It is always a great encouragement for us to have teams. Not
only do they bring excitement for the experience of being in a new place, but
also a spiritual spirit of encouragement. There are so many incredible families
that we come into contact with each day that it is a special gift to be able to
introduce volunteers to these people and have them share their lives with them.
It is unforgettable for all involved, as many of you know who have been on
mission trips.
This past week we had a group of volunteers that had come
the year before to practice English with some of our English students as well
as install stoves. It is a powerful group of believers who have left the Mormon
Church and are now Christ-following Christians. We installed 7 stoves
altogether, and one specifically for tortillas for “Mama Lola” who has the
tortilla and tayuyo business. What is great about this group, one of the women
in particular, is that they love to share with the families. We spent a lot of
time in each home as well as during lunches (which are prepared in homes in the
communities with our families) just talking with them and exchanging stories of
God’s love and inspiration in our lives. It is such a beautiful thing!
Hello!
I'm sorry it's been so long since I last wrote. We just recently moved into another house, which is a huge blessing from God because it has an office in the front! We have been wanting to have some type of office and needed a place to direct people to come as well as meet with people. God put this house right across the street from where I was living before! I am so thankful for it, and finally everything is moved in and put together.
We have also had two more opportunities in Verapaz to start a businesses! The same family that has
the store lives right next to their Mother and sister. The mother, in her 60's, has been traveling to Guatemala City every day to work, and not earning very much. It most likely takes an hour and a half to get there, as well as return. She makes tortillas and a snack that is a tortilla filled with beans; and only needed the beans, and flour to begin making them. Therefore we sponsored large bags of all of those things, and were able to help her start selling them in the area. This way, she will make some money and not have to go to the city every day. Her daughter, is working with her to take the orders from people in the community and deliver what they need. It is an amazing way to see this family working together to help each other out and collaborating and supporting one another.
Down the road, there is another family who has desired to start a business. The Mother's name is Ericka, and she used to make traditional food for lunch and sell it. She has not been able to do that because she did not have the resources to begin. We were also able to sponsor her in her dream to make food and sell it to members of the community and in town. When we went to visit her, her sheer joy and excitement was undeniable. She could not stop smiling, and wanted to show us all that she would make.
Each family understands that this was just a "push" to begin their ways to make money. Therefore this is the only time smallchangeforbigchange will provide them the food and materials. They are to be investing the money and will be buying everything in the future. It is incredible to see God's hand in this project, and leading it towards helping these families with the desire to work and giving them the chance to start! I love seeing how He just leads us to the people we need to be in contact with, and then provides the resources to allow them to get start. Thank you always for your prayers and support! God is amazing!
