Saturday, June 29, 2013

Going Home Day!

Today the team returns to Knoxville. We are ready to be home and see our friends and family but many of us are torn because if the love we shared and felt for our friends in Guatemala. Lord we pray you would keep and bless the people we have met here and keep them close to us in our hearts. Amen

We depart for the airport around 9:30 am ...let the fun begin! 

I will post here our arrival in Houston. Thanks for your continued prayers and support. 

Eric

The chaos begins...and we are excited to return...but
For so many reasons leaving is difficult and bittersweet. 

May God Bless Guatemala and the sweet people

So far so good! We are all through the check-in process and security and relaxing at the gate (better early than late) we are scheduled to depart at 3:03 pm Knoxville time. 

THE TEAM HAS ARRIVED SAFELY IN HOUSTON

Friday, June 28, 2013

Antigua











Happy Leadership

Some of you may not be aware that our senior pastor is a self proclaimed Bob Marley fan...in honor of his leadership during our time in Guatemala members of the team presented Randy with a gift...he was heard saying "I have hair again"  


"Every little thing is gonna be all right!

Friday


Well we are leaving Chichicastenango today but our time here has given us many moments were we have seen Jesus and we will leave a part of us behind in the friendships we have made and work we have done.

The team travels to Antigua today by bus for some shopping and lunch and then on to Guatemala City tonight. The plan is for the group to have dinner together one last time tonight and then tomorrow is going home day. 

I will do my best to post another update tonight and again tomorrow from Houston to confirm our travels. 

Please continue to pray for us.

Eric

Bienvenidos (Welcome to) Guatemala City

The team arrived around 4pm and after some much enjoyed down time in our really nice rooms we came back together for dinner and after we had our last team devotion...we were challenged to let ourselves be changed by this trip and to live the Gospel in a visable way. 

I truly hope that you have enjoyed following our team on the blog but more than that I appreciate you being a part of our mission through your prayers. 

Enjoy a few fun pictures of our time in the city and I will blog our arrival in Houston tomorrow. 

God Bless you all. 



The hotel and the view of the Hard Rock Cafe across the street









Prayers for Drew

Thursday night was a mix of emotions with the celebration of Jacob Fowlers birthday with cake and ice cream and some good natured fun at Pastor Randy's expense but also the realization of our time here coming to an end.

With a more serious focus on the experiences God has provided this week and the awesome power of God to connect the hearts and spirt of folks from Knoxville to the villages of the mountains in Guatemala the team had a heartfelt group prayer for Drew. Our God who can move mountains with the faith of a mustard seed we give thanks for the miracle drew is and express our belief and hope for his life. We give thanks for the witness of his family and pray God's love and grace surround the Ballinger family. 

We love you Drew, Mike, Leanne, and Nate


Thursday, June 27, 2013

Happy Birthday

Tonight the team had a special surprise for Jacob Fowler who will celebrate his 16th birthday tomorrow (Friday). The team had cake and ice cream and sang happy birthday to Jacob




Thursday

Good Thursday morning dear friends. Today has promise for us all. As is often the case on a mission trip we are all experiencing the emotions of being used by God. The emotion is both highs and lows and thus we greet this new day as one filled with God's promise. I imagine that will mean something different for each of us...but promise nonetheless. 

Today the water filter team has a lofty goal of installing 21 filters. That will mean leaving right after breakfast. 

Construction continues early as well and the Medical and VBS will spend the afternoon at a village about 30 minutes from Lidia's house 

I will do my best to include pictures later today and will try to get pictures from all of the locations...it is difficult to share pictures and then post so be patient and I will make sure that more pictures are added if even after we return.

As always the team appreciates your prayers

Eric