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!