Happy Valentine's Day!

Happy Valentine’s Day friends and family!

It’s the day of love. After we had an amazing breakfast of eggs and sausages we went over to the school and did a classic Guatemala candy exchange. The kids came with adorably wrapped candy and presents for us. Valentine’s day in Guatemala is about celebrating friendships not just significant others, it’s more about who you care for in general. Selina’s group got to teach about the months of the year and planned an awesome lesson with games to follow. After the first day of teaching they figured out what worked and what didn’t work well with the kids. They also changed the Bible study and Carlos made an amazing connection to it through sports. With relation to the obedience of God through Noah’s example. During recess the kids played duck-duck-goose, skip rope, and drew wonderful drawings with chalk on the cement. Brooke’s group taught the kids about colours and they were able to play eye spy and colour cupcakes. The kids in the class always surprised the group with how quickly they picked up the English words we were teaching. The kids also got to learn what a trust fall was and thoroughly enjoyed falling into the team members arms.

After the team finished their lessons for the day, half the team went to paint the upstairs section of the school and the other half went around the community handing out food hampers. When the group was handing out food hampers they got to see where the families were living and what their homes looked like. They gave a welcoming speech and then asked the families what they needed prayer for. It hit home for many that were in that team from experiencing how privileged some of us are compared to others. After handing out the food hampers we got to ride in the back of a truck (which is not allowed in Canada but we think it should be because it is sooooo much fun!!!!!) Then they went for ice cream and took some bomb photos for the Instagram but we think all the moms will be very happy.

When everyone returned back to base camp we got ready for church and headed off. During church five of our team members, Caleb, Sadie, Bailey, Brooke, and Carlos shared their testimonies with the group and the rest of the church. They had enormous amounts of courage stepping out of their comfort zones and being vulnerable with everyone. We ended the night with a lovely valentine dinner at one of the churches families house.

Love always Selina & Brooke

Today was an excellent day!! Teaching has been going well and the kids are awesome to hang out with. They just love being with us, playing games, and trying not to laugh as we attempt to have broken conversations with them. The chemistry with our team is super strong as well. It’s only been a couple days and everyone is getting along really well and working hard at whatever task they’ve been assigned. Our entire team got split into two groups and I was in the group that was painting the inside of the school. It still had the original paint and it needed a touch up. I was impressed to say that everyone worked hard and did an excellent job. Not to say that I was expecting otherwise; it was just super encouraging to see.

To end the day off we got invited to a family’s house after church for a homemade Valentine’s Day chicken dinner followed with cake. The family provided everything! It’s always such an honor being here and experiencing the Guatemalan hospitality. They never hold anything back and always provide their best. There just isn’t anything quite like it. To end off I want to miss my wife Stephanie a Happy Valentine’s Day! I miss you and I’m sorry I’m thousands of miles away for our first valentine’s day as a married couple. I’ll see you soon!

Kayl