The Day of Rest?

Side note about last night: When Lauren and I arrived at Proximos Pasos at night, there were some kids at play in the street. As the door was locked, we had to wait for awhile until someone inside realized we were there and opened the door for us. In the meantime, the kids were playing with us, hugging us, and just sucking up any love that we could offer them. It made me smile thinking about how much they touched my heart, and how much more they touch the heart of Christ.

Nothing in the eyes of the world. Priceless in the eyes of God.

Anyway, I am happy (I think) to report that my belly is still big enough to be used as a drum. After losing 40 pounds, many feared that my belly would not be the great ice-breaker that it was last year. See my post "Belly for the Lord" for more that!

One of the little girls was having fun pushing my stomach from both sides and then she and another boy began playing the drums. Oh, just like old times!

Back to today. So, today was the day of rest. Kind of. That's why it's 11:17PM our time and I am typing this blog.

The morning started out with church. After the group finished church, we went to a local steakhouse in Antigua (see above pictures!) At the steakhouse, the gang chowed down on some good sandwiches and then dispersed to take in the town of Antigua!

Lauren led the parade of "gringos" to the market place where people bartered for things to bring home to families, tee-shirts, bags, and in the case of Justin, a machete. Good luck getting that one through customs my friend!

Also, whilst walking along the way in Antigua, Sal Clemente was propositioned by prostitutes not once, but twice. If you know Sal Clemente, you know that I really don't need to say anything more about this. If you don't, trust me, it was funny.

In the meantime, we got soaked from the previously mentioned rain storm.

After the free time in Antigua ended, it was back to Proximos Pasos for dinner and packing. The group relocated to the Mission Impact team house in San Pedro at around 9 PM tonight. Tomorrow, the construction team will return to Esquela Vida y Esperanza and the Dental team (minus Jaci) will return to Proximos Pasos.

Despite the lack of electricity last night, and the somewhat basic living conditions, the team was sad to leave the school because it meant leaving the people of Santa Maria de Jesus (especially the kids!) Marcus was especially sad to leave the kids. (Just like at Kids Ave, the children flock to him!) They were also sad that they could no longer claim to be sleeping on a volcano.

Tomorrow, the construction team will return to Esquela Vida y Esperanza and the Dental team (minus Jaci) will return to Proximos Pasos. Meanwhile, Jaci, Lauren and I will be leading a team that will be working with the kids at Esquela Vida y Esperanza. We will be leading them in 3 worship songs that we do at our church, sharing a Bible story, and just all-around loving on the kids. Hopefully, I will have some pictures to post tomorrow of the team at work. As I will not be at Proximos Pasos, you fans of the dental team will just have to wait until Tuesday for some pictures!

God continues to amaze me in this beautiful land between the volcanoes. I can't wait to see what happens tomorrow!