On Wed. morning we traveled to Chi Chi and did some shopping and ate at a decent restaurant, which pleased everyone. Then, we traveled outside of town about 15 minutes to the orphanage. We arrived around 3:00 in the afternoon and another volunteer group was there working feverishly with clean up the play yard. The orphanage is in the process of building an apartment for the long term volunteers so there was quite a bit of rocks, sand, and trash around. We slept at the Methodist camp across the street (it was very rustic to put it mildly but the mattresses on the beds were fairly new and comfortable). The current long term volunteers are Ashley and Lindsay, who were a delight. They both are from Tennessee and came to the orphanage after their first year of college. They have been at the orphanage since August and are planning to leave in May. Their Christlike attitude, love, and openness were contagious and they made us feel so welcome and wanted. They also only receive pay from support they raised from home and pay $1.50 for each meal they eat with the kids. Keep in mind these girls help with all kinds of chores and only get one per week off of work. These two girls were very inspiring and we admired them greatly. They served with their whole heart and we came away challenged to serve more. Paul had warned us that we would be eating the same food as the kids so we were bracing ourselves for a lot of black beans, eggs, and tortillas. And, Paul wanted us to eat whatever they placed before us so we wouldn’t offend them. Our first meal was spaghetti, the breakfast was pancakes, the lunch was chicken with vegetables and rice, the supper was creamy black bean soup, and the last breakfast was scrambled eggs with creamy black bean soup. So, we were overjoyed and praising the Lord that the food was very tasty. On Wed. afternoon and evening we played with the kids and the young girls of our group helped with kitchen chores. On Thur. morning the women and girls colored and played games with the kids. Then, the ladies helped with the laundry and cleaned out the attic (it was a mess) while the guys cleaned up the construction mess in the play yard and built a shelf for the attic. In the afternoon it poured down rain and water was rushing into the hallway (the rain was a joke on Paul all week because the first day of the trip Paul guaranteed it would not rain while we were in Guat.). So, we all grabbed brooms and pushed the puddles of water feverishly until the rain let up. Then, the men dug a long trench in the back of the property to help prevent this problem from happening again. While the men were digging, the ladies held bible school for the kids and presented the plan of salvation. To our knowledge, none accepted Christ as their Savior but seeds were planted. The kids also made a salvation story bracelet. This orphanage was started by several Methodist churches and the kids go to church every Sunday. In the evening the men took the 4 oldest boys fishing in the small (approx. 20 acre) lake across the street. We did not catch any fish but the boys learned how to cast with a fishing pole. It was probably the first time any of them had ever seen a fishing pole. We gave three of the boys their own pole to keep and the other boy received two brand new soccer balls. Gary was ill all day with body aches and chills but he hung in there all day working and serving. The kids were very happy and it was very evident that they are loved by all who serve in the orphanage.

On Friday we left after breakfast for Antigua. On the way we stopped to visit one of the Mayan Ruins, then we spent the day touring Antigua and doing some more shopping. We also ate at McDonalds, which never tasted so good. On Friday night we arrived in Guat. City and stayed in a very nice Holiday Inn. Emily Cole and Hannah had a stomach virus Friday night but are felt better by Sat. night.

Here are some differences we’ve noticed down here. The police do not pull people over for speeding or driving recklessly, it is believed that the police some times rob the merchants because they are under paid, the food of choice is black beans, eggs, and tortillas, the tortillas are made with limestone, the starting time and ending time for events is very flexible, the avg. wage in the rural areas is approx. $1.00 per hour, the showers are the only hot water in the house and are heated with a few dangerous wires running to the shower head, the vast majority of wells are contaminated, the sewer pipes are 2 to 3 inches so your toilet paper must not be flushed, no one seems to be in a hurry, the rural villages make you feel like you have gone back in time to 1800s, it is always spring like temperatures, the mountains are spectacular, a four cylinder 12 passenger diesel van fully loaded can barely climb some of the steep hills, fish can survive even though the sewer systems, laundry, and bathing are done in the lakes, real estate taxes can be avoided if you leave a small portion of your house unfinished, Rolands Pizza in Panajchel is the better than any other, prescription drugs can be purchased without a written request from your Dr., it may take you an hour or two at a restaurant, candy is expensive, good drinking water is expensive and not taken for granted.

The Schmitz flew to Atlanta on Sat. and Detroit on Sunday. The Coles fly to Charlotte on Sunday and Indy on Monday morning.

This trip has been a blessing and we thank all who sent cards, provided financial support, and prayed for us all diligently. We serve a big God and He has changed our hearts during this trip. We have a much deeper appreciation for God’s blessings he has given us in the USA. Please pray that we will not forget about these dear people in Central America when we return home.

Also, Paul, Robert and Laura’s nephew, has been an excellent leader. As the leader goes, often so do the people he leads. Paul remained unruffled and very flexible and added a very stable, Christ-like, servant’s heart at all times. He is amazing at navigating this countryside and drives like a native Guatemalan and his negotiating skills have been invaluable. We enjoyed his sense of humour and Paul can take it as well as he can dish it out as he endured much ribbing from his “guarantee of no rain”. We also have greatly enjoyed spending so much intense time with the Schmitzs and will always count them as dear friends. Their servant’s heart, love for the Lord and affability brought out the best in all of us.

After wolfing down some of Roland's wonderful pizza, we thought we were headed over to the orphanage in Chi Chi. It was pouring down rain, a flat tire had been fixed in the downpour and all of the luggage on top of the van covered with a tarp. We get about fifteen minutes down the road and traffic is at a standstill. Up to this point what is always an event whenever Paul gets behind the wheel, our ride has been quite memorable. Due to all of the rain, we came upon mudslides, waterfalls, and falling rocks. Paul is quite adept at manuevering around just about anything but this time he had met his water loo. (no pun intended) A bad wreck was up ahead and that combined with all of the rain forced us to head back to the Eagle's Nest Orphanage for the night. The girls were ecstatic and looking forward to a "quick baby fix" in the morning. All of us ended up staying in what is called the cabana. Plenty of bunk beds with firm mattresses which Laura loves and clean facilities. There was one resort quality apartment with a king size bed available and Robert and Laura and Emily were going to take it but it leaked like a sieve. So, it seemed like poetic justice that we all stay together, " roughing it" in the cabana.

It is now morning and after a fairly good night's sleep, the girls are rocking and feeding and holding babies, Linda is reading to some of the little ones in Spanish and we will be headed to Chi Chi in about a half an hour. That is of course, God has other plans. For a self-confessed control freak like me (Laura) this trip has been full of opportunities to put our agendas aside and just go with the flow.

Paul said in Phillipians 4:11 that he would be content in whatever situation he found himself in. The key to being able to do that is in verse 13, that we can do all things through Christ which strengthens us. The use of the word which in the King James Version instead of who is interesting. The very knowledge that we can do all things through Christ should give us strength. We are hanging on to that knowledge!

Love, The Coles

Hola, sorry we haven’t posted in a while. We’ll just tell you what happened in the last few days of our adventure.
Saturday was the day we packed up to leave Panachel and go across the lake to off to San Juan. The boat ride there was really bumpy. The waves were really rough! We stopped in San Diego, a village on the lake, to do some shopping. It took about 25 minutes to get to Sandigo. The people there were very poor and they converged on us to try to sell us something. Emily Schmitz bought a blanket from a woman, Paige bought a knitted ball, and Emily Cole bought a bracelet. We walked around for about an hour then headed back to the boat. Some of the native women followed us all the way to the boat and were still trying to sell their blankets from the pier as we boarded the boat and reached our destination in San Juan (about a ten minute ride). We hired a man, Francisco, and his son, Andres`, to load our luggage in the back of a pickup truck and head up the steep hill to the Maya Hotel. Paul said those of us who wanted a workout could walk up the hill. Everyone accepted the challenge except Emily Cole, who rode in the front seat of the Truck. We ate dinner at a restaurant connected with the hotel. Chicken, pizza, and eggs were popular choices. We were all ready for bed pretty early.

Back up to earlier on Saturday: Paul had a surprise for the kids. We took a tour through a portion of the rain forest, it was beautiful. The kids actually got to feed bananas to some monkeys and also took a precarious walk on five different rickety sky bridges. Paul and Emily had their own special time of bonding during this active, physical time.

Our verse for this trip has been “to count it pure joy when you suffer many trials.” Paul shared this scripture with us our first night of devotions together. It has been very appropriate and quoted often. Our three night stay here in San Juan has not been without challenges, physical, spiritual and emotional. Yesterday, we all loaded up in the back` of a truck for an hour and a half very bumpy ride uphill to a very impoverished village. (Emily stayed back with Linda, who was nursing a bad back; Emily had a wonderful time with Linda and we so apppeciate her willingness to spell us and give Emily a less challenging day) We often talk about being dirt poor, but I don’t think any of us have ever seen that so up close and personal. The men put electricity in a very small, 14’ by 24’ church with a couple of wooden benches. The outhouse was something to behold. The men were successful and as Paul said, we just don’t know who could be attracted to this church now that it has been outfitted with electrity. The children of the village were shy at first but it didn’t take long for them to warm up to Adam, Hannah and Paige. There was a lot of soccer playing, tag, sharks and minnows, (Paul’s favorite) and they were very fasinated with the cameras. The girls and I tried to teach them Jesus Love Me in Spanish. Then we sang Feliz Navidad and Happy Birthday in Spanish. They thought that was hilarious and as you can see, our Spanish is very limited.

The last two days of bible school have been awesome. Last evening we used every last lamb craft, not one left. That is so God. I wish you could have seen the faces of the kids when they each were given a beanie baby. The children here are very loving and loved to be held and cuddled. Laura said that last night, wouldn’t you know that the dirtiest looking, wet pants little gal came and sat on her lap the entire evening. Laura took a deep breath and just loved on her and it was well worth it.

On Sunday we had bible school in the morning and then lunch at a Pastor and his wife’s family. They also have a special needs child and the understanding we had for each other broke any language barrier. Their home we very humble but considered one of the better ones. They were extremely hospitable. Also, the pastor and his wife who are hosting the bible school, lost their only son over a year ago, age 11, in an auto accident. She and I shared some touching moments and comforted one another with the wonderful knowledge that our boys are in heaven and we will be with them some day. Isn’t God incredible?



On Sunday evening the church holds it adult service. It was fairly full and they do a lot of singing! Almost an hours worth! They really know how to praise the Lord and worship Him. Some of the songs were American hymns we were familiar with so we sang along in English. The children here are very fascinated with Hannah and Emily’s hair. They love to play with Hannah’s curls. Robert and I have so enjoyed seeing our girls come out of their comfort zone and also love and spend time with the Guatelaman children.

This morning, which is Tuesday, we are headed for a fifteen to twenty minute hike. Emily will stay back at the hotel with one of the girls or Linda. Then, we will have our final bible school at 1:00. Then, we will take another boat ride to Chi Chi. We will be staying at a campground like facility right next to the orphanage, spending almost all of our time with the children. This is run by two American girls. Paul has prepared the Cole family for our accommodations with a description comparing it to the “old Frankfort campground”. Laura says that nothing can be as bad as Roy’s Northland!

We apologize for the length of this entry but the internet service has not been that great so we post whenever we can. This has been a wonderful experience so far and we again thank you for your prayers.

Love, The Coles

April 3

It is five in the afternoon on Tuesday and this has been a full day. A very good day too. We took a hike with two Guatemalan boys of about 14. Both of their names are Andres and one of them is the son of one of the pastors we have met down here. \our friends the Schmitz's, have a 13 year old boy, Adam, and he and Andres have had tons of fun. The Schmitz's are looking into hte possibility of getting Andres a temporary visa so he can have an adventure in the States. Anyway, the hike was a great workout for all of us! We then had lunch at the restaurant. As this is Holy Week, we have been eating in the hotel restaurants. The woman who was going to be our cook has the week off. The kids have enjoyed the different eating possibilites and the adults have stuck with chicken in a variety of ways!

We headed back to the church for bible school at one. The story and craft was geared around the salvation bracelets and we also had candy and toothbrushes to pass out. God was gracious again and we had another seemingly loaves and fishes moment as we did not run out of craft supplies or toothbrushes! We had around 230 kids this afternoon! Some of the Moms wanted toothbrushes also. You see alot of gold teeth around here! The Pastor and his wife were so thankful for our time at their church and it was very special to see their appreciation. One of his right hand men, possibably what we would call an elder, handed out little baggies of pistachios and cashews to show us his thanks. When we left, there was another round of heartfelt and bittersweet goodbyes. Some of the children even followed us to our boat that would take us across the lake back to Panna. As we hugged them goodbye again, it crossed our minds if only we could take them home with us! We are hopeful that some seeds were planted and some watered. It is true that the ones who think they are doing the serving end up being served.

I just wanted to backtrack a couple of days and share our communion experience on Palm Sunday. The bread was pound cake and the wine was a cinnamony juice which was in little mugs. The pastor drank his out of a large wine glass. Alot of the children there did not take communion. It was a meaningful experience and once again, we were reminded that there is alot more out there than our own little world. It has been a very cool experience worshipping so far from home yet sensing the same spirit of God that hovers over our little neck of the woods.

We have seen God working in big ways and small ones. One of our team, Linda, had made copies of Jesus Loves Me in Spanish. She warned us that there were several versions and this may not be the right one for where we would be. Lo and behold, and why are we surprised but we had the correct version! I had mine out and gave it to a little girl who had sat by me frequently in service and she took it and acted like she would treasure it forever. So many meaingful moments God has given each one of us.

We love you all and we may not be on for a few days as our last orphanage stop is in a pretty poor area. Thanks again for all of your prayers!

Friday was another great day in Guatemala! Up at six and breakfast at eight. Another tasty meal with a few variations from Wednesday's fare. The orange juice is fresh squeezed and the papaya juice is also good. After eating, we had our market experience. Each family was given a small amount of money for each person to purchase a food item. We walked through the market to the park which was our central meeting place. The walk through the market was a very interesting experience in itself. Very crowded and people pushing on your back, lots of sights and sounds and smells and all kinds of things for sale. Everything has a price here! Robert carried Emily on his back for most of the time. Lots of live chickens for sale, chicken head soup, home grown vegetables, and freshly plucked chickens all laid out to enjoy. After making it to the park, or public square, Robert and Paige and Hannah went back in to the market to do their bartering. Laura stayed back at the park with Emily. Emily and Laura enjoyed people watching and Laura came very close to purchasing a beautiful handmade blanket from a women who had her English sales pitch down pretty good. Alas, the price did not get down to a comfortable margin for Laura but it was a fun experience. Robert purchased some bananas which tasted sweet and tangy and the girls enjoyed their kool aid type drinks. They also were quite proud of themselves at a couple of bargains they were able to barter for. The entire market time was eye opening and unforgettable.

After lunch at a delicious pizza place, Paul knows all the right people in all of the right places, we headed back up to the Eagle's Nest orphanage. So many crying, love starved babies and a few very willing volunteers. It is amazing at how each life, big or small, has been created with the need for love, for fellowship. This orphanage is considered the best one in Guat., run by a very special American couple, Claire and Larry. It is clean, well run, the staff is kind and efficient but there are still needs. The bible story for the older children was well received and the craft was made with much enthusiasm. The parable of the lost sheep was read by Emily Schmitz from a Spanish Bible and we also had an interpreter to help us along the way. We played a game of find the sheep which the kids loved and despite the sticky glue and cotton adhering to just about everywhere, the home made sheep seemed to a real treat. These children are very loving and a smile and a hug goes a long way when normal communication is difficult. Paul is great with the children and his Spanish speakin abilities have been invaluable. We cannot imagine doing this without him.

The guys finished up their wood sanding and staining and also spent some quality time with the babies and children. Robert looked very comfortable holding babies and the older children especially gravitate to the men. They just don't get that one on one with a male very often. When it was time to go, there were many tears and cries of can't we take one home with us. Robert and I have been blessed to see the compassion and servanthood of our girls. Emily especially has been good at pushing the babies in their swings and playing with them in their bouncers. The girls have been able to greatly enhance their babysitting resume!

Each evening we have had devotions with Paul leading the first night and Robert sharing from Romans about faith. Very timely, as our faith is being stretched and we were all reminded that it is not how much faith we have but WHO our faith is in. At times our faith is only the size of a mustard seed but with God that is enough to move mountains, to be stretched in a far away land and say good bye to sweet, needy babies and children and leave them in God's very capable hands.

Today we are headed to lunch around eleven and then a surprise for the young people. A trip across the lake to Santiago where we will spend the next few days at another orphanage. Thanks you for all of your continued prayers. A big concern for us was Emily and her mobility and that has not been too big of an issue. Good thing Robert has a strong back! As most of you know, Emily has her own way of touching people. One of our mission trip companions, Linda Schmitz, was very moved by Emily. On the way to the orphanage, we passed a very bad wreck and Emily immediately said that we should pray for them and then without hesitation, prayed for the people who were in the crash. In many ways she has been stretched more than any of us and she has been a real trooper.

We love you all and look forward to being with you soon. Talk to you later!

We got here Wed. with no problems, then we negotiated about an hour with the car rental agencies and rented a 12 passenger van with a luggage rack. We had planned to visit the Mayan Ruins on the way to Pannajachl, but we were running short on time so we decided to visit the zoo in Guatemala City. The Zoo was interesting and beautiful. Then, we went to a Guatemalan restaurant called Chillis - ha, ha. The drivers are very aggressive and not courteous. There seems to be no speed limit and alot of dinted and scratched up vehicles. It took us 3 hours to drive to Pannajachl. Some of the roads were smooth but the last hour of the ride was pot hole city. Laura said it was worse than the Alaskan Highway. We got to Panna. late and were ready for bed. When we woke up Thur. morning we went outside and were taken back by the beauty of the mountains and lake, along with 3 volcanoes. After breakfast, which included scrambled eggs, real dark refried beans, cheese, fried bananas, watermelon, pineapple, papaya juice, and homemade bread. It was different but tasty. We traveled up the mountain approx. 15 minutes to 9,000 feet above sea level to the Eagle's Nest Orphanage. There were 50 babies there and about 30 pre-schoolers. The ladies were in baby heaven. Paige and Hannah obtained some good experience feeding babies and burping them; and comforting crying babies. We were impressed by the cleanliness of the orphanage and the care the babies and children received. Larry and Clare run the orphanage and they were very friendly and appreciative. We delivered the towels and wash cloths. The joy on the faces of the workers was a real blessing. Thanks to all of you who donated these items and tooth brushes/toothpaste. The men sanded and varnished lumber most of the day. In the afternoon we held a bible school for the kids. It was a joyous time and we saw many smiles on the faces of the kids. Paul picked up some chicken and fries for lunch, then we ate at a restaurant in Panna. for dinner. Laura and Hannah ate chicken kabobs and said they were awesome, the best they had ever eaten. We had a very good devotional time before bed, with Paul leading. The hotel accommodations are nice and the staff is very helpful. Today, we are headed back up to the orphanage.

This is Lusbin, one of the hundreds of kids that we will be ministering to, so stay with us and we will keep you posted on the ministry we are doing while down in Guatemala. Please pray that we will meet the physical and spiritual needs of the children and parents of the people in Guatemala.