San Juan La Laguna (Ami San Lucas)

Whilst up at the lake I also got the chance to revisit Ami San Lucas- a project working with rural communities in health education and community development. On my previous visit, I had met some of the health promotors that they had trained. This time, they showed me a small garden that they have started with the health promotors -- they are just receiving training in the use of medicinal plants and want to be able to produce their own, so that they are able to sustain the help that they give ther communities.

I was also able to catch up with some of the staff - who during my last visit were just starting a project to help communities plan their response to nature disasters and emergencies. They are coming to the end of this project now - with 5 communities having been trained and

drawn up emergency plans. This will make a huge difference when earthquakes or hurricanes occur as many of the communities and far away from any emergency response that the government could provide. It's such a breathtaking experience to visit these communities - travelling up and down and around the mountains on hair pin turns and steep slopes -- but I know that these are exactly the thing that makes these communities at high risk from natural disasters and the hardest to reach, when something does happen. Enabling communities to assess their risk and respond to emergencies themselves is such valuable work.

San Pedro La Laguna

The last couple of days I've been in San Pedro La Laguna - on the shores of Lake Atitlan. I was visiting the 1st Baptist church of San Pedro, and their medical clinic.

The church is in a fantastic location with great views of the lake all around.



It's not a rich church, but has just found itself reaching out to people in their need - when Hurricane Stan struck a few years ago, the church was used as a refuge for many families from neighbouring towns and villages who had lost their homes.

About 7 years ago, they started 'El Buen Pastor' (the good shepherd) Clinic, with the help of a couple from Spain who were both Doctors. The clinic is very well equiped, much better than most of the government facilities in the area, and has a lab and pharmacy on site.

They have room for 2 or 3 consultations at the same time, as well as a labour clinic/ward.





They also have a minor surgery.


But unfortunately the Spanish couple had to return to Spain suddenly and the clinic is left understaffed by Doctors. They have a number of nurses and midwifes - but no full time doctor. - A doctor from another Christian project in San Juan La Laguna is helping out at the moment but can't do that indefinitely. So they are looking for more long term help - so that they can fulfill their vision of serving their community.

Step in Guatemala

So the Spring Step tema have arrived in Guatemala. For the next 2 months they will be working with GEU (The University Christian Union) - making some repairs to the headquarters and student residence, and helping out with small group bible studies and evangelistic activities on campus. During their first week, Andy from the UK office was visiting - bringing gifts of chocolates and newspaper (the chocolate didn't last long enough to be photographed!!).

- They've been on a fairly strict budget so far, so were very pleased when he also took them out for a meal.

-- and another day having fun on the swings and seesaws! Who says Step teams aren't mature and responsible adults???????

Strider Goodbyes

This morning we said goodbye to Jo, Matt and Cat.

Yesterday we went to EarthLodge (yes it is as hippy as it sounds!) to relax and evaluate their time here.

It's a fantastic place -- with a great view out of the window of the organic loo!

Steppers leave Honduras

I was in tegucigalpa for the step teams last weekend - there were lots of hugs and tears as the team said goodbye to everyone they'd got to know.