Monday, October 26, 2009

Glad but sad to be back...


I know that many of us are missing La Limonada immensely! It is a hard transition to return to our normal routines after experiencing everything we did in Guatemala. I know I would go back today if it was possible, but the daily responsibilities of work, family and life in general keeps me from jumping back on that plane at the moment.

I am determined to go back! I miss the kids, the teachers, Tita, Leah, Kate, the schools, the natural beauty that could be found all around us (especially in the faces of the children of La Limonada), our van rides to and from the ghetto, our nightly devotion time, our group members, the food, the coffee, Teresita and Gussy...believe me, I could go on and on! I wish everyone could experience the feeling of a full heart like I am right now!

To all of our group members:

Thank you so much for spending the week with me and sharing yourselves in a way that I have never whitnessed before. You are each amazing individuals and a critical piece of our group! I will never forget this trip and will alway cherish the time we spent together!!

I am glad to be back, but I think we all will have a long time of saddness about leaving such an amazing place!

Friday, October 23, 2009

The last day in La Limonada...


Our last day in La Limonada was part comfortable, joyful routine mixed with a bit of “Wow! What a day!” The day started with breakfast at 6:45am, as usual. Today, however, our group split up for the first time with some of us going to Limon with Lea and some accompanying Tita to help out at Madarina.

The Limon team included Carolyn, Cinda, Kim, Daniel, Brenda, Fran, Casto and myself. The Limon team stopped on the way at the “hardware” store to buy supplies to repair Nery’s roof. The morning at Limon followed the normal routine: four groups of children, rotating through bible study, games, crafts, and singing. The peace and happiness that exists within the walls of Limon is truly amazing; when you are inside the walls of the school, the poverty, violence, and desperation this community deals with can seem a thousand miles away.

Cinda had been sick the night before and was feeling miserable this morning. Many of us tried to convince her to stay home and rest. After being up much of the night getting sick, spending a long day in the ghetto can be a hard go. Cinda was very determined not to miss anything and she someway, somehow stuck it out.

Meanwhile in Madarina, Elysia, Megan, and Frank had a hectic morning handing out goodie bags. The morning was stressful due to the behavior of some teenagers, however, their morning ended with what was later described as an “edge of the earth where the heavens start” experience in the home of an elderly couple.

We all met up at Tita’s house at the end of the day for coffee. The culmination of an incredible week happened when Elysia, Megan, and Frank shared what they had experienced in the elderly couple’s home. They witnessed God’s power, grace, and love in a way they will never forget.

- Bernie

Thursday, October 22, 2009

A Note from Bill

It's been an incredible week here in Guatemala with the Lifepointe team! The heart and passion that each person in this group has shown for the teachers, the children and their families has been amazing. They have given everything they have to the Bible lessons, the games, the worship time, and the crafts. The joy on the faces of the children has been so evident each day this week... and I really believe that even the smallest act of service and love shown has made a huge impact in their lives.

The highlight of the day today were the home visits in the time between the morning and afternoon sessions. A few of the team members had an opportunity to spend time in the homes of the children they sponsor. They met their families and in some cases brought much needed food and other items to them.

It has especially been an encouragement to me to watch as child sponsors meet their children for the first time. We are so grateful to see meaningful relationships begin and develop between the sponsors ("padrinos") and the children, and the experience has been a powerful reminder that the personal connection, the prayers, the letters of encouragement and the visits are by far the most important part of child sponsorship.

The Lifepointe family can be so thankful to be a huge part of what God is doing in La Limonada, and for the incredible group of people who have set aside this week of their lives to represent Jesus and Lifepointe among the children and families of La Limonada! It has been a huge blessing to spend this week here in Guatemala with all of them!

-Bill Cummings

Wednesday, October 21, 2009

Goody bags!


The morning began with a little disappointment because breakfast could not be served due to an attempted break in at the school last night.  As the day went on, everything worked out, and we were able to give the bags to the majority of the kids that attend Escuelita Limon.  We plan to deliver the bags to Escuelita Mandarina on Friday.

In addition to giving out the goody bags, we made several home visits.  These visits showed us the extremes of life in La Limonada.  Some were very encouraging and others were heart wrenching, but we know that God has brought us to Guatemala to bring hope to the people of La Limonada.  This trip has brought hope to each one of our group members, and we hope to share that hope when we return to the US.

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Encouraging one another


Today the school was closed due to Guatemala's Revolution Day. The kids received a day off and the team took the opportunity to take in some of the beautiful sites in Antigua.
In Hebrews 3:13, God tells us to encourage one another daily. There are few things that are more encouraging than spending time with others who share the same passions. We have gotten to know each other (a little too much in some cases), and it has been a blast.
It has been so encouraging to simply spend time together. I know God used today to prepare our hearts for the rest of the trip. Remember, encouragement is free to give and great to receive (1 Thessalonians 5:11)!
-Casto

Monday, October 19, 2009

Our eyes have been opened

Our first day in the ghetto was filled with highs and lows. Meeting the children, the teachers, Tita and countless people on the streets of La Limonada brought tears of joy and sorrow to us all. We loved being in the Escuelita - Limon. The children are amazing - so full of love and affection and so welcoming. We also made several home visits and ate lunch in Escuelita - Mandarina, which is currently being renovated.

It was an overwhelming day for all of us and in our devotional time together we discussed the aspects of the day that touched us most deeply. At the same time, we feel happy to be here and saddened by the conditions we see. We see joy on faces in spite of extreme poverty and are compelled to be more appreciative of the blessings in our own lives. We are aware of how driven our lives are by the clock and hectic schedules. The people here truly live in the moment and that has inspired us to do the same. The sense of community in the ghetto is amazing. We witnessed neighbors buying fresh tortillas and other foods from one another, inviting the frail and elderly under their tattered roofs to care for them and sharing what little they had with each other. As we followed Tita through the narrow alleyways, people opened their doors to greet her with love. She freely gives her time, resources and herself to everyone she meets. Tita exemplifies the actions and love of Jesus.
-Kim

Happy Birthday, Carolyn!

We were so excited to share in the celebration of Carolyn's birthday today. Before breakfast, she commented that she knew she was going to become a different person today as a result of visiting La Limonada. At the end of the day, we find that we are all changed. Other notables from Carolyn's day were discovering she likes papaya (yay) and stepping in dog poo (yuck)!