Saturday In Xenacoj (and Antigua)
As I indicated yesterday, I am still getting my U.S.A. Legs under me. With this in mind, allow me to share the details of our day on Saturday in Guatemala. I’m hoping to add pictures into each of these posts, but you can hop over to my personal Facebook profile if you want to see all the pictures.
Saturday in Xenacoj (and Antigua)
This was a tough day for me as it was my turn to pick up some type of bug. I woke up anticipating the feeding program and VBS which would be taking place at the Center where we stayed in Xenacoj. Unfortunately, I spent the whole morning in bed fighting a fever and sleeping. I woke up around 11:30 just as everyone was leaving. I was able to see Blanca, a young girl we met last year, who has a rare allergy to the sun. It will be exciting to share pictures of her with those on our trip from last year. I also met one of the doctors in town who confirmed that I should continue with Cipro and ibuprofen to fight the bug/bacteria that I must have picked up.
I gathered enough strength to journey with our team to Antigua where we did some sightseeing and shopping. Honestly, I was pretty weak as we wandered trough this popular tourist area. The kids enjoyed bartering for souvenirs.
At night, GO! Ministries hosted an appreciation dinner for our group. Dave cooked five different kinds of shrimp, and we also had salad, tortillas, and cake. If I had been feeling better I’m sure I would have enjoyed the food portion of this dinner very much. Dave showed us a video that he put together highlighting our experiences. And then we each had an opportunity to stand up and share with the group about our week.
This trip was a huge deal for our family. Many of you know that Leanne and I had to cancel a planned trip to Nairobi, Kenya three years ago when Leanne was dealing with some significant health problems. I am so proud of her for stepping outside her comfort zone into Xenacoj. While the beginning of the week was challenging, it was obvious as the week went along that she was in her element experiencing the joy of serving in and around Xenacoj. Isaac and Hannah both did a great job as well this week. They both served with full effort, and they engaged with our team and with the people of Guatemala with such compassion. I am so proud of them. It was so great to meet the Spooner family (Jeff, Amy, and Sharett). In a week’s time, we went from complete strangers to wonderful friends. I love the spirit and spunk of their family. German is the man, and his family left a huge mark on our family. Never before have I met such a servant and servant-family. German’s prayers throughout the week were some of the most beautiful and powerful prayers that I have ever heard. He is truly a man after God’s own heart. Jesse Sgro was our team manager, and he did a great fob leading us from his devotion on Monday night to his translation to his constant comedy. And to Dave, thank you for inviting our family to walk alongside GO! Ministries for a week. This is a week that has clearly left a mark on our family.
After everyone had a chance to speak, we closed the evening in prayer. In Guatemala one mode or method of prayer involves everyone praying out loud at once. Our team was placed in the middle and the leaders and locals surrounded us and put their hands on us as they prayed. It was another beautiful moment.