Meeting update

We've really had a nice time so far at our meetings in Guatemala. We did things differently this year. Normally everyone arrives on Sunday afternoon and then it kicks off. Instead, this year, they flew everyone working in the "indigenous fields" of our region in on Friday. We all met that evening and then spent time together in a little "retreat" until Sunday afternoon. It was very nice because we sat around in a circle and got to tell a little about who we are and our work. It was very informal and interesting.

While we did that, a small team from Missouri came in to work with our children. The kids have had a blast! Since it was a smaller group of children for the weekend sessions, they let them spend about half of the time at the pool and just playing while supervised. They also did VBS type of crafts and activities. All of the children have loved it!!!

It has been a very relaxing time. Our "official" meetings start this morning. That will be a bit more business oriented and such, but we'll still have a little spare time here and there. The rest of the people working in our region arrived yesterday afternoon. So, now it's a big group and mixed with city work, rural work, business office people and of course the indigenous field. Another team from a church in Missouri will be arriving today to start working with the MKs. I think the small weekend team will stay and help for another day or 2.

We are so thankful for those extra few days to really relax, let the children have fun and form bonds between our coworkers who "get it"----- we're all on the same "page" doing the same type of ministry, facing the same types of situations, etc. so they completely understand what you're talking about. Wow, what a difference that makes. It was very interesting to hear the stories of some who have been on the field for 20 years and more.