Guatemala 2012 - Day 7

Day 7, that does not seem possible. The time here has been a true blessing to us and we are so thankful for this opportunity to serve others and the Lord. I personally have felt the presence of him this entire trip and we have witnessed his works through all our new found friends this week. It has been amazing to be with such a great, Christian group of people. To be honest, I can't believe how "easy" it has been with complete strangers. Everyone instantly turned into family and it has been great.

Today was the second work day at the orphanage. We had a wonderful day which in Craig's world means productive. Last night I had a dream that Craig and I worked together and then Jason and someone else went together and worked so we could be more productive and get more done. It was so real and I really felt like that was how our day needed to be. Craig and I ended up changing a bunch of CFL lamps, attaching a service, changing ballasts, bulbs and outlets in the kitchen. Jason and Joe added an outside outlet, worked in the kitchen and did a few other honey do things. It was excellent and we were so happy to have felt like something was done. The house parents were so happy to have the lights working in their houses. We were able to have some great quality time together just the two of us and that was awesome. We work so well together and we really really enjoy each others company. I had one of the younger girls ask me today how long we have been married. When I said, "It will be 15 years in August", she replied, wow, and you still love each other so much, you are always holding hands or he always has his arms around you like you are newlyweds, that is amazing! I looked at her and I said, "Yes, God has been good to us and he allowed us to find each other all in the perfect timing. He is my sole mate and I love him more and more every day. We love being around each other and we love doing things together. To me that is what marriage is all about. Having that love and support where ever and when ever you need it or need it. Even if it is a look, a kiss, a hug, a nod, a phone call, no matter how big or how small the gesture, it is all important to cherish and love one another with all of yourself.

This trip has been great and difficult all at the same time. I will say it has been pretty easy for me to adapt to a foreign country. I am most definitely the free spirit of the marriage. Craig on the other hand has struggled and I really didn't know until tonight how much. Chad called him out and asked him what he thought of the week and how it has been. He said that this was probably one of the only mission trips he will ever do, he just hasn't been comfortable this entire time. I replied of course, that he will be back sometime, he just doesn't know it yet. The reason being that I am loving it and can see myself going again and I know that he would do anything for me. We had a discussion later and he explained that he is really really homesick and being away from Micah is about killing him inside. I forsee a long weekend with lots of cuddling in our near future! We video chatted with Micah tonight and we could see that he was a bit sad. He wasn't crying or anything, we could tell he is starting to miss us pretty bad and that made it really hard. He was really happy to hear we were going to be home in two days, the same day as show and tell! Hopefully this winter storm we hear is heading towards SD won't be causing us any issues. Pray, pray, pray for us to have a safe and complication free trip. We will be heading to the Orphanage tomorrow and then we will drive to Guatemala City and stay at a hotel there for the night. We will get on the flight Friday and head home. I don't know if I will be able to blog tomorrow as I have no idea about the accommodations for internet. I plan on doing a blog of mission impact on our life after we get home. I really think it takes a while to sink in and absorb all that has happened. I can say that this trip has changed both of us forever and for that I am thankful. I was reading on of the childs biographies today and one thing stood out. In her own words, she said she was thankful to have her house parents because they worry about her. That really struck me because I thought, almost all of us on this trip have a family, friends, church families etc that "worry" about us taking this mission. To be a small child and understand that is a very important thing, that is a life long thing made me realize just how much we all take for granted.

God is good and he shows us all great favor. It is amazing.

Working on the Amy House Service

Mindi staining the cubicles for storage

Kyle and Rambo (Aka Jim)

Kayla doing arts and crafts with the kids.

Joseph (Joe) jumping rope with the kids

Craig made a friend. Aura came right up to him and he loved every minute.

Craig and Aura. I told Craig I haven't seen that big of a smile on his face in a very long time. If you look close, you can see that twinkle in his eye everyone talks about.

Jeff and Hermina on the bus ride back to the orphanage.

Me with Emily and Rosemary. They are two of the children that have been at our hotel alot because their family sell handmade goods etc at the hotel. They are sweet sweet kids.

Lydia and Kathy. Lydia is an amazing lady and has treated us so very well here at her hotel. Everything has been amazing.

Me and the birthday girl, Donna!

Peter and his mom, Donna. Such wonderful people and we are blessed to now call them friends. If we ever get to Pocahontas we will have to stop by and say hi!

Peter, Craig and Daryl

Chad, Alejandro and Ginger

Craig and Joe

Lydia lined up a mariachi band for Donna's birthday FIESTA! We had just gotten online to video Micah when they showed up here. They started off with fireworks and then on to music. It was really fun to see and here.

Me and Rosemary watching them wack the pinata that Lydia had gotten for Donna

It was a wonderful day for all of us. We are sad to leave a place the desperately needs our help, but we do look forward to getting back to the states. Until next time. Love ya all.