Eastside screens ABC children in Mactzul I

I am catching up on the blog after a busy week. This date is incorrect......the clinic actually took place on Monday.

We all met for breakfast this morning at 0630 and then headed to clinic. This week, The Eastside Church of Christ from Colorado will be with us and we are looking forward to it! This is the sponsoring congregation of Lisa and Kemmel so it is an especially exciting time for them.

When we arrived in Mactzul I, everyone pitched in and unloaded the trucks. Today was a screening day for the students as we begin a new ABC program. We screened 51 students today.

Bonita, Julie and Jackie are getting things prepared before the day begins.

Jackie give the approval that it is time to begin.

We had a short devotional with the congregation on Mactzul I. They welcomed the visitors from Eastside and thanked them for their work here. Afterward, Kemmel explained what the ABC program is, how it helps the children and the family and how The Church also has a responsibility. Manuel translated into K'iche' for Kemmel.

As the day got started, there were activities for the children. They enjoyed the singing, the puppets and the Bible stories.

I was able to work with Dr. John. He spoke some Spanish and introduced himself in Spanish and K'iche'. People chuckled with him as he would tell how bad his Spanish was but it broke down the walls and helped the patients feel at ease. I had a great time working with him and look forward to his return visit!

Mid-day we stopped for a lunch of fried chicken, rice and tamalitos........and some very good chili.

Julie spent the day taking photos of the children. When the children are assigned a sponsor, they will receive a photo of their child. In return, the child will also write letters during the school year to their sponsor.

Tom would pray with the students and the family after they had their consult. It is a very humbling time when a family drops to their knees for prayer....................knowing that the ABC program is a blessing from God and that we need to depend on Him for our every need.

John 16:24

Until now you have not asked for anything in my name; ask and you will receive, so that your joy may be complete.

We arrived safely back in Chichi and the group had dinner and a devotional time together.

Tomorrow we are headed to Xepocol............the community of Gaspar.