Thursday Update

Today we worked on Alicia's house. On Monday we mixed and poured the concrete for the floor of the house. Today the goal was to put up the walls and possibly even the house. The day started clear, beautiful and sunny. However, the good weather didn't last all day.

We began by cutting the wood to the appropriate length and building the walls. Everyone chipped in right away, got to work, and worked hard all morning. Several neighborhood boys, and Alicia herself hung out with us at the worksite. Even though we had a late start, we got a lot done before lunch. We took a break around noon, shared some food with the boys and Alicia's family, and chatted for a bit.

Unfortunately, the weather turned bad very quickly. The rains came in fast and hard, and even hailed for a few minutes. We worked for as long as we could, but with the lightning increasing, we took shelter under the small roof of Alicia's old house. This was a humbling experience. The twelve of us huddled under the roof, with water pouring in on all sides, and struggled to stay dry. The thunderstorm was as common as what happens every day in Guatemala, and the roof of the old house leaked everywhere. It was an eye-opening experience of what it is like to live in someone else's situation.

After about an hour of steady rain and lightning, we did our best to finish up some of the work that was in mid progress, pack up the gear, and headed home. We were all really disappointed to end so early during the day (we left before 3pm), but perhaps it was for the best. We were able to come home, rest, pack up more craft bags, and enjoy a fantastic dinner.

Tonight we had devotions, as we do every night. Sam shared a meaningful message from Psalm 24. We looked at pictures of the work we had already done this week, and marveled at how much God is accomplishing through us in such a short time.

We are extremely grateful and humbled to be participating in the trip this week. Every person on this trip is contributing in amazing and unique ways. We are excited for a full tomorrow. Hopefully we will finish the work on the house, and be able to give Alicia some of the gifts that we have purchased for her. These gifts include two new beds, houseware items, plates and glasses, a blender, and blankets. We also plan to visit a woman in La Primavera, whom the team met on Monday. This woman - Rhodi - has touched the team in a powerful way. She has been on our mind all week. We picked up some simple gifts for her as well, and hope to visit with her tomorrow.