Today began really early, no really, really early, like 4:45am we had the unique opportunity to visit the Martindale's World Vision child. Ched, Viv, Mitch and Jason left for the day to visit with Jose Alejandro a child in the small village of San Pedro Ayampuca about one hour east of Guatemala City. We met Francisco our World Vision visitation contact person in Guatemala City he drove us to visit Jose, we drove through the jungle and mountains to get to Jose Alejando's home. We were greeted by Jose Alejandro and his Abuela (Grandma), they live in a small two room corrugated steel home. Jose's Mother, 6 year old sister and 16 year old brother were not home today, they were visiting their Aunt who is ill. There was joy in Jose's eyes as we brought to him a few toys, his favorite being the soccer ball. Mitch played soccer in the streets with Jose and his friends until they could play no more, tired and sweaty, we all sat and visited for a short while. Next we took a walk in the village to see where Jose's lives his life. We returned to say goodbye but were invited in to hear Jose read from the book of Bible stories we had left with him. Jose Alejandro is a small man with dreams and goals in life, he would someday like to be a lawyer, we encouraged him to continue with his studies and to wake up every morning being thankful for what God has given him.
Everyone else worked hard once again today digging! Watch for more pictures tomorrow.
Ched & Viv
So cool that you got to meet your World Vision kid! How many people get to do that! What a blessing both for him and for all of you. God is good!
ReplyDeleteWhat a treat for you, to meet your World Vision child. Bet that turns out to be the highlight of your trip. I would imagine there's only a handful of people around the world that get to meet the child they are supporting. Thank you for the post; it was great to see Jose in a photo with you! My love to Emme and The Team, Mom
ReplyDeleteHey, Emme! Your Honors English summer reading assignments came in the mail. Shall I get the books and bring them to LAX Wednesday night so you can get started right away? LOL!! Mom
ReplyDeleteViv, the photos you sent to our email were great! THANK YOU so much. Emme really can hold a shovel. Don't know that she used it, but we have proof she can hold one! Loved the pix of the town you're in. The children are absolutely beautiful. Their eyes and smiles. . . just beautiful. Thanks again, Viv. Grandma came for dinner so we shared all the blog and pix with her. She really enjoyed all of it. Praying for The Team. Mom
ReplyDeleteSend pictures!! I miss my boy! Please tell Kelley we miss him and love him very much! Love to all....Liz & Eric
ReplyDeleteLoved to hear from you today mom!! Brought tears to my eyes that you were able to meet Jose, God is amazing. haven't been able to get over to grandma's yet. Going to try on monday, that's my next day off. Love and Miss you guys, the girls can't wait to hang out.
ReplyDeleteLove and prayers...jess
By the way mom, the soccer pic of jose playing is amazing! What beautiful smiles!!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Father's Day, Ched. You're The Team Dad. Pretty cool to spend it with two of your kids in Guatemala.
ReplyDeleteEmme, give Ched a Father's Day hug and thank him for being willing to kill the spiders! He said he would since Kiryn & Eric aren't there. And that's what honorary Dads do.
Hey, Bryan, we had cheeseburgers today. . . Love to Emme and The Team, Mom
Hey Kelley,
ReplyDeleteWe sure miss you! We are at Grammy's. Uncle Phil is here from Cambodia and Uncle John, Grammy, Aunt Chris and Katie & Lauren are all here. They all say "Hi" and loved reading about your trip and seeing all the pics Viv posted. Stay safe and healthy. We love you! Mom
Hello everyone! This is Lauren (M) writing, and I'm here at Heidi's house reading in awe of the work you guys are doing down in Guatemala. The pictures put a new perspective on the trip for the people here at home. I'm praying for all of you everyday, and we all miss you at home. You must be so tired! Kelley and Emily (C): remember what I told you! Write in those journals!
ReplyDeleteHappy Father's day Daddy!!! Hope you are having a blast! I am so thankful for such an amazing DAD! Love you and can't wait to hear all about your trip, hugs and kisses! The girls say Happy Grandpa's day as well. Give mom, Amy and Mitch hugs for us and we will see you all soon. Love you guys, Jess
ReplyDeleteHi Em. You're mom just showed Greg and I all the blog pix and the album from Viv. We're @ Gamma & Boppa's right now. Looks like you're having a grand adventure. Keep up the good work. Have fun, love Uncle
ReplyDeleteHi Em!
ReplyDeleteIt's National Skateboarding Day! You should be on one.
Greg.
Hey Sissy, Glad you're having a good time. Here's the weather for Yucaipa: occassional clouds and a hi of 82. Tonight's forecast is: dark.
ReplyDeleteAndy