Highlights of Huehue

What a transition it was, coming from a month of honeymooning on Lake Atitlan to the Orphanage and School in Huehuetenango. We moved away from the tourist attraction to where the need is real. We’ve just began our third week here, and have finally adjusted to our new surroundings. (I don’t understand how mission teams can only come for a short week, because it took me a week just to understand what was going on around me!) So thankful that Brady and I get to be here for 2 whole months. Because of this lengthy visit, I have a better opportunity to learn the names that go along with the faces of these sweet, crazy children!

So much has happened since we arrived, but here are some of the highlights:

Having Kristi and Morgan and Matthew here. 

For our first 2 weeks here, Brady’s mom and two brothers were helping out every day at the orphanage. You know what that means, we got to eat Kristi’s amazing home cooked food for breakfast and dinner, almost every day. After busy days (cleaning supply closets, doing lots of dishes, cuddling/playing with the kids) you could find us playing many games of cards and Settlers together.

Riding up to a look-out point! 

On the first Saturday in Huehue, we hired a pickup truck for Q300, and drove up the winding roads high up into the mountains. It was so refreshing to get up out of the dusty city and breathe in the clear mountain air. When we got to the highest point we could reach, we got out to admire the view. There is one lonely café at the top of the mountain, where we ate and drank some yummy food. Then we spent a few hours hiking around on the trails, where I saw sheep and shepherds roaming the mountain side.

Picnicking with Brook and Becca’s 9 girls at the Mayan Ruins. 

The first Sunday here we took the little girls to the only park in Huehue, which just so happens to be full of Mayan ruins. The girls had a blast eating pizza and climbing all over the big stone pyramids. It was a hot day, so we escaped to the shade of the trees and ate oranges and relaxed together in the grass.

Helping Katie in the Kinder and 1^st grade classes.

That’s right! Last week I began helping in class with Katie (a fellow New Yorker J). She teaches the Kindergartners and 1^st graders. She needed an extra hand to help her out with her sometimes, very rowdy kids. A lot of my job consists of “being their shepherd” while in the classroom. Trying to see to it that they are keeping their hands to themselves and paying attention to teacher Katie as she teaches them. We sing lots of songs with them and use a lot of repetition, since our classes are in English and many are all still learning the language. I think I have now mastered almost all the kid’s names in my classes (there are about 20 all together).

Going on dates to Monte Alto. 

One of the first places Brady and I were told about was the best bakery in town. We discovered it one day, as we walked past the glass shelves full of beautifully decorated pastries. It is a wonderful place to sip on a coffee and share a piece of cake with your love.

Discovering the Farmer’s Market in town. 

What a wonderful array of color. Heaping piles of all sorts of fruit! Everyone bartering for the produce they need. Both times we have went on shopping trips into the Town Center, we have rode the bus back with bags stuffed full of produce and food! Yay for tropical fruit and veggies!

Sunday worship in the “Upper Room”. Every Sunday, all the teachers meet at Greg’s house and we spend time in song and then watch a sermon together. There are about 15 to 20 of us who all gather together. We meet in a loft which is nicknamed the “Upper Room”. Both Sundays have been such an encouraging and uplifting time. Doing ministry daily tends to drain us, and it is such a relief to be able to meet every week, for a few hours, simply to refill on God's Truths. I am so thankful for the community that is here. 

Going to a professional Guatemalan soccer game! On the last night that the Nash boys were here, Brady, Morgan, Matthew and I went to the soccer game. The stadium is literally right next door to us. Soccer games are loud here! There are fireworks and bands(consisting of a few drums and a lone sporadic trumpet player) , and delicious food stands! The game started around 8 PM, and the stands were all filled. We had bundled up in multiple jackets, and brought blankets with us (gets very chilly here at night). Before the game was done, we had all had 2 cups of hot chocolate, a few bags of popcorn, and yummy scones. Huehue won! 

A few of the struggles have been:

The Flu. 

Starting with Morgan, a few of us, came down with a 24 hour flu, which was absolutely horrid! I came down with it, the morning I was to begin helping in the classroom. I had no choice but to stay in bed all day. I couldn’t keep any food or water down, and hurled countless times. But Brady took good care of me, and thank goodness it was only a day thing. Only a few of us came down with it, which is a surprise because flues spread like wildfire here, since we all live in such close proximity.

Huehue's water shortage. Don't worry, we all have enough water to do our dishes and drink and shower with. The problem is there is never a guarantee that water will come out of the spigot when you turn it on. Which makes it quite unpredictable when your next shower will be!

Thanks for your prayers! I am still learning how to interact with the kids in the classroom. I need lots of patience with them, and I am somewhat lacking in that, at times! While I am at school in the mornings, Brady is working hard on making a Chicken coup. His supplies are very minimal. I believe he has a hammer, some nails, and a saw to work with. But if anyone can build it, he's got the skills! I can’t wait to show you pictures of it when he has finished!