Isn't she beautiful!

The first day we arrived at the village that we were building 4 houses in a sweet little old lady came up to me and took my hand and kissed it. I don't speak Spanish and she didn't speak English but it was communicated loud and clear how thankful she was. The funny thing is none of the 4 houses being built were for her. The family that was recieving the house by her had taken her in. Her husband had passed away and she didn't have any children. The little structure in the picture is her house. Did you catch that? That structure, not much bigger than an outhouse, is her HOME! The amazing thing is she happy. She feels blessed by the family that took her under their wing. She is overflowing with joy that they are getting a home. Pretty amazing lady!


When one of the guys with us asked her if I could get a picture with her she immediatly started "tidying" herself up. She took the shawls off her head, pulled her hair back, wiped her face, it just made me chuckle inside. We woman have to look our best no matter what country we live in.

I am so glad Kevin quick snapped a picture of her "preparing" herself. He thought it was as cute as I did.

Now what he didn't get a picture of is us trying to get her to smile in the picture. He wasn't translating it right and she didn't know what he was asking of her so I took my hand and pushed up the corners of my mouth to try to explain "smile". So she took her hand and did exactly what I was doing. Oh my goodness it was hilarious. We gave up and just took the picture. Of course as soon as the picture taking was over she was smiling from ear to ear again. Sweet lady!

Coming Soon?

Hopefully I will have time soon to share about our trip to Chimaltenango, Guatemala.
It was truly amazing.

Guatemala or bust

I leave tomorrow for Guatemala with my oldest 2 daughters. We are going to be building 4 houses while we are down there. Here is a link to the mission we are going to be staying at for anyone who wants to follow along.

Team Allendale