“We have different gifts according, to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve. If it is teaching let him teach. If it is encouraging, let him encourage. If it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously. If it is leadership, let him govern diligently. If it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.” Romans 12 verses 6,7,8 and 9
This is the passage Ashley led us in during our morning devotions today. How appropriate as we got ready for a second day of serving the orphanage at San Geronimo. Unfortunately, none of us felt particularly gifted in stucco wall repair! We worked diligently through the white, chalky dust clouds created by our constant scrapping and chiseling of the green stucco. At day’s end, we had made significant progress on the wall. Some of Ashley’s friends will continue to work on the wall over the next few days with the hope of having it completed by Friday.
During the day, several of us went back to Mama Carmens to visit Nehemiah and present the additional money for his surgery to Mama Carmen’s adult daughter. They were all very thankful and pleased as Nehemiah will finally have the abdominal surgery he so badly needs. If all goes well, he should have the procedure completed by the end of the week. An answer to prayer…we were able to meet a specific need of an orphan we encountered and who moved us all. God is good.
Peter
After breaking our backs on the wall the first day, we were hardly looking forward to coming back. But we stuck it out and worked our tails off. Due to the hurricane of dust and green stucco I found myself with a throat full of wall residue. Now I have a sore throat and can barely talk [thank God for cough medicine]. After a total of 16 hours on the wall, we finished with me feeling happy having concurred my fear of heights by working 20 feet above the ground on the ladder. Our Guatemalan friends were a big help and are fun to talk to, even if we don`t speak their language [hand signals and yes goes a long way]. When we were finished, we went back to HH for our favorite ‘shower races’, an authentic Guatemalan meal [we have gotten our fill of rice], and then crashed for the night. Overall the day was hard on our delicate, soft, American hands but fulfilling in our heats after helping so many.
Drew
Hi all! Sounds like you have been very busy! Little Nehemiah is adorable! I am so happy you were able to get him the help he needed. Happy Thanksgiving today! Please be careful on the zip lines. Have fun and may God continue to protect you! Love, Tamie and Kate
By: Tamie & Kate on November 26, 2009
at 1:16 pm
It is neat to hear how God is using your gifts and how you are able to see Him working. I have enjoyed hearing about Nehemiah and am so glad he is going to have surgery!!!! One life at a time. . . God is so good. Stuart and I and the kids look forward to hearing your stories when you get back!!! God Bless You!!!!
By: Nancy Wright on November 26, 2009
at 4:22 pm
Hello and Happy Thanksgiving! We are so glad that the internet is up and running and we are caught up on all that you have been doing. Love the stories and the pictures! It is so warm here today, doesn’t feel like Thanksgiving.
Hope you all had a great time meeting the people of Panajachel, isn’t it an amazing place?
Please tell me that some you of got a little winded climbing the hills to zipline??
We have already had one Thanksgiving with Grampa and will have another in a little bit. Enjoy your last couple of days…can’t wait until we can hear about your experiences in person. Safe travels and God’s blessings! Love Sherry
By: Sherry, McCoy, Nate and Brook on November 26, 2009
at 8:39 pm