The team broke into five teams today and started the work that we all came to do – install stoves in the homes of the village of Piedras Blancas.
We also teamed up with Hands for Peacemaking staff and village leaders as we walked up and down mud-slicked trails and roads to get our work done, with the children of the village following us everywhere. Today’s weather totally cooperated though – no rain with moderate temperatures in the 70s. After installing 44 stoves today we are all tired but well. Only 85 more to go.
At devotion tonight led by Loren Melton several also shared how meaningful this trip is to each of us, and how it gives us fresh perspective when interacting with the villagers on what is really important in life.
It was Loren’s birthday today and celebrated with fresh banana cake accompanied by fireworks at the breakfast table, then later with a back ache.
The team also experienced some of the local wildlife. A large flying beatle that chirps like a frog and screeches like an ambulance siren invaded the women’s quarters. Millions of insects being herded by hundreds of bats flew over the school yard as our flashlights beamed skyward. And a guest of the tiny concrete jail next to our shower area tried to plea his best case for release as we walked by towels in hand.. Most of us chose to ignore him, but what an awful way to sleep off inebriation.
Here are a few photos from our day. Again please forgive the roughness of these posts. We only have minimal cell and data service here so many tech challenges, but happy to share what we can.
We are also posting to Facebook and Instagram so look for more photos and postings in those mediums too. (Hands for Peacemaking Foundation and Hands for Peacemaking Federal Way)
Brian, we are amazed that you have energy at the end of the day to write this report and include such great photos. We look forward to receiving your email each day.
Thank you. It’s sort of an after 10 p.m. activity when everyone else is asleep. Glad you are enjoying the posts!
Great photos, thanks for the updates. Way to go! Praying for your team and villages.
Your posts leave me a little jealous as I miss the drill. Guatemala is a nice memory. Knowing that you are helping provide a better living for these villagers is truly comforting. Percy and I send our love and good wishes to the Maldonado’s, Wily and the staff. We also send prayers and wishes for safety and pleasurable experiences.
Thank you Ross and Percy!
Love the “beetle” story…they are called Cicadas…they are super noisy during their mating season and harmless but quite fun for the kids to play with. Our boys used to tie strings to them and fly them around in circles! Blessings to you all as you continue to work so hard. Praying that God gives you strength beyond yourselves!