.  Before we left we got to see and take a picture of the howling money that was above the office.  Heather said watch out because he doesn’t care where he goes potty.  Yuck..  Got on the boat with Heather and said goodbye to the kids.  We headed to the hotel in the fast boat - all of us.  We packed up and paid up and headed out.    It seems that they are starting to get things set up to help themselves and be semi-self-sufficient matter.  Back to Guatemala City.

About 1 hr and 20 minutes away there is a restaurant Rancho Granda, that overlooks a valley.  It’s a steak place and we are interested in what Sasha will order this time.  A running joke.  This time he didn’t know what he ordered he just pointed at a name on the menu.  Turned out to be clams.  Hahaha ha.  He ate it.  On the road again.  It started to rain about an hour after leaving the restaurant.  Then we found out that the windshield wipers where not working.  We pulled over at a store and Carlos (the driver) and Robert worked on it.  The guys in the back of the bus got out and handed out tracks to the people at the store.  Carlos fixed the wipers in no time.  We were back on the road.  Got into Guatemala City and went back to hotel.  We were stinky nasty.  We decided to eat at the hotel and have our meeting.  Jeromie gave the devotional for this night.  He also said that this morning there was a 7Day Evangelist at the market.  We ate then went to take a shower.  Then to bed.

6/20/12

We got up and ate breakfast.  We needed to go by Wal-Mart and get a different phone.  The phone we brought was from Panama and didn’t work in Guatemala.  I probably would work but take up the minutes faster than a Guatemala phone.  While Robert, Monica and I ran in Wal-Mart, the guys handed out tracks in the Wal-Mart parking lot.  We got back in the bus and Robert said that he apologized for not praying before we left this morning so let’s pray.  While we prayed a man jumped out of his truck that was full of 3 other guys and asked for a track.  Cliff (with Monica interpreting) asked him if he knew Jesus Christ. The man said he knows of him but doesn’t live for him.  Cliff explained to him the road to salvation.   The guy was kind of embarrassed but at the same time was compelled to stay at the bus window.  Monica then got on a roll and explained to him again.   Cliff asked him to move to the other side of the bus to pray for him.  Cliff then prayed for him and the man accepted Jesus as his Savior right there in the Wal-Mart parking lot.  Yahoo.  Praise the Lord.  The rest of the guys were there for the man for support and the ladies were praying and of course you know me crying in joy that a new brother we will see in heaven.  The man left the bus after that with an indescribable smile on his face.  They guy went over to the truck and asked the other some questions.  But the driver/ boss was tired of this mess and was late for work.  So they had to leave.  I pray that the guy who accepted Jesus would help those others to accept him.  We were pumped now.

We headed over to Hogar Miguel Magone.  An orphanage not far from the Wal-Mart area.  This is a nice place.  There were already two groups at this orphanage.  One was already doing VBS this week and the other was helping build a self-contained house for girls.  We went ahead and did hot dogs and our VBS.  Az gave the message.  He did so good.  He kind of physically acted it out and I think the kids got it better.  We then prayed for whoever stepped forward.  Then we just waited for the kids to finish the others VBS.  The others did good.  We felt kind of out of place so we toured the new girl’s house under construction.  When we walked to the place the man from the US said make your walk useful and carry some cinderblocks down.  The girl’s house is being built on the side of the mountain.  So two guys pushed a wheel barrow full of blocks while others carried one to two blocks each.  The place is 1/4 finished with the frame work.  They hope to be done by November.  We walked back up and I got the guys into trouble with work.  Of course I wanted to help.  But was told no they could handle it.  Our guy took down 4 more loads of blocks.  Wow what a great job guys.  They wanted to take the next pile but the other people said not to because they have to stop working at 4:30 to catch their bus.  So our guys were happy with that.  Happy they helped and happy they were done.  This place seemed to get visitors quite often and their basic needs are met.  That’s good to see. Bad thing was the kitchen smelt awful and there was a million flys.  Monica said it smelt like a butcher shop.

We needed to go to Wal-Mart again and dinner so we left.  We went to Wal-Mart and finished our food and supply shopping for the other orphanages.  Well Pablo was not there to help us.  So we had to start over with the food choices.  The Bimbo Bread man did follow through with the bread order.  Yahoo.  We had to get the individually wrapped hot dogs this time though.  Yuck.  We got all our supplies and then off to dinner.  After dinner we went back to the hotel for team meeting.  Monica said at Magone they are taught that the workers are their God Mothers but Jesus is their Father.  Then to bed.  Wal-Mart alone will wear you out.  What a blessed day.

6/21/12

Up early again - only because it gets light so early.  We ate breakfast and got the bags and food together.  We made a phone call ahead to make sure they were expecting us.  They said yes.  We waited out front of the gate.  They wouldn’t let us in yet.  They wanted to feed the homeless drug addicts.  They gave them soup, beans, rice, bread and a drink.  We got our bus in the tiny opening.  Man our bus driver is great.  We got in and were greeted by Sister Eva.  We took the food to the kitchen and the bags to the office.  The team did the message and craft while Carlos the driver and I unwrapped 500 hot dogs.  Got the dining all set up.  The rest of the team came in and helped get some dogs ready before the hungry boys got there.  The boys came in and ate and ate.  The sisters did sit with every other group to keep them semi calm down.  Cliff delivered dinners to the sisters and loved the feeling of serving the people who serve God also.  We had to clean up after.  Sweep and clean some of the kitchen.  After cleaning up we found out about 100 more were coming.  But they will serve them what we have left.

We went down to play with the boys to find that Cliff and Jeromie had gotten mugged by the little rascals when they saw that the guys were pumping up new soccer and basket balls.  They feared for their lives.  Not really they were just surprised by the excitement and attack.  I was surprised the boys loved the bubbles.  The boys of course around 7 or 8 years old.  Jeromie was doing pull-ups on the monkey bars with a kid on his back.  Cliff as playing basketball.  Sasha and Az were playing soccer.  Kelli was talking with the kids and Carolina was swinging with some also.  Monica was doing bubbles and interpreting when asked.  I was letting the boys blow bubbles and I just called them by what their shirt said.  Just to hear them laugh.  Oh there was Spiderman, Honda, etc.  My favorite was Smooth like Butta!  I thought this one kid and his friend had shirts just alike.  But they were quick to point out that lots of boys had that shirt.

SMASH!!!!  I just got hit in the head from a basketball.  It was a shock.  I started to cry like a baby.  Not from the hurt of the ball or the smashing of my teeth - from the shock I guess.  I would not mention this embarrassing moment except for this little boy.   Well after the basketball hit my head it knocked a lens out of my glasses.  I tried with tears in my eyes to get it back in.  Robert, such a gentleman, gave me his hankie.  I told him I’m fine it was just a shock.  I kind of felt like a memory of an ugly loner girl on the playground and some bully threw the ball at me.  I know this sounds silly.  But that was the overwhelming feeling I had.  But you know what. (crying just remembering this, I know I’m just a cry baby) the little boys were just looking at me with such sad eyes.  Such compassion.  It was bitter sweet.  Then these little fingers reached over and helped me get my lens in my glasses.  I rubbed his back and thanked him.  He just had this indescribable look of compassion.  I saw Jesus in this child.  He then got us and walked away.  He limped away.  I never saw him again that day.  Was it Jesus in the form of a child?    I got up and did like that boy did and dusted myself off from the sidewalk chalk.  By the way we got in trouble for.  They like to keep the place clean.  We offered to clean it up after getting into trouble, but the Sister said no it will probably rain.  I walked over with my groupies to the slide and as the boys slide down they gave me five.  Wow, my hands hurt a little after that.  They must have gone up and down that slide 200 times in a row each kid.

Then it was time for them to go to class.  So we took a tour of the orphanage.  We started with the class rooms.  Hello! The boy’s bathroom was the next room and no door.  Yes there were kids in there.  We walked past quickly.  Boys!  We visited a classroom with middle school boys.  They also make pens wrapped in string with names or sayings in the pattern.  We purchased some.  Some will be mailed to us, so if you want to have one.  The boys are making the pens so they can purchase….get this… a copier for the school.  Yep not an IPod, not toys, but something for everyone at the school to benefit from.    We went down the way and four of the middle school boys decided to play the Mayan instrument xylophone type instrument.  It sounded cool.  We then went to the dorm rooms.  They sleep on 2inch mattress.  Their towel, underwear, socks, and clothes are hand embroidered with a number or initial for each.  They put their underwear in a bucket every morning.  They make their own beds and clean up after themselves.  Sister Eva is giving us the tour.  She is so sweet.  She truly loves all these kids.  She tells them a story at night.  If they stay up to late talking, she gets them up early to clean.  Love it.  She said they recycle to make money for food, taxes, cloths etc.  They sort used items that are donated to them and recycle, reuse or repurpose.  They go to the market and take a bag to each farmer’s booth and ask if they have anything to spare.  At this time that had a lot of string beans.  It looked like a lot.  But with no canning or freezing, it would last that large group of boys, plus local town people, plus the homeless, about 4 days maybe.  The Sister said if they need anything the other Sisters, she and the kids pray for it.  She says God always provides.  Monica and I talked later and wished we would have just run to the store and got them that printer.  To us it was reasonable.  To them they are working hard to save for it.  And pray for food, electricity, gas, etc.  She also said this new government said that they have to pay taxes and back taxes.  I ask yall to pray that this gets changed.  Or their might be more children and a group of sisters on the street soon.  I know God has a plan.  I just loved this place.  To see the love the Sister had for these children and the love the children have for her.  We saw a chalk line the boys drew from the sister’s door to the playground.  At the end was a note in chalk to the sister that they loved her.  So sweet.   It was time to go.  We meet with the mother and gave the school supplies and extra ball that we got them.  She gave us a calendar.  It was time to go.  We left there for dinner and then team meeting.  Then bed.

6/22/12

I talked with Robert and Bryan later about going by Wal-Mart and getting a copier for the orphanage from yesterday.  Robert had been feeling the same way.  Monica said she overheard Jeromie say don’t you just want to open your wallet for that place.  We decided to run by Wal-Mart and pick up a not cheepo, but reasonable printer.  We had to look at the whole picture.  Can they afford the cartridges etc?  Wal-Mart lady said they have an off brand of ink and they can bring it back and get it filled for half the price.  So on our way to the next orphanage Monica, Robert and Jeromie took the printer in to the Sister.  She was so happy they reported back.  We then were on our way to the next orphanage.

We called and they said no we have another group coming.  He said we didn’t confirm.  But our papers show we did.  We were broken hearted.  Robert asked if he wanted us to come tomorrow.  He said no not good.  Come today.  But there wouldn’t be very many kids.  So we went.  There were lots of kids and school kids.  So we got the food and bags out.  The team did the message and the crafts while Carlos and I unwrapped the 50 million hot dogs.  Just kidden.  Only 800.  The kitchen staff and I talked as much as we could with neither one knowing the others language.  The funny kitchen lady has a contagious laugh.

**She told Monica that Her Grandson fell from a 2 story window.  He was dead.  A man, that she says was an angel, came along and raised the dead boy in the air and said, “God if you heal this boy I will live for you!”  The boy is alive and well today.   She also told Monica that she was in the hospital on her death bed.  Until 2 days ago.  She believed and prayed and from her death bed to nothing wrong.  She told us there was a boy there named Marcos.  He just came back from the doctor and the doctors told him there is nothing they could do for him.  He is going blind.  We came to the kitchen and we all lay hands on him and prayed over him.  We believe and expect any day to hear that he is healed.  It was neat.  The scripture that the guys have been doing is Mark - and about a blind man.  Was great.

The director Edgar was not in a good mood.  He was not pleasant.  The only good thing that came out of the meeting with him is that last year when the team was here they prayed over a little girl.  She is healed.  The team played with the kids and then Cliff coached as the girls played a game where everyone watched - except the little kids.  Kelli played ring around the rosey and Carolina let them play with her hair and played train.  Train where the girls followed behind her with their hand holding on at the hip.  It was cute.  Sasha got into lifting the kids.  Big mistake.  His arms got tired.

We left after saying good bye to the kitchen ladies and the kids.  Went back into the City and ate dinner.  Back to the Hotel and had team meeting.  To bed.

6/23/12

Day off sort off.  We went into Antigua.  We did some shopping but most importantly the team handed out tracks. Saw some cool looking fruit.  Lady feeding her baby right there at her fruit stand.  Oh and this is how the bargaining goes.

“Lady what you buy?”

I say I’m just looking

Lady “I need to sell something I haven’t eaten all day.”

I just smile and say I’m just looking

Lady “You want blanket?”

I say “How much?” (because I do want blanket)

They say 3x the amount I want to pay.

I say “No thank you.”

They say “Lady I make you a deal I do 2x amount?”

I say “No thank you.” and try to walk away.

Lady “I have family 1x amount.  Ok how much you pay?”

I tell them.

Their tone changes and they say “OHHH no 1x amount, No.”

Then they let me walk away.  This happened over and over.  I got them down on several things except for the blanket that they all hand made.  That looks exactly like the next 100 booths.  Ha Ha Ha!   It was fun.  At the last place in the evening I was waiting by the exit.  I saw a little girl and little boy playing.  They were about 4.  Then I heard the little girl in Spanish ask the little boy “which one is bigger?”  She was playing with the tracks one of the team mates had given them.  It was priceless.  I did get a picture.  I hope to have Kelli draw it out for me also.

We went on top of the hill to take a picture of the Volcano.  Nope it had rained and couldn’t see any of it.  Oh well.  We had a great time shopping and meeting the natives and handing out tracks.  Drove back into town a little too late.  Can’t do anything late in this country.  There aren’t many street lights outside of the city.  And the vehicles don’t have that great of head or tail lights if they have any at all.  And the roads always have construction.  Team meeting and pack up to leave.  **NEVER, get your laundry done until you get home.  Jeromie, from swimming in Rio Dulce, got his cleaned.  So we had smelly cloths to.  Sure we could have washed them and hung them out to dry forever.  It takes that long to dry with this humidity.  But we thought it would be cheap.  And half the job done before we got home.  It was crazy expensive.  To say the least Monica and I didn’t have as much souvenir money.  It was a running joke but have to laugh or cry.

This is again my point of view.  I hope that this story, although I’m no writer, leads someone to do as we are doing.   Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstrained by the world.  JAMES 1:27

God bless,

Teresa

Great weather, nice flight.

Everyone is doing well.  Long time at Wal-Mart (Yes it is a Wal-Mart now).  We have all the supplies for Casa Guatemala and are looking forward to getting "started" tomorrow.  Guys are watching NBA Finals in Spanish.  We ate lunch at hotel and dinner at Pollo Campero.

Sprinkling tonight and very nice and cool.  All should sleep well.

I am going to apologize now for any typos that may be in any of these updates…at the end of the day we are all extremely tired and I usually don’t have time to proof read what I am writing!

Today has mostly been a day of travel for the team.  A few team members got up and went to the village and purchased lots of food, cleaning supplies, and undergarments for this orphanage.  It was such a blessing to be able to provide for some of their needs.  We headed back across the lake at 9:00am to deliver the items we purchased along with some bibles and to visit with the children again.  The lady who runs the orphanage gave us a tour of their facility.  They have over 25 acres to garden…it is such a neat set-up!   We only spend about 2 hours there and the children were in school so we didn’t see much of them today.  We had to leave the orphanage by 11:00 so we could check out of our rooms by noon and head back to Guatemala City.  Ugh….another 6+ hour bus ride…but these children have been so worth the long drive and lack of sleep!  On our long journey back we noticed we were getting a flat time when we stopped for gas.  So we had to stop and get it fixed.  While we were waiting one of our team members climbed a tree to get his wife a mango, and the girls decided it was time to cut Tyler’s hair…so it was an eventful stop to say the least!  We were able to hand out gospel tracts here – so we are praying that they seeds planted will harvest a fruit!  After they fixed the tire the rest of the trip was very uneventful…except for the car we saw that had no doors…the driver had himself roped to the seat so he wouldn’t fall out…we loved it!  We heard lots of funny family stories and got back around 7:30pm. We had our team meeting while we waited for our supper to come.  We were all so tired that everything seemed hysterical.

Risa is not feeling well tonight…please pray that she will feel better tomorrow.  Pray for the 170 boys who will hear the message at the next orphanage.

We got up and left our hotel at 4:00 am because there was construction on the road we were going to be traveling on and we were afraid we wouldn’t get here by noon.  Since we left so early we missed the construction…which was a huge blessing.  We arrived at the Backpackers Hotel a little before 10:00.  The hotel is owned by the orphanage and it is one of the ways they fund the orphanage.  The rooms are like camp dorm rooms with bunk beds, a shower, sink and toilet.  It is a fun experience.  We took small motored boats across the lake (about a 15-20 minute ride) to Casa Guatemala.  There are about 280 boys and girls at this orphanage from age 2-18.  Some of the children are from the village and do not actually live at the orphanage but go to school there.  All of the buildings except the dining hall are built over the water – it is a very different place - it is in the jungle and there are howling monkeys in the trees.  This is definitely a unique experience!

We made it over to the orphanage by 11:00 – we weren’t supposed to arrive there until after 1:00pm.  Since we got there early we were able to spend more time with the children, which was also a huge blessing. Some of the children at the orphanage remembered our group from last year.  Instead of cooking them supper we were able to feed them their hot dog lunch.  After lunch we had our bible lesson with the children.  Raul talked with them about Joseph and God’s purpose for him.  He told stressed that Joseph had to have a relationship with God so that he could be obedient to what God wanted him to do.  He told them how Joseph had been a dreamer, sold into slavery, been in jail, been an interpreter, and finally he had gained favor with Pharaoh and was able to rescue his family from famine.  He challenged them that no matter what their circumstances were – God had a plan for them also and that they needed to be obedient to Him and listen to Him.  He will continue to give this message at all of the orphanages that we visit.

After we had the lessons 5 of the boys from the orphanage played a basketball game with 5 of our team members.  It was a 10 minute game that was very amusing and it ended up in a tie!  After this we gave them a juice box and a package of cookies and then had craft time with them.  We taught them to make string bracelets with the colors of salvation:

Black represents sin – which we all have because we have all disobeyed God.·

Red represents the blood of Christ which He shed for us so that we could have our sins forgiven.

White represents purity – when we become a Christian all of our sins are forgiven because of the blood that Jesus shed on the cross – therefore we are washed as white as snow.

Green represents the growth that should take place in us as believers.  Just as a tree grows fruit – so should we as believers show evidence of the fruit of the spirit in our lives.  We told them that the fruit of the spirit is:  love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control.

Yellow (or gold) represents the promise of eternal life for those who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ.  God has promised we will live in heaven where the streets are paved in gold.

We also gave them the scripture that went along with each of these colors.  After we finished the craft it was time to head back across the lake to the Backpackers Hotel.   We had an early supper and then had our group devotional and were ready to wrap up the day by about 8:30pm…which was necessary since we have had 2 VERY early mornings!

Our team has been very, very flexible with the changes.  Everyone is getting along real well and God is using each person on the team.   Please continue to pray for us!