Week one - We've been here now 1 week...the only challenge is getting to the internet, lol! 

It has been a huge blessing to be back in El Tizate. We've reconnected with many old friends and met many new ones. On the FIRST day at the school, Seth went right away to see his sponsor child Esmeling and stayed with him for worship, breakfast and recess. We were so happy (so were they). Eden has been greeting all the teachers with hugs/kisses everyday. Today, she made a picture for a teacher named Hayde, Hayde is a dear friend who we have known for ages. Eden also has been having breakfast with her sponsor child, Samantha, every morning. 

So, with the kids being so comfortable now, Heath and I have had some freedom to be able to serve without worrying about what the kids are doing! 

Today - Seth and Heath started working on the construction site. Eden helped the Canadian student team prepare crafts for a VBS. I went to a couple of classes and tried to fix up some of the school books. We need MORE books in Spanish here at the school! Amazing how much has been purchased or donated but so much more would be helpful. 

Our stash of gold-fish crackers and granola bars have been perfect – the kids eat one per day which is great because they are eating all the other food so well. We’ve had delicious mangos, pinas, strawberries, watermelon, and lychees. At lunch we eat what the school cook makes, and she always makes a juice or liquado (smoothy) with fresh fruit...yum.  Of course we have corn tortillas at each lunch and normally rice with some chicken or meat and veggies. All very delicious and typical Guatemalan.

We’ve been eating with Clara for suppers – which is incredible! She knows the kids so well and so far has made them hamburgers, pizza, pasta, and fried chicken with homemade fries…not typical Guatemalan but delicious and the kids look forward to going to her house. As Eden says “I love Clara’s house, it is ALL inside” and Seth “Clara is the best cook, I wonder what she will cook today?” (Asking at 7am in the morning, lol).

This past Saturday. we went into Antigua (the main tourist city). We were worried that the kids would be tired from so much walking and bored with the market, BUT they were perfect! They loved it and didn't complain at all. We joined the Canadian students for a tour of the Ruins and Cathedral. The Cathedral and catacombs were interesting.... In Guatemala Catholicism is a mix of Mayan spirituality (worshiping starts, sun, and moon and sacrificing alcohol and tobacco to saints) with Catholicism. So the Catholic churches have many idols and statues that they worship and hold many parades that involve sacrifying alcohol to the statues. It is difficult to explain. Needless to say, seeing the beautiful Cathedral and the ruins from the rest of the Cathedral that was created in the 1500s, was incredible. 

Horse ride tour through Antigua :)

   

Sleep - the kids fall asleep here so quickly and easily here – they wake up between 5:30 and 6:30 which is perfect because we have to be walking up the hill at 7am. 

School and worship - we start our morning at 7:30am at the school signing songs to God. It is a beautiful time together and refreshing way to start our days. Again, I'm always struck by the devotion of Christians here...they pray daily for the sponsors, the teachers, and the founders of the school. They are so grateful for God for all He has done in their lives. 

Heath and I were here in El Tizate, the small town, over 12 years ago...and honestly , it is a miracle and work of God, all that has grown and changed here. Again, so difficult to explain. This town was dirt roads and few homes, now has brick roads and many homes that have proper ventilation. So many people who were hungry, are now fed. 

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      On Friday, Eden came to class with me for Grade 1 and SK – she took a spelling test and did a worksheet, both of which she enjoyed. The kids in the class were helping her a lot. At recess Heath pushed multiple kids on swings, over and over. All day, Seth participated in almost every gym class…basketball, soccer, dodge ball – he was sweaty!

Sorry for the disjointed blog message...I've started and stopped this blog many times...lol and then now finally have made my way to internet :) 

Hope all is well in Canada! Love and blessings from Diane & family :) 

Other pictures...after church on Sunday we went to Luna de Miel, a crepe house, and Eden had Nutela Waffles....the rest of us were a little more adventurous! 

Seth showing off the Lychee from the tienda across from where we stay

The kids trying Incaparina de Chocolate (a delicious and healthy drink created by a Guatemalan)....so Heath and I will end up drinking most of it!