August Trip Report

With Enma, the Principle at Colegio HOREB

I am no stranger to the town of Cotzal, having spent two and a half years being involved in the community with short term teams, teaching English at the HOREB Christian school there, and having built relationships in the community. This week though felt entirely different. I came with a different focus and one incredible partner.

We walked out our door in San Cristobal and caught a chicken bus to Quiche and then took a microbus (a van) to Nebaj. I had made that trip so many times before but it was the first time making that journey with my wife by my side. We were able to stay at our friend's rented house who was in the USA.

During our week in Cotzal, we interviewed 24 students at HOREB that are receiving scholarships from WIND with the purpose of making a little profile of each child to share with supporters of the school. We were also looking for stories of transformation for the kids involved in these programs and were pleased to find some major ways in which God is working in these children's lives. I am excited to share one story in particular of which I will be writing this week. We also had longer interviews with six of the teachers at their homes, asking them about their students and learning more about them as we build those relationships.

Maria taking notes in child interview

 We held several meetings during our time there. We learned more about the work of Compassion International, had a wonderful time discussing ideas and future visions for the Jorai Bible Institue, and also spent time talking with the board of Colegio HOREB about their current ideas for buying land in order to build their own school.

 God also put on our heart children in need of scholarships for middle and high school. It is our hope that a good education would be provided for a few of the students who are graduating from HOREB but who don’t have the resources to go to a good school. There are also a few former HOREB students who we see as good candidates for scholarships.

Children in Feeding Program

 We also observed the feeding program WIND has put in place for ten children to receive a lunch who otherwise would not have one. This program has made a tremendous impact in the lives of these children. The teachers have reported that these students come to class happier and of course have gained some needed weight!

We were only able to visit a few families in their homes, but it is always a highlight. I have visited frequently one particular family who is going through a difficult time and it is always special to see the children’s faces light up when we come. We also visited one family for the very first time and as soon as we arrived, a 4 year old girl ran with excitement to her mom, “They’re here! They’re here!” I sometimes put a lot of pressure on myself to be “in the Spirit” on these visits and feel like a failure a lot of the time, but this was a good reminder for us that even if all we do is show up, God is still using us to bring encouragement and light.

We left early Saturday morning to return home and a few long bus rides later, we walked to our home in San Cristobal. It had been a trying week with some difficult spiritual battles but in the end we completed what we set out to do. As we relayed to my dad, the Executive Director of WIND, all that we did that week, I was surprised. I always feel like I don’t do enough but while talking to him I realized that God had indeed used us greatly. We acquired a lot of information this last week and now it is time to organize it and report all that we have learned to the WIND.

Maria with a student during a family visit

Thank you to all who have supported us! We will continue to work as well as we can for His kingdom.