One Heart, Many Hands

Hello Everyone!

We have arrived back in Guatemala safe and sound after a fun, tiring, exciting and busy week in Chiapas Mexico. We encountered many obstacles to our arrival, including a problem at the border with the vehicles, but God made a way for us. We arrived one day later than planned, but in time for the event called Un Corazón, Muchas Manos (One Heart, Many Hands). Many of you will recognize this event as it occurs every four years along with the Nazarene General Convention, but this was the first event of its kind outside the United States. There were 250 participants including about 90 Americans/Canadians.
Shelley helping with the Children's program in the park.

We worked for four long days in construction, evangelism, children’s ministries, medical clinics and compassionate ministries. David and Joshua’s group built a new soccer/basketball court in a local community. Shelley and Kayley’s group cleaned two parks, painted the bottom section of trees (more than we could count) and replaced the outside of a humble home with “laminex” (kind of a thick corrugated paper). The days were long. Most nights we would return to the hotels at 10 or 11 pm. But the last night was the latest. The services ended at 1:15 a.m. Let’s just say, the kids were worn out!
All three of the 8 year olds slept through a loud exciting service at 11pm.

Probably the most rewarding part of it all was witnessing two cultures come together for the good of a community. We all made many new Mexican and American friends in a short span of time. (A special hello to our new friends in Orlando, Virginia and Springfield, MO)

Just three of our new friends from the area of Chiapas, Mexico.

Coming home was an adventure as well. Since our missionary friend Emily had to leave the event early, we were a bit concerned getting out of the country with the vehicle that was in her name. But, since Emily is not a common name in Central America, the border official assumed that David must be Emily and handed him the paperwork. Needless to say, we were thrilled with the results and were able to proceed through the border with no problems. Thank God!

We are glad to be back “home” in Guatemala City since the temperature is probably 20 degrees cooler here with much less humidity. This is a welcome relief. We are looking forward to this week as our schedule will be a bit slower.

The Youth in Mission team left early this morning. We already miss the girls. They have become a special part of our lives during these six weeks of ministry. We had a special “goodbye” meal last night to wish them well in their future endeavors and to thank them for their service in Guatemala, Mexico and El Salvador this summer. I feel confident we have not seen the last of these talented girls on the mission field…they’ll be back.

Kelsey, Kristin, Yuri, Elena and Hannah (with Kayley trying to get into the picture!)

Pray with us this week as we are learning more about our future assignment. We’ll let you all know when we know more.

Have a great week! Until next time...
La Familia Webb