OCTOBER 2021

OCTOBER 2021    

 

         This month we were blessed with the funds to build a home for Juan and Vilma and there two girls.   The hut they were living in had many holes in the metal roof,   a dirt floor,  and walls that did not keep the rain out.  They are now living in a home with concrete floors, roof, and walls that will keep them warm and dry here in Santa Maria de Jesus at an altitude of 7000ft. 

Juan (26), Vilma (24), Yesemin (6), and Britni (4)

 

When we build it always draws extended family

Rita with the girls and neighbors

Yesemin, Britni, and cousin Kimberly

We have one man that helps us who lives in Santa Maria and speaks Kaqchikel.  Here Fidel is explaining the use of their new wood burning stove to Juan

Rita asked Vilma's parents to kiss for a picture - this was their reaction.  The mother was moved to laughing tears.

Vilma and her sisters asked us for a copy of this picture,  they had never seen her parents display affection

The girls looking out their new window

The trek to the home site was through many fields and all hands were on deck to help us get the materials from the truck.

Feeding Center in Santa Maria de Jesus

      We are still distributing food on Wednesdays and Fridays at the children's feeding center in Santa Maria.   We long for the day we will once again be able to feed the children inside the building and share the gospel through songs and the Word ,  but,   until we are allowed to bring them inside we feed them by giving them a complete meal in bags with tortillas that they take home to their family.  We also distribute activity sheets that proclaim the Gospel and if they complete the activity and bring it back the next time they get rewarded.   We see many of these children each day in the village and love the opportunity to love on them and show them the love of Jesus

A couple of the precious little ones that come each day

For the re-fried black beans,  they are cooked at the feeding center then sent in buckets to a house down the alley that has a masher.  The boys then bring the mashed beans back to the feeding center for us to cook further.

Wendy steadily stirring the pot of re-fried black beans  for 30 minutes

Cary stirring his pot for 30 minutes but much more relaxed

Sister and little brother waiting their turn

Most have a backpack or basket to carry the food home but some just bring an sheet and wrap the food in it.

Maria and Olga cleaning the pots and pans each day

This is Sandra and her little sister.  We have fed her and her brother for 7 years and she is now bringing here one year old sister.

Precious children waiting for a hot meal

October is the time of the year that the fields are cut and burned to get ready for the next growing season.    Right now the roads are filled with carts hauling crop cuttings for food for the horses and other animals

 

 

 

 

      Today we drove up the mountain to feed the children in Santa Maria.  As we went up we saw His beautiful creation.  The sun was shining upon the dew on the ground.  It sparkled as the light hit the grass.  It reminded me of how wonderful is our Creator.  Sometimes when the sun is out it dances upon the water.  Help us to open our eyes to see what He has made, such beauty in the faces of the desperately poor.  They may not be clean,   may be wearing torn clothes,  wearing shoes that are so worn out there feet are sticking out,  but,  He made each and every one and loves them dearly.  Help us to see others through our Father's eyes.  

     Thank you again for your support and prayers that make it possible for us to be here in Guatemala.  We truly are appreciative and humbled.

Blessings,   Cary and Rita