Hola everyone.
Today we woke up at 9:00, which was a great treat after many days of work. We quickly had breakfast and then it was out the door for a full day with the kids. A group called "Mission Fiesta" came in for the morning and early afternoon to celebrate with the kids. They celebrate everyone's birthday, for many of the kids don't know their own birthday. Many balloons provided enough entertainment to last for hours. Domino's pizza was served along with cake. Along with all of this fun, the children were able to express their faith through various activites. A game of soccer was played on the concrete "field" with many of the older girls participating. It ended after the downpour of rain began. The girls of the group then headed out to the older girls' house to make bracelets and hang out. Many new friends were made. A delicious dinner of chicken noodle soup was served while the rain continued to pour. At 7:00pm the group was honored to attend NPH's presentation of Peter Pan. Although many did not understand the play, it was fun to see all of our new friends perform and act. Afterwards, we came back to our quarters and shared many laughs and stories about the day. We capped off the night with chips and homemade guacomole.
Hasta Luego,
Katie and Adrianna
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Excursion 1
Today we traveled with the children of NPH to a beautiful park reserve about 30 miles outside of Antigua. Our day was filled with water falls, swimming and a great time with members of our group as well as middle school and younger high school aged youth from NPH. All had a great time and we arrived safely back to the home where we shared dinner, evening games and prayer. Tomorrow, back to work! I think we will be planting crops. Keep us in your prayers! We will write more tomorrow. The mission team is doing great.
Terry
Terry
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Day
Today we spent our day working for the home, except Terry and Papa Pablo (Father Paul) who went to Antigua. The group split up and some people went to an English classroom, some went to work in the fields, and some went horseback riding with the special needs pequenos. After working, we ate lunch in our own cabins because it was raining and played some games. When it stopped raining, we played soccer against the girls best team. For a while we were actually winning the game, until the older boys showed up and the game went downhill from there. By the end of the game it was 19 vs 8, the pequenos had more, and they won. It was still a blast though. After that we ate dinner and had a meeting, and now we're off to bed. Tomorrow we get to go on a field trip and hike around with some of the kids. We are all super exited but super soar. We hope to see you soon! -Nick
Now a message from Travis...
Hola! I had an amazing opportunity along with a few from our group to take the special needs kids horseback riding at a place just outside of Parramos (the town next to NPH). NPH recently started taking them there as part of their therapy. We each had an opportunity to ride with one of the children sitting on the saddle in front of us. It was truly amazing to see how that opportunity affects them just from seeing the expressions of joy on their faces, no matter what their disability.
The only downfall to my experience was that my horse didn't speak English. -Travis
Now a message from Travis...
Hola! I had an amazing opportunity along with a few from our group to take the special needs kids horseback riding at a place just outside of Parramos (the town next to NPH). NPH recently started taking them there as part of their therapy. We each had an opportunity to ride with one of the children sitting on the saddle in front of us. It was truly amazing to see how that opportunity affects them just from seeing the expressions of joy on their faces, no matter what their disability.
The only downfall to my experience was that my horse didn't speak English. -Travis
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
An Amazing Day
Hello Families. Just letting you know that your kids are amazing! We spent a busy day getting acquainted with the children and home of NPH Guatemala. Our hosts, Ismar Velasquez and the staff at NPH Guatemala are incredibly gracious in the way they are caring for us in thei home. Today was filled with the blessing of new friendships (both within our group and with the children of the home). We are all beginning to understand that these nine days will be quite different, stretching in many ways, sometimes difficult and wonderful.
Over the next days we will participate in many work projects, cultural excursions and time well spent loving the children of NPH. Please keep us in your prayers for health and success. Over the next number of evenings your sons and daughters will be taking on blogging responsibilities. We also look forward to hearing from you. Please leave us comments.
Respectfully,
Terry Munoz
Mission Coordinator
Over the next days we will participate in many work projects, cultural excursions and time well spent loving the children of NPH. Please keep us in your prayers for health and success. Over the next number of evenings your sons and daughters will be taking on blogging responsibilities. We also look forward to hearing from you. Please leave us comments.
Respectfully,
Terry Munoz
Mission Coordinator
Tuesday
Hola from Amanda, Audrey and Angela! (more commonly known as Aminda, Lili, and Anhela)
Driving through Guatemala taught us alot yesterday about poverty and how fortunate we are. For me (amanda) it was an emotional day. I was exhausted, and unprepared for what I saw, although this is the second time. All of it washed away as we drove into NPH and the kids greeted us with great anticipation and a full band! I missed this place so much and I can't imagine ever leaving. Its amazing I don't have enough words.
Hola! Me llamo Angela. I feel the same as Amanda! I definitely wasn't prepared for the massive amounts of poverty on the drive here, and it really opened my eyes to how incredibly blessed we are in the US. Its a totally different feeling to see a place like this in real life, rather than on the news or in school books. Guatemala is a beautiful place and the weather has been great this morning! I was blown away when we arrived last night, and how loving and open the kids were right away. We got a chance to play a quick game of soccer and talk with many of the kids while they had dinner and I have been able to really use my Spanish skill which has been challenging but fun! The kids just laugh and help you along, and really make it easy to communicate, which is great! Im so glad to be here, I already love it!
Audrey had to go and help withy a project but she says she loves it and she's having an amazing time!
Adios amigos! Buenas tardes!
Driving through Guatemala taught us alot yesterday about poverty and how fortunate we are. For me (amanda) it was an emotional day. I was exhausted, and unprepared for what I saw, although this is the second time. All of it washed away as we drove into NPH and the kids greeted us with great anticipation and a full band! I missed this place so much and I can't imagine ever leaving. Its amazing I don't have enough words.
Hola! Me llamo Angela. I feel the same as Amanda! I definitely wasn't prepared for the massive amounts of poverty on the drive here, and it really opened my eyes to how incredibly blessed we are in the US. Its a totally different feeling to see a place like this in real life, rather than on the news or in school books. Guatemala is a beautiful place and the weather has been great this morning! I was blown away when we arrived last night, and how loving and open the kids were right away. We got a chance to play a quick game of soccer and talk with many of the kids while they had dinner and I have been able to really use my Spanish skill which has been challenging but fun! The kids just laugh and help you along, and really make it easy to communicate, which is great! Im so glad to be here, I already love it!
Audrey had to go and help withy a project but she says she loves it and she's having an amazing time!
Adios amigos! Buenas tardes!
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
12 days and Counting
This is basically a test for this blog site. We are excited to say that in 12 days we will be heading to NPH Guatemala for a 9 day stay with nearly 400 of our most wonderful friends. We look forward to working with the children of NPH as well as visiting with their staff and enjoying the people and culture of Guatemala. Parents and friends are encouraged to check this blog site daily to see what's happening with our group as students will take time each evening to keep you updated. Viva Guatemala!
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