As has become our tradition, at least once during our mission trips we send a greeting where each team member tells a little bit about what he or she has been experiencing. Following is the message we sent from the first eyeglass team.
Weather is warm and very humid, but we are taking care of each other and surviving the heat. We are definitely drinking tons of water! Tomorrow we will pack up food bags for a food distribution at a local shelter for those who lost their homes recently. Here is a little bit of information from all the team members.
MIKE HOMMOWUN - Group has been fantastic and saw over 250 people today. I have been twice blessed with the beautiful effort and cooperation from all.
BRIAN PESCH - This has been an extraordinary experience with a great mission team. I am very thankful to be a part of this and look forward to serving more people the rest of the week.
PASTOR MUELLER - I became fluent in four phrases of Spanish today and know four directions - up, down, right, left, and guess-it's important. I had lots of fun with the old ladies trying to get them to read the chart!
JIM ENGEL - I enjoy the bus rides with the team, the children, and the old men who are exceptionally friendly and respectful. Kids are easily pleased and enjoy simple pleasures like bubbles and ice from the cooler. Great!!
NANCY BLASE - Enjoyed translating all day yesterday for the eye doctor and distributed glasses and helped a little in the eye chart room today. I enjoy distributing glasses and get such a kick out of the people's faces when they put their glasses on! I love seeing how our relationship has grown with the congregation here.
CHRISTINE ALLEN - Today I spent the day translating for the doctor. I am so impressed and touched by the Guatemalan generosity and genuine kindness. Yesterday I fit our patients with glasses and saw a number of people finally see!!
SHANNON STEEN - Spent both days learning how to best interact with all ages of the people to get them the best glasses possible. Greatly enjoying all on the team.
ELLEN EGERTON - God is good in Guatemala! The Guatemalans are kind and love to laugh. The sun is strong and the glasses are icing on the cake for the people of this beautiful country.
NANCY EGERTON - I am so impressed by the beauty of this country and its people. We have tackled this effort with humor and a positive attitude. Make sure to ask us about the diving board debacle when we return!
CHRIS-BITSY ENGEL - In the past few days I've gotten more attention from the missionaries than all the patients combined. The resort was nice until I destroyed the high dive and started getting bitten by the various flies here. I remembered a phrase IF YOU CAN'T BEAT 'EM, THEN EAT 'EM, and so I did! Helping is fun and I enjoy doing it.
KRISTEN LANGNER - I hate to admit this and know certain people will never let me live this down -- I have thoroughly enjoyed myself and feel privileged to help! God is good ALL the time.
DIANA REESE - Having an interesting time! I know I'm short enough to be an elf, and today I felt like one as I worked on making glasses. It was incredibly rewarding to see the joy and excitement when the people got their glasses and could see like never before. Praise God!
Please pray for us as we continue our work throughout the rest of the week and this coming weekend as we travel back to Guatemala City and then back to the States.
The Team
About Me
- GUATETRAVELERS
- The Lutheran school in Gualan, Guatemala that Trinity Roselle helped to build has started its fourth school year. This is my story of the odyssey and many experiences along the way in the exquisitely beautiful country of Guatemala. I hope you enjoy reading about my mission team members from Trinity Lutheran Church of Roselle, IL. The adventures continue with our Eyeglass Ministry 501(c)3 See to Read - Read to See. Also the Lutheran School continues to grow and as of January, 2013 will have 3 new classrooms on their 2nd floor!