[News] Guatemala mission Feb. 11

[Berkshire Mission]

Wed. Feb. 11, 2009

Greetings from very sunny, hot, humid Guatemala!

 

We have arrived safely with no problems.  With the exception of the
confiscation at customs of one battery powered drill and a bottle of vitamin
C all is well.  The folks that flew United Airlines to meet up with us in
N.Y.C. are missing their luggage but it was promised to come in tonight and
one of our folks will drive back to Flores to bring it here.

Driving in this area is follows the same rules of the road as other Central
American countries.  The fastest guy wins and passing on curves is the
highlight of the journey.

 

On our landing flight into Flores we were treated to some very interesting
mountain ranges such as we haven't seen in past journeys.  Very tall and
then drastic drops but not in a ragged fashion such as in Honduras.  Next we
came upon mountains that are shaped like hundreds of mounds of green. Almost
perfectly round and as high as round and all inter connecting with one
another.  Most remarkable to ponder on how it became like this.  It must of
happened during the deluge but so curious as to why so evenly round and
almost in a manicured look with no jagged edges.

>From what we have seen so far Guatemala is a clean well kept land.  Where we
are staying is tropical jungle with magnificent unusual flowers T he sounds
of the jungle rings in a great sense of excitement and adventure.  Some were
able to see the Toucan bird today and most others at least heard it even if
they did not know for sure what it was.   

Our little living quarters are on the order of a slightly civilized hut,
complete with a roof made of palm fauns. But there are electric lights and a
bathroom in each little bungalow/hut. Many of us are excited about our
rustic and charming quarters but I guess it is not for the faint of heart.
Our beds have nets around them, some of which were here when we arrived and
others of which we put up upon arrival. The bugs at night will be somewhat
of a problem but with the nets we should be able to retain most of our
blood.  Everyone is on the tired side from our long trip but is anxious to
start our work in the morning.  How wonderful it is to have some very strong
energetic youth from Union Springs Academy with us this year.  They will
make a wonderful addition to the rest of our joyful hard working young
people.  Just watching the vitality of these teens bolsters ones spirit and
adds joy to our mission work.  

Several Guatemalan people have stopped us and thanked us for the work we
have come to do for them.  

At the time I write this we are being serenaded by beautiful night sounds of
this tropical jungle and also with a very loud singing from some sort of
dance or bar from across the river.

Meetings and planning are going on amongst our teams tonight as they prepare
and organize for the privilege of being able to touch Jesus through touching
the lives of those He loves and gave His life for. The work starts early and
with great diligence tomorrow morning.  What an honor to have even the
smallest part of this labor of love that we have come to blanket the people
with.  May Jesus be glorified in every word, every action and every touch as
we work.  Our plans are to leave our sweat, tears, and love sealed in these
wonderful people and look for them around the throne of God on that great
day.   May their burdens be lightened and great health come to their body
and soul.  When you pray for our work you are touching these people as much
as we are and making a difference in their life.

We also want to thank all of you who have taken part in making sure our
departure from the States went as smooth and easy as it did.

 

May the Lord bless you and give you great peace and water you with the dew
from Heaven.  May you be so thoroughly drenched that everyone that comes
near you becomes refreshed from that Heavenly water.

 

Because He lives, we all smile on,

Jennifer Young

Mission reporter

 

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