March News 2006
Much has happened since the last newsletter. In fact, I have been so occupied that I feel there is not the time to write newsletters. God is at work in an awesome way, lives are being changed … both for Guatemalans and our students.
One of our goals is that students learn to live in another culture. In the past month they have had lots of opportunity to just live life here in Antigua. Like when we had a high school team here from Pacific Academy in Surrey. Our students were great hosts, not only making the group feel welcome here on campus, but in showing them around Antigua. It is always impressive when someone can get you on the chicken bus and into town without getting lost and letting you know that it is ok if someone is sitting on you. It is even more impressive when they can speak Spanish in the market and get you really good buys.
In February students took a one week trip to Tactic to work building a new Christian school. This included doing an outreach children’s ministry and some hands on site prep for the new building. They learned a lot and prayed with many of the children. We are happy to work with Les and Rita Peters to reach the people of Guatemala.
March was the month that we had Professor Ruth Anaya come from Trinity Western University to teach Anthropology and Cross-Cultural Communications. This concentration on reading, classes and writing helped students to make sense of the cross-cultural adventures they are experiencing. This included a field trip to the city and a visit to the slums surrounding the city dump. These are types of learning experiences that you never forget.
This week students are in Guatemalan homes. They are enjoying it much more this time since they have learned that the people here don’t bite, and in fact, are very warm, hospitable family people. It also helps that they have just completed their first Spanish course and can carry on a bit of a conversation. This feels way better than using various combinations of ‘hola’, ‘bano’, and ‘adios’ along with creative hand gestures and grunts. What a great way to practice!
Oh Yeah… we bought a new vehicle! … and all the band instruments for the Guatemalan outreach band is here and in use … and we have a new Guatemalan staff person to help in the kitchen (answer to prayer) … and we have another high school team here this week … and both the power and water quit on the same day … and we had a baptism in our ‘pool’ when the Canadian Mennonite University group visited … and God is good!
If you are a college student next year …
We have about half our team for January 2007. Please consider coming to Guatemala for a semester that will change your life. You do not have to go to Trinity Western after the program because all credits are transferable to other schools. You can get an application form at:
www.cemiguat.com
Thanks for all your prayers and support.
Love
Bob and Shirley