PCBarrington Water Missions: Installations Done, and Celebrations Begun!

The land of Guatamala is beautiful and breathtaking! Reu is situated near the second tallest volcano in the land, and has spawned a smaller, very active peak which offers ever changing views.

Sunrise on the volcano, from our hotel's top floor.

Our third and final day of teaching at Mazatenango began with reviewing lessons with their trainers. It was their day to teach the lessons to a new group of kids this beautiful Saturday morning. We were surprised and amazed at how well they taught their children, getting them involved in the lessons and taking seriously the importance of the material. Even Fred, our fearless leader, took a break from the installation to enjoy some lessons with the kids.

Some of the things we learned today included the Creation story, repeated by the new trainers for the new kids, About germs and how we clean them from the water, and finally about the new water system to keep them healthy!

Alan creating some creation of his own.

Between lessons, the kids kept busy with songs.

After we finished with the lessons, we were able to go in and see the system for the first time. Our installation crew did a fantastic job, and when the pump was turned on, we found no leaks, which is always good!

Miriam explaining the system to the students and teachers.

After all the work is done, it is time for our hosts to honor those of us who came to help them install the systems. In the evening, we entire team drove to El Asintal to celebrate their new clean water system. We were welcomed with open arms, and some of our crew (specifically Steve) were welcomed like rock stars! Pastor Oto welcomed us, and Marco did a wonderful job of translating the many prayers of thanksgiving and praise. As with any spirit filled - and always fluid - celebrations in poorer lands, we enjoyed much of the celebration by flashlight with very inconsistent power. This is one of the issues anywhere you go with inconsistent electricity, and to have the power interrupted only enhanced our worship experience! At the end, with the lights once again restored, we were able to drink from the clean system water for the first time - what a fantastic feeling for all of us.