Guatemala Short-term Missions trip

Today we set out for our first work day in the city of Cuyotenango. This area is impoverished and often the only work to be found is in the Sugar Cain industry where workers are notoriously paid unlivable wages and treated poorly. Part of the team joined Ben and Emily on four different home visits. They distributed clothing and food and spent lots of time making friends with the MANY kids! Those who participated were overwhelmed by how grateful the people were to God for the little they have. It was a blessing to the team to see their hearts and be able to help alleviate some of their struggle.

The rest of the team headed to our first home build site. The family consisting of Grandma, mom, and two small girls who had all of their belongings piled under a makeshift shelter. Their previously dwelling of broken and rusted scrap metal lay in the middle of the build site. The team laid a foundation of concrete that will be built on later this week. A generous neighbor opened her home to let us use her bathroom (with a flushing toilet- a big perk on job sites!) and set up tables and a place for us to rest during our lunch break. Other community members joined us in pitching in- even helping with concrete in crocs and flip flops!

Tomorrow's plan looks much like today's. We will begin on concrete for the second home and visit more homes. Please pray for physical strength and endurance. The locals have been emphasizing that it is hot even by Guatemala standards. But it basically feels like Iowa in July- just add in hotter sun, little airflow, and an infinite amount of dust and dirt on the job sites!