Guatemala Day 5: House Dedication

Some of the children from the village that would watch us build each day.

This was the last day on the worksite. We finished the siding, roof, windows and door. For lunch we had tortillas and cookies. The family also made us lunch to thank us for the house. They got all of us our own bottle of Pepsi and made soup. It was so neat just sitting on the side of a gorgeous mountain eating soup that this Guatemalan family made for us. Surrounded by such an awesome Campus House team and the Guatemalan family and their friends. I could just feel the presence of God all around me. In his creation and in the people. It was beautiful.

Starting the roofing

The kids were masters at weaving pine branches into little crowns and bracelets.

About half-way done with the roof - such a beautiful view! 

The family made lunch for us to show their thanks.

The chicken soup that they made for us.

We dedicated the house after lunch. It was incredible! Fifteen family members came to watch, along with plenty of neighbors watching from the mountain side. The family we dedicated the house to sang and played us a song. It was beautiful. The mom cried. I could feel the Lord's presence hovering over us. Looking around at all the beautiful Guatemalan children with their dark brown eyes, black hair and tan skin. Over-looking the mountain side. I sat next to a little Guatemalan girl during the ceremony. We talked in Spanish. She asked what grade I was in. Emily, Carlos and Kyle nailed in a sign above the house with Casas por Cristo on it. It was hard to say "adios" to our new friends. I love them and hope the best for them. I hope they have or will have the Lord as their savior. I hope to meet them all again someday in heaven.

Watching the house dedication with one of the girls from the village.

Finished house after just 4 days!

Dedicating the house to the family.

The family was very thankful for their new house! 

Nailing in a sign above the door that says "Casas por Cristo"

We traveled back to the compound. Went on a walk down the streets of Guatemala by the compound. So cool. Lots of people out. Played euchre for a bit. Paused the game for a basket ball game. Headed about ten minutes away via 2 pickups. Took about 10 people in each truck. Got to the city center of a village nearby. It looked like a carnival was going on. The basketball court we were going to play on was covered up by carnival stuff. We ended up walking around instead. Found a beautiful church. Walked in on a service! Garrett bought chocolate covered marshmellows. They looked really good.

Came back to the compound for dinner. Had show and tell. Got to share my little marble with everyone! Told everyone our favorite parts of building the house -- mine was mixing the cement. Then we all played Mafia -- long game, but fun!

Thoughts: I am glad I made another bold move and came on this trip alone. Tons of new friends and people to go to church with. Praise GOD for this opportunity. Thank you Jesus for the beautiful, kind Guatemalans. I love them and can see God in the children.