Big Reveal

In my dreams - I am a third world Joanna Gaines but - among my ethnicity,  body shape and lack of overall style - I would need a giant life size photo of an old bathroom to put in front of this new bathroom and pull away to reveal the new bathroom you all helped build!  

So imagine this -

Turning into THIS! 

Imagine Chip and Joanne Gaines pulling those big life size cuts outs to reveal the new bathroom:

 

A fully functioning bathroom with running water, a toilet that flushes, and a working shower!  Plus electricity and a new giant pila that allows running water into it for washing!!  The water is contained, safe, and running!  No more flooding the alley, no more mosquito breeding grounds, and easily being able to wash hands and shower!!  Check out our Instagram page for videos!

There are truly no words to adequately thank each of you for every penny donated to this life changing project!  God is so incredibly good to stir in each of you a willingness to help and the spirit of generosity and we are forever grateful and the 25 people in the alley are incredibly blessed by your h(e)arts!  This is only the beginning!

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up!”
— Galations 6:9

Mad Dash!

"Whoever brings blessings will be enriched and the one who waters will himself be watered"

Proverbs 11:25

Mad dash to Guatemala - We just returned from a very short, action packed trip back to Guatemala to check on the projects, specifically the water project that has begun!  Thrilled to report that it is ahead of schedule - not quite on budget (as anyone who has done any home remodeling can relate to) - but it will be done properly and soon!  Shopping for materials, cleaning out garbage from the alley, and delivering food & clothing are just a few of the items that were crossed of our list! 

Joy - we set out to not only meet the physical needs but also be able to bring a little joy to this crowd.  We had the priveledge of taking a break and enjoying life with these special people by hosting a pinata party, serving a delicious meal, and taking them to jump on a trampoline which we are pretty sure was a first!  And what a fun - trust building party we had!

The joy was palpable and lovely to see!  Thanks to everyone's generous donations - these blessing we are able to provide, pale in comparison to the gifts, insights, and blessings that we receive from being able to complete these projects!

Feeling extra thankful that we have the ability to travel easily to check on projects, build relationships, and spread a bit of joy as well!  As we said from the beginning, this is a mission of our family - and we feel like God has placed us in exactly the right place at the right time to embark on this project.  I am sure that there are many twists and turns that will happen but I trust that it will lead us to exactly where we are to be! 

And because we are well into the World Series mentality in this part of the world - here is the instant replay of our trip and ESPN highlights: 

Roll tribe:

Bursting the Bubble

Today was an incredible gift!  The Spanish teacher at our intermediate school allowed Mason & I the chance to speak to each of her Spanish classes.  We talked about Guatemala - the culture, language, similarities & differences - and then began to explore the poverty that exists in the world, both near and far! 

This is exactly what I love about this project!  

The gift of travel, mission work, and sharing stories is the way to "burst the bubble" and allow our children the opportunity to think beyond themselves and their needs - to allow themselves to be a part of something greater!  And it is so necessary in our world!

I was beyond impressed with how they all paid amazing attention - both while I was sharing a bit of our story, a clip of the Living on One Dollar Movie about "Water from a Pipe" , - and holding a Q & A session.  Their comments and impressions gave me chills multiple times throughout the day as the children began to really "get it" and become excited about this project!  I think sometimes we forget that our school aged children can handle some of these topics and seem to embrace it easier than some of us adults!  Here is just a snippet of some of the comments that I had the privilege of hearing today - 

Favorite quotes of the day from 4th, 5th, 6th graders:

“This is very eye opening! So, I was able to give $12 freely without thinking about it - and that is what a family would earn in almost a whole week!?”
“I am going to rake 3 peoples leaves this weekend to earn money to give to Hearts 4 Guatemala!”
“I am just thinking - I will easily spend $10 on a meal without even thinking about it - and these families need to feed their whole family on <$2 a day! Wow!”
“So this is like a “Make a Difference” project - but as a family! You saw a problem and are trying to help!”

Muchas Gracias!  I am already looking forward to speaking next trimester and seeing who wins the class prize this trimester!

Señora H(e)art

Jumping in!

Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.  Do not say to your neighbor, "Come back tomorrow and I'll give it to you' - when you already have it with you.  Proverbs 3:27-28

Here we go! We are not withholding anything - but jumping in with 2 feet (or maybe 6 for the h(e)art family)!  We continue to be amazed at the volume of work that has been accomplished in such a short period of time! Projects have been completed to begin to address security, malnutrition, income disparity, access to education, and some small simple home improvements.  

All because each of you who donated, prayed, and supported us - were willing to say "Yes" to our family's big "Yes"!

The water project begins tomorrow and we are so thrilled to see this project start and take shape!  Please pray with us that this water project goes smoothly, safely, is well accepted, and on budget :)   Our other hope is that at the end of it, our team of sponsors and hard workers will see how far their generous support went to provide 2 sanitary and useful bathrooms, one shower, a new "Pila", and proper storage and drainage of the water.  

This last item of containment and drainage of water is key to providing safe and filtered drinking water and decrease the episodes of mosquito born illnesses!  This is truly a life-saving project!

If you haven't checked out our "IMPACT" section to see all that has been accomplished - please go here to check it out!  

Here's to Life,

The H(e)art Family