Over 200 kids came out to a fun day in the park with our volunteer team from Westwood and12 of our member from the Spanish church here in Paamul. We all had a great day and we are seeing the doors to the Lost Mayan World open as we share the love of Christ in action and words.
Written by Page Hughes The leader of our Volunteer team
Friday, May 2, 2008
"Did you say this place was at the end of the earth?" One of our team asked Doug as we made the two hour trek to the Mayan village of Chan Chen. We traveled through jungle laden countryside to finally find the hidden treasure we were in search of. As we entered the village we passed by stick homes with thatched roofs, much rock and an occasional staring face. The dusty roads led us to a park in the middle of the village. There, we unloaded our packs filled with coloring pages, markers, crayons, balls, jump ropes, frisbees, balloons, and foam boards with stickers. Doug went to the police station and asked them to announce for the children to come to the park. Within minutes, about 200 children plus parents descended on the park. The children choose an activity and whether they were coloring, playing games or being greeted by puppets, smiles were abundant. Many members of this Spanish speaking congregation in Paamul had come to help. Between our team speaking English, their team speaking Spanish and one Mayan translator, we were able to connect with the Mayan people. The only time things got tense was when we started to handing out school supplies from what we had collected from children from Westwood. There was more than enough to go around but with broken communication the children became like piranha grapping for goodies, thinking that they would be left out. Eventually, we communicated well enough to get children to form a line and we would hand them handfuls of treasures, if they would stay in line. We had already given the mothers bundles of folders, filler paper, glue sticks, rulers and more. Each child then received colors, markers, pencils, and others small gifts that they would enjoy. The village seemed thankful for all they had received. Our time in Chan Chen ended with a picnic lunch at the mayor's home. He is the one that we are praying for to receive salvation and be the man of peace to this community. It was wonderful as both the Spanish church and our short-termed missionaries came together as one to celebrate all that God had done.
As we headed back to the village, there was great relief that the work we had planned to do was now completed. As we drove back, water stood in places on the road, reminding this writer that God had showered us with blessings all week. The weather had been perfect for every activity, the supplies were just enough with just a little to spare. We were able to communicate with people every place we went. But the greatest blessing was that God's presence was with us at every turn. He had gone before us to prepare the way, He was present at every event and the greatest thing is to know that though we go home tomorrow, He will still be at work here as well as where we will be. What an awesome God we serve! As I close, I just want to thank you all for your prayers. That is why we saw God do such amazing things. Your prayers are much appreciated and we thank you for joining us on missions in the Mayan Rivera. Please keep praying and consider joining us as we go on mission with God.
