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.