Today we visited our sponsor child, Willy, and we (Allison, Meagan, Josh, Ms. Shepherd, and I) absolutely loved his family. We gave him some presents and made him promise to write to us on a monthly basis so I am definitely looking forward to that! We also went to the hospital today and it was probably one of the worst experiences for me in Guatemala. See, in Vancouver, people go to the hospital to get better. In Guatemala however, people go there to die. The medicare is below decent and sometimes there aren't even any antibiotics to give to the patients. This trip has been amazing and truly opened my eyes to the world and how much we are blessed by God. Today is our last day in Tactic and I will definitely miss this country.
Marco
Monday, 11 July 2011
Picture Update!!!
Multiple team members acting as VBS leaders playing with the children.
Guatemalan children eating the food they receive at VBS.
Caleb with his arms around two buddies he met at VBS.
Rebecca smiles with kids that she would begin to miss.
Marco poses beside a strong little kid standing on his head.
Joshua showing his love for a child who attended VBS.
The results of the market-scavenger-hunt-game.
Day 8, July 11
So this morning after breakfast, we went to a morning at Mocohan. The kids there very excited to see us and when we went throught the gates, all the kids came running towards us. I'm kinda sad we're leaving in 2 days because this has been such an awesom experience. Our trip is coming to an end soon and it has definately been a life changing experience. As much as I miss the people at home this has become a part of me that I don't want to leave behind. Sooo yeah (;
ps. Happy Birthday Keith! Have a great day and I hope you have lots of cake :)
from, Jocelyn
ps. Happy Birthday Keith! Have a great day and I hope you have lots of cake :)
from, Jocelyn
Sunday, 10 July 2011
Tactic : Day of Rest.
Wow, time goes by fast! It is already day 7 here in this beautiful country of Guatemala! Every day has been such an incredible experience, being with the children and seeing how passionate they are for God really has touched my heart since I've been here. It is amazing to see how much the kids thank God and praise Him with all they are, even though they barely have anything. Yesterday we got the chance to go do some home visits, and just to see the amount of poverty surrounding us breaks my heart, but I was encouraged by the families and children who are so thankful for what they have, which has definitely taught me so much.
This morning we did a scavenger hunt around the main marketplace here in Tactic - we were split into four groups and had to run around and find certain items on the list we recieved. It was a really fun outing and a great way to connect more with the people here.
Everyone here is SO nice and all have such a sweet heart. They all have made us feel so welcome in a country that is foreign to us. VBS has also been a highlight for me, getting to connect with the kids even though there is a language barrier, it definitely didn't stop me from really connecting with the kids. It was sad to say goodbye after 3 awesome days of serving the children in San Antonio, and some people made the choice to sponsor some kids that they served there. By the end of the day, we all gather to debrief about the day, and we are always so tired after a full day of work and experiences!
Today we are headed to a coffee plantation after lunch, then we will go to a church that Impact Ministries has created, which we are all excited to experience!
Mom, Dad & Lauren - I am having the time of my life, I have grown and changed in so many ways since I've been here and I am SO excited to come home and tell you all of the stories that we have experienced. I have felt GREAT the entire time so far, every day has been completely amazing. Love you guys and see you in 3 sleeps:)
- Emily
This morning we did a scavenger hunt around the main marketplace here in Tactic - we were split into four groups and had to run around and find certain items on the list we recieved. It was a really fun outing and a great way to connect more with the people here.
Everyone here is SO nice and all have such a sweet heart. They all have made us feel so welcome in a country that is foreign to us. VBS has also been a highlight for me, getting to connect with the kids even though there is a language barrier, it definitely didn't stop me from really connecting with the kids. It was sad to say goodbye after 3 awesome days of serving the children in San Antonio, and some people made the choice to sponsor some kids that they served there. By the end of the day, we all gather to debrief about the day, and we are always so tired after a full day of work and experiences!
Today we are headed to a coffee plantation after lunch, then we will go to a church that Impact Ministries has created, which we are all excited to experience!
Mom, Dad & Lauren - I am having the time of my life, I have grown and changed in so many ways since I've been here and I am SO excited to come home and tell you all of the stories that we have experienced. I have felt GREAT the entire time so far, every day has been completely amazing. Love you guys and see you in 3 sleeps:)
- Emily
Saturday, 9 July 2011
Gloria a Dios
Buenos noches!
I have had quite the amazing day here in Tactic. This morning, the majority of the students went to the work site and shovelled dirt for 4 hours! Although I wasn't there, I heard that they worked extremely hard and are making good progress. They really are coming together as a team.
I spent the morning at the medical clinic set up in San Antonio to serve the families of the students there. For 4 hours, I coloured and did crafts with the children who were waiting there, which was a bit of a stretch because I don't know much Spanish. Every time I said something, the children would laugh at me! It was neat because yesterday we handed out T-shirts to the VBS children, and today a lot were wearing them!
In the afternoon, we had the priviledge of doing home visits, and for me this was very special. Our first visit was to RCS' sponsor child, who was home alone taking care of his sister. He was very shy, but I think also glad to have us in his home briefly. I was able to meet my sponsor child, a 6-year-old girl named Valentina. She is from a rather well-off family (in Guatemalan standards of course), and we were invited into their home with such hospitality. We were even served a meal there! When I was trying to speak Spanish with her, I asked "Quien es tu mejor amiga?" (who is your best friend), and she answered "tu!" (you). It was the most adorable thing! I am so blessed and thankful to have met her!
We are headed to our debrief now, and there is no doubt that it will be a time where everyone will open up about their feelings. As a leader, it has been amazing to see these students expressing how they are hearing God's voice in ways that they may not have previously.
Mom and Dad - I hope you aren't missing me and Steph too much! We are having an excellent time here and will see you soon! Love you!
~ Meagan Peters
I have had quite the amazing day here in Tactic. This morning, the majority of the students went to the work site and shovelled dirt for 4 hours! Although I wasn't there, I heard that they worked extremely hard and are making good progress. They really are coming together as a team.
I spent the morning at the medical clinic set up in San Antonio to serve the families of the students there. For 4 hours, I coloured and did crafts with the children who were waiting there, which was a bit of a stretch because I don't know much Spanish. Every time I said something, the children would laugh at me! It was neat because yesterday we handed out T-shirts to the VBS children, and today a lot were wearing them!
In the afternoon, we had the priviledge of doing home visits, and for me this was very special. Our first visit was to RCS' sponsor child, who was home alone taking care of his sister. He was very shy, but I think also glad to have us in his home briefly. I was able to meet my sponsor child, a 6-year-old girl named Valentina. She is from a rather well-off family (in Guatemalan standards of course), and we were invited into their home with such hospitality. We were even served a meal there! When I was trying to speak Spanish with her, I asked "Quien es tu mejor amiga?" (who is your best friend), and she answered "tu!" (you). It was the most adorable thing! I am so blessed and thankful to have met her!
We are headed to our debrief now, and there is no doubt that it will be a time where everyone will open up about their feelings. As a leader, it has been amazing to see these students expressing how they are hearing God's voice in ways that they may not have previously.
Mom and Dad - I hope you aren't missing me and Steph too much! We are having an excellent time here and will see you soon! Love you!
~ Meagan Peters
Jehovah Rapha
Just a little update from the medical clinic...
Every day we have been holding clinics out of Impact's amazing clinic, which is attached to one of their schools - Chijacorral. Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday morning our team has been completing check ups on the children of Chijacorral. The afternoons consist of clinics for the members in need in the Tactic community. It has been amazing to watch how excited the team has been to help out in the clinic. Various students have been helping us with heights and weights and have also been able to shadow us during visits. It has been so encouraging to me to see how the clinic has impacted various members of the team. Everyone has pulled together and really been helpful in the clinic!
Today we did a clinic up at San Antonio where the DVBS was held these past few days. Children came for exams wearing their shirts they received as gifts yesterday, which was special for us to see. They were so excited to see some of our students again and the community was very grateful to having a medical service available to them. Something that has really blessed me is the prayer room. In the clinic and up at San Antonio, we had a prayer room. One of the hermanas (sisters) from the church prayed for every patient after they had been to see one of the doctors or the nursing team. The people of Guatemala are so willing to receive prayer and people's lives are being changed.
God is good and has not only blessed the people here through us but has blessed us through them.
Abundant blessings through God's love.
Rebecca Houweling
Every day we have been holding clinics out of Impact's amazing clinic, which is attached to one of their schools - Chijacorral. Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday morning our team has been completing check ups on the children of Chijacorral. The afternoons consist of clinics for the members in need in the Tactic community. It has been amazing to watch how excited the team has been to help out in the clinic. Various students have been helping us with heights and weights and have also been able to shadow us during visits. It has been so encouraging to me to see how the clinic has impacted various members of the team. Everyone has pulled together and really been helpful in the clinic!
Today we did a clinic up at San Antonio where the DVBS was held these past few days. Children came for exams wearing their shirts they received as gifts yesterday, which was special for us to see. They were so excited to see some of our students again and the community was very grateful to having a medical service available to them. Something that has really blessed me is the prayer room. In the clinic and up at San Antonio, we had a prayer room. One of the hermanas (sisters) from the church prayed for every patient after they had been to see one of the doctors or the nursing team. The people of Guatemala are so willing to receive prayer and people's lives are being changed.
God is good and has not only blessed the people here through us but has blessed us through them.
Abundant blessings through God's love.
Rebecca Houweling
Friday, 8 July 2011
WOW. indescribable
heyy everyone- Rebecca here.
Or Becca, Becky, Beba, Beckita... watever u want to call me (;
First of all, HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY PITO! im so sorry that it's 2 days late...to be entirely honest- i kinda forgot. BUT I REMEMBERED NOW! :D hope u had a good one pito <3
anyways... :) This whole trip seems to be going so fast- yet each day feels like forever. No joke. We've been worked hard, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I have learned so much here and it has only been like what....5 days? ;)
The past 3 days of VBS have been truly inspiring. The kids sing with their whole hearts to the Lord and I'm standing there in amazement. I have gotten to know the kids, and have really connected. Today was our last day with them and I almost broke down into tears...and you know me- i dont usually cry. ;-;
The kids would just tickle and poke and tease me. I told them my name was Rebecca and they would say baca.
That's a cow in spanish...hahahaha :P
and when I was saying bye the kids just wouldnt let go of me. Their joy in their eyes touched my spirit so much. Im truly inspired. We were teaching them...but overall they have taught us so much.
We did games today and i was running for literally like 3 hours straight. im tired. now we're gonna go play soccer... and for those of you who know me...Im defenately not a soccer player. :P
The sun is so strong here when its not raining, and i have a very dark farmers tan...
haha
You know who you are..I WILL BEAT U. get ready for the bets to come true.
KK i gotta go. I miss u all so much.
Luv you all <3
Rebecca
xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Or Becca, Becky, Beba, Beckita... watever u want to call me (;
First of all, HAPPY BELATED BIRTHDAY PITO! im so sorry that it's 2 days late...to be entirely honest- i kinda forgot. BUT I REMEMBERED NOW! :D hope u had a good one pito <3
anyways... :) This whole trip seems to be going so fast- yet each day feels like forever. No joke. We've been worked hard, physically, emotionally, and spiritually. I have learned so much here and it has only been like what....5 days? ;)
The past 3 days of VBS have been truly inspiring. The kids sing with their whole hearts to the Lord and I'm standing there in amazement. I have gotten to know the kids, and have really connected. Today was our last day with them and I almost broke down into tears...and you know me- i dont usually cry. ;-;
The kids would just tickle and poke and tease me. I told them my name was Rebecca and they would say baca.
That's a cow in spanish...hahahaha :P
and when I was saying bye the kids just wouldnt let go of me. Their joy in their eyes touched my spirit so much. Im truly inspired. We were teaching them...but overall they have taught us so much.
We did games today and i was running for literally like 3 hours straight. im tired. now we're gonna go play soccer... and for those of you who know me...Im defenately not a soccer player. :P
The sun is so strong here when its not raining, and i have a very dark farmers tan...
haha
You know who you are..I WILL BEAT U. get ready for the bets to come true.
KK i gotta go. I miss u all so much.
Luv you all <3
Rebecca
xoxoxoxoxoxoxo
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)