Thursday, July 29, 2010

Our last day with Mayan Families

Today was a great day!  We had the construction team finishing their project at the preschool which transformed the way it looked.  Beautiful murals were painted on the walls.  Also new shelves were constructed and concrete steps were repaired.  There will be many happy little faces when they show up for school tomorrow.

The family team began the day on a boat ride to a village for breakfast overseeing the lake.  What a great way to start the day.  Then it was on to a school to deliver school supplies.  Later we participated in the sport's program and our kids played soccer against a team of Guatemalan children.  Who won?  Well, it was neck n neck until the end when our kids pulled it out and won!  More balloons animals were made and gift bags given to the children. 

In between all of that we met our sponsored students and gave gifts and donations.  Coming into this trip there were 7 children already sponsored by some of our group members.  On this trip 14 new students have been sponsored!  That is so amazing and makes a huge difference in these children's lives.  All who sponsored the kids were able to meet them and learn about their lives.  They will be able to maintain communication throughout the year and hopeful return again some day to see them again.  Those of us who already had students were able to see them again.  There were some great reunions!  For more information on sponsoring a child to go to school, go to www.mayanfamilies.org or ask anyone from the trip.

Tomorrow we are leaving Lake Atitlan and will be traveling to Antigua for an afternoon of shopping in the markets.  We will end our week with dinner together and fly home on Saturday.


3 comments:

  1. I read your latest entry. May today be a profitable day as well as a fun day. I remember my visit to Antiqua. Thinking of you as you travel home. Love you all. Mom and Duane

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  2. Wow, the murals are amazing! When you mentioned the team had some artistic talent on board, you weren't kidding! They're beautiful. I bet the students love the murals!

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  3. Grandma and Grandpa HayesJuly 30, 2010 at 9:24 PM

    I think it is so amazing that so many have adopted children in Guatemala. It is equally amazing that so many have had a chance to meet the child, share with the child, and begin a relationship that could last a lifetime and make a very significant difference in both the sponsor and the child. There are so many programs to adopt a child, but very few have offered the one on one relationship with them. It's hard to think of all the ways that will go on and on.

    What an approach to have the two groups - the family group and the construction group. Jennifer and David that surely kept you very busy, but again an approach the brings out the best in everyone.

    The memories created in all the other activities, the zip line, lakes, breakfasts, restaurant experience for children, markets, etc. will bring pleasure for years to come.

    It has been a special pleasure for Grandma Hayes and Grandpa Hayes to enjoy it with you through the blog.

    God bless you all,

    Sherrill and Fritzie

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