To continue on from last blog, saturday we drove to Xela and spent the night it camp like rooms so that we could drive to Las Majados on Sunday morning for church. The pastor at the church, Jiamie (?), went to school at a Seminary that Larry and Claire had started in the area years ago. He went to seminary and then returned to his hometown village of Las Majadas to start a church.
A couple that has been supporting Larry and Claire for over 20 years, Paul and Barbara, come with a team and go to Las Majadas every year. I am so glad that they invited me to tag along!!
As we drove through Xela Larry pointed out the were they had the Orphanage prior to moving to this location in 2002. I was unable to get a photo from the car, but it was a two story building. They leased the bottom floor out for a hospital which was perfect! They were at this location for 23 years. The church in Las Majades was started within a few years. They have started 7 churches and helped start 10 others. They have run a Seminary for 16 years.
I truly am amazed at how much they have done over the years in serving in Guatemala.
As we got closer to Las Majados it got more remote and we drove on dirt roads.
Larry had the four wheel drive, which is needed to get up the dirt road to Eagle's Nest during rainy season, so he could drive some down to church while the rest of us walked the windy trail down the mountainside. I videoed much of it and will have more photographs later from Joey, the professional photographer with the group. This is a photo I took as we started down the steep, rocky, dirt path. We passed many women and young children herding cows up the trail and men with heavy loads of different items strapped on their backs. What struck me was how young the children were that were herding the cows.
Larry met us at the half way point at Marta's house, who they have known for years. She has beautiful girls and had a newborn baby as well. Her husband was working when we passed through. They were one of the first families that had gone to another church Larry and Claire helped start in this area many years ago.
More walking down the trail for some of us after the half way point while Larry drove some down the road that is just really an oversized trail. The sounds and scenery along the way were beautiful.
The sounds and scenery along the way were beautiful. It was a very steep trail in areas and all along the way families, children, moms and dads were coming and going from one thing to another. Before we went to church we stopped at the Pastors home for coffee. They had been preparing for us all morning for not only coffee but lunch that was to be served after church.
The youngest daughter was born with an oversized head, has a shunt so the fluid can be drained, but won't be able to get this done for no charge once she turns a certain age. She is around 5 now. I am not sure what they will do at that point. Her siblings love and adore her and when they got candy they wanted to make sure she got some too. Barbara was uncertain as to whether she could have it so wouldn't give her any. One of the brothers got really upset and finally communicated that it was okay and he gave her piece and she just chewed away. Claire had sent a stroller and it was the perfect size for her so they can get her around easier.
It was obvious the family had gotten a brand new tea kettle for our visit. And they had muffins that look like the ones you buy at HEB - which was unexpected. They were really sweet and delicious.
After coffee we headed down the mountain a couple more blocks to go to church. Along the way many children came out to say hello to Larry, Barbara and Paul since they visit at least once a year. Las Majadas has gotten electricity in the recent past. Pictures do seem to speak louder than words and I continue to be amazed at what is carried on the backs of people, especially women.
I must close for now, will write about the church service later.
Thanks for keeping up with my journey!
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