“We headed into a small village area this morning to visit some families. First, when we say village, it is hard to define where one ends and the next begins. Perhaps ‘neighborhood’ is a more appropriate word to explain it in US terms since the area of the village seems rather small. The Blocks have established relationships with several families who live in this neighborhood about two miles from VOH. Once a week they visit and bring a bag of groceries to help them get by, though most have parents or siblings who are working. Small children came running when they heard that everyone was also getting a small candy. Since it is a school holiday, we got to visit with two sisters who were home and they told us about their studies and aspirations for the future. We were able to find out how the family members were doing and pray with them regarding any needs they had.
The pictures will have to suffice for the two thousand words I lack to describe the conditions in these neighborhoods. There are dogs and cats, small fowl up to ducks loose everywhere. You move from dirt roads that run through the area into 3 foot wide paths that lead to, and sometimes through, the yards to get to each home. Some have doors; most do not. Most have outdoor wash and cooking areas. Many have flower gardens and the home we entered was very clean and neat and tidy, despite the small size. Somehow there is water and electricity. Most importantly, the families we met know the salvation, joy and the provision of the Lord.”
“So happy that precious little Lizzy got to go home from the hospital today!! To quote Amy Block “her future is still unknown to us, but not to God”. Thank you Lord for Addisyn - what an amazing advocate she is for little Lizzy ~Connie”
“Our team shared a short walk out to a small neighboring village called Chituk for lunch today. This was our second excursion out into the community surrounding VOH and gave us a chance to observe more of the Guatemalan countryside. We followed dirt roads lined with the lush and green vegetation, passing clusters of small homesteads built from sheet metal and wood, and colorful lines of dripping laundry on our way to our destination. As I have noticed, VOH seems to have touched lives not only within but outside its walls, and the place we had lunch was no exception. The ladies who served our meal started their small cooking business from their home thanks to the training, investment, and guidance of Amy and Todd. And now, whenever a team of volunteers comes through VOH they make a stop for some of the best fried chicken and rice in Guatemala. It was cool to know that we were eating a meal prepared by hands that initially came looking for work at VOH but who now have their own self-sustaining business thanks to the kind friendship of the Blocks.”
To be continued…
