This month has been crazy, busy, stressful, and a blessing all in one. Here are some things that happened.
On May 4th we officially moved houses. We moved down the street so the move wasn't too difficult, especially with some friends from church and family helping us out. Some of the pictures below are of our new place. A view from the front (the garage door to the far left is where we park our truck and the garage to the right is a tienda, little store, which has been really convenient). We rent the bottom left sections (first door and window), all the 2nd floor, and the whole roof. The bottom two pictures are the views from the roof and the balcony, which is Sammy's favorite place as he watches people, cars, and dogs pass by. The biggest difference with the new house is the amount of noise we get from the street. We can hear the Catholic church music and services, the vehicles as they drive by, kids at the school and park across the street, and most of all vehicles with huge speakers as they advertise and campaign for their political party as presidential elections draw near. It has been pretty rough and stressful at times especially when Sammy was waking up due to the noise. However, we have started getting used to all the quirks about this house and it's starting to feel more like home.
My (Andi's) family came for a week to visit. They were able to help out with the after-school program, spend time with Sammy, and we had some great fun as well!
An art project the kids did that my mom brought down
Acting out David and Goliath
While my family was here we put together food baskets with the kids. We were given funds from Dillsburg Brethren in Christ church's youth group to do this project. The message and goal behind this project was to show the kids how Jesus loves us and wants us to love and help others. Each child in our program made one basket for their own family and made another to give to another person or family who they wanted to bless or help. They filled the baskets with rice, oatmeal, flour, sugar, black beans, and juice packets. They made little notes to put in the basket they were going to give away saying: 'God bless you,' 'Jesus first loved us and so we want to love others,' or 'Jesus tells us to carry each others' burdens and so we want to help you.' We then delivered them all to the kids houses and they then went out to bless others' with their 2nd basket. A total of 46 baskets were made. We hope and pray that the kids continue to understand the love Jesus has for each one of us.
On Saturday June 2nd we had our 2nd annual pool day with all the kids in our program along with their families. We had 58 people come and have fun swimming, playing soccer, eating snacks, and enjoying the swings and slides. It was a little chilly and we had a little rain (notice the umbrella in the photo), but overall it was a great day interacting and getting to know siblings and parents of the kids in our program.
Our normal after-school program continues as well. We had to figure out some details about how certain things worked in the new house, but now it's running smoothly. We are looking forward to our two interns coming within the next month, along with the Ewert family, who will all be a big help to us.
Rainy season has begun and it is so calming to be out on our balcony or up on our roof sitting and listening to rain fall around us. It is such a reminder of the Holy Spirit's calming presence in our lives when our schedule is crazy, or things are stressing us out. A reminder to be calm, sit and listen and rely on the Holy Spirit.
So grateful for all of your prayers and financial support.
Andi, Shauna, and Sammy
If you have any questions or want to know more about our ministry and what we are doing in Guatemala send us an email at abrubaker@pushtherock.org or krishauna@hopeforhome.org.
If you feel God is calling you to support us financially you can go to pushtherock.org/donate and find Andi Brubaker on the drop down menu. Dios le bendiga.
