Friday: A Bittersweet Ending

Today was a bittersweet day. We had many laughs and many tears, because today was our last day with our Guatemalan family that we have grown to love. We started off the day with an early breakfast (AGAIN). When breakfast was over, we were given the option to go to the Mayan Ruins or take a tour through the coffee factory. After making our decisions and organizing our groups, we went to devotions. Cesar (one of the Guatemalan missionaries), led the devotion. We read Isaiah 43 and learned how we have become witnesses for God's love. He asked us, "What is our reason for obeying? Why is it difficult to obey?" We believe that it's due to sin, making our own choices, fear, and some times we just really don't want to. We learned from the story of Naaman, which we shared with the kiddos, that even Naaman himself was too proud and didn't want to obey God. But, when he did obey, he was healed and became humbled. We can learn from this that even though we may not want to obey, God is all-knowing and has a plan for us. Good things will come to you with obedience. We then read 1 Peter 5:6, which also just so happened to be something we taught the kiddos. This verse talks about being humble because God will always lift you up in a time of need. He may not lift you up the way you want, but it is the right way. So you need to obey God and let him do things His way. When Cesar finished his devotion, Pastor Esteban (Steve) gave a devotion in Spanish, that was thanking the Guatemalan missionaries for all that they do. He thanked them for doing God's works and services, so that we may build up all of God's people, both here and in America. When Pastor finished, we huddled around the Guatemalan missionaries and prayed for them. It was very beautiful and left everyone emotional. After devotions, we split up and went to the Mayan Ruins or Coffee Factory. The Mayan Ruins they looked at was called Kaminaljuyu Archaeological Park. There, they learned a lot about the Mayan history and saw many Mayan artifacts. They also learned they are still searching for more artifacts to this day. It was very interesting and they enjoyed it greatly. We picked up clay pot pieces, and obsidian rocks which may or may not be legal to bring home... The Coffee Factory's Company was called Godoy's Gourmet Organic Coffee. The coffee is grown high on volcanic slopes for rich, full flavor! (At least that's what it says on the back of the label, so we're assuming it's true). At the Godoy's Gourmet Organic Coffee, we learned how the machine worked and the process of making coffee. We even got to taste test some coffee, it was very cool! When we got back, it was time for lunch. Ginny made a delicious taco soup with bread.  We finished preparing for our last Bible Lesson, and then it was show time. Today was our smallest group of kids, with 12 children. It was very different, but we were able to do more one-on-one time which I think the kids enjoyed greatly. After finishing our lesson, we went to the park with the kids while the adults finished their devotion with Pastor Steve. It was SO much fun. Most of the kids played soccer with us, and they had a blast. Those who didn't play still had fun either walking and talking, or playing with fidget spinners (sigh, kids these days). While we were at the park, Kathy met our Sunday School sponsor child Ruth and her mother. It was very special and Ruth was very grateful for the video of the Sunday School kids saying "Hi Ruth, we love you!!" After she saw the video, she wanted to make a video in return. During the process, she was so happy and thankful, she cried tears of joy. If you want to see the video, ask Kathy :). When all the children and the parents left, we knew the time for the Guatemalans to leave was near. At 4:50, the tears and hugs began. We loved them all so dearly, and hated the idea of not seeing them for a year or more. Although it was sad, it was also a happy time, knowing how blessed we were to even know them. They had a huge impact on our week , which we will take on for the rest of our lives, and it would not have been the same without their many jokes, games, and love for Jesus. About 40 minutes later, the tears were dried and bellies full of... PIZZA!!! Which included... MEAT!!!! It was quite the celebration considering it was our first time eating meat in 7 days. After dinner we went upstairs to talk about our week with Ginny and Kevin. Ginny asked us 5 questions. 1). What surprised you the most? 2). What was your biggest frustration? 3). What have you learned about yourself? 4). Where do you see God at work? 5). Now what? Everyone's response was well thought out and answered from their heart. We didn't answer the last question out loud, because we were left to ponder it on our way home. As we take in all that we have learned on this amazing journey with our new family, we hope to apply our answers to the fifth question at home. Afterwards, Sharon shared a special message with the kids in hopes of teaching them something they could use in their futures. Afterwards, we prayed around Ginny and Kevin and shared many more tears and hugs. What a lovely, bittersweet day.
-Sophie and Krazy Kathy