Last Tuesday, we heard about the first case of Covid-19 in Parramos – a 40 year old woman who had been in Chimaltenango hospital for a c-section. As a result, the mayor has instituted a few more checkpoints and closed the open market in the main square. From what I’m hearing (I really don’t go out much), the city has quieted down quite a bit and it’s pretty empty on the streets. 

This past Saturday, a few of us went to take some food to the grandmother of some of our children. Due to travel restrictions and the curfew, she had not been able to go out, so our wonderful lawyer Marisa picked up a package of food that had been prepared by a staff member at House of Hope. We added protein meal packs as well as paid for a month of phone service so that she can call the children here and have a means to communicate if needed. Aside from a bag of corn kernels used to prepare tortillas, I did not see any food at her home so was very glad we could drop off some staples.

Meanwhile at Immanuel, we’ve started a few new things. The caregivers continue to work with the teachers (via WhatsApp) on daily homework assignments for the children. In addition, I’ve started to work with the grade school kids on beginner English lessons. Just once a week, but I’m enjoying spending time with them.

​And doggies! Our groundskeeper got a puppy and will be bringing him to work during the day. He's around 4 months old and still needs his vaccinations and a flea collar, so will be hanging out in the large chicken coop for now.

And of course prayer. I’ve been listening to messages recently on prayer and being very challenged and encouraged. While I enjoy my private prayer times, I really felt God leading me to pray with the staff. So we have started to pray together 3 times a week – Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings, after the children have gone to sleep. I’m excited to see how God will work through these times, as we intercede for the children, each other, and whatever/whoever else God leads us to bring to Him in prayer. 

As always, your prayers and partnership are much appreciated!
​
-Jackie

Another week of stay at home, stay healthy has passed. Travel restrictions have been lifted in all but 4 departamentos – unfortunately, we are in one of the four with restricted movement.
 
Schools remain closed and children and elderly are still not allowed in public spaces. The President has said that the regular school break that occurs from October to January every year may be shortened as necessary to make up for this current extended school closure.
 
And at Immanuel, we are enjoying wonderful weather, celebrating the beauty of spring, and getting haircuts! Life goes on and God is good!
 
Thank you for your partnership!

My first Good Friday/Easter in Guatemala!!

Through the wizardry of social media/Youtube, I was able to participate in Good Friday services with Seattle Community Church in real time - praise God!!

​On Good Friday, the children were shown through drama the suffering of our Savior that is able to bring them eternal life - great job by the caregivers!! And on Easter Sunday, we celebrated together through message and song - a lovely duet by one of our caregivers and one of the children!! Please pray for seeds to have been planted!

And the Toque de Queda (state of emergency) continues...
The President announced on Sunday night that restrictions on travel will continue as well as the curfews. Masks are mandatory in public places and anyone caught not wearing a mask could be fined up to $20,000! 

Life goes on at Immanuel - the children are continuing to learn and play and after 5 cases of chicken pox, we're enjoying a lull - hopefully no more children will come down with it, but we're prepared if they do. And big milestone for me - I just emailed out our very first newsletter this past Friday! I heard Mailchimp often sends these emails to the junk folder, so please check if you haven't received a newsletter. And also, if you have not received the newsletter at all and would like to, just email me - [email protected].

Thank you for your continued prayers for us! Here are some ongoing prayer requests - 

• ​Education: although schools are still closed, the teachers have been in constant communication with us, sending us material every day. We really thank God for their perseverance and pray that the children will stay motivated to learn and that the caregivers would be patient and creative in passing along the learning
• Children: health, learning, sharing (a challenge for some of them for sure!), not fighting
• Caregivers: patience, wisdom, love
• Jackie: To learn Spanish quickly and for health/safety - spending more time in Duolingo these days, trying to get better in Spanish

Passion Week 2020 I know will be very special in my memory for years to come. With all that is happening in the world today, Christ’s birth, death, and resurrection means all that much more. We know that there is so much more than this life, that eternal bliss awaits us who have accepted and live with Christ as our Savior and Lord. In the days and years ahead, these precious children will experience many sorrows and joys. Our hope is that Immanuel will be God’s instrument to make known to them the unfathomable love of their heavenly Father – God with us in all our celebrations and trials!!

Some national news - President Giammattei announced additional travel restrictions during Passion Week - no travel between departamentos (kinda like counties) unless it involves business and no sale or consumption of alcohol from April 6 - 13. Check points have been set up at various points of entry. 

Thank you all for your partnership and prayers!!