Guatemala Team Reports

After days of travel, our team finally reached the village of Las Limas late Sunday afternoon, where we were greeted resoundly by the villagers and treated to numerous singing and dance performances by the children.

That morning we had attended church in Barillas, and stood before the congregation to be thanked for raising funds to refurbish their rusting roof the year before. As it was Mothers Day all of the moms at the Spanish language service were treated to roses and cake.

Las Limas is typical of many of the Mayan villages where Marine View teams have worked before. It is lush and green, with many of the homes built on the hillsides. The majority consist of dirt floors, wood plank siding and corrugated steel roofs, although some are multi-story made from concrete blocks or poured concrete. Working in these homes is a reminder that things we take for granted in our homes back in the U.S., like running water, electricity and indoor plumbing, are a luxury in many parts of the world including the part where we are working this week.

As Las Limas is located along a main corridor, it does have the luxury of electricity but even so most of the homes we visited were dimly lit with crude wiring. The school where we stay, however, is more modern in architecture than any of the ones where we have stayed in the past. We have taken over the school while here, with the men staying in one classroom, the women in another and the dining area in a third. Whenever we are in the compound, however, we are surrounded by the children. Allison, our 15-year-old on the team, has been especially engaged with them but other team members have joined too, playing catch, jumping rope and kicking soccer balls around. Playing with the children is always a highlight for our teams.

It was again a treat to pass out the gift backpacks filled with goodies and dental supplies we brought to the kids today. 

Our first day was a hot one, with the temperature climbing over 100 degrees F. at times. The team persevered as we installed stoves throughout the day, recording a total of 33 stove and water filter installations in all. The hot air cooled a bit just as we were finishing up with clouds coming in. As I type this the thunder is clapping loudly outside. Although it is still before 9 p.m. many of the team members have retired in their bunks for the evening.

In the morning about two-thirds of us will set out first by vehicle then by foot for the other village, El Moxon, while the rest stay behind and work on the remainder of the installations for Las Limas.The hiking part should take about an hour each way.

I am pleased to report that the entire team, though weary, is healthy and seems to be enjoying the mission so far. Nancy has been leading us with our evening devotions which serve to remind us of why we are here. One of our kitchen staff members, Elena, lost her sister today so returned to Barillas to be with her family. We ask for your prayers not only for her, but for the continued strength and safety of our team as we serve these remote villages in Guatemala.

Below are some photos the team has taken and shared of our adventures and service.

So long for now,

Brian