Monday Morning Blessings

It is a beautiful ritual to sit in the morning when the world is waking up with a cup of coffee and start my day. I think most people have morning rituals that help us start the day of well, especially on a day like today, which is Monday! God is good.

Smallchangeforbigchange received a large donation to install 50 stoves! Every stove and family counts, and it is not about large amounts of donations or projects. But what blows us away is the fact that someone believes in the project to send that amount, and want to help that many people and be a part of Guatemala this way. It is also perfect timing, God’s perfect timing, as the donations for these projects have been low. It is yet another confirmation that God’s hand is here and working alongside us. What a privilege.

The stove donation was supposed to start last week, but we were disappointed when we found out that the road to the stove factory is under construction, and there is no way to get through to pick up the materials. Again, we just have to trust God’s perfect timing.

On Saturday, Ana, one of our University students who will begin in January and one of my English students had me over to her house for lunch with her family to meet her Mom. It was a special afternoon; full of stories, seeing photos and the things that she owns that she is proud of. It is another privilege to build relationships with incredible people like Ana and her family, and encourage one another in faith.

Last weekend, September 15, was Guatemala’s Independence Day. The streets, in all towns of the country, were full of parades, street vendors, games, typical outfits, concerts, bombas, also known as firecrackers. Families spend the day together participating in the activities and spending time together with friends, much like our 4^th of July. I love holidays, and enjoyed being able to experience this one here along with its many traditions.

Santa Catarina Barahona 10K

I hope this new month finds you all well, and everyone enjoyed their summer. I can’t really believe it’s already September and that summer (at least at home) is over. Time goes by so quickly. As all of the students in the states are beginning their new school year, the ones here are in their last two. They finish at the end of October. Many of them are preparing for September 15, Independence Day, where they will participate in parades and activities in the communities with their schools. As I mentioned before, our two University students are now taking exams and registering for the 2014 school year. It is a very exciting time!

I have been participating in various 10K and 12K’s around the area, and ran one in Santa Catarina Barahona on Sunday. This specific race was special because it was in the community where SCFBC works. So all throughout the race, I saw the families that we’ve worked with, and those children that go to Paso a Paso project. It was also special because there was a team from smallchangeforbigchange that participated as well! We made jerseys and were able to give them to our friends who raced, and they wore them proudly. It was a difficult route, called “The Ascent” but everyone had a great time and finished!

It was an encouraging day, mainly because it was an incredible thing to be able to see everyone in the community I love all in one day. I feel blessed all of the time to be able to know such amazing people, and build relationships with them that are like no other. Our one employee, Enoc, (on left in photo) began an intensive 3 month English program at a school called Maximo Nivel. I have been teaching him English and practicing with him, but this will be every day. He will be sponsored as a student, and it will benefit him greatly in the work because he will be able to communicate more with teams and volunteers.

As always, I am grateful for the financial help that the members of CUMC have provided me. Without that support, I would not be here and am continually thankful!