Humble Offerings

Thank you for your prayers, brothers and sisters. It's Erika again. I'm going to tell you about my experiences today. I was part of the stove crew this morning. We went to the same village where I had installed my first stove. This home, however, was up a steep hill farther down the street. John & Ramona, Jo, and myself all helped assemble the stove. We took our time carrying the materials for the stove up the incline. I fell a couple of times, but thankfully I was unharmed as were the materials. When we had everything up to where the stove was going to be Dave and Angel leveled the ground and laid the foundation. As we worked on the interior of the stove, getting everything flush and in place, we took turns playing with the children. There were three that lived there.

Geronimo, the youngest

The oldest was nine, and I believe the youngest was three. Ramona gave them coloring pages. I stayed with the stove for the better part of it all, but at one point I stepped out to give Angel room to make the vent for the chimney and as I sat down I saw the mother coming up the hill with a bottle of 7UP in her hand and a black bag. She sat down the things and said "Un momento." She stepped into the house and produced 7 mugs and told us the soda was for us and the bag had sweet bread in it. I was so taken aback by her generosity that I almost forgot to say "Gracias." I sat and drank my 7UP and Ramona said "This is the best 7UP I've ever had." I couldn't agree more. She was so hospitable and humble, I couldn't begin say how much she reminded me why it is that we are here, in Guatemala. I nodded to Ramona and took another swig of my blessed 7UP. I split a sweet bun with Dave and continued work on the stove. As I spread the ashes, one of the last steps in the process, I thought to myself that every falling particle could represent my prayers for this family. I prayed that they might have many wonderful meals with this stove and that the children would grow up strong and healthy, and that they could take pride in the stove and be reminded of what God does in our lives. We are merely footsoldiers, messengers for God. Our actions speak for Him. As we made our final trek down the slope I took a moment to look back on the family. I saw them all standing together, watching us leave with smiles on their faces. Today I was once again reminded how fortunate we are and humbled by our host's generosity. The soda and half a sweet bun I had was enough to fill me up, more than that I was full. It's amazing what God will do with a gift.

 So I encourage you, my brothers and sisters: Never underestimate the depths of your kindness. You may not see it's weight, but God always works in and through you for his good purpose.