Dreams. Reality. All Glory to GOD.

Usually, dreams are a little confusing when you think deeper about them. They are a beautiful vision of wishes coming true, and you simply find yourself there enjoying that awesome dream. You really do not think of how these wonderful things came to be. You do not know how you got there, what you did, or how hard you worked for them. You have no idea how much time went by, how old you are in that moment, or where you are. You just enjoy the moment of victory and satisfaction. 

Then you wake up and deal with reality. You are where you were in the beginning. You perhaps have some knowledge and some resources, but what you most importantly need is faith. The Bible says that ‘faith is the evidence of things not seen’ (Hebrews 11, verse 1). We prayed over our dreams, that they may be what GOD wants us to do to glorify HIM and make HIS dreams come true.

That said, it was up to me to create a program for the students from 6th grade to 3rd básico (12-16 years old) from the school Fuente de Esperanza in El Zapote, Escuintla. You should know when it comes to me, myself and I, it always is a true brainstorming process with focus on storm. There was that dream, not of me teaching, but of kids getting excited when learning about GOD’s amazing creation … and I had no idea of how to get from a dream to reality!

Moreover, whoever has dealt with kids knows that getting kids excited about something, or really anything, ain´t that easy. So I decided to just do what I could do and let GOD take care of the rest. Of course, there could have been a better teacher, a better structure, a better environment, more resources, etc. There will always be a huge wishlist and things to improve, but most important is to get things started and have faith that GOD is with us on every step… and HE was definitely there for our amazing team throughout this whole school year. 

We taught them about water and hydration with a variety of lemonades (ginger being their favorite mix) to keep them strong and healthy, which is so underestimated, especially in a very warm and humid area like El Zapote. Then we had a series of classes about preparing and improving soil with natural fertilizers, sowing seeds and multiplying plants, caring for our ‘plantlings’ with organic pesticides, fungicides, and fertilizers, and how to distinguish pests and fungal diseases. All subjects were combined with a devotional and a Bible verse to keep GOD’s word in their minds as they grow (up and plants).

Little by little, interest and excitement arose, on the part of the students, teachers, and ourselves, and everything culminated in a plant market, organized and produced by the students! This is the part where they were finally able to use all the things they learned and put them into practice. Learning can be fun, but hands-on is always so much better!

The students were in charge of creating plant-related products and brands around it. Some were designing labels, some were in charge of announcements, crafting decorations, and getting the word out to their families and the whole community about the market. Some prepared fresh food and drinks at the market. Some were the sales representatives on site. Everyone was included, and we dearly hope that everybody had fun during the process! 

The result was a professionally executed market with the following products:

• beauty products such as rose water

• dried medicinal herbs for teas and fresh tea

• fertilized soil in bags

• fruit trees and medicinal herbs

• plant pots made of recycled materials

• delicious fruit smoothies

• peanut-honey sweets

• tostadas with organic toppings

• chicken-salad sandwich

• home-made chuchitos with cabbage salad.

We are proud of all of them; they surpassed our expectations. Congratulations!

And here we are now, at the end of the school year in Guatemala, giving all glory to GOD! HE is who carried us through dreams to reality.

For of HIM, and through HIM, and to HIM, are all things: 

to whom be glory forever. Amen.

Romans 11:36