Rain!!!

I think it’s safe to say that the rainy season has officially arrived in Guatemala for this year.  Over the past week we have gotten over 10 inches of rain and it has been raining pretty much non-stop for the past 3 days.  If it were possible to turn into a duck, I’m pretty sure I’d be well on my way!!  =)

LOTS of rain!!

Even Oso has learned how to carry his own umbrella!

= )

Anyways, all this rain has made working with our teams a little interesting.  This past week we had a team here from PA working on our “normal” project, the wall.  Ok, some people worked on the wall, others painted, and still others went on deliveries!  Painting wasn’t really affected a ton by the rain, since most of it was inside, but the wall got a little tricky.  About a week and a half ago, the rain actually pushed about 6 sections of the wall over, so some people were working on rebuilding that and making sure that it would actually stay this time!!  Since we got one main section of the wall done with the last team, we started a new area with this team.  This means lots of land clearing (heavy mud from the rain!!) and pouring foundations and all.  It’s a lot of hard work, but so far it’s gone well!!

Adding a new section!

Lots of work!

Oops, this part came down!

Ice cream for the kids!!!

In addition to working, we took this team (as we do pretty much all teams) on deliveries.  This gives the teams a chance to see several different homes, help deliver the food and just get a different taste of Guatemala.  Occasionally we will also be able to take everyone into the homes and introduce them to some of the kids that we have come to know and love!  I really think it’s a lot of fun!! 

Hearing a little bit about the home

Lots to carry in!

Aside from the team we have also had some normal life, if there is such a thing.  Last Saturday (18^th) we were invited to a wedding shower for a friend (American) here in Guatemala.  It was fun to just go, hang out, talk and eat!!  ;)  This past Saturday, my mom and I went to a women’s gathering at church.  It was fun to get to know some of the women in our church a little more and to just interact with some different people.  Other than those (and the team, of course), life has been pretty normal!!

"Sisters" at the party

This coming week is going to be a bit slower, I think.  Tomorrow we are going to a soccer activity down in the city (as long as it isn't raining too much).  From what we understand there will be two games (the Rojos against another team and a U-15 game), and a Brazilian soccer player will be coming to give his testimony.  Quite a few different orphanages will be bringing some kids, so it should be fun!!  Wednesday evening we are having dinner with Susan, Alisha and Hannah, who leave on Thursday.  Thankfully, 2 of them are coming back, but we still need to have one final meal and Hand and Foot tournament before they go!!  Thursday we’re helping a family move and then Friday is actually free!  Amazing!!  On Monday our next team comes and then we’re running like crazy until sometime in August!!! 

That’s pretty much my/our life at the moment.  If we have webbed feet and gills the next time you see us, you’ll know the rainy season has been a little too much!  With all this rain though, I am so thankful for a sturdy house, extra blankets and a dryer, but I can’t help but think about all of those that don’t have those things!!  So, continue to pray for Guatemala as the rains keep on coming!!!  

Some cute kids, just because...

This little guy had just arrived the day before, he's 3 months old and had been in the hospital for malnutrition.