Update#1 - Mr. Werth

We lost our internet connection on Thursday, April 1st, so we haven't been able to give updates until now.

Thursday started well. As it was April 1st, Karren, one of the Impact Ministries staff, fooled us with a story about a potential 6.5 earthquake to occur at some time that morning. As she discussed the events of the morning, she gave directions on where to be if we felt nauseous or shaking; get out into the open, avoid being under overhangs and such. Some students were worried, but when she asked the group to remind her of the date, there was quite the mixed reaction when most realized the date. Good one Karren!

For the morning, 11A went into the market in Tactic to complete shopping for souveniers while 11B visited a small coffee finca to learn how coffee beans are processed. After a couple of hours, the groups switched activities.

After lunch, 11A drove to Coban, the provincial capital to visit the hospital. Team members took stuffed animals & blankets with them, to give to children on the pediatric ward. The team members took time to pray for each child to be healed of their illnesses, most being pneumonia-like. It was very humbling for all to see the lack of supplies for proper medical care, but quite a blessing to have families readily agree to being prayed with. Following this visit to the pediatric ward, the female team members were able to visit the maternity ward. Bags that were sewn by supporters of our Mission to Guatemala trip were filled with blankets & baby clothes and given to the new moms. What a neat experience!

Meanwhile, 11B was off doing sponsor visits in in Tactic & up in the hills of San Antonio. More opportunities to bless our sponsor children & be blessed by visiting and praying with them!

Both teams gathered together in the evening at the church in Chamche to participate in a joint devotion. Les Peters talked with the group about "reverse culture shock" & prepared team members for some of the challenges they may experience when leaving Guatemala and returning home. Then Les gave the team some homework. Our task was to prepare a response to the question "What is God asking us to change when we return to Calgary?"

I will share the results of the next day in another post.