A FEW DAYS AWAY...and running out of time!

Sixteen days and we'll be on our way to Pennsylvania! Seeing what that area of the country experinced over the weekend, with an early snow storm, we'll have to adjust quickly to the cold. What I hear from others that have retuned to the colder climate...the thermostat is a welcome fixture. I often said that we needed one on our wall here in Guatemala just to make us think it's warm. I think the rain is over.....three small tremors in the last two days. We only felt one of them but like I said before, it's something that you just don't get used to. Thet say that a quake will begin and end the rainy season.

Almost three years in Guatemala and it seems like we just didn't have much time for vacation or visits to the beautiful coast areas of the country. Last week we took a few days off and visited the east coast, Livingston and the Rio Dulce area. Our choice of hotels was full so I checked other places available and after reading positive reviews we chose a jungle setting, Finca Tatin. Our friends who went along with us also were pleased with what they read online about the cleanliness and good food. The description also mentioned that because of it's jungle setting there would be some bugs!!!! Big SPIDERS like I've never seen before! I was thoughtful enough to take along some bug spray and before we went to dinner I sprayed the screened windows and curtains thinking that it would help if the mosquitoes were bad. When we returned we found a large spider inside our bed net. I thought the net was for the small bugs that would bite during the night. After killing that one we found another one hiding on the stone wall. Our friend found one inside his net when he woke up in the morning. When we left later in the morning we decided to go back into Livingston and see if we could swim in the nice blue, clean, and bug free pool at the original hotel of choice. It was wonderful! 
The day before leaving on vacation we hosted a group of girls from Casa Bernabe for a day retreat. There were 30 girls and 12 ladies from Texas that led the teaching sessions. Starting at 7:00am and going into the evening, finishing at 8:30pm. The house was "very used" and when the day was over we were exahausted. Another wonderful way to bless the kids and staff of the homes we have come to know and enjoy. A few days before this, we entertained, enjoyed, and cherished a special time with Jay and Rosene Hurst. When we came to Guatemala we soon came to know them as a very special couple that REALLY cared about what the staff of ORI was doing in GT. As our prayer partners they called often to ask how they could pray for us and our work. A few days prior to their coming we hosted two of the staff from Children's HopeChest in Colorado. They were here to sign the first set of legal papers forming the legal association of the organization in GT. I will be vice president of the GT board of directors which will keep us involved with the orphanages, directors, and children that we have loved so much. I may have to return twice to sign papers to finish the legal work within the next 2 months. We'll try to schedule the trips around hunting!!! Then my trips down will be at least once a year, maybe more often if I lead any of the interested church vision teams.
Sheryl and I are excited about our future....not sure yet what all God has planned, but we'll wait and see. First we'll welcome our new grandchild with lots of love. We're told that she may come before Thanksgiving....we're ready! Hoping to be there in time. The house that we bought in State College will be available on the 30th of November. Angie says that we'll be helping her with the children so staying with them won't be a problem. Thankful for our wonderful family!
This weekend and next week we'll move the ORI office out of the house to the warehouse till it's needed again. Next week Thursday Rod and Sarah, the ORI founders will be here for a few days to go over the changes taking place with the ORI staff. Will be a busy last 2 weeks!

Thanks for all your prayers and support!
Jim and Sheryl Leaman

Freedom to Spoil Children!

Spoiling the kids was not hard to do as Sheryl and I helped to care for the children at an Orphanage out near Lake Atitlan last week. Manos de Compasion is a wonderful home of 16 children living with a young couple that has two of their own children under 2 years. Their hands are truely filled to overflowing and they needed a break so the Freed family, a single guy and Sheryl and I took over the responsibilities while they went to the beach. Two of the little guys, Issac and Josue became my buddies quickly, even would cry when I disappeared. For Sheryl, Minor was a little guy that didn't want anyone nor was he happy about anything! Sheryl seem to attach to him which made the atmosphere in the house a lot better. We're still thanking the Lord for the generator that was there to give light. Workers were cutting trees down and dropped one of the large trees on the power lines snapping a pole on Friday morning when we arrived. The power company was gracious to come on Saturday evening before dark to restore power. Don't know what we would have done for 3 days without any electricity. Sunday afternoon we left the home and went to Santa Catarina Palopo, one of the small villages that surround the Lake for a short time of relaxation. Rolando, a friend and partner in the work with Childrens HopeChest stayed with us and arranged for a pleasant time with one of his friends that does boat trips on the lake. We had a beautiful day and a wonderful time stopping in at San Juan, then to San Pedro, then to a nice restaurant overlooking the lake. A stroll among the shops in Pana Monday evening then we finished with a "tuk tuk" ride back to our hotel in Santa Cantarina.

It's still the rainy season! We now have a day or two, if we're lucky without rain, then it rains again and can it ever rain! It's not unusual to get 3 inches in an hour or two. Some of the villages have had mud slides and families have lost their lives. It's been an interesting month of earthquake tremors also. A few weeks ago we had 3 fairly large tremors from 4.2-5.8 in the area south of us which did some major damage to the adobe homes in the poorer villages. I saw this morning that 700 properties were being bulldozed down because they are unsafe  to live in. It's still not determined if, or who will give them any help. I have not, and probably never will get used to the tremors....they come by surprise and we never know how big or damaging they will be. We continue to put our trust in God!

When we have opportunity were trying to get out to some of the homes that Sheryl and I have  closer relationships with to say our goodbyes and to share cookies with them. We will definately miss the children, their smiles, hugs and comments. My time recently has been quite busy helping to get the necessary information needed, along with Rolando, to set up an Association here in Guatemala for Children's HopeChest. They have partnered with ORI for the last year as I helped them to begin their ministry to the children in GT, but now with myself leaviing they see that it's necessary to form their own legal status to continue. I feel honored also to be asked to serve as a board member of the new organization. As our time with ORI comes to a close, I wondered how we would be able to continue our relationship with many of the directors and homes that we have come to admire and love. We'll be coming back occasionally for board  meetings and when we're here, we'll continue to connect with those we love. It's amazing how God works!

It's a buyers market for homes in the States right now....but we're still looking for the right place with just under 7 weeks till we return. Continue to pray that we will find the right place, soon!

Love you all,

Jim and Sheryl Leaman

Winding Down

Today will be a BIG final team day at Casa Bernabe, the orphanage that we've been taking most of this years team to. Salem Hellers church from Leola Pa, has been here this week working on the wall at the orphanage and taking care of the children for the house parents while they attended a 2 day conference. It was like when grandma comes to the house for a few days so mom and dad can get away...the rules disappear. I'm sure the team and house parents will return to normal soon! This afternoon we'll be doing chicken BBQ for almost 300 at the home and spending time playing with the kids, that should be fun!
It's been a roller coaster ride this week emotionally. The house we put an offer on in State College was not accepted so we continue to wait for God to show us the right home that we'll live in for the next phase of our lives. Today our daughter looks at 2 more that we think are possibilities. I guess the highest point of the coaster ride was when we accepted a cash sale of our home that we purchased when we came to Guatemala almost 3 year ago. The buyer is willing to let us stay in the house untill we leave just before Thanksgiving. It's a good thing that we decided to send 15 bags of things that we wanted to keep along back with the last 2 Pa teams. The purchase was made with everything included....EVERYTHING! When we find a place in State College we'll have to start house keeping all over again, what fun! In spite of all the ups and downs over the last 1/2 year with our work here it is obvious that God is in control and what He has planned for us, is our desire totally. When we return to the States, Nate and Angie living in State College will be having their 4th child, which will be our 8th grandchild. We give thanksgiving and praise for each of them and anticipate what God has for each of them.
Just yesterday I picked up our passports from the embassy with the final residency stamp giving us permanent residency status in Guatemala. That hardly makes sense when we'll be leaving in 3 month! Maybe God has something in the future that would require it. We'll see.
I just heard some noise outside and see that the guards are going through our trash....when Americans begin to clean out, there's often things that the Guatemalans can use. They took the wooden sticks that I used to hold the for sale sign up. What is one mans junk is another's treasure! I'm sure till we're done there will be many small items that they'll treasure. A few days ago Sheryl was reaffirming that Alejandro had some small children and then went inside and came out with maybe 15-20 small stuffed animals for his children...big smiles! Then Alex was dissapointed so she gave him a large teddy to remember us with. There are also boxes sitting around with items for some of the homes where we've made the closest connections and friendships. We will surely have a difficult time saying goodbye to all our special friends.
Continue praying for us as we make decisions and continue searching for a house.

Gods Blessing to all our faithful supporters and prayer warriors,
Jim and Sheryl Leaman

Just a few yet!

Last night as I was doing a debriefing, Denny was doing an orientation. That only happend twice this year when one team was leaving and another coming with a short overlap. It has been a busy month with teams every day. We'll be ready for a one week break next week then another team to end the ORI schedule followed by a Childrens Hopechest visit....then I think there will be time to relax. Along with the progress on the security wall, we've been doing quite a bit of painting at Casa Bernabe. Sheryl and I try to keep people busy with that while the rest of the guys work on the wall. We've had some really dedicated teams and it's been a pleasure! At Casa Bernabe we feel like we're at home! The kids love when we're there with crafts, and time to play with them. We're at one of the more difficult places with the construction of the wall. It's steep!....with a bank covered with a thin layer of concret to keep the dirt from washing away, so holes need to be cut into the concrete, then the posts set and cemented in before the actual wall pieces can be put in place. Lots of hands make light work! Last week we had a nice dedication service for the construction of  the wall. The team from Friedens Luthern Church from Somerset, Pa was the group that originally initiated the idea of the project when they wanted to do something in memory of one of their faithful members that passed away recently from cancer. His wife was along to help which made it even more special. A plaque will be put up when it's finished remembering Lon and the other teams that made the project possible.

God has been so good, providing some extra room with returning teams to take some luggage of ours along back to the Pa area for us. The Somerset team bought their tickets in February before the new baggage regulations were put into place so they were able to check in two bags each and the team that left this morning had some extra space returning to Quarryville, so we sent some along with them. The house has been a mess in the evenings as we gathered some of the things we wanted to pack and send back. It does seem strange, packing up to return to the States. Our house is for sale and we have a few interested people, so pray that God would bring us a buyer. It's public information now!.....Angela, our daughter in State College is expecting their 4th child in early December...number 8 for grandpa and grandma! That will be a wonderful going home present for us.

Thanks for your prayers as we finish up the year

Jim and Sheryl Leaman

Expectations...EXCEEDED!

This past week has been one to remember for a long time. Sheryl and I  along with Rolando Monterroso hosted our first Childrens Hopechest Team. Rolando is a 27 year old Guatemalan that I've learn to know, and is now our discipler for the Hope Chest relationship we've begun. His work includes regular visits to the homes that are sponsored by churches in the States, and he also gathers the information to put together a development plan for each home that waits for sponsorship. It has been an interesting learning experience as we all forge ahead into new territory, and then have the opportunity to see the results of what God has brought together this past week. The Cornerstone Presbyterian Church from Maryland chose to sponsor two orphanages in Guatemala and both are homes which ORI has provided food and where all of us have close friendships with the children. The team that came was delivering a message to them..."God wants to lavish them with His love..and they do too!" Through skits, going to the zoo, taking the kids to a soccer game, and many hugs, tears, and special words with them, this was accomplished. Some of the children had never been to the zoo and many of them just wanted to be loved with big hugs and a shoulder to lay their heads on. After the soccor game there was time for Pollo Campero! 9 kids meals and everyone else could order whatever they wanted...43 meals when we were done ordering to be enjoyed. The bus ride back was rather quiet with many of them sleeping.  

One day off and another team arrives tomorrow from Max Lucado's church, Oak Hills in Texas. We'll be working with them on a project at Fundaninos putting stainless steel razor wire on top of the outside wall of the property. 480 meters or 1575 ft to complete the job. I think we can do it! We'll have the medical bag with Denny's sutures close by if needed.

The rainy season sure makes things nice and green, but it creates a mess on some of the dirt roads. On Tuesday the bus got stuck in the mud on our return trip to the hotel....I thought ahead and took some old work shoes along just in case, so I was the one to shovel us out while it was dumping down more rain. Three attempts and we made it! We're hoping that some road repairs will be made soon, to give us a base of stone instead of the slime that's there now. We'll see! Adventures Ahead! Will make good fb postings!

Love and Prayers

Jim and Sheryl Leaman

Teams are our Life!

On a rainy Sunday morning we're catching our breath from a busy week of teams. Manheim BIC from Pa has been here this week working at Casa Bernabe on the wall, painting and having lots of fun with the kids. Friday afternoon we had an ice cream party for the kids and I heard comments like...this makes my week to see all those smiles. Someone said that it had been 4 month since they had ice cream.14 gallon was enough to give some of the hungry ones a second serving, then after the ice cream was finished some came back for a cup of whipped cream and sprinkles....we can spoil them every now and then! Last night Sheryl and I went to the airport to pick up another team of 12, here with Children's HopeChest. The team's from MD. and will be here building relationships with two homes that the church has committed to supporting for 3 years...which usually goes on much longer as the relationship continues to build. This is the first team here through our partnering with CHC, so pray that our time with the homes will truely build significant relationships that last.
The RAINY season is here! In the last 4 days my rain gauge collected 7 inches. Makes it a little tough to work on the security wall but we're managing to get some done before, between, and after showers. The yard is just about too high for my amish push mower, but if there's a chance this afternoon I'll try even though it's wet....now or never. I'll soon have to harvest it with a machete!
It seems like only a dream that we'll be leaving around the end of the year and returning to Pa. We've been busy looking at houses on line and about the time we see something we like, it's under agreement but it is a buyers market and there are many choices, so we're praying that when the time is right we'll know! In the meantime our time is flying by so fast, cause we really do enjoy the team season when we learn to know so many people that come to help with our work, and to love on the children.
We still take time to connect with our grand children through skype and this week was really special when Jenelle sent us a short video clip of Grady, just 2 years old swimming. I guess when the pool is outside the back door it becomes easier to learn, also with older sisters pushing him on!
Continue to pray that God would bring the right people to Guatemala for the work of ORI, to continue blessing the many homes we serve.

Love and Prayers
Jim and Sheryl Leaman

1st Section Finished!

We've had alot of fun this week with the Cornerstone Church from Ohio. Cornerstone is one of the strong supportors of an orphanage that we deliver donations to and as they made their visit there on Thursday afternoon our hearts were moved, theirs as well, as they connected with the children.

Today we'll attend church at Casa de Libertad then take the team again to their "favorite" home for an afternoon of fun with the kids.

We were busy again this week working on the security wall at Casa Bernabe. Wow! can't believe how much the guys completed and enjoyed it as well. It was almost hilarious on Friday evening as we were putting tools away and wraping up the work for the week....the guys said "we just have to come back tomorrow and finish this section before we leave". The first section tying into the neighboring property had all the posts concreted in and only needed the panels installed so they came back Saturday afternoon to "make it complete" before going home! Thanks everyone for your hard work and wonderful attitude. Others on the team painted the inside of Casa Alabanze, one of the younger kids homes which really brightened it up, while others helped with the kitchen duties required to feed 200 people every day. Our work there has really been appreciated by the home, and untill we're finished with the wall project the kids will be almost like family to us. The weather has cooperated in the most part with our project even though we're in the start of the rainy season. Every afternoon there's a chance of rain but we keep praying that it comes in the evening and nights so that we can continue with the wall project.

 Had another one of those "moments" when I thought about the ending of our time in Guatemala....when I purchased the airline tickets for the last team in August. We appreciate your prayers as we contine to make decisions necessary for our return to the States.

Working Together

As I down loaded this picture to my computer this morning I was reminded how true it is that we can't do it alone. First and primary to our help is our Heavenly Father that is always ready if we allow Him to take part in the activity. Second, it's our coworkers that often make the job more pleasant to do as we remind each other of the blessing it will be to the children, the homes director, and to the community that the project is being done for. The most interesting thought I had, was that while the going is easy we also need the companionship and help of one another. These boys were actually going down hill! The rope was attached to keep it under control while the older boy steered it in the right direction. God allows us to go ahead, and if we allow Him to take the rope he helps to control the load and to guide us down the path of life.
This week has been a pleasant change without teams, to finish some of the chores around the house, and to "entertain the guards with my american way". Yesterday I cut back the bushes out front and then when I thought I was finished, decided to pull the large bush out. In Guatemala we use whatever we have available, so as I hooked up the Highlander to the bush with a tie down strap, they just stood there and laughed saying that I needed a camion,"truck". I was hoping that it would work, just to save my face. It did and then the next chore was to cut it up to fit into garbage bags with a machete. I guess my machete techniques aren't quite like the Guatemalens so I got some laughs and plenty of suggestions during that procedure also. We enjoy their friendship and suggestions....they enjoy the goodies from the kitchen. When they heard that we had a fiesta in the afternoon, Maredith's graduation party, their first question was, here or up there meaning the Freeds. When I said neither, they were disappointed. We gave them some of Sheryl's brocolli salad when we came home, and this morning they were already asking for more. We are truly spoiling them.

Love and Prayers,
Jim and Sheryl

Saved by the BACK HOE!

We're back at Casa Bernabe working on the security wall again this week. While we're gone with the team we miss the calls from the grandchildren on Skype....that crazy time change that you Americans use really messes things up. Some how we'll make it up to them on off weeks. It's really been going well with the teams this year. Sheryl's planning, scheduling, and preparation with crafts ect. sure makes a difference and is really appreciated by the homes and teams.One of the major challenges is that since the orphanage has it's own school program at Casa Bernabe with 160+ children there needs to be a good structure with the daily time schedule. Education is so important in the lives of the children at the orphanages. They aren't going anywhere soon is our understanding of the adoption system so many of the homes are gearing up for a lifetime with the children, eventually providing transition homes for the older kids, for them to learn, or begin to learn how to move into a good adult lifestyle with higher education and a job to help pay for their daily needs. My hope is that ORI would not only be able to provide the food needed each month but also be able to help in establishing a skills programs preparing  the kids for their future.

The work on the wall seemed to approach a hurdle that we Americans weren't used to....moving lots of dirt! To really make a nice finished job there was a high road bank that needed to be dug out and moved. We worked at it one day and finally decided that it was too much to shovel and hired a back hoe....woohoo! So we became the PennDot guys holding shovels! For less than $450 it was a blessing, otherwise we'd been at it for a month, I think....for the willing ones.
Along with the wall work this week we had an excellent dentist on the team who has had her own practice for 37 years in Canada doing dental work for the children and staff. She was able to do extractions, fillings, and cleanings for approx. 120 children with her two assistants. Incredible! What a gift to the children.
It's been difficult for Sheryl and I to tell directors, team leaders, and friends that we'll be leaving the end of the year. Continue praying that we will see the WAY that God has for us. We really enjoy Guatemala especially when we hear how cold and rainy it's been in Pa. I told Sheryl and others that we should begin putting $10 a week into a special fund so that when we face the cold winter we'll be able to turn the thermostat up to 78 deg. during the first winter to satisfy our bodies in their adjustment to the climate change. It will be different!

Bless you all,


Jim and Sheryl

Family....Easter...Busy Schedule!

Our schedule changes when the grandchildren come…..up early and there always seems to be a lot to talk about, for one little boy it just never stops. Marcus turned six on Easter Sunday and having a birthday while in Guatemala required a lot of discussion as to where we should go to eat out and celebrate. A McDonalds kids meal is still the winner at that age, so we enjoyed our time there. Another highlight for the kids was going to the area of Pacaya, to find some small lava rocks for them to take back to show their friends. Since they were here over Easter we again were privileged to be able take them to see the many decorations and celebrations that accompany Holy Week here in Guatemala. The streets are decorated with beautiful creations that resemble carpets (alfombras) made out of dyed sawdust in many bright and different colors. These creations are made by using stencils and are quite beautiful only to be destroyed as the procession travels over them representing Christ’s entry into Jerusalem.

Our team schedule has gotten back into full speed with the completion of a team from North Carolina doing some work at a home that they’ve returned to 3 times now, working on laying pavers for a continuation of a driveway area. Also completed a weeks work on the security wall being constructed around Casa Bernabe with the Tri-City Christian School group from California. These groups add a completely new dimension and growth potential for ORI coming from outside the Lancaster County area. Our hope is that this new exposure will help in the future growth of the organization as the needs of the orphanages continues to expand into many different areas of the childrens lives since it appears that many of the children will be spending most of their growing up years at the orphanage, unless miricles happen quickly with the goverments adoption policys. The wall project is immense! It will circle the perimiter of the homes property, almost 3/4 mile in length. We'll have lots of good help though, with the next 6 or 7 teams working there. In addition to the work on the wall the kids need love, 160+ of them ranging from 4 weeks to 16 years old. Almost forgot the garden work....the weeds just keep growing so we'll be putting an end to their growth also while we're there.

We need your prayers as we process the remaining months of 2011. Sheryl and I will be returning to the States around the end of the year terminating our time with ORI as directors here in Guatemala. God has given us a wonderful time here working with the orphanages, learning to know the faithful directors of the homes, and building many lasting relationships. One of the most challenging questions directed to me when we made the decision to come to Guatemala was, "Does Orphan Resources have a plan in place now, for the replacement of volunteers when the time comes for your return". That was a good question and we're trusting God that there will be adequate staff to continue providing the food, clothing, and many other donations that are provided each month to over 50 locations by ORI. Our hopes were that in seeing so much need for future expansion and growth that some changes could be made to advance to a new level of perfomance in meeting the needs of the homes but it seems that the time was not now. God is in control and His timing is perfect.

Love and Prayers,

Jim and Sheryl Leaman

The Crazyness Begins!

Last Sunday, Sheryl and I returned from Florida after her 3 week stay with Jenelle to help with the chores around the house as Jenelle recovered from a c-section delivery of their 4th child. What a blessing all the children are to us as we see them grow, ask funny questions in their curiosity, and to recieve the warm hugs that Skype can't provide.It was good to take a break from our schedule here and be refreshed for the busy team schedule starting tomorrow.

Here's a quick run down of our up coming schedule, starting tomorrow a group from N.C., then Thursday an overlap of 3 days when a group comes from California, then the day they leave our daughter from State College, Pa comes with her family (3 grandchildren) for a week of pleasure, 3 days later a group from Pa. then a week off before the next group from Canada, 2 weeks off then a group from Ohio, overlap of 2 days and a group from Md. through Childrens Hope Chest, 2 days off then a group from Texas, the day they leave a group frm Pittsburgh, the day they leave a group from Quarryville, Pa, overlap of 1 day with a group from Canada coming, then...1 week off before our last group comes in August...WOW, makes me tired just telling you about it! The good thing about this schedule is that we love to host teams and learn to know Gods volunteers from all over the country. It's always a wonderful experience for them and for our staff also. We'll be mostly working at one location, building an outside perimiter wall for security around the orphanage. The advantage of that is that, week to week the supplies and preperation will be a continuing process rather than moving from one orphanage to another, which takes alot more planning and preparation. Pray for us that as teams travel they will be safe and that while working also,  Gods hand of protection would cover the project and our travels.

Just recieved a call from one of our mighty partners in our work here that his father passed away this morning in Va. so Dennis and Cindy from Vine International will be traveling back for the funeral.....guess what, one of their containers is arriving this week and we'll also find time to unload that for them while they're gone.
It's good I got the painting done before my short visit to Fla. last week or we'd be in trouble finding time for that also.
Continue to pray for our safety, just Friday while the jail located about 5 mile from where we live was transporting gang leaders into the city for a court hearing and the convoy was ambushed during rush hour traffic next to the shopping mall close to our home by two vehicles loaded with 10 gang members trying to rescue their gang leaders. It caused a 5 hour traffic nightmare. 4 of the 10 were captured, no one killed but an innocent woman driving by was wounded along with one of the security guards. In our last staff newsletter we featured the need for prayer and how God has answered many prayers of the staff and directors of the childrens homes in Guatemala. If you have not recieved the newsletter and want to read it, here is the web page link. Move curser to blank space below and click on the link.

Blessings to all of you,  Our prayers are always coming your way also.
Jim and Sheryl Leaman
 http://campaign.r20.constantcontact.com/render?llr=iddghscab&v=001lit4Td5f-aXwKsug-MYKR99g5Be2TgfEo2MeU8MstCVittT0FfWTorifFfFviw0aH8UGPZ8CHEWHD3MdFcouGJQ9q3QJVJjVG3XkrqIAXwzeWNZL_g7OUXnSbea38a5Ad5cBceAAz2qmuVlx9Vz5ub8hrSU1r6t6uVQ7TuDCRR0DRxW4j4nLIC7W4qlHJlkAIRwcht49YnmrPud4YROhXZ40zJauAnnEwiRUTII0peR7MjXejP6vYAwy9vDmLmnJs0SYAWjxiWB1CdXcl4-jceDAnBpTjxgyTGRugK3Fj8ndGpjC3JSwiS-dbPwaSYgYiJ6dRDOFI0XCIH3QCLGZ1zZk1TGln4H3&id=preview

Not long yet...running out of food!

Not as bad as the title may suggest but things have surely been different around here for the last....long while! Sheryl went to Florida on the 13th to help with chores, entertainment, and just being grandma to the Stettlers. Jenelle and Rob blessed us with our 7th special grandchild, Joah Rhoads Stettler. I'll be flying over on Tuesday to "help" then we'll both retun on Sunday with memories! We do miss having the children close to us but thanks to the computer technology of today we can see them, hear their laughs and enjoy their smiles. Grandma even blows kisses!

 My week....decided to paint the outside of the house. Wow, didn't know it was such a big job. I think on Friday I was up and down the ladder 50+ times. Down to wet the roller, then up the ladder to roll, over and over again. Almost 20 gallon of wall paint plus about 7 gallon of Drylok to seal the concrete edges on the top of the roof. The guards that watch over the neighborhood adjacent to our house were entertained most of the week. I actually had the guts to ask them how much it would have cost to have a guatemalen do what it was taking me a week.....Q1500, about $200. What would I have done, then? Painting's done and there's still time tomorrow to clean the house. I was kidding around with Sheryl the other night and said that the tile floor has so many dust bunnies and fuzzies on it that it's not even cold to walk on, as it is sometimes....and the grass clippings from going in and out all week are everywhere!! Honey, I'll clean the floors tomorrow! You'll be impressed, maybe!

Beginning April 11th we will be swamped with teams. 3 1/2 months and 11 weeks of teams! One good thing is that most of the teams will be working on the construction of a prefab security wall around Casa Bernabe. The orphanage is located only 10 minutes from our homes, and also within 20 minutes from the "hotel" that the teams will be staying at. Makes for less driving time for all of us. We really do enjoy when teams come, giving us an opportunity to learn to know many who become our friends in ministry. Teams from California, Texas, N.C., Canada, and Pennsylvania. Looking forward to a wonderful time. Also stuck in there between the teams, we'll be honored to have our daughter Angela and her family from State College, Pa here to visit for a week.

Please continue to remember us in your prayers, they are needed, and we are blessed through them.

Jim and Sheryl Leaman

Unusual Weather!

This morning I woke up to the sound of rain dripping off the roof. How unusual...the rainy season is expected to be over in January and the beginning of the next rainy season should not come till May. It does keep the grass green, needing mowed every week, but it does look nice.
Sheryl is in Florida for three weeks helping with the care of Joah, our newest grandson that was born on Saturday 12th, We had not purchased tickets early this time due to the uncertainty of the baby's arrival and our team schedule. It couldn't have worked out better.... team scheduled to leave Monday morning early and Sheryl flew out on Sunday morning the day before. Our team schedule has a 4 week break so I'll be joining her in Florida for about a week, towards the end of the month. During this time off I had plans to paint the outside of our house to freshen it up, but my schedule so far has been filled with meetings and other odds and ends to keep up with, around the house. My diet has changed somewhat but I did find a stash of cookies in the freezer and found that they're just about as good frozen as when they come out of the oven. Last night I even cooked myself some cabbage....not bad with some deer bologna from a hunting friend, that was a pleasant surprise sent down recently.
Our team last week was from Petra Fellowship in New Holland which was made up of 15 ladies from the church. A pleasant surprise came with them as team leader....Randy Weaver our past director who returned to the States one year ago! Our time was wonderful in many ways. The director of the home where the ladies worked was overwhelmed with the quantity of work that got done and the love given to the kids was so special. The ladies sewed 28 special leather/vinyl type crib mattresses, washed windows, painted, and held lots of babies.
The pictures below are from the team week and of our grandson.....you can tell the difference. I hope.

Blessings to all, Jim and Sheryl

We Bless the Children!

Team #3 is about to wrap up their work week and when I think about what they've done here for the home that they worked at this past week.....blessed, blessed, blessed. Last year we started the kitchen project for Vida Ilimitada a home for approx. 25 children and untill now the project has just set with nothing being done. Lack of funds is always the reason. This week we were able to finish the 1st floor concrete roof along with finishing the outside painting of the directors house...3 story high! Thanks for your prayers of safety as the teams work in those conditions high above the ground. Time with the children is always a blessing too. I'm sure the team is as blessed as the children as they do crafts, play soccer and hang out. The big hit this year for the kids is painting small wooden crafts. It's amazing how gifted some of the children are in their creativity. Saturday we visited Casa Shalom and had a pizza party for them, devouring all but 36 ex large pizzas, cake, chips, and lots of drink. Sometimes I wonder where it all goes. a director recently told me about a child that had just come to their home from the city dump because of malnutrition and when they had their first pizza party the young boy had 27 pieces! He didn't know when his next meal would come! The director said "every young boy needs the opportunity to fill up once in his lifetime".
Yesterday was the 2 year anniversary of our coming into Guatemala to serve with ORI. It has been a wonderful experience with many  friends and co-workers walking along side of us on our journey. In the last 10 years ORI has noticeably become a known ministry in Guatemala, developing relationships with many orphanages and partnering with other ministries that care for the children at risk. There is so much needed here and my prayer is that God would continue to bless our work, giving wisdom to those making decisions regarding direction and growth of the ministry. If you're not aware of the overall scope of our work, connect yourself with us at http://www.orphanresources.org/ 
Our week ahead will be preparing for the next team, coming March 7th. Woohoo!...Randy Weaver our past director here will be leading the team of 15 ladies. I think he's really needing to get away from the cold and wants to see us! We may even need to celebrate his arrival with some big fireworks!

Blessings to all, Jim and Sheryl