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