Just on the ground in detroit
Aug 12th
I would estimate a half hour to load up plus a three hour drive. Eta….2:30am. We’ll loan phones for kids to call home.
Posted via email from ericdeyoung’s posterous
Greetings from Atlanta
Aug 12th
We are through immigration and customs. We are getting some food for supper. Two more legs left then we’ll be home!
Guest Blog Post, Amanda Johnson
Aug 11th
Greetings To all from Guatemala,
Guatemala is one beautiful country! As I look out every night onto the mountains and the volcanoes, I think to myself, The God I put my hope and trust in made this. HE made this. Wow. As I remember that as I go into the village, I remember that He made these people, and he loves them very much. As I hand out endless bags of candy, and get mobbed every time I open my back pack, I remember that he loves these people and he loves me. For me personally the thing that made me think to most is last night. Last night (Tuesday night) our team went to a village way up a mountain. As we traveled for over an hour I was given much time to think about the past week. I felt guilty that I hadn’t been more giving. But once we arrived at the church we were supposed to pass the stuff out it hit me. I have so much.These people waited for hours for one shirt. I have like 35, if not more, just hanging in my closet, barely getting any wear out of them. Why was I born in a land of plenty, and these beautiful people were born with so much need? As I witnessed my team willingly take off their shoes the give them to those who needed them I again felt guilty. I was creating excuses in my head why I couldnt give mine up. As I walked to the vans with shoes on I felt bad. The greatfulness of the Guatemalans was very overwhelming. God blessed us all with this wonderful opportunity and we all should learn from the greatfullness of the Guatemalans! God loves us all, and blesses us all in unique ways. For me it was the opportunity to be on this trip, but for the Guatemalans it was the opportunity to receive Gods love, maybe even for the first time.
With love from The Guatemala Team
Written by Amanda Johnson
A busy day.
Aug 10th
Hello Friends,
Today was a busy day for the team in Guatemala. We started as usual with a wonderful breakfast, lovingly prepared by Sheri, Tom, Beth, and Wayne. Eggs, French Toast, Bacon, Fruit, Coffee, Juice…so good. From there we had group devotion time. Erin and Cory lead singing and did an amazing job as always. Pastor Jack shared from James and challenged us to live lives that show action in response to our faith.
From there we broke out into three teams. One team helped fix the driveway up to the Mission House. It was a lot of heavy work but the road looks great. Another team did some painting. We painted the Mission house kitchen and also the patio area. The final team prepaired clothes for distribution.
We then had some time left to travel back into Antigua to enjoy some time in the market.
We returned to the house around three and left to distribute food and clothes. We rode for about an hour through lush vegitable fields and up mountain switchbacks. We reached a little church where 100 families were waiting for us. We gave house a host of food items and several pieces of clothing to each family. They each got a small assortment of toys for the kids. Shoes are a high demand item an we only had so many to give away. Some of the students on our team took off their own shoes and gave them away. Pretty amazing.
We then returned to the mission house to share a pizza dinner with our Guatemalan friends. Good thing it was two for one night at Dominos! After dinner we sorted some items to give away at house dedication time tomorrow.
Tomorrow morning we dedicate the houses that we build and then head to Love the Child, an orphanage closer to Guatemala City.
Good night!
Eric
An album, as promised.
Aug 9th
Hi Friends,
Today we worked in Alotenengo splitting up into 5 teams. We completed all 16 of our houses! One team went around with Andy, a new friend of ours from here in Guatemala and talked to each of the families recieving homes. We are excited to dedicate them on Wednesday. This gives us a good problem, we have an extra half day! Leaders are coming up with some cool options.
Yesterday in Antigua was relaxing and a good day to refuel. The market didn’t know what hit it with our group. 
Everyone here is relaxing before dinner. The food has been outstanding and no one has gone hungry.
Kelsey was sick last night but is starting to feel better. Lance was feeling good enough to come with us working today. So far so good.
As promised, here are photos from the last few days. We have hundreds more, but here is a taste. We’ll have more as internet access allows.
