Today was our last day working in the villages of Rio Dulce. The village we attended today was Boqueron. When we arrived, all of the children came running to see us get off of the bus. We then gathered under the shaded area where they would have the feeding program. The feeding program is a way for the children to get a good healthy meal, but to also learn Bible verses. To be able to receive the meal, they have to be able to recite back the Bible verse they learned. Today they were served sausage, a hard boiled egg, bread, and a rice drink. Seeing this was an amazing thing for all of us to watch. The joy on these children to receive this food was tremendous. Not only did they enjoy for themselves, but they also shared with their loved ones. God works in spectacular ways to be able to help these children get what they need to be healthy.
After a wonderful breakfast, we split up into our working groups. I (Peyton Andrews) attended the group who would make a cement floor for one of the homes. As we approached the house the work seemed a little intimidating. We quickly got started with the process. Our group was very determined to get the job done. Everyone worked together and we all took turns in switching out jobs to make sure that everyone was staying well. The people of our group never got in a disagreement. Everyone was constantly making sure that everyone was okay and giving motivation as we worked. As the house began to come together, it was amazing to see the transformation. The people of these homes live with dirt floors which can spread sickness very easily. They will finally be able to have a place where they can have clean feet. When we finished the house, the mother of the home was crying and told us how thankful she was. This made all of us feel like what we did was truly impactful. God gave us the strength and motivation to work our hardest to get these people something that can change their lives forever.
I (Walker Gilbert) was a part of the other working group which we helped members of the village create gardens. Today, we had a very small group but we made a hard working team. The first garden we went to was for a boy named Manuel. It is amazing to see that the gardens are cared for by the young people of the village and it is their responsibility. The first garden we somewhat completed because Manuel had worked on it before we came, but we were still able to poke holes in the soil and plant the seeds. This garden had cucumbers, radishes, and tomatoes. Then finally, we finished putting up the chicken wire fence around the garden and it was finished. Then we moved on to the second garden. The second garden we had to start completely from scratch. We had to make the rows and and remove all of the rocks from the soil. We put the seeds in the garden and finished putting up the fence around the garden. Once we finish the gardens we get to pray over the caretaker of the garden which is the best part. We prayed that Manuel would continue to take care of the garden so that he could help provide for the village.
Then after lunch, we were taken on an excursion to the canyon. We all gathered in canoes and went up the river. We reached a spot where we could all get out and swim and relax a little before the next VBS. We went back to the church shortly after and were greeted with around 100 excited kids. We had to very quickly set up our VBS for the kids. The best part was when we took all of the kids out to the soccer field and played with them for hours. It was amazing to see the joy in these kids. They were so happy to hang out with us and always asked us questions even though most of us do not speak the same language. It was definitely an experience I will never forget.
-Peyton Andrews & Mary Walker Gilbert
Wesley Student’s Week in Guatamala 