Joann and I have just returned from another summer trip changing lives in Guatemala. It never gets old seeing those smiling faces when we arrive to build a home for a deserving family who has never had a home with a non dirt floor, with a door that locks, with a roof that doesn't leak.  This year, I led a team of 7 women, 2 men and 2 teenagers all of whom fell in love with a country that is unbelievably poor, surprisingly wealthy and indescribably beautiful. 

With the help of 55 friends, families and colleagues who donated to us thru the mail and thru our gofundme.com account, we worked hand in hand with our sponsor, Catalyst Resources International, to build a very special home!

At the end of our first day building, this round rainbow appeared in the sky. No lie. It was like God was sending kisses from Heaven and saying, "You guys are doing a great job!".

Watching the family look up at their home being built was a tear jerker.

Normally we build homes inside the village but this home was set on a mountainside amongst corn fields. It was breathtakingly beautiful.

Of course building a house is not the only agenda of the day.

Kissing babies....

Finding the ice cream man....

Making ramps out of the wood remnants and playing with new cars.....

And being goofy were all part of our days in the village of Cienaga Grande......

Finally the big reveal day arrives..... our hearts were so full .....

This family of 5 has lived in a tiny lean-to about 8'x8' and always slept side by side on 2 ratty mattresses. Now Carlos and Elvira have their own bed in their own bedroom for the very first time. Can you imagine?

Looking at these pictures makes me want to run back to Guatemala and do it all over again. It is truly a blessing to have the ability to give like this....

Stay tuned for part 2 of our trip and see photos of our day at House of Hope orphanage and touring the ancient city of Antigua.

All photos in this blogpost except for the first one were taken by our uber-talented team member Catrina Maxwell owner of CatMax Photography.