Mission Team: June 2024

First, let me say this trip was AWESOME!  19 people signed up (5 were youth – and each one gave their all!)   Our goal was to work on 2 things: Teach the kids pickleball and help construct a nearby house in the poor village across the street from the orphanage, but the rain did not cooperate.  We were able to transition into 2 indoor projects (painting an apartment and organizing their clothing storage.)
We arrived on Monday and had an evening experience with the youth.  Minute-to-win-it games with prizes, then smores and some entertainment/worship from our own Kenny and Stephanie Channels.

On Tuesday classes began and it dried up just in time to roll out those pickleball nets and begin lessons!  Justin Romero and Jesus Quinones taught the kids pickleball and they took to it immediately.  What fun they had!

At night, we took 50 boys and 20 employees to McDonald's for a Big Mac and fries meal for all.

On Wednesday, we cleaned and painted and organized.  All indoors as the rain came down steadily.  We also managed to run to the store, outfit donation bags for 12 needy families living nearby and hand-delivered them all.

Come rain or shine every afternoon a soccer game was played.  Our team members jumped in and the kids were so grateful to have some new players! 

On Thursday morning, the team went to Antigua, a tourist spot for some sightseeing. We began with a real Guatemalan breakfast together overlooking a gorgeous vista.  Luckily, we had a respite from the rain in order to take in all the sights.  We headed back to campus, another quick round of pickleball and off to McDonald's with 50 girls and 20 employees.  What a bus ride! 

On the final evening, the kids preformed for us a despedida (farewell) where each house presented either a dance/performance or a card to our group.  Very moving to watch these little ones expressing their gratitude.  The tears flowed all around!  Afterwards, we had an ice cream bar for the kids to enjoy.  And they did!

During this time, Kenny and Stephanie had secured a donation of a brand new guitar, which they presented to Casa Bernabe's worship leader.

Saturday, we took off with heavy, but happy, hearts. 

Needs still abound and we will be looking to partner with this lovely place in the months ahead. But we are so very proud of what we have accomplished in one week!  Bless each and every one of you for helping make it possible.