Pigs as Prizes!!

Yesterday I caught up with a project in Zaragoza, who will be receiving a Step team next week. They run educational projects for children who are at risk of dropping out of school, and have expanded their activities to include adult literacy programmes, computer classes, women´s groups, a water filtration project and lots more. Yesterday, whilst I was there, they also launched a new project. Four of the children who have consistently attended the educational programme were awarded with a... 4 month old PIGLET! Their 'certificate' also included a commitment to look after and feed their pig so that it grows healthily - the presentation ceremony included some advice from the local family who have reared the pigs so far. In a few months time, they´ll be able to sell the pig, giving their families much needed income, as well as the ability to buy another piglet and start the whole process again.
In this rural town, this is a great way to help local families in extreme need. At the same time, it teaches the children vital skills and responsibility in looking after an animal. Brilliant!

Irish Step Team = Great Craic!

This week, I welcomed a step team from a church in N. Ireland. After some very long flights, then several hours in a minibus, this was the last part of their journey to get to the church where they´ll be working - rickety bridge over the river and then a quick ride in the back of a pick- up. Fairly standard Step project!

 The boys getting comfortable before starting on the real work!!!

 These guys are working in an area which is really hot so the physical work is going to be a challenge!

It´s been good to get to know this team. Normally Step teams are made up of individuals from different churches and backgrounds, but this is what we call a 'church team' -- all the members are sent from the same church. And whereas normally, individual members all have their own reasons in participating on Step, this group was put together with the specific purpose of developing the skills and confidence of young leaders in the church through serving in a cross-cultural context. I´m excited to see what God will do in each of their lives through the experience.

Last days with the Spring Step team.

 The last weekend of the Step teams time in Guatemala was spent at the beach - with a few other friends. Monterrico is a great place to relax and chill out.

 Needless to say - all the good photos were taken by someone else!!