Caroline's Promise News

Rain, rain, go away!!! It has been a very rainy few days here in Sololá as torrential downpours from Tropical Storm Alex (now a hurricane) have pounded the area. Fortunately, the sun is actually peeking through the clouds today and it appears the storm has passed our area. The heavy rains didn't dampen our team's spirits. We spent much of the day Saturday working at a Compassion International host site in Sololá. The teachers and children had been preparing for our visit and each class performed songs and dances for our team. It was absolutely heart-warming and precious. We spent the rest of the afternoon playing games, reading Bible stories and teaching skills to the children. Blake and Ethan taught the children some basic self-defense movements. Finally, after sharing a snack of tortillas and hot chocolate with rice, we said goodbye. The program director had all the children pray for us. There just aren't words to describe the beauty of that moment. An interesting side-no...

After a very lengthy day of travel on Friday, our first Guatemala team arrived safely in Sololà, Guatemala. A 5:00 AM check-in time at the airport, 2 flights and a lengthy bus ride left everyone ready for a good night’s sleep. Saturday, we took a boat to another village located on Lake Atitlán called San Antonio Palopó. Here, we toured a cooperative that makes beautiful, hand-crafted pottery and tapestries. The project is funded in part by USAID and by adhering to fair-trade practices, it offers many families in the village steady employment, education and freedom from poverty. This community of artisans provides evidence of the power of fair trade practices and micro-enterprise in combating poverty. Our walk through the village, up countless steps, along the narrow passageways that wound through neighborhoods, and along a corridor of shops gave us all a first-hand look at village life…a way of life that has existed for hundreds of years. We even visited a colonial church which has bee...

If you are viewing this in a rss reader or email please click here to see the slideshow.

The team arrived in Guatemala safely on Friday and so did all of the supplies. They spent a lot of time in customs but in the end were able to bring everything (and everyone!) through. The trip to eagle's nest was long but safe. Several people were sick on the ride. We're praying it was just motion sickness. Will you pray with us? Jody's note: Lisa emailed to say they would probably not be able to send a more detailed report until Saturday night at the earliest, due to slow internet connection, etc. Keep checking back for more posts; I will update them as soon as possible after I receive them.

This summer we have two teams headed to Guatemala! Our first team leaves in just a few days and the second team will leave next week. We will keep you updated as frequently as slow Guatemalan Internet allows, so keep checking back over the coming days! Below are some things you can be praying with and for us as we prepare for this special time: travel safety health weather - lack of rain/storms, etc so we can do the work we need to do the hearts of the children we minister to that we would be an encouragement to our Guatemalan partners hearts of our team members to receive what the Lord is trying to teach them/show them family members left at home financial blessings for team members who are sacrificing to go Thank you for partnering with us through prayer! Your prayers are invaluable and we find great comfort knowing you are praying. Our first team leaves on Friday, June 25 th ; we will begin updating the blog as soon as we have word of their safe arrival.

As with all families adopting, raising funds can be difficult. The Griffin family from Rockingham County is getting ready to unite their forever family and they have found a creative way to raise funds. Have you ever sponsored someone in a walk-a-thon or golfing event? Well, the fundraising idea the Griffin's came up with is similar. Instead of walking or golfing, the Griffin's and a group of their friends are getting sponsors for the volunteer hours they will work to help a local widow fix up her home and yard. The money raised will assist with adoption fees and travel costs for the Griffin family. Additionally, Osborne Baptist Church in Eden, NC is offering an $8,000 matching grant! If you are interested in helping, the event will be this Saturday, June 19th at the home of Rebecca Rhodes. (408 N 2nd Ave, Mayodan, NC 27027). For more information you can contact Clay and Amy Griffin at: clayandamyg@yahoo.com

Our Guatemala mission teams leave in less than a month and we need your help collecting the following items: -Plastic oblong table cloths (any design) -Backpacks for younger kids -15 twin bed sheet sets (fitted, flat & pillow case) -Christian CDs in Spanish-Pots and pans (any size) -Sets of forks, knives & spoons -Teacher supplies–anything a teacher would use, such as bulletin board materials (everything must be in Spanish!) -Chalk (white and colored for teachers to use) If you can help, please contact us for drop off instructions. LisaHolbrook@CarolinesPromise.net 336-669-7340 Deadline to receive items is June 5. Also--If you do not have time to buy supplies, you can also make a financial contribution toward the purchase of supplies. Click on the following link: https://app.etapestry.com/hosted/CarolinesPromise/OnlineDonation.html and then select the fund "Guatemala Orphan Ministry" and put "Mission Team Supplies" in the comment box Visit http://www.carol...