As a final celebration, we shared a worship service together. We sang songs together, and we sang songs to each other. Church elders gave impassioned speeches of how they had prayed to God on their hands and knees that they might receive a blessing and finish their church. Tears were shed. Prayers were offered. Gifts were given. It was both fulfilling and humbling. Through it all, a little girl lay sprawled out on the clean new tile floor, sleeping soundly - a testament to the contentment many were feeling.

As we left the church that day, we said our goodbyes and embraced. I was a bittersweet time. We were excited to be going home, but we wanted to be able to stay and learn even more about the lives of those we met during the week. But that is what will keep us coming back, and hopefully, what will motivate us to bring the Guatemalans to our churches, to share their knowledge and experiences with us. Such is the nature of partnership.

God did wonderful things during our mission week. The community continues to feel a blessing. Since we left the Elim church, they hosted an official service on July 25th to dedicate the new church floor to the service of God and the village. Maria, a bright, beautiful 16-year old from Monte Carmelo, will be hosting a vacation bible school this fall. She has 106 children enrolled in her classes. Who knows what might have happened had we never visited Monte Carmelo and shared this experience with our brothers and sisters there? What we do know is that God is alive at the Elim church, and continues to touch lives both near and far.