College Guatemala - Chivoc Days 3-5
The college team wrapped up three days of afternoon engagement with the Chivoc public school middle schoolers yesterday - we were surprised by their receptivity to the stations of Bible story drama, worship singing, testimonies/gospel application questions, and games. After initial shyness, their personalities came out. We wished we had more time to get to know the students personally but saw the blessing of the Unum teachers and how devoted they are to the students at the school. We were able to leave T-shirts and school supplies to the school teachers as we left and a new FIFA soccer ball to the student council president.
The morning Chivoc home visits were humbling and inspiring with the faith of the global body of believers in Chivoc. Their struggles for water is a daily issue as the town water source has broken. Most gather water from rain in buckets. We listened to the story of one original settler who stated she used to carry it from the river. Providing Ecofilters gives the families a clean, safe water source for the whole family.
Debriefs in the evening have been a powerful way to reflect how the Lord has challenged and moved each of us team members individually this week, transforming us and building us into His body. We each are having highs and lows, being transparent, as a family and team.
Today, our travel to the volcano was interrupted by a traffic issue. We readjusted to an alternate hike, but stopped at a local coffee shop for pastries and coffee. We also reconnected with Antonio, another Unum connection. Chatting and relationships taking precedent before events and timelines. Antigua calls today with good food, local culture and shopping.
Short term missions are so eye opening to the local partners who are displaying Christ within the community. The hunger and need for the gospel of Christ’s saving grace is evident here in Guatemala as it is throughout the world. This trip has reminded me that partnering with Jesus and His Kingdom is about saying “yes” with self sacrificial love wherever the call may be.
- Karen Wilson