Day 2: Visiting El Ranchador

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What a glorious day! We woke up after a solid night's rest. After taking cold showers, we headed downstairs at the hotel for some coffee and our morning team devotion. Our devotion time was quite nice - talking about the Great Commission and doing whatever it takes to be the hands and feet of Jesus to all people (Matthew 25:31-46). We promised to do whatever is needed to those who are in need. God calls us to serve and to do it joyfully - for we would expect others to do the same for us. We then got to enjoy a delicious breakfast - fresh squeezed cantelope juice, 2 huevos, frijoles, watermelon toast and pancakes (I didn't get to try them...too American!). Pat tried coffee for the first time since 1974...and he liked it! 😊

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Photos

Gate to Pastor Francisco's home
On the way to Pastor Francisco's home, we got to see a bit of the community. The roads are in terrible conditions - large holes and rocks and ditches. It's amazing to see all the beautiful flowers and plants all over the country, and yet the country is so poor. The homes are run-down...made of whatever the people can find. Most of the people live on less than $5 per day :(

Pastor Francisco's Garden
Together, their family grows coffee beans, tomatoes, chiles, maiz, naranjas, manzanas, and a berry plant used in soup for those who have anemia.

Pastor Francisco
He is a short, tiny man and reminds me of my grandpa Wagner. He is physically strong at 76 years old, and extremely humble! His wife is bubbly and super cute (72 years old). Together they have 4 daughters and one son. They all live on the property with them. His church is doing some wonderful things in the community too - they have built 34 homes and are planning on many more!

Water pump
This is a typical water pump. The Francisco family uses this pump to wash dishes and clothes.

Pastor Francisco's front yard
Beautiful flowers and plants!

Johnny!
He is a jack-of-all trades! He was also one of our translators from ENLACE....quite a funny guy. And whenever we needed something fixed, he was right there! He has a beautiful wife and little girl. He has been working in Guatemala for the past 8 years as a pastor and loves to serve the community

First morning!
Candy, Wally and Vennessa enjoying the beautiful morning!

The team
Just being goofy in the middle of the country

Learning
Walter was telling us about the land

Johnny!
Look at that tree trunk behind him!

Pastor Fransisco's pot garden
You can never have too many beautiful flowers :)

Admiration
Wally admiring.....? Something in the sky!