Nat and I have been very thankful to Lord for the many wonderful friends we have had the oppurtunity to share this most wonderful time of the year with. Many people have opened their homes to us to share meals, memories and most importantly the Birth of our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ.On Christmas eve we were with a lovely family from another local meeting of Believers who had family in town from the states. It was an evening full of great discussions and reflection for all of us. We met Jeff and Cathy and their 3 wonderful children. Jeff is passionate about ministering to college aged young adults and Cathy spends her time raising their kids in life's lessons. Gathered around the fire we talked for an 1 1/2 as the kids watched Ratouille. Later that evening we were back at our home and right at midnight the whole town of Panajachel greeted Christmas day with a firework spectacle that lasted for 30 minutes. These fireworks were something else and definitely a nice little touch of Central American heritage.
The following day we went up to an orphanage located in Solola by the name of, Eagle's Nest. We were invited by Ron and Beverely (pictures above) from the local group meeting. These two folks are from southern Washington state and decided spend their retirement helping children. Yesterday was very humbling for one big reason though. Their were two younger couples there wanting to spend this Christmas with the babies they were both HOPING to adopt. The process has not yet been approved by the government but that did not stop them from wanting to be there for the child's first Christmas. What was even more humbling was seeing the parents from both the husband and wife, a couple similar to our age, both wanting to be there, too.
It was both sad, joyful, and hopeful at the same time because the couples both knew that they were going home without that little child. Please pray that the doors open for these couples and that they can adopt these young newborns!
Love,
Jeff
