NORTHBROOK WORK TEAM (WISCONSIN) - UPDATE!! (4/4/06)

Thank you all for your prayer support during Northbrook team's time here. Their trip down to Guatemala hit a rough patch or two, i.e., flight turned back to Milwaukee due to mechanical problems, which meant missing their connecting flight to Guatemala.....but, thankfully, they were able to arrive at the same time the next day. Due to their delayed arrival, we decided to drive them part of the way up on Saturday to make up some of the time lost. The drive up to Chichicastenango was a bit more treacherous due to fog, light rain and nightfall, but they all reached their destination safe and sound.
 
After arrival, they settled in at the Christian school in mid afternoon on Sunday. They were able to walk over to the site to check out what they would be working on during the week. Mike and I had decided to build the hostel with adobe and mortar because it has a more indigenous feel.  It's a drier feeling and has a wonderful look.
 
The whole team enjoyed time hauling adobe (each block weighing in around 50 pounds) and marching around in the pit waiting for the mud (mortar) to get thick enough while trying to keep their boots on at the same time. They all were able to visualize whatt they accomplished, which was a blessing to them all. Lap and his crew will now continue on to complete what has been started.
 
Sara Nygaard (from Northbrook's team) had an opportunity to go out with Dr. Erick on a home visit, which was a blessing to both her and the patient they saw. We hope to be able to incorporate those kinds of visits more with future teams.  Benito and his band came and performed again for this team, blessing all.
 
The team enjoyed some down time in Antigua while shopping for souvenirs on Friday.  They all reached the top of Volcano Pacaya on Saturday. Some even got the opportunity to see lava flow up close and personal. Two on the team (Jessica and Melissa) also had the opportunity to go to the boys high school banquet held in the Capital Saturday night. Ian and one of his friends escorted the girls....They all had a lot of fun!
 
The team attended our church (Union Church) Sunday morning, had a little down time at our house and flew home in the afternoon. We were blessed by each and everyone of them and pray that the Lord would bless them in return for all they gave during their week here. We look forward to working with more teams from Northbrook in the future!
 
In His Service,
Mike and Chris