Gifts from Granddaddy & Grandma!

Granddaddy & Grandma bought gifts for the boys.

Josiah got a cool new Lego set & Ethan got a Thomas the Train set.

Both boys loved their toys & played with them most of the morning.  I think Josiah missed Grandma.  He spent most of the day playing games on Grandma's iPad with her.

We love getting gifts from Granddaddy & Grandma!

Souvenirs!

Dustin & Josiah are home & they returned bearing gifts.

Josiah got a jersey & several cool toys/souvenirs from Guatemala.

They bought Ethan a maraca to play with.  They bought me a soccer jersey & a necklace.  They bought Granddaddy & Grandma Guatemalan coffee that smells amazing! 

I love having my guys home & love getting souvenirs.

My Guys are Home!

My heart is full!  Dustin & Josiah are home from Guatemala.  They have been gone for 9 days and I couldn't be happier to see them.  I'm so glad my guys are home!

Guatemala Missions Trip Day 8!

Day 8 - What an amazing way to end such an amazing mission trip! We woke up this morning in the beautiful city of Antigua. After a good night's sleep and a wonderful buffet breakfast, both of which we were thrilled to have, we took a short hike up to Cerro de la Cruz, a beautiful cross overlooking the city and facing the volcano. We spent about 2 hours sharing stories, Scriptures the Lord had impressed on our hearts and, of course, taking in the breathtaking view. We then hiked back down, had lunch, and went shopping at the local artisan market. It was a fun and relaxing way to end our Guatemalan adventure. Tomorrow we head home, back to Knoxville, to incorporate these amazing experiences into our every day lives. What will God do next?!?!

It's a Boy Thing!

Granddaddy, Ethan & I went to Lowe's today.

Every time we walked by the tractors, Ethan had to stop & get on.  It's a boy thing!

Guatemala Missions Trip Day 7!

Day 7 - This was both a sobering and rejuvenating day. We spent the morning at the local, city trash dump. Believe it or not, there are a large number of people who not only work there (collecting items to re-sell), but live there. It was heartbreaking to personally witness their way of life. We shared some dramas and testimonies, passed out toys and candy and spent some time playing soccer and even baseball. The people seemed genuinely moved by our presence. Then, after lunch, we loaded up the vans and drove to Antigua, closer to the airport for our flight home.  Keep praying that every Guatemalan come to know Jesus as his/her personal Lord and Savior!

Guatemala Missions Trip Day 6!

Day 6 - What a beautiful, God-honoring day! We started off at Palabra de Vida (Word of Life), to help the Corderos in any way possible. We ended up leading the children's ministry, helping in the nursery, taking the teens to a local park, and sharing testimonies. Then Pastor Jonathan preached a fantastic message, encouraging Palabra de Vida, like Joshua, to take the land of Chiquimula for Christ! After lunch we drove to Jocatan again and held a block party/street concert for the 3rd anniversary of Colegio El Olam. Hundreds of people turned out for music, dramas, testimonies, a little street soccer and even cake. Keep those prayers coming! God is SO good!

Guatemala Missions Trip Day 5!

Day 5 - Simply astounding! We often hear people talk about "unreached people groups," but today we visited one. The morning started off with a wonderful parade through the streets of Jocatan, as representatives of the school there, started by the Corderos. But after lunch we headed up to another remote, mountain village. These people had NEVER been visited by outsiders, much less white, American Christians. And most likely they had NEVER been presented the Gospel message. What a joy & honor!!! We did a few simple dramas, shared a few testimonies, told the people of God's endless love, & then gave out food &toys. It was simply astounding! Again, thank you SO much for your prayerful, loving support! We need it & feel it!

Guatemala Missions Trip Day 4!

Day 4 - Today was rather groundbreaking. This week is an anniversary celebration of Colegio El Olam (the Cordero's school), so there are a lot of activities in its honor. One of those, that we got to participate in today, was a Parents' Day. Pastor Jonathan was given the honor of speaking to about 30 parents that showed up. Then the parents were separated into 3 groups and rotated through 3 "stations" that encouraged and equipped them to be better fathers, mothers, husbands and wives. It was amazing! And, of course, we spent hours with the children, playing soccer, tag, building sand castles, etc. God is doing great things! Thank you for your prayers!