GETTING TO KNOW GUALAN

We enjoyed touring around Gualan and getting to see what several schools looked like -- the equivalent of a primary school and a junior high. The students seemed enthusiastic, in spite of the very large classes. In the second picture especially, you can see how crowded the class is. In fact, there were so many kids that the teacher was barely able to fit in front of the class! If my recollections are right, there were more than forty kids. We visited an art class that was more than happy to show off their work!

STARTING AT THE BEGINNING...

In July of 2006, I had the privilege of being part of a fact-finding team that went to Gualan, Zacapa, Guatemala to help investigate the possibility of my church getting involved in a project there. Trinity Lutheran in Roselle, IL. was considering partnering with Iglesia Luterana La Resurreccion in Gualan to build a primary school. For three of us, it was our first trip to Guatemala, so it was very exciting for us! We flew to Guatemala City, stayed over night in the amazing town of Antigua, and then made the three hour drive to Gualan. Gualan is located in the southeastern part of Guatemala, fairly close to the Honduran border. They have three types of weather there -- hot, hotter, and hottest! And the humidity is pretty amazing!



Our church decided to adopt this project, and ground was broken for the new school in January of 2007. Our parter in this project is Iglesia Luterana La Resurreccion, along with Pastor Luis Jasinto who is known by all in Gualan. He is an amazing pastor with such a heart for God, for his congregation, and especially for the children of the congregation. We are so fortunate to work with him. Both he and his wife (Nanci) are teachers, and their organizational skills,teaching ability, and love for God shine through in everything they do.

The congregation welcomed us with open arms, and a great friendship was begun!