Guatemala Photo Of The Day – Zully’s Mom
When we arrived at Zully’s house, we were met by her mother. She was so happy to see us. We were welcomed with open arms and a load of hospitality. We didn’t use our siesta time to take a nap, but we were refreshed by the fellowship as we sat on the front porch.
This is the home I helped build the first year I went to Guatemala in 2012.
While I struggle to communicate verbally with Zully’s family (I really need to work on my Spanish), there was a clear connection we made which transcends the language barrier.
What a blessing to visit with this family we have come to love in the village of Xenacoj.
Guatemala Photo Of The Day – On The Way To Zully’s House
In the faces of my kids, I see a look of contentment. They are happy to be in a place that doesn’t physically look like home. At first glance, there seems to be so much less. Upon a further look, there is so much more.
As I remember walking to Zully’s house this afternoon in Guatemala, I recall a sense of belonging and a peace in my present circumstances. Despite the desire to get more work accomplished, I discovered a joy found only in by being in the moment.
Guatemala Photo Of The Day – Finding Home In The Streets Of Xenacoj
Every day between 1PM and 3:30PM (or 4PM), we stopped for lunch and a siesta. Our second working day, our family decided to use the siesta time to walk to the other side of town to visit a family we have come to know through our past visits to Xenacoj. As we were walking down the street, we ran into Zully, the young daughter of the family. She was heading home from school, and we happened to run into her walking along the road.
She was surprised to see us. In fact, when she saw Hannah is was as if she had seen a ghost. I know she remembered us from before, but I think she couldn’t believe we were back again for a visit.
Once our introductions were out of the way, Zully along with our kids walked ahead chatting on the way back to Zully’s house.
Guatemala Photo Of The Day – Dogs
If you walk the streets of Xenacoj, you will not see any rats. You will not see any cats. But you will see many, many dogs. Some people own pet dogs. Many wild dogs roam the streets of Xenacoj eating trash, fighting with one another, and looking for a good sunspot out of the way.
The large population of wild dogs keep the cat and rat population to a very small minimum, but it also means you need to watch your step as you walk through Xenacoj. Otherwise, you might end up stepping in you know what.
Guatemala Photo Of The Day – Entrepreneur
Walking through the streets of Xenacoj, you probably will see many signs that look like this. The signs are posted outside of homes, and they indicate the locations of entrepreneurs. The person who lives at this residence sells various items including soda, coffee, and ice cream. Other entrepreneurs in Xenacoj sell tortillas or firewood.
I love the spirit of these people in Xenacoj. They have a desire to provide for their families, and they have an instinct and courage to try something bold and different – even if it means starting with a few items, a piece of construction paper, and a black marker.
Guatemala Photo Of The Day – Parking For Ponies
This is not something you see every day in your hometown.
The streets of Xenacoj are filled with people, horses, stray dogs, and a few vehicles.
Recently, construction vehicles have been navigating the narrow streets of Xenacoj on their way to building a highway around Guatemala City. A child was hit by one of the construction vehicles a few weeks ago which led to protests and road closures throughout the village. I don’t know the condition of the child who was hit, but I have come to understand that the construction crews agreed to follow another route to their desired destination to minimize traffic through Xenacoj.
Please pray for those who walk and drive the streets of Xenacoj that they would be safe.
Guatemala Photo Of The Day – Sign Of The Times
Not far from German’s house, I snapped a picture of this sign. It’s a new sign in Xenacoj where a gas station was built sometime between our 2013 visit and our 2014 visit.
I had the chance to hang out with Dave Sgro from GO! Ministries earlier this week, and he explained that small restaurants are starting to pop-up throughout the village.
Things are moving forward (or are at least changing) in the village we love.
Pray for the people of Xenacoj as they prepare to elect the next mayor of the village.
Guatemala Photo Of The Day – German
German represents Christ well in all he does. He has a hunger and passion to know Him more and to serve Him more deeply.
During our week in Guatemala last summer, German kept a feverish pace as he ran around transporting supplies and people and coordinating as we served in Xenacoj.
Please pray for German that he would be strong and courageous as he serves the people of Xenacoj.
Guatemala Photo Of The Day – Leanne
I love doing life with my wife.
Serving in Guatemala has brought us some of the greatest joy of our lives together.
When I look at this picture, I look forward to the adventure waiting in front of us.
Guatemala Photo Of The Day – Spread The Happiness
Jose was pretty quiet most of the time we were building his house, but he was probably the one my wife enjoyed hanging around the most.
As he enjoyed our late morning break time, I snapped this picture. The expression on his face is the definition of happy. He’s happy we are there, and we are so happy to help Jose and his family.
Happiness is not guaranteed in life, but I think it might be something that is contagious. We’re giving it to Jose, and he is giving it to us and to others.
You and I have the opportunity to be agents of happiness. It starts with a simple smile or a word of kindness. Take time today to spread the happiness!
