We arrived at the
building site and split into 2 groups and then each group built two houses by
1:30. The cement pad was already prepared for us and we started by
putting all the wall panels up, which were about 4’ by 8’ and that took about
an hour to put together. Then after the panels were up some of the team
started to paint the outside of the houses. And the other team members
were helping by putting the tin roof on the wooden rafters.
We met some of the children and they were really nice and shy. We brought
some toys such as Frisbees, bubbles, and skipping ropes. A lot of the
children liked the bubbles. We all learned some new skills such as
painting, using power tools and hammer and nails. After our late
lunch Luis, the director of AOJ Guatemala, and Otto came with us as our
translator to bless each home. There was a prayer and dedication for each
home, including one for Mr Lloyd Coleman, a member of Amberlea Church who
passed away two years ago. (Our personal thought was that Lloyd would’ve
liked this family – the Culajay Chipoc Family). A certificate was nailed
to the wall. We gave them house warming gifts like homemade quilts from
the quilting ladies of Amberlea, pots and pans, table and chairs,
cupboard, household items and toys for the children.
After the blessing of the houses we hiked back up the hill to the van
that took us back to the health clinic. When we arrived to our surprise,
there were hundreds of people waiting for a food package. By the end we
had distributed 150 food packages. As the families started leaving they
were placing the packages on their heads. Now just to give you an idea of
how heavy these packages are, they are 30 pounds!!!!!!!!! As they began
their walk home we wondered how long it would take with the small children and
hard terrain.
The Kids - Caroline, Katie &
Nicholas
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