Habitat for Humanity - Completion

They did it!! The staff and students pushed through 2 hard and hot weeks in the blazing sun with temperatures reaching up to 45⁰C, slinging cement, hauling rocks, and assembling rebar. And definitely, they made some new friends along the way. For many there were tears in the eyes of the Guatemalans who worked with us and the staff and students who shared times of hard work but also their hearts. It really makes me think that this is probably one of the best jobs in the world! To be a part of people coming together, meeting community needs, and seeing hearts transformed!
Pictures of our last days in the Zacapa area: picasaweb.google.com/colintina/20070223Habitat

Study, Service, and Adventure.

Since last update we have had it all! This last week students have now completed half of their Spanish classes.

This last Friday was a little crazy... Tina and I went to say goodbye to a group of the boys who were going to hike Acatenago the highest volcano in the area reaching over 14,000'. Through some bizarre mix-up their tour operator had cancelled the trip on them... they were seemingly stuck in town and disappointed. But in Guatemala, todo es posible! Dario, our main transportation man here got a hold of a guide friend of his in some tiny little remote town. Then I piled the guys - 9 of them - in the back of our truck and we were off to the trail head. The road went from asphalt to paving stone to dirt and wound it's way up the mountain. The guys were able to head out for an amazing trip and I was even able to make it back to Antigua in time to join our San Juan group on their trip up Volcan de Pacaya an 8 hr excursion. Amazing views of the valley, volcanoes, the sunset, moon rise, and the river of molten rock!! We made it back to our beds with the full moon coming in our window by about 11:00 following a phenomenal day of adventure.

On Sunday the students all headed out to Rio Hondo where they are serving with Habitat for Humanity and living at Hotel Hawaii (which does not live up to it's name). What a privilege we have to make such a difference in the lives of several families. Our two weeks of work is dramatically improving the lives of 8 families!!! Never believe the lie that you cannot make a difference.

I have posted photos of our latest Pacaya climb and the first 2 days in Rio Hondo - check out the links on the right.