What we are doing here

So we have approached and passed our half way mark here in Guatemala. As I think about this I am amazed at how fast the time has gone and how I really want to grasp a hold of what is happening here. So for those of you who know little about what we are doing, here is the scoop.
We are working along side some great friends here in Flores, Guatemala who run a ministry called Buen Samaritano (Good Samaritan). There are 2 aspects to this ministry that run daily. First is a medical clinic that sees people for little or no cost. They will never turn someone away, even if they can't pay a dime. Second is a vocational school for young boys aged 15-20. At the vocational school is where Craig works. Currently there are 10 boys that he works with daily to help them learn carpentry, welding, and others sometimes teach computer and electrical classes. This ministry was started to help young boys to stay out of gangs and get their lives on a path that would guide them to a future of great success. When our friends felt the burden to start this ministry they asked the boys why they join gangs. They gave 2 main reasons 1. quick money through drug dealing and other crimes (minors can't be prosecuted here so they are recruited to do this work) and 2, a sense of family and belonging. Most of the boys come from homes where the father is absent and one boy has no father or mother so belonging is hugely important to them.
So our friends, Ovidio and Derida, have created a place that meets both of these needs. The school is free to the boys and after they have been there for a bit they have to opportunity to make a small salary funded by the projects they make and sell. This gives them a sense of pride and ownership in the work that they have accomplished. Also, this shop where they work becomes a safe place for them to come and place of belonging. The boys are great friends and enjoy what they do together. It gives them a place to be every day and something positive to do. And Bio, Derida & Craig would do anything for these boys if they needed. They have gone to educational school functions when a parent couldn't. They have given them clothes when they were needed. They feed them daily a hearty nutritional snack. And most importantly they love them by sharing life with them daily. The boys love coming to school. They have a great sense of pride in their work and they love having a group that they belong to.
We are so happy to be a part of this and we look forward to an even greater 3 months to come. Thank you to everyone who loves and supports us!