First, and to some most importantly, here is an update on the race for sweet Guatemalan food in the end of June:
Phyllis: 12 posts
Hannah: 8 posts
Aunt Marlene: 7 posts
Mom, Mark, Aunt Jo, Len and Carrie, Herman: 5 posts
Late starters: Kendra, 2; Bela, 1
Winning by default due to his cute smile and apparent genious is Noah: 1 post :)
Dia de Gozo: This past weekend we had the opportunity to throw a party for children that are currently being helped through the legal process by the International Justice Mission (ijm.org). IJM in Guate focuses on children who suffer sexual abuse and, for various reasons, cannot be heard in court (not enough money or status, no families, etc.). The day went really well--it was fun to see the children playing games, and just as fun to see their parents/guardians playing with them. I was in charge of indoor games, so I made TONS of cupcakes for a cupcake walk, and also set up bobbing for apples, pin the tail on the pig, and Bozo's Buckets. I would love to show pictures, but in order to protect the delicate situations these children are in, IJM asked that we not post pictures. So, if you want to see them you'll have to ask me later. Overall, it truly was a day of joy for these children.
While the day was definitely filled with joy, it was also difficult knowing that each CHILD present knows so much more pain, lonliness, abuse, and despair than many of us will ever know. A reminder that we have a great responsibility to "the least of these."
Avon Run: Here's a good laugh...I ran in the Avon Run against Breast Cancer this past Sunday. Out of 4000 contestants, I took 53rd place in the 5K. I laughed pretty hard at that. The athletic culture for women down here is a little different than in the states, that's for sure!
Sherry, one of my coworkers, and me after the Avon Run. We "went to our church" because it was the closest reliable parking to where the race started.
We're part of another running group that happened to meet on the same Sunday afternoon. This is the view of the city from the apartment we met at.
This is the closest I'll get to a snow peaked mountain this spring break!
9 comments:
Annette,
Look at the bright side, at least you are still near mountains! What an awesome opportunity for you to work with those kids and be able to bring some joy & happiness to them despite their painful situations. Being Jesus with Skin On, what a blessing. Wow, you finished pretty well for not training, I won't say anymore on that. Thanks for the update on life in Guatemala and contest standings ~ I can already taste the homemade guacamole, tortillas & goat cheese ~ ah, don't forget the polo! Waiting to hear updates about your upcoming visitors. Hope you have captured the rat(s) by now. Until later, Phyllis
It is so neat to hear of what you all did for those kids. It makes my heart ache to hear of how much these kids have suffered already. I can picture the big smiles on the faces of those children while playing all the games.
Annette,
Its good to see all the fun we had in Kinder Club is paying off with the cup cake walk and all the other games you put together for the kids. Enjoy your spring break and you time with mom and dad and I am looking foward to hearing more about your adventures.
Mark
I Just wanted to wish you a happy Palm Sunday. The kids did a little program in our church today. It was cute. By the way, when is your spring break? We don't have our vacation until next week. I am so looking forward to it, although it just seems way too early.
What are you trying to say about people who don't exercise?? I probably would have been 4,001 :) Congrats to you! Did you feel like you could sprint at the end? Hope you're having fun with your parents and are getting ready for Emily too! How fun. Talk to you later!
Love ya
Congratulations on your finish in the race! That is awesome! Enjoy your time this week with your folks. We're eager to hear their stories.
Hey, I've commented at least once, haven't I?
But WAIT... maybe I'll hold off until I see some comments on mine.
So there :)
Happy Easter Annette!
I'm anxious to hear how your week was with the folks ~ probably will hear a lot from your dad in a few days. Don't worry, we have been holding the business together while they were away.
Blessings, Phyllis
Hi Annette!
We saw your blog and it looks like you're having a great time.
We are actually going to be in Guatemala April 4-11 during spring break with Nate and Nora.
We will be helping at an orphanage in Solola called Eagles Nest.
We're going with three moms and their high school senior daughters.
One of them has adopted 5 kids from this orphanage and Pam has had several of their kids as students (they have 12 kids total).
We are arriving April 4 late and spending the first night in the Marriott in Guatemala City.
Sometime on the 5th we will head to Eagles Nest.
Then the last day (or maybe two) we will also be staying at the Marriott before heading back. We also plan on spending one night near Lake Atitlan.
I'm not sure if we will be anywhere close to where you are at but it would be nice to catch up with you, if it works out somehow, to hear how things are going for you there.
Blessings
Mark & Pam Zietse
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