Seven stoves and seven latrines later

Day number seven in Guatemala. Another beautiful day and the volcano outside our hotel window was in full view for the first time, no clouds in sight. We've been blessed with seven gorgeous days. The routine started with a devotion/prayer and breakfast at seven. Then off we went to build. our last stove and latrine. At this point, we've become experts at mixing mud, cutting blocks and lumber, digging holes, nailing, etc. We elevated curb appeal with each latrine built, made each kitchen look spiffy and homey. It felt good to know that a family will have a safe kitchen to cook meals and a decent latrine where they can have the privacy to relieve themselves. Such simple rooms but a big game changer for how they live their lives here in Guatemala.

As the afternoon arrived, so did the families that we had been working with.  It was amazing to hear and see the excitement in all of our faces and voices - new friends had become family!  Moms and kids from 7 families gathered with balloons, candy, banners and special Habitat guests.  What a celebration of praise to God, joy, appreciation, and dedication of the projects.  The final piece of the celebration was cake and soda being served to everyone who attended. We'll never forget all the students with 1 or more of the little kids sitting on the laps, helping them with their cake and holding their soda.  We were blessed to be a blessing to others.  A person thinks that you will arrive in country to serve others and we were abundantly blessed.  This trip has been a blessing to all of us and we can see it in everyone, everything from tearful goodbyes to deep and thoughtful reflections.  All of our hearts have been touched and changed forever.  What's the phrase:  Preach the Gospel, when necessary use words.  This is an amazing group of amazing people - what a BLESSING!

So seven stoves and seven latrines later, what have we really accomplished? Aside from building small infrastructures for our brothers and sisters in Guatemala, we have gained friends, we have given love to young children who have never seen or touched and be hugged by Gringos, we have gained a better perspective of how much we have back home, we have come out of our comfort zones realizing how our new found friends in Guatemala live on a hand to mouth existence. We have learned to understand the true meaning of generosity, of love, of happiness.

Walter and Mike































Comments

  1. UnknownAugust 9, 2018 at 6:24 AM

    So beautiful! What a wonderful life experience. Miss you Maria!

    ReplyDelete

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