The trip over the mountains was visually pleasing. The view
gave us vistas of rocky crags and deep valleys. Much of the land is arid dotted
with 15 to 20 foot multi-branched cactus, maybe good for growing aloe vera, but
not much else. I’m sure that some of that land is used to graze cattle. The
four lane highway wound its way through very small villages.
By 11 am, we had reached the one of the souvenir areas in
Guatemala City. It was a pleasant place to shop, a few others and lots of
choices in the 40 some shops. We looked for an hour and then headed to a fried
chicken fast food restaurant for lunch. I had crispy chicken, just like KFC.
After dropping Josie off at the airport at 1:30, we headed
back for more shopping. Some of our team have multiple gifts to buy for loved
ones and friends. The nice thing about this craft area is that, as far as I can
tell, everything is made in Guatemala. Some purchased woven items, usually very
colorful. Others found bookmarks, dolls, and clay figurines. It was fun
looking, and, for me, it was fun bargaining (reminded me of my days in China).
Later this afternoon we’ll head to the airport, find some
supper there, and then board the 8:30 flight for Chicago O’Hare. The day has
been nice because it is low key and relaxing, very unlike the busy days we had
with VBS and the clinic.
TEAM MEMBERS REFLECT ON THE TRIP
I enjoyed the time I spent with the people of Zacapa and
working in the clinic .My daughter helped me a lot. I am looking forward to
coming back ….Scott and Tabitha
I really enjoyed my time spent here in Guatemala. During this trip I made a ton of friends and
I will miss every single one of them. I enjoyed the hot temperature and my
favorite day was the one spent visiting the families of San Pablo and listening
to their stories about their life and the history of San Pablo….Angie
I felt that the love for Jesus is growing with every trip.
Hearing stories from people of San Pablo about the earthquake they lived through
and the survival brought tears to my eyes. The smiles of the children are
addicting. I am very excited to start planning the next trip to San Pablo to
work more with the people and continue to spread the word of Jesus Christ….Diane
I had a great time working and trying to communicate with my
fellow workers at the house construction, specially, Dino. I thought that I had
it down because they answered yes to all my questions but most of the time they
did not understand me. Everyone was very friendly and so happy for our
help….Dale
Infinite thanks to all the people of Guatemala who I’ve had
the pleasure to learn from over the past week.
Likewise, to the Saint Paul group for inviting me to be a part of their
family for the week - it has been an honor to work alongside each and every one
of you as we experienced the culture of San Pablo, a community that welcomed us
with open arms and open hearts. The
Saint Paul and San Pablo groups have so much to offer one another, and being
that such a solid foundation is in place, I am excited to see the
relationship continue to grow and strengthen in the future, reaping countless
benefits for both communities. Thank you
for an incredible week, the unforgettable memories and everlasting friendships….Sabrina
I am so grateful to God again for a trip that is a
blessing…a blessing for me personally, a blessing for the people on the trip,
blessings to come for the family of St. Paul in Stevens Point and we pray
blessings for our brother and sisters in San Pablo. The beauty of the land as we drive, the
beauty of the people and the beauty of the gospel that transforms our hearts
fills me with peace and joy. As we talk about
the next trip it brings excitement about the future of our partnership with San Pablo….Carol
What has come from this trip? Beautiful memories of Guatemalan people and
landscape, prayers that our presence in San Pablo has brought God’s love and
some hope for its people, focus on the value of time in the US and the need for
quiet, reinforcement of the need for family and community. God has blessed our group and our time on the
trip and I am grateful….Myra
This trip came to me as an unexpected opportunity to participate
in the mission to Guatemala. It has been
a real blessing getting to know people up close and personal that I have been
acquainted with for years but rather from a distance. The talented college students who translated
for us were so much fun. The staff who
had been there before was so knowledgeable and great leaders. The people of San
Pablo will be unforgettable for their smiles and peaceful contentment when
their life is so difficult compared to ours.
I hope to have a deep appreciation for the simple blessings we take for
granted….Jeanne
My best memory is of working with Alex the translator and a
home visit gentleman named Carlos on the puzzle. I had just taught Alex the prior day. He
followed my instructions giving Carlos the same puzzle path and explanation. We
showed Carlos, we explained the colors and we did the puzzle, then we asked him
to do it also. On the second attempt, he completed it perfectly. We praised him
and he was very pleased – then he showed us his Bible, which he said he had
read from cover to cover. He had many
paper markers in the pages for his favorite passages. My heart was filled with joy….Tina
What a great trip, better each time (OK, it has only been
two). My anxiety over general medicine was much less, and there were a handful
of neurological cases (Bell’s Palsy, epilepsy, restless legs, carpal tunnel syndrome)
and plenty of musculoskeletal issues
so that I did find more than an island
of comfort. I would smile when the
“chief complaint” was “wants to see the neurologist.” We are really starting to develop a real
relationship with the people of San Pablo, and I smile and look forward to the
next trip to continue to share God’s love here in Guatemala….Todd
 |
| Tired of shopping. It was good that three hours later we caught the plane to return to the States. The trip was a huge blessing to us from the people of San Pablo, and we were a wonderful blessing to them. |
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