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