Hola from Guatemala! Week Three

I can't believe we're halfway done with our trip already. This week we haven't had a church team here so the schedule has been very different. We spent one morning at a community home, and the kids there were hilarious. They love to dance, and it made me happy to see the joy in their faces as these preschoolers danced and did cartwheels to Spanish pop music.

Each afternoon a small group of girls from the transitional home (ages 14-18) came to our Buckner casa, and we got to read through Scripture together and discuss the topic of temptation. It was awesome getting to pray with them and get to know the girls.
We spent a couple of mornings painting the outside walls of Buckner's new baby home.

On Thursday afternoon the interns got to surprise the girls at Manchen. We stopped by and brought them lunch from Pollo Campero which was a big treat to them. It was awesome seeing their faces again and a blessing to see their excitement.

On Friday morning we left at 6 a.m. to hike up a volcano in Antigua called Pacaya. It was an amazing experience, and God's creation is incredible. We got within feet of lava, saw breathtaking views, and got a good workout hiking up.

Northpark Church from Abilene, TX arrived late Thursday evening so we're starting to get to know them. We went with them to Manchen on Friday and also spent today with Northpark Church, Celeste, Susy, and Gabbi from the transitional home. Next week we'll be at a boys' orphanage called Elisa Martinez.

It's amazing being here in Guatemala. The people are precious. So many different emotions flood me each day- so much joy overwhelms me when I see familiar faces at Manchen; there's so much heartache when I hear some of the orphans' pasts; so much encouragement from listening to and just getting to watch other interns with the kids; so much awe when I see all that God has done and is doing here. Thanks for praying for us.
~ Holli