HERE WE GO AGAIN!!! JANUARY 2012

Guatemala January 2012 is very real! Joyce and Ashly Rhodes are heading up this next group since Randy Woirol will not be able to go this time. We are penciled in for the week of January 21 and following. We have 6 people already showing interest and $250 pledged. If you are interested in going to Guatemala with our team please sign up with Joyce or Ashley Rhodes. A $100 deposit is needed soon! Please make your checks payable to "Grace Mission Team" and give them to Joyce Rhodes or Randy Woirol our Team Treasurer. This is an experience that will grow your faith and challenge you to change your life for Christ!

We did it!

Thank you again for all who supported us in so many ways.
We arrived home from Guatemala at 7:00 am Monday morning after a long flight and long drive home from Chicago. We were all quite tired but still excited about our experience with the Guatamalan people.
What wonderful things God is doing in Guatemala. Not just among the people there but the mission teams that go as well. A great BIG thank you to Kevin, Ginny, and the Guatemalan mission team.
You were all so wonderful, from guiding us to keeping us safe and all of the many things that you did for us. Thank you does not seem sufficient. We will never forget you and we will keep you constantly in our prayers.
I know that I speak for the group when I say that we sill see you all again some day. I hope very soon.

Dios te Bendiga!!!
God bless you all!!!

Randy

Silly Gringos

• Osito is not the same as lo siento
• Bueno = good , Guano = mui, mui malo!
• Oopsidaisio= a Guatemalan “uh Oh”
• Not everyone had the chance to go fishing (which is a good thing) J
• When you want fresh milk, look for the goats
• Some flowers only live an hour and a half- at night
• Fresh eggs come from the Juevo truck complete with speaker system
• Grass too long?  Try a machete! (Or borrow a horse)
• Stop signs are optional
• Drive off at the Gas station and don’t worry about losing your license- you won’t be alive to need it again.
• There is a place with worse potholes than Michigan
• Turn Right at the big tree
• Impassible road?  Nah- just fill the holes with rocks.
• For hot water, dig a well  near a volcano
• Washing dishes is a 4 cycle process
• Never forget your sun sauce and bug sauce
• Two lanes for traffic = space for 3 lanes of vehicles + 1 motorcycle lane
• Motorcycle capacity = 1-5
• Don’t make eye contact with men holding assault rifles
• Keep Connie in sight at all times (and you thought we had to worry about Marilyn) J
• And always, always choose wisely

Now let us rise for the Guatemalan National Anthem:

    12 fire crackers
    11 car alarms
    10 motor cycles
    9 diesel trucks
    8 public buses
    7 police car sirens
    6 dogs a barking
    5 mating cats
    4 roosters crowing
    3 Ice cream trucks    
    2 Gringos singing badly
    And a tuna truck -  
    yes, we said tuna truckJ  

We Found Him! AMEN! AMEN!

Seven days ago, ten very different individuals arrived in Guatemala…each
with a different "plan" for their week-long opportunity to serve the
people. Had any of them heard that it was the group that would be
changed rather than the Guatemalans, they would have laughed. They were
arrogant at best.

The week's journey was an experience in searching for God and learning
about who they were…as God intended. They began at the bottom of a very
steep hill. Day by day, hearts were exposed more and more. The sights,
smells, visions and emotions in each of the villages contributed to the
convictions of each person in the group until the depths of their hearts
were exposed. Old wounds were brought to the surface. Issues of shame,
pride and selfishness were dealt with. God showed his face to each one
of the ten members of the group.

What began as a trip to serve those "less fortunate" turned into a week
of introspection and personal change. God spoke to each of the ten
hearts loud and clear. Yes, change took place, though it was not as
anyone had anticipated. Those ten people who traveled to Guatemala to
make the world a better place will be returning to West Michigan in two
days. They will be taking back not only vivid memories of daily home
visits, bible studies and singing, they will return with changed hearts.
God spent a week pealing away all of the shields and road blocks in
their hearts, leaving raw and exposed people, ready to make a difference
in their own homes.

The most difficult challenge for the group will be to assume life as
usual as it was eight days ago. Their family members will have an
opportunity to meet not new, rather "improved" loved ones Monday
morning. The biggest blessing will be for friends and family to truly
accept these new hearts, and allow their own to be changed as well.

Well it is day number 4.

We are up early to get ready and leave once more for Amatitlan. We stop
and pick up Chochi and continue to the park where we will do our faith
lessons. We begin by divide up in groups to do home visits. There are
amazing stories that I will not go into here. I will just say that it
left most of us wishing that we could do more for each one of the people
we visit. Unfortunately, that is not always the right thing to do. So we
share Scripture and talk and pray and weep with them. God will take care
of the rest. We go to Francisca's house. She has prepared us a
traditional meal of beans rice, and tortillas. She has a very delicious
drink made from the jamaca flower, which they brew down and add sugar
to. It is kind of like fruit juice when they are done with it. It was
quite sweet but very tasty. The faith lessons were really great. The
adults listened intently. The children were the most animated and
interactive we have had yet. They truly made the girls weep when they
all needed hugs when we left. It is enjoyable watching the children
wondering back to there homes carrying their crayons and proudly wearing
their crowns. We all pile in the van and head for the mission house. We
stop in the middle of town to drop of Chochi. It is the first of many
goodbye's to come. We take a detour and stop at a beautiful lake. Kevin
takes pictures of the lake and group pictures of us all and also
individual pictures with the Guatemalan team. Kevin told us that this
was a special stop not usually included in our day. The Guatemalans
wanted to show us this sight. It makes us all feel grateful that they
think so highly of us. We return to the mission house exhausted as
usual. Ginny has supper started and we sit down to pancakes. Yah! Highs
and lows all around the table seem to be about the same. We have had so
many different emotions this week, it is hard to get them all sorted out.

After supper we head up stairs for devotions and Jamie read from Matt.
25: 34 - 40. It is a sweet ending to another absolutely sweet and
astounding day.
To God be all the glory for ever and ever.
Only one more ministry day left. L

Good night to all !!
God's Blessings
Randy

Sweating with the Guatemalan’s:

Today we went South two hours to Buena Vista. It was a very warm one to
be sure. Even people who proudly said "I don't sweat" found themselves
dripping. The area was more jungle like with Cacau (Chocolate), Banana,
Rubber, Mango (and they are a lot bigger than the ones in the store ),
and papaya trees.
To get to Buena Vista you have to take a very bumpy, washed out in
places, dirt two track. There is no grass, very little concrete. "Main"
street is an abandoned rail road corridor which we walked to the river.
At the river we saw where they wash their clothes, swim, and bathe.
The people are mainly sugar cane farmers and some work outside the area.
The homes are made of old railroad buildings or the track parts, local
lumber, bamboo, tarps, or anything that can be found useful in
providing a roof or walls. There is some electricity but the makeshift
wood stove is still the major choice used for cooking. There is a store
of sorts that collects the wares from those on the bus that actually
makes it out there. It was a good thing Kevin and Ginny make us leave
our money home because when we were loading up to head back we saw young
girls caring ice back to there homes and many of us were quickly
thinking about an ice cold pop. None of us have had any pop since coming
down here. We drink room temperature water or Koolaid. We are even
starting to stink….Manuel who is our driver said to another Guatemalan
when we got into the van that we made the vehicle smell
Americano…whatever that means. He said it in Spanish but we caught the
drift or should I say whiff after the day of high sweat gland use. I
can't say I felt hot as I do in the states but sweat we all did.

We are all just so tired, most have headed to bed. I am the last one in
for the shower and then it is off to bed for me too. It is almost
midnight in the States,10 PM here. I was going to call Rick tonight but
we got back so late I will just have to try tomorrow.

God's love and Ours,
J Rhodes

Youngest Point of View

Every morning started out the same for me. Up at 5am (7am US) with my
buddy Rhonda (we always are the first ones up). Then everyone else
started to get up one by one, while my mom (Joyce) and I cooked french
toast for breakfast. After breakfast we headed out for El Rincon (the
corner) which is just outside the city of Amatitlan. There we did our
house visits and lessons. El Rincon is very close to the Pacaya, which
is the volcano that erupted not too long ago. On our home visits our
team was able to see the damage that the volcano ash did to Guatemalans
homes. We split up into groups and headed in different directions. My
group's first home visit today was with Sonia. She shared her story and
touched everyone in our group. This is her story…about 18 months ago
Sonia was shot in the spine and a friend of hers was also shot but
didn't survive. When Sonia got shot she wasn't a Christian, but that
quickly changed. Sonia started to attend church. After having surgery
she was put in a wheel chair and doctors told Sonia that she would never
be able to walk again. Even though the doctors told her that, her family
and church prayed for her. Prayers were answered, Sonia is walking with
a walker, that itself is a miracle which her family and her know. After
visiting the doctors again Sonia was told she needed another surgery for
her back. Again her family and church prayed for her and now she doesn't
need that surgery for her back anymore. God has truly blessed Sonia and
it was an amazing testimony. While everyone in our group was thinking of Bible verses to share with her; I thought about getting out of my
comfort zone and share a verse with her, but I hesitated. I closed my
Bible as I thought to myself we have already shared many other verses.
But then I was thinking to myself you just got to get over your fear and
read the verse. Then I couldn't remember what Psalm it was. Thinking I
had to go through all the Psalms again, I open my bible and was on the
exact page I wanted. I thought WOW! I must read this (it was Psalm
103:1-5). Now Sonia is walking with a walker, attending church and is
very involved in it. She said she feels God's presence and is grateful.

My second highlight of my day was the lesson with the children. After we
did our singing we split up the kids from the adults to do the lesson on
Esther. After we told the story of Esther to the kids we passed out
crowns for them to decorate. The kids LOVED IT!!! I was walking around
helping some kids peel off the back of their jewels so they could put
them on their crowns. Then this girl came up and said something to me.
Looking around I had no translators near by to translate for me. All I
could think was why didn't I take Spanish in high school. After some
time I figured out that she wanted me to help her with her jewels for
her crown. Then she was saying something to me again and I wanted to
know what she was saying, so I took her with me and hunted down a
translator. Then after I was done helping Amanda with her jewels I
moved on to help other kids that were sitting by her. Next thing I know
I have a hand on my hip. Then felt a hand move to my arm, I looked over
and it was Amanda. I looked at her with a smile and then went back to
helping the other kid, Amanda never left my side. I walked away for a
few minutes to help hand out coloring books. After Amanda got her book
she hunted me down. I thought Amanda wanted me to sit with her while she colored, but found out that she wanted me to color with her. Amanda made my day, she gave me a hug and a kiss on the cheek. It was a wonderful way to end the day.

-Ashley

P.S. Joyce….
The prayers of God's people are being answered here in Guatemala!
Opening the Bible to the correct page, words that are not our own,
People in need of God's touch, these have been everyday occurrences
here. We both wish to thank you all for your support. God be Praised!

day 3

Good morning from Guatemala,

We are preparing our hearts this morning for our devotions with the Guatemalan team, before we head out to Amatitlan to do our first faith lessons and more home visits. We are asking for your prayers today that we are able to touch the hearts of the Guatemalan people.

Dios te Bendiga!

Randy

P.S.: Happy Anniversary to my dear and loving wife of 36 years! I love you!

Emotionally Drained.

Those are the two words that describe the team best today.

This morning we were able to see the new carpentry shop for George's
Boys (Only a Child Ministries). A true highlight for us all to see these
young men who have chosen a better life for themselves away from the
streets and into the shop producing the most beautiful wooden boxes. I
am sure that you have already heard from Connie on this one so I will
not embellish anymore on this subjectJ

From there we made a most somber visit to the volcanic- ashen cemetery.
First, we had to pay to even enter. In Guatemala, people are buried
above ground, so you could just imagine the elaborate buildings filled
with graves and flowers. Some of the buildings were approximately three
stories and Kevin referred to them almost "like Condos" for the
deceased. Spaces are rented for six years for the bodies. If the family
is unable to pay for the rental, the graves were then chiseled from the
cement and then disposed of in the adjacent dump. Just a frightening
sight to witness caskets just laying open on the hill over looking the
dump. It was heartbreaking.

And the dump- there are no words to describe this devastating place. Our
view from the cemetery was overlooking the dump. We thought that the dump in Coopersville smelled bad- not even close. The hardest part,
wasn't the overwhelmingly horrific smell, but the hundreds of people IN the dump. To many in the La Libertad village, this is the only way of
life. The dump is their livelihood where they collect things to sell for
recycling, and search for things to eat for their families. We were all
immediately changed by this experience. And forgive us when we get home,
but throwing something in the trash will probably haunt us for quite
some time.

After a delicious lunch of beans, rice and tortillas, we anxiously
ventured out to make home visits in La Libertad. Something about this
village- it is located on top of the old dump. People were actually
LIVING on top of the garbage. After attempting to get people to move
several times, the municipalities gave up and poured dirt and cement for
the people to build their homes on. And when I say "build" I mean that in an entirely different way in which we build in the States. The homes are literally made of tin pieces with a dirt floor. Although us "Gringos" stood out like a sore thumb, the people of the village were very kind and welcoming to us all. There were people selling fruits, veggies, etc… every few steps of the narrow path. It is so hard to put the experience into words.

The home visits were anything but ordinary. From visiting a young lady
who just recently lost her mother to a weary woman getting over
sickness, The experience was overwhelming. Our last visit was with a
family that had just buried a family member moments before. They were
chased out of the cemetery dodging bullets that were meant for a family
behind them. The very same cemetery we were visiting just hours before .
I will not get into any more detail about the home visits today, for I
am still trying to process them all.

All in all, it is amazing to see how content people are with what they
have and how exciting it is to be able to pray with these people.

Tomorrow, we begin our faith lessons in Amatitlan , approximately 45
minutes away. We will be sharing the story of Esther with nearly 75
children. How excitingJ

Thank you for your continued prayers and support!

Dios Te Bendiga! (God Bless)

Jamie

P.S. We want to start the world on fire…. Watch out!!!!

The Lord’s Day in Guatemala

Hi Everyone!

Today was a special day for all of us. Nineteen of us piled into a 15
passenger van and headed off to attend service at Manuel's church.
Manuel is one of the five Ministry Staff members whose picture is on the
Groundwork Guatemala display in our church Narthex. He is the one on
the right with the mustache. For those of you who haven't seen our
display board, you can see a picture of the Ministry Staff at the
following site:

http://www.groundworkguatemala.org/view/sponsor/missionaries

Wow! I have never attended a church service like this one before. The
Guatemalans know how to praise God with gusto! I was literally moved to
tears. Marilyn asked me what got me to crying, and all I could say was
that I didn't know. It was in Spanish, and I just didn't understand it.

I was asked by the team members if I would let you know that it has been
suggested for us to let go of our lives at home and concentrate on
getting to know the people of Guatemala during our brief visit with
them. This is why you don't see us posting anything on our Facebook
pages, and/or checking our email. (I expect my crops to wither in
Farmville on Facebook, but I've agreed to just "let it go.")

Since I'm in charge of communications, I'm allowed to post to the blog
and send updates to our Prayer Partners and others by special request.
I'm asking team members to feel free to add their thoughts to my
musings. Today Joyce is sharing some of her thoughts with you (see
below). Meanwhile, I'm heading off to bed Again, everyone else is
already sawing logs. I guess I'm the night owl in the group.

Blessings,
Connie

And now, let's hear it from Joyce:

Greetings from Guatemala! We arrived safe and sound with very few
problems. The weather is warm, wet, and warm again. My sweat glands are working very well!
Church this morning was wonderful. The message was from Joel 2: 12-19
(yes pastor we just can't forget you even if we try). God's spirit was
very evident as they sang, danced and swayed to the music. The band had
drums, coronets (3), base guitar, key board and 3 singers. Oh also 5
dancers. They all played very well and had us on our feet for over 45
minutes. I was given more kisses and hugs this morning than I have had
since the funeral and that is saying a lot if you know Rick and I. One
lady I thought wasn't going to let go.

I have completed one scarf and one more bottle holder so far this trip
that I will most likely leave here for Ginny and Kevin to give as gifts
at Christmas. All the candy we brought with us will also be given at
Christmas. Just got to keep my hands busy.

Gods love and mine, Will write more as the week progresses.

Joyce Rhodes.

Praise the Lord! We're here!

Yaaaaaay, Lord! We are finally here, safe and sound. We arrived in
Guatemala City a bit ahead of schedule, shortly after 6 am Sat. morning.
Surprisingly we got through customs fairly uneventful, considering all
the in kind offerings, craft and Bible study supplies we had packed in
duffel bags and our personal luggage. As the customs officials searched
through some of the bags, they just kind of rolled their eyes and made
comments among themselves with grins on their faces. Of course, none of
us really knows Spanish so we have no idea what they were saying about
this weird group of people coming to visit their country.

We were pretty travel weary when we arrived, as our flight out of
Chicago left about 3 am and we arrived in Guatemala City shortly after 6
am (their time, which is a couple hours ahead of us). None of us slept
much on the plane. However , I guess you can say we hit the ground
running, as several of us headed off to help on a project at the former
carpentry shop of Only A Child ministry. This ministry maintains a
shelter and carpentry shop for the street youth in Guatemala City. They
recently moved to a different location and are preparing the old
location to be leased by someone else. We painted walls alongside some
of the homeless young men and had a good time doing it. In spite of the
language barrier, we came away from there with the feeling that we had
made new friends. You can find out more about this ministry on the
following website: http://www.onlyachild.org/. Check it out. It's cool
what they are doing there.

That's all I'm going to write about today. Everyone has gone to bed, and
I'm feeling inclined to do the same really soon. It's been quite a day.
Thank you all for your prayers. Good night.

CLM

This is another test + a different email address for me.

Well, this is another test. Now I'm working with the netbook that I'm
taking on the trip. The keyboard is smaller, so I tend to make even more
typos than usual.

Also, I want everyone to know that I will be using a different email
address while traveling. If you get something from
grammacracker@gmail.com, it's me. You might want to do whatever you have
to do to keep it from going into your junk/trash folder.

If you want to send me email while I'm traveling, please send to the
grammacracker address.

Shelly, I haven't heard from you about whether or not you are receiving
my emails. I need lists of everybody's prayer partners. Do you have it?

Thanks,
Connie

More testing...

This time I’m testing the distribution of blog posts by email, and sending copies to others to share the information.  (This is my backup plan, in case for some reason it doesn't end up on the blog.)  I'm told the internet isn't always reliable down there, so I probably won't be able put the info directly in the blog. Posting by email may be the way to go.  I would appreciate it if those getting this email would reply, so I know that you got it.  Thanks.

Get ready, get set, let's GO!

This is a test message to see how I post to the blog via email. I just said a prayer that it works.

God's Blessings,
Connie

IT IS ALMOST HERE!!!!!
It is packing day! 3 days to go. Team members need to meet a 7:00pm at church. Please pack and bring what you can in the luggage you intend to bring so we can put in-kind donations in. I will bring a scale so we can make sure we are under the 50# limit. Remember we can only take 2 pieces plus carry-on.

Also Lynn Lassanske will also be there to help us and give advise and answer questions!!

**** IT IS VERY IMPORTANT THAT EVERYONE BE THERE ***
THANKS

more travel info

money issue: Take whatever you want to use as spending money and money to purchase with in Guatemala will need to be carried with you -- generally $20 bills with some smaller denominations .... The key is clean bills that look great (no tears/bends/wrinkled/writing etc) Each person or family group should bring a credit card with them for emergencies. Bring only copies of the driver license, your medical card etc. It is recommend a passport carrier around your neck when traveling ... put passport, all my copies and most of my money, records, and credit card in the passport travel holder -- it works great.

travel arrangements to O'hare

George Rawson (a former mission team member) will be your driver to O'Hare airport. He will plan to be in Coopersville by 7 PM on July 16th
The trailer will be attached to the Van to carry all lungage to the airport.

Return trip George and pastor L will be in Chicago at Ohare airport on the morning of July 26 to pick the mission team up.. around 3 AM

A big Thank you! Cost of transportation to the airport and back is a gift from the CIA Mission Group at Trinity Lutheran Church

team info

Information from Ginny today.
1) The present number of children they are making contact with in a week is around 500

2) This note: The last three teams haven’t had any trouble in the airport.
They’ve been wearing business casual, going through in groups of 2-3
and their in kinds were distributed among suitcases and duffels
so no one bag held all school supplies or all meds, etc.

A little more information on the conditions in Guatemala. the following link is to a news article posted on the LCMS website. It gives a little clearer picture of the devistation. It appears that God has given us plenty to do when we arrive in Guatemala for our mission week there. We need to pray that God will direct our efforts where they are needed.
http://www.lcms.org/pages/rpage.asp?NavID=17104

Sunday Offering

Praise God! Our special Sunday free will offering totalled $1437.26. We are that much closer to Guatemala!!

AIRFARE

ATTENTION!! YOUR ATTENTION PLEASE!!
I have submitted the payment ! As of today our Airfare is paid for.
We are in the home stretch.Only 2 months to go!

AIRFARE

Regarding gary's post could everyone please forward their names as they appear on their pasports as soon as possible so we can get our airfare paid for? you can email them to Gary.

Updated Travel Information #2

We need to turn in our list of names to the Travel Agency by May 21st. They need to be listed as they are on our Passports.

Updated Travel Information

Just as a reminder to the group. Our final payment for travel is due by May 21st

Updated

Kristen has a different email address.

I'll send it to everyone.  Meanwhile, this is a test to see if you are getting notifications from the blog at your personal email address, Kristen.  The last two posts I put on the blog tonight will end up at your old email address.  Sorry about that.

In Kind Donations

Who is keeping track of what we have already received of our In Kind Donations?  I'd like to update the page we have the list on, so everyone can tell where we are in this particular task.

Next Meeting is May 25th

Hi all!  Had a meeting this afternoon and not everyone was able to be there.  So, FYI, the next one will be on Tues. May 25th at Shelly's home in Ravenna.  Meet at the church at 6 pm to carpool, or get directions to 13180 Bailey Rd. in Ravenna from Mapquest. As we get closer to departure date it is recommended that we meet more often.  This will be more of a social meeting, so bring a snack to share and plan on getting to know each other better.  After all, we are going to be spending a week together in close quarters this summer... so we should find out if we need to pack extra deodorant. 

Travel Information - Changing of Departure Date/Time

As requested by the group, I have checked into changing our departure date from Sunday to Saturday. This would have gotten us back to Chicago on Sunday instead of Monday morning. Since our meeting and posting in the information on our BLOG. I have gotten several emails that don't care one way or another, but favor what ever works out best for the group. I have also gotten a couple of emails that prefer to stay with what we currently have planned. I have got no emails asking to change the departure date from Sunday to Saturday.

So the votes are in and counted. We will stay with what is currently planned.

Please Read - New Departure Date - Optional

Here is a copy of the email from Joy on the possibility of departing Guatemala on Saturday instead of Sunday. This will get us back to Chicago on Sunday morning instead of Monday.

There is no charge to the group for the change.

It appears to be a very long day for us. We dapart on Saturday at 1:07PM and have a 5 hour layover in San Salvador and arrive in Chicago at 1:50AM on Sunday morning. This is not a direct flight.

It doesn't matter what option you choose to me. Please zip me an email and let me know your preferance. If it appears to me the group prefers the latest option, I will notify Joy and have her make the change.

Please advise.



Hi Gary, I heard back from the Taca Group Desk. No fees to change to the 24thbut they do not have the direct flight available. This is the schedule they are offering:7/24 depart Guatemala 1:07PM arrive San Salvador (El Savador) 1:57PMDepart San Salvador 7:05PM and arrive Chicago Ohare 1:50AM on 7/25. Let me know - thanks, Joy

Medical Supplies List 2 of 2

Children's Vitamins 5 Bottles quantity 100
Metformin 800mg 4 Bottles quantity 20
Benadryl 12 Bottles

Medical Supplies List 1 of 2

GROUNDWORK GUATEMALA MEDICAL WISH LIST
Needed most:
Anti fungal ointments
Antibiotic ointment
Antibiotics in general for children
Antibiotics: amoxicillin, ampicillin, tetracycline, etc.
Benadryl
Cough / cold / sinus medicines for all ages
BP cuff of all sizes
Current nursing drug book
Containers for liquid/cream medicine distribution
Decongestants – adult & pediatric
Diabetic test strips and meds of all types (Metformin)
Dosage cups and eye droppers for liquid meds
Diarrhea and nausea meds
Electrolytes
Eye & ear drops, antibiotic and non antibiotic
Hydrocortisone cream
Infant vitamins
Masks
Naproxen sodium, ibuprofen, acetaminophen
Parasite and worm meds
Pill counting tray
Prenatal vitamins
Throat lozenges – medicated & non medicated / sugar free also needed for diabetics
Strep tests
Vitamins – adult & children’s
UTI (urinary tract infection) test strips
Other less urgent needs:
Alcohol wipes
2", 3", 4" sterile gauze wrap / kling
Ambu bag of all sizes
Antibiotics for parasites, amoebas & worms
BP meds w/written parameters
Bandaids – assorted sizes
Caladryl lotion
Alcohol
Foley supplies
Epi pens
Hydrogen peroxide
Gloves
Inhalers, nebulizers, nebules
Lice meds/treatments
Ocult blood testing supplies
Oto/opthamalmoscope and disposable speculums – rechargeable or battery
Pen light
Thermometers
Tongue depressors
Wound care supplies (including tape) of all types

Join Us for Breakfast – The Groundwork Guatemala team and the National Youth Gathering group are hosting and serving Grace’s annual Easter Breakfast this year! Easter Sunday morning (April 4), join us for some of the most scrumptious breakfast delights you’ve ever had; free will donations will be taken to support both of the host groups and their trips this summer. Breakfast will be served from 8:15 until 10:00am (Easter Services are at 7am and 10:30am).

New post on the Groundwork Blogspot. keep up to date on how God is working in Guatemale through the Groundwork mission.

http://allforhiminguate.blogspot.com/

Update on Fundraising

Check out the "Fundraising Projects" link.  I've put the latest updates at the bottom of the page.

Medical Supplies

To members of the Guatemala Group.

I have taken the list of Medical Supplies Requested and given it to my personal Physician and asked him to help us. Most Physicians have sales staff stop by on regular basis. He is going to ask some of the sales staff to help us gather items on our list. If you are comfortable with your Physician you may consider this as well.

Financial Support

PRAISE GOD! we are about 1/3 of the way to Guatemala!!!
We would be very grateful for any support that you can do.
Financial or prayers. If you can help financially checks can be made out to:
Grace Mission Team, and mailed to
Grace Lutheran Church
300 E. Cleveland Ave
Coopersville MI 49404

Thank you agian for all your support!!!!

Travel Information

Ticket Information

May 21, 2010 - Last day to Cancel - $50 per person fee applies.

May 21, 2010 - Complete Legal Name List Due Via Email to Joy Converse at Pro Travel

May 21, 2010 - Final Monies Due

Travel Information

Luggage Policy:

(2) Free Checked bags per person allowed with a max weight of 50lbs and max size of 62 linear inches. (W+D+H = linear).

(1) Free Carry on allowed per person with a max weight of 40lbs and 42 linear inches.

Travel Information

July 17, 2010 Taca Flight #589
Departs Chicago O'Hare @ 3:05am, arrives Guatemala 6:30AM

July 25, 2010 Taca Flight #588
Departs Guatemala 8:30PM, arrives Chicago O'Hare 1:50AM

Bibles

We got notified by Ginny from Groundwork, she would like us all to bring along with our English/Spanish New Testament, they want each of us to bring a pocket size English Bible. old and new Testament. one more thing to put on the packing list.

Fit for Life "The Body Edition"

I just received an email from Jamie, and she wanted me to post the following:

Hi Everyone! Please tell all of your friends and Family that we will be starting Fit for Life "The Body Edition" on Tuesday, March 9th from 6:30-7:30 pm. We will be doing various workouts led by Wendy Reynolds- the first series will be a Turbo Jam work out. Suggested donation is $5. 100% of the proceeds will go to our mission. Please be sure to thank Wendy, as she is donating all of her time for us!

Fundraising

Take note that I have a page dedicated to the fund raising part of this trip.  Click on the "Fundraising Projects" link to see what our expenses are, and how we are doing in raising the funds needed.

Announcements

I'm entering a new posting today so that team members (and blog followers) can put their comments under this heading.  This is an attempt to kind of organize this site.  Now, all I have to do is figure out how people can see this heading so they can comment under it.  Hmmmmmm.

A blog for Groundwork Guatemala.

Today I am working on setting up a blog site for our team members to communicate with each other while preparing for our mission trip to Guatemala in July of this year.  Ultimately, this blog will be used to post to while we are in Guatemala.