It's Good to be Back

The view from the plane

Yesterday, my mom and I arrived in Guatemala around noon Guatemala time (which is 2 hours behind all of you in Michigan). My host mom Silvia and sister Andrea picked us up and treated us to lunch before I got to see their new home (new to me since I haven't been here in 3 years) which is beautiful! That night we went to a worship service my host family helps to lead each Tuesday with the police of Guatemala City inside the police station. It's a beautiful connection they have as the police in Guatemala are generally just thought of by most people as corrupt. Though there are multiple prisoner ministries, people don't often consider police as a community that God can work within but He definitely is present here. A photo of my host brother Andres leading them in worship with music is below. My host dad Mefi is a leader in this ministry and read scripture with the officers in attendance and talked with them about their work and the difficulties they face within it- especially now as there is political turmoil within the country over corruption in the government and upcoming elections. They are working double shifts to prepare for possible protests that could break out in violence. Please pray for peace for both sides.

Andres leading the police in song

This morning, I visited Collegio Kairos, a Christian school in Santa Catarina Pinula led by director Caren Moran and her family. I had been here once before during my internship three years ago. I also had the opportunity to see Kim who I worked with during my internship and her baby boy Noah. 

Everyone loves Noah

Both she and my mom were a huge help to me as I recorded some interviews with Caren and Lucky, a secretary at the school, about some cool upcoming programs they are planning for the school. I also sit in on many classes ranging from kindergarten to seventh grade and got lots of footage of students and their teachers for a video project.

Interrupting class with the camera

Studious

Very excited to get a photo taken

He wasn't camera shy either

Mother's Day project made in class

Interview with Caren

Interview with Lucky

After the Moran family (Caren's parents) invited us into their home for lunch, Kim brought my mom and I to Centro de Alcance, a before/after school program that helps local kids with their homework and developing other skills along with feeding them. I had visited this ministry once before as well during my internship. They moved into a new location since I last visited and I came to take some videos and pictures for another video project to share the work they are doing here. We also had the opportunity to visit the home of one of students named Martita and to pray with some of the mothers who share a living space with her family.

Centro de Alcance

Kids getting help with homework

He wouldn't tell me his name but he showed off his building skills and told me about his family and his age :) He's three fingers old and you can't tell in this photo but he's wearing a dino hat

Our day wrapped up with ice cream with Kim, her mother-in-law Lilian, and Noah before a taxi ride across the city so we got to see lots of Guatemala City today in stand still traffic :)

My host family has lots of cool things planned for us so stay tuned throughout this week for more. I am so excited to be here and am overwhelmed by the generosity I have experienced so far and by the passion the people I am surrounded by have to serve their community that they live within. My heart is very happy. Feel free to message me with any questions as well!