Our second week (beginning Friday 15th March) got off to a good start with the best breakfast weād had yet: eggy bread with delicious porridge. That only changed when we were made pancakes a few days later (thanks Hannah!).
Saturday was our rest day, and our host family took us to Lake AtitlƔn, much to our excitement. We had a refreshing swim (warmer than in the UK) and looked around the many stalls. After an enjoyably filling lunch out we made the most of the supermarket there to stock up on all the most important and necessary items, such as peanut butter.
On Sunday, after an exploration of the local area, we attended the church service, where we performed a song in both English and Spanish.
After the service we were handed refreshments: coffee (so sweet you couldnāt even taste the coffee) and tortillas with some sort of cottage pie, all wrapped up in banana leaves. It was very tasty, but it did take us a bit of time to work out how to eat it best!
The English class on Tuesday went extremely well. We recapped numbers and taught them some animals, but the main attraction was the parachute that we brought, which they all loved. We managed to connect with the kids with a variety of games – so much so that we struggled to bring the session to a conclusion, as they all wanted to stay!
With Wednesday came the excitement of playing football with our host and his friends. Although most of us were significantly taller than their team, they were quick and passed well, winning them the game (we blamed the altitude). Competitiveness aside, it was so good having the opportunity to get involved with local happenings, and they seemed to enjoy it too.
Throughout the whole week weāve been continuing with construction, slowly making progress (although we havenāt quite moved on from the ceilings yet!). Although thereās still not quite enough work for all of us, we have been starting to find more opportunities outside of construction to get involved in, which is an answer to prayer.
As the days have gone by weāve been getting to know each other better as a team, bonding through our worship sessions, football matches and even movie nights (credit to Theo for the idea, even if itās seen through our tiny phone screens).
Things weāve been grateful for:
- The ongoing kindness and generosity of our host family.
- That things have been falling into place – conversations with the locals which led to us finding out events to take part in; or even small things like our host appearing just as we needed her help to light the fire.
Prayer requests:
- Communication – particularly when trying to understand the plans.
- Energy – that we would sleep well and be energised for construction days.
- Prep for Good Friday service – weāve been asked to lead the service and there are a lot of elements that need to be planned. Prayer particularly for Theo as he prepares the talk would be much appreciated.
- That we would be able to share Godās love, if not through our words, then through our actions.
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Answers to prayer:
- A few more opportunities coming up.
- Rest – the coming of Holy Week gives us some much-needed time away from construction, and the chance to participate in other areas of service.
- That the English class is going well.
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Thank you for everyoneās prayers and support!
- Emily, Theo, Carrie, Hannah, Ben, Ella H, Ella S, Charlie F, Charlie P, Charlotte
(Written by Ella S)
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