January 1, 2014 Tim

I am an Industrial Technology and design teacher from Australia, and I am here in Guatemala learning, living, loving and teaching. At the beginning of the project we began the process of refurbishing over 100 desks for the school.

As a teacher I know the importance of high quality, well prepared and maintained facilities and resources, so as the work project within my professional scope, I have gladly been running it.

When wood working, you will spend most of your time finishing a work piece, through the process of sanding and varnishing. As most of the UCG volunteers had done very little wood work, they would be put through their paces.

Many of the desks had many deep scratches and inappropriate language on them, so many hours of sanding were required. Everyone on the team has risen to the challenge that the work project has presented.
Painting and varnishing the desks now presented a whole different challenge, one which required time, team work and patience. When it comes to painting by hand there is no shortcut, but it is good to know that we are working for the betterment of the school here in Eagle's Nest.

I believe that the lack of machinery and equipment is a blessing in disguise as we will typically take what we have for granted.

Over the previous years as a teacher, I have found out that students who have a purpose will always do the best work and our purpose here is to serve and improve the lives of these orphans.

I have been very impressed by my fellow volunteers here at Eagle's Nest. Their patience, caring and love of God is very inspiring and as many people have told me and continue to tell, is that this is one of life's greatest adventures, the serving and following of Christ's own words.