Last Full Work Day

Sorry for the lack of pictures tonight. In addition to the batteries for our tools, our camera batteries are dying off one by one. Got GREAT shots today... just didn't get them off of the camera before it died. And we've discovered that getting things at the store in Guatemala is not as easy as it is in the states. Tomorrow morning is dedications day, so we will be sure to find some working batteries and get some pictures of all of the wonderful families we have met and the houses we have built. It has been wonderful. We've hit some walls that we couldn't overcome by our own strength and God has made a way each and every time. We're grateful every time we have eyes to see it. Keep us in your prayers as we wind down our time here and as we travel home.

Grace,
Jayne


This morning I had mixed emotions about the last work day. I was relieved that it was the last day, but I was also dissapointed that I was leaving the children I had grown to love. We left the house same time as always. Today was probably the most efficient day for my team and I. We finished 4 houses and built 1. I was very surprised at our progress. Overall. today was a great day! I made bonds with more kids and actually helped with the construction work. Tomorrow is our last full day in Guatemala. I'm so upset because I have to leave this beautiful country and the beautiful inside of it. I will miss everything about it and be much more thankful for how blessed I am!
~Taylor Hamlet <33


After several days of distractions from our mission (rain, MUD, more MUD, bad batteries for the saws and drills), we finally had a great workday in the sun! The mud, caked on the bottom and sides of my shoes, fell off this morning without much effort as if it were powder. Dirt roads became dusty again. It is amazing that the families, especially the kids, are so happy. Many wanted our candy and toys while others just wanted our attention and love. We saw excitement in the eyes of those that were getting new homes. I also saw disappointment and confusion in neighbors that were not getting homes. One family actually tore down their house and moved in with neighbors because the village pastor told them that American Christians were going to be building them a new house. At the houses that have been completed, the families have not wasted any time moving in. We are dedicating the houses tomorrow afternoon after completing the fronts for 8 houses. We were able to get houses #19 and #20 framed, siding installed on three sides, roofing installed and the door/window made this afternoon. We are going out tomorrow morning to hopefully complete the fronts for the remaining 8 houses; however, not all of the houses had concrete floors as of this afternoon.

In devotions tonight, we talked about how we need to be witnessing to people all the time and not just on mission trips. We need to show God's love to all people. It is amazing to look at the same stars, moon and sun that we see in Wilmington and know that they are looking at it the same as us. I am so grateful for the family, church, job and friends that God has given me. God loves the Guatemalan people as he does all people. As part of our devotion, we gave praises to each other in our work groups, prayed for each other and offered up praises to God for his love and for us being blessed to be able to be on this trip. I am extremely proud of my team today (Mark and Martin, Christian, Mary, Marolyn and Jim). We were able to complete the front siding (after cutting the metal siding on most of the houses to fit), hanging of the window/door on 4 houses, and attaching the roof decking on one house as well as finishing 1 house up to the front and concrete floor. All teams are looking forward to meeting our goal of providing a new home for 20 families!

I can't believe we are nearing the end of this mission trip. The people on this trip are great and I have really enjoyed getting to know friends better and getting to know those that did not know at all. While I will miss being in this beautiful country with our group and will miss the Guatemalan people, I miss my family. I love you Jeannie and Cutter.

Post Hole Counter: 180
Pot Hole Counter: 3,000 (and counting!)
Sponsored by Criser Troutman Tanner Consulting Engineers - Guatemalan Office

Jeff Troutman


Whew, exhausted but rejoicing in the completion of 20 homes! We started the day with another wonderful breakfast by the kitchen crew (Twig and Brenda who have put at least 5-10 lbs on each of us), sunshine and 7 families anxiously awaiting their new homes. What a blessing to know that they will now have a home enclosed from the elements (while only the size of our master bedroom closets) with concrete flooring instead of mud. The families are so thankful and I hope they feel the love of Christ we have been asked to bring to them. The children are so starved for attention and love the games, candy and even watching us work. Tomorrow is a big day to dedicate the homes with each of the families and to give them gifts of food, clothing and rejoice in the sharing of God's love. It has truly been amazing.

Praise God and keep on praying for us,

Jane Dodd