God is Good :)

Today was Day 2 with the team and everyone is once again falling right into step with jobs and getting to know the kids. I was able to go to the Pila today (where the local ladies do their Landry). Our group of about 10 brought along soccer balls, a parachute (the ones kids play with), guitar, bubbles, a picture cards for the story of Noah, and little necklaces they could make that went right along with the story. When we first arrived at the bottome of the very steep hill, there were only a few women washing their clothes. We walked around and offered to help. Some turned down our offer- but three let us attempt washing their garments the hard way. I felt a little silly being like, "hi! I'd like to help you, but can you show me how? And I'll probably be slow at this and not do it as good as you will." *Insert spiritual metaphor: God doesnt need us to domHis work- He delights in our willingness to be obedient.* lucky for me, I was helping Alba. She was a sweet lady with a son- I forgot his name :( Albion maybe? At any rate we exchanged a few bits of conversation- she asked if I was a Christian- I responded with a smile and yes, she told me she was too and smiled right back. Much gusto was said by both of us, but more was said with our smiles...an understanding maybe? I washed a large piece of embroidered fabric that could have been one of her skirts, followed by a rug. god blessed me with another very cool Guatemalan experience. After washing the rug- I looked up to see a gathering of small children and their mothers surrounding Josh who was playing the guitar. Olivia translated the story for us and we made the necklaces- we pretty much had a backyard bible Club. We even had rec time complete with the parachute and balls in the middle. After the story necklaces were made complete with Noah's ark beads- what did people do before Oriental Trading? JK. At one point I looked up and Alba had caught my eyes- her son was there. We had run out of kits, but Cynthia instantly gave up the necklace around her neck and I greeted my friend's son. He stuck around the outskirts of the group, just taking it all in. As we left we passed put bubbles. We were asked when we would come again. It is amazing the door that God has opened down at the Pila and it was so great to be a part of it today. We trudged back up the mountain- yes, instead of the steep hill on the way down, its a mountain on the way back up. In that time we had acquired another Duck: Carlos. We welcomed Carlos, a.though he didn't feel very at home just yet. Most of the day was spent in tears with many people trying to make him feel at ease. Before I knew it, it was time for lunch. I helped after lunch I the kitchen with Antonia and the girls- cutting up broccoli for dinner, washing dishes, and preparing the afternoon snack. The ladies of the center were treated to manicures curtesy of Kristen and the rest of the team. They so deserve some pampering! The rest of our day played out so well- we got to go outside which is where I love for us to be. I sat with Mayra for a split second and had this conversation: S: hey, how's it going? M: good. Is that kid new? S: yeah- he's kinda sad. M: cause he's not with his mom and dad. S: yeah. What about you? M: I'm happy. And there you have it....my day was made. Mayra, who two weeks ago was so sad, is now happy. She's one of the oldest, so it was almost like she was looking out for little Carlos. Later that night I went in to say goodnight and told her "estoy contenta parque Estas contenta." (I'm happy because you're happy) we giggled and I hugged the rest of their necks who were awake and floated up to our dorm. God has answered our prayers- and while Mayra is probably not completely happy here (she is always gonna miss home and will look forward to Friday Family Visits) she is doing so well. Her and Abelino are eating well- for the record. If you're still with me pray for the following: lucky's (director of the center)mom had an operation today, little Carlos who is brand new to the center, praise God for Mayra and Abelino feeling more at ease and comfortable here, the work being done at the Pila and that God gives us more opportunities to share his love.