Guatemala Short-term Missions trip

Savannah Whitford

Home Build
Yesterday a group of our team laid the cement foundation down, so we could build a house for a family today. First we build the walls, then we added a door, windows, beds, and a stove. Although it took all day in sun, it couldn't have been more worth it! The family we built it for had been living outside for a week, so being able to help was blessing in itself. Our team of six worked well together, encouraging one another when the work was hard and the sun was hot. We loved interacting with the boy who was part of the family. The parents were so grateful for their new home and thanked God for bringing us to build it for them.

Nate Holler

Home Foundation Building
Another hot day in Guatemala, but a great one! The team who laid concrete showed up ready for some hard work, and had a fun time doing it. The family was very grateful to have us there and interacted with us and helped throughout the day. The family consisted of a single mom with 3 kids and some grandparents. The grandpa Gregorio was out digging, the kiddos were hauling buckets of sand, and a family friend was there for some help with translating and treated us to some Coca-cola for a much needed treat partway through the hot day. The 3 kids (ages 6, 6, & 9) loved talking with and trying to play with Elsa, and she was trying to teach them some words in English. It was a true team effort as we took breaks as needed but powered through and got the full foundation laid so that tomorrow we can frame & finish the family's new home.

Aaron Barnhart

Home Visits
Our day ended with a visit with a family of four. The father told us his story of suffering as of late where he unfortunately lost all vision in his right eye and some of his vision in his left eye. This caused him to lose his job. Now he wakes up everyday and tries his best to find a job to do for the day. His wife works by cleaning houses for three dollars per day. Through all of these trials they firmly told us about their belief in God and the hope that they find in Him. They even attend their local church every single day at 3:00pm. It was amazing to all of us listening to hear their story of unwavering faith in these times of great distress for their family. As we talked more with the father, he opened up to us about his anxiety that he has felt as of late, which prompted one individual in our group to read him a bible passage. That passage being Philipians 4:6-7 - "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." This seemed to be uplifting to him and I'm glad the Holy Spirit led us to share that passage. At the end of our conversation we were able to give clothes to their children and around 50 pounds worth of food for their family. We are glad that we were an encouragement to them, because they were certainly an encouragement to us.