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