Tactic Departure

All our bags are packed and we're ready to go. Today is our final morning in Tactic. We'll be taking in a local church service before making the trek to Antigua for our final day in Guatemala.

Yesterday morning, we split into three teams and had a scavenger hunt in Tactic's market. While each team made a valiant effort, team Pollo Loco was victorious. See below for team photos with our items purchased at the market.

In the afternoon, we made a few stops visiting sponsor childrens homes.

After supper, we had our final team debrief in Tactic. Les joined us once again, and it was an insightful time of unpacking the many thoughts and feelings each of us were working through.

This will most likely be our final blog post, as from here on in, we'll be without internet access.



Gracyn, Larry, Bev, Jacob, Rose; team Pollo Loco (the winning team)

Peter, Kathleen, John, Ann, Rosie; team Isaiah

Dustin, Clancey, Rachel, Grace, Justin; team Ten For A Melon

A Day of Prayer

This morning, we visited Mikoy school devotions before heading up to the Chicoy sinkhole. We made the 1000 foot trek up the mountain side, and then decended into the sinkhole. It took 20 minutes to reach the bottom of the sinkhole, and upon arrival, we had a wonderful time singing and praying together.

We spent the afternoon at 1930's era hospital in Coban. We spent time in the children's and maternity wards praying for people, and handing out gifts we had brought with us from PEI.

After supper, we spent the evening debriefing as a team. It was a great time reflecting on the days activities.

Hug line after Mikoy morning devotions

At the bottom of Chicoy sinkhole

Job Well Done

Our day began bright and early with finishing painting the church we had started earlier in the week. It was satisfying to be able to finish a project we had just begun this week!

After lunch, we had an eye opening visit to a seniors home in Tactic. There is no government funding for these homes, so they are completely run by volunteers. With little financial support, this home and others like it are in a desperate situation. We had a time of singing and prayer for the residents. Afterwards, we stopped by Impact Ministries high school to lead some english classes. It was a lot of fun!

The day ended with an encouraging visit to an evening devotion held at one of the Impact schools. We had the chance to sing a few songs for the folks at the meeting, and Larry, Bev and Rose all shared what God has been showing them. They all spoke really well, and we're really proud of them!

The team visiting the seniors home in Tactic

Painting the new dining hall in the church

Teaching English to students at Chijacoral

Singing for the evening devotional in Puralah

Final day in San Antonio

We were woken up this morning by the sun shining through our bedroom windows. This is the first day we've experienced a full day of sunshine, and it was a very welcome change!

Our day began with morning devotions at one of Impact Ministries schools thirty minutes outside Tactic. Once again, it was a privilege to sit in on the childrens devotional time. Afterwards, we spent the remainder of the morning visiting childrens homes who are sponsored by various team members.

This afternoon, we returned to San Antonio for our final day of childrens ministry. Over the course of the last few days, we have gotten to know many of the children and it was difficult to say good bye. Many hugs were shared.

After a quick break back at the guesthouse, we hopped in the van once more to meet up with the teachers from San Antonio. We spent the evening having fun playing games together, and shared a delicious, traditional Guatemalan supper.

Graham speaking to the kids during morning devotions

St. John's Youth Group sponsor child with her family

Kids lining up for their meal at San Antonio

Playing games with the teachers from San Antonio

Day Four in Guatemala

The day started out with a visit to Chechim; a Mayan place of worship overlooking the town of Tactic. Les Peters, one of Impact Ministries directors, gave us a history lesson, as well as lead us in a time of prayer for that place.

Next up, we painted part of a newly constructed church. After lunch, we went once again to San Antonio to host a Vacation Bible school.

And finally, after supper, we had a meaningful time of reflecting on the day and praying for one another.

Chechim; a Mayan worship site

Playing with the parachute at San Antonio

Singing at San Antonio

A Beautiful Day

We woke up this morning to the sound of soft rain on the guesthouse roof. After a delicious breakfast prepared by our house hosts, Harm and Linda, we jumped in the van and headed for Chamche, one of the schools nearby operated by Impact Ministries. It was an honour to sit in on their morning devotions!

Next up, we started our work project for the week; transporting cement blocks to a housing construction site. It was hard yet satisfying work. After lunch, we drove to San Antonio where we put on a Vacation Bible school of sorts. With fifty plus kids attending, we played games, made crafts, watched a short film and served lunch. The highlight of the afternoon was towards the end, when we received hugs from all the kids!

As the day came to a close, we had supper together back at the guesthouse, and then dessert and conversation at the directors of Impact Ministries home, Les and Rita to cap off the evening.

 

Morning devotions at Chamche

The days work project; transporting cement blocks

Playing games at San Antonio

 

Arrival in Tactic

We've arrived safe and sound at the Impact Ministries guesthouse in Tactic!

After touching down in Guatemala city late yesterday afternoon, we ate supper at Pollo Campero, (think Gautemala's KFC, only better) and settled in for the night at the Baptist college, a beautiful school campus in the heart of the city.

We rose early this morning and loaded onto the bus to make our way to Tactic, a four hour drive from the city. Enroute, we made a couple of quick stops; first to see the National palace downtown and then to grab lunch at the half mark of the drive.

We've just arrived and are now settled at the guesthouse in Tactic. It is good to be in Guatemala!

Bev and Peter sorting items we brought with us from PEI

 

Anne, Kathleen, Clancey and Justin at the guesthouse

 

Jacob, Rachel, Grace, Dustin and Rose prepping school supplies