A haziness in the air sets in at the end of the dry season here in Guatemala. The air gets heavy in the afternoons as we wait for the rains to return. In Biblical symbolism, the rain is synonymous with blessing; it is only fitting that the rainy season starts as we enter the most exciting months of the year for our ministry.

On May 1st, our school staff gathered in the main square of Jocotenango for our annual Kermesse (street fair). This event is always tonnes of fun and helps us connect with students, parents and alumni in a more informal context. There’s plenty of delicious food, games, and a soccer tournament. People can buy new pets, plants, or second-hand clothes. Last year’s Kermesse was a smaller affair, but this year we were back to our pre-pandemic levels of big crowds and wild fun. The Kermesse also helps us raise money for Campamento.

This year, our Campamento (kids camp) will occur sometime in June. To say that we are very excited would be an understatement. Campamento has always been the highlight of the year for staff and students. Many alumni still say that Campamento 2019 was the highlight of their time at CCAF. That was four years ago, and this will be our first Campamento post-pandemic. Please pray with us that it will be a powerful time and that the Lord will touch the lives of our students.

We were deeply blessed by the many short-term teams that visited during the first part of the year; our short-term team leaders are taking a much-needed break until July and August. In March, we hosted the youth group from Cornerstone Community Church in Virgil, Ontario. During their stay, we held baptisms for some of our middle and high school students, and one of the team members even decided to be baptized right then and there!