Guatemala Extreme Home makeover - part uno

Manuela and her mother and two daughters live in the mountain region of Chichicastenango. They shared an adobe house with their sisters family. Manuela makes little hacky sack balls that are knitted with different colors and filled up with beans. She makes about 2 quetzales per hacky sack (it is about 8 quetzales to a dollar) and that gives her the money she needs to help feed her family.

Pray America works with community leaders and Pastors in this region to identify the widows that are in need of a home and Manuela was selected. Our team from Corinth arrived with some Pray America staff and carried tools down a valley to the site where we worked to build this simple structure. Some of our team pampered Manuela and the girls with shoes and a pedicure while others were helping to build her a new home. 

Starting to build Manuela's home

Ken, Kevin H. and Ben putting up a wall

Sharon painting nails with Manuela's girls

Trying on new shoes! 

Tammy trying to get a smile! 

Kevin dedicates the house to the Lord

Kique teaches the family how to use the water filter

Guatemala pictures

Sunday in Chichicastenango

Worship is an important part of any missions experience. Our day started with church where we listened to a great message from Matthew 11:11-15.

We were reminded of the fact that our spiritual ferocity is when we hear and see clearly what God wants us to hear and see!

We prayed that God would clear our eyes and ears this week as we serve the people of Guatemala. 

We spent the afternoon in one of the largest markets in Central America - right in Chichicastenango. There are more sights and sounds then one could imagine. 

From large carts with bananas on the street to tight places where you could barely move through a crowded lane we walked and talked to the locals who were selling their wares. 

Many on our team described sadness at the little children who were selling to make money for their families. We were mindful of the many blessings we have in America - where we have so much more than we need. 

We are looking forward to Monday when we will be building a widow's home. 

Feeding Children

Second Day in Chichicastenango. One of the things we learned is that Pray America loves to feed children! We painted benches and tables and scraped the ceiling in a classroom at a school where they do a feeding program.  We rode in the back of a truck together and helped feed over 300 kids in a mountain village. Our team worked hard and loved the adventure of the day! 

Traveling in style

Guatemala team 2012 Travel day

Leaving early from Grand Rapids - our team was blessed to have 2 good flights to Guatemala City! We were met there by Tammy Huizenga and then drove to Chi Chicastenango. After a long day, we are safe and looking forward to spending a week here in Guatemala.

Guatemala Team

Guatemala 2012

We are leaving from Grand Rapids and heading to Guatemala. Please pray for our trip and that God would be Glorified!