We finished on the job site at noon today and it was a tearful farewell as we said goodbye to five of the most determined and dedicated men you will meet. These fellows are building 10-12 hours per day, sleeping on cots, cooking over a fire, often not knowing where their next meal will come from. They work in sandals and without gloves or hard hats. They live 4 hours away by bus so they only go home every second weekend as some need to stay back to guard the building site. They work in simple conditions with simple tools but their attitudes are amazing, their laughter is contagious and their love is evident. We were able to leave food, clothing and some cash for them. We had a good chance to pray together and to bless them before we left. But they were more a blessing to us as they model humility and faith and joy that have nothing to do with circumstances.
The president of the CMA Guatemala then took us for lunch to a Latino restuarant which was a thank you from the national office. They food was good and a treat to be in a restaurant frequented by the local people.
Now it is time to pack and get ready for the day of travel tomorrow. We will have memories that will last for years and as we sort them all out and sort out the ramifications of being involved in this project we ask God to guide and direct as to our involvement as a group and as PAC church with International Projects. Opportunities abound and we need His wisdom to proceed from here.
We will all appreciate prayer for the trip home. Shanon is travelling alone again at different times and route than the rest of the group so asks for prayer for that journey!
Thanks for tracking with us these past weeks. Jo and Maryanne will be giving a short report on Sunday morning at PAC and the Lees and Tom and Shanon will give reports on the following Sunday. Thanks to those who supported us through prayer and financial gifts. The project will need continued support until the costs are covered. It is fully tax deductible and can be given at PAC marked "Guatemala" on the envelope. The needs here are great and we are certainly thrilled that your gifts are helping to build a place that will minister to many.
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We will continue to pray for the group as the travel different routes home ..it has been amazing to watch you all the wonders of the internet!!!! Take care all May God Bless each and everyone with safe travel and good connections as you wing your way back to us...Thanking God for a Successful Mission and many touched hearts....Love in Christ Barb & Doug Painter
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