Before we left the states, we had expressed some worry about our lack of a concrete schedule. We were worried that we would just be sitting around the kitchen table at the YWAM house bored for 4 weeks. Yet, we trusted "the plan of him who works out everything in conformity with the purpose of his will" to provide the ministry opportunities that He "prepared in advance for us to do." As it turns out, God's got a pretty busy schedule, and ministry never sleeps. Let's just say, we had nothing to worry about.

Working with OR4, we have been doing outreaches in various nearby villages almost daily, sometimes spending the night in the village for two solid days of ministry. These outreaches can include visiting the homes of locals to pray with them and invite them to local church events, attending local church services, leading worship through song and giving testimonies at those services, hosting bonfire services for youth, just meeting and hanging out with new friends, and whatever the local pastors have for us to do. This week we made a bit of a transition from working with the OR4 crew to joining a medical team from Georgia in their clinics. I have found myself not quite as useful as in the DSC medical clinics, but it is still a great experience. Those of us with no real skills just end up playing with local kids and such. It's great fun. 

We have been so busy that I've been fighting off the same cold for a couple weeks now. I just don't have to time to get the proper rest necessary for recovery. Even our "days off" somehow end up being just as action packed as any other. On our day off last week, we all went to a waterfall called Chilasco Falls. It was pretty sick. The water was freezing, and the hike was incredibly difficult. Just what I needed to start my recovery. It was so worth it though. Hidden somewhere in the middle of a rainforest, it looked like something you'd see on the Discovery Channel. Or in Jurassic Park. It was definitely one of the most fun things I've ever done.

Saturday we (and the OR4 crew) pack up our things, leave San Miguel, and head for an orphanage in Guatemala City. We are all stoked to get to play with the kids and help point them to Christ, through whom they can be adopted by a Father who will love them and care for them far better than any earth father ever could. Cute kids abound in Guatemala. Unfortunately, we would probably have a hard time getting through customs with our bags packed full of orphans. Rachel might try anyway though. After a few days at the orphanage, we will have a much needed day of decompression/relaxation in Antigua, which is somewhat of a tourist city. It is supposed to be beautiful there, and I hear the market is huge. Which is good, because when 1 dollar = 7.5 quetzales, your money goes a long way, and I can hear a super sweet Achi machete calling my name. 

It's hard to believe that a week from tomorrow we will be back in Albuquerque. I think we're all just trying to forget about the reality of having to go back to our jobs and schools and worries of all kinds. Let's not think about it. Thanks for reading everyone. Sorry I couldn't give you an in depth heartfelt story of some kind. I only have time for this general update. There will be plenty of opportunity for coffee and story time with each one of you when we get back. Until then, just watch these videos. 

Peace.