A Father's Day Blessing

  After enjoying Father's Day in New York with my children Lizzie and JJ, I returned to Guatemala on Saturday. Ironcially, Father's Day is normally celebrated in on Friday in Guatemala and on Sunday in the USA.

  Imagine my joy and surprise to receive this excellent award from the leadership at the center as well as the senior managers at their National Social Services. It was a very emotional and joyful event and I was honored far beyond my merit.  The award really belongs to the people in the trenches working day in and day out with the children. And of course all the credit ultimately belongs to Him; as we are but mere stewards and servants that try to worship and honor Him in what we do.

  The celebration included some songs and special gifts from the boys. Each one delivered a gift and a photo to each of the ten men who work with us. Ernest had my gift and he is a really sweet young man. With the clearest blue eyes and a bright smile he has so much potential. Unfortunately, at times his seizures hit and he starts throwing anything in his path. For a small guy, he has remarkable strength for these short bursts.

  I continue to be excited about the new management team the government has installed at our center and in Social Services. They are committed to process and execution. It is a wonderful thing.  Please pray for all the managers and leaders in social services for this country!

Cold and Flu season starts early here.

  The rainy season is upon us and along with the rains we have a lot more sore throats and runny noses. Not just the kids, but many of the staff have some ailment.  Other than that, all appears well and the overall condition and cleanliness has continued to improve.
   We visited Valle de Los Orfanos and Fundaninos after Church yesterday. The countryside is so beautiful and those two  venues are such a sea of tranquility.  The kids at Fundaninos were having a blast with the visiting Missionaries from  The Village Church. The afternoon was almost perfection.

  We continue to try to align our staff with the activities of the larger staff and kids who live at the center. There are always some frictions, but all is well. Charlie Osborn and Jonny Aho visited the center and we discussed how we might work together and promote networking amongst all the centers and initiatives.   I mentioned my plans for the Guatemala Missionary News and Institute.

  Father's Day will be celebrated on Tuesday. They dealyed the celebration in order to accommodate my schedule. Certainly a holiday fraught with irony and mixed emotions for many.

  The Lord has blessed and given us so much. I am very grateful for His kindness and love. Having left here a few weeks ago on a high note, I plan to keep the energy and attitude at a high, but loving level.
Thanks for your continued prayers.

VIDEO DEMARIANA.WMV