Good evening, friends & family... actually, it's morning... my bad
We've been out of the country... but it's been no vacation. It was difficult & wonderful. There were deep, belly laughs and heartbroken tears. The poverty in this country goes on, but so will the bonds of our friendship... of both our team, as well as with the Guatemalans we met. Tomorrow we're heading home, but today:
Today has once again been a very emotional day. From the beginning till end...
We started out the day with two options: a trip to some Mayan ruins or a trip to "Café-landia" (Coffee land). I took the option of Café-landia, and it was an interesting & educational experience. We got to see the whole process preparing coffee beans & roasting the beans. All natural, Guatemalan coffee is amazing &... I bought 7 lbs... don't judge me.
We spent a great deal of time the rest of the day gluing Popsicle sticks together to make bases to boxes for a future kids' craft. The Guatemalan missionaries and our group glued together over 7200 Popsicle sticks and it was great to have the opportunity to spend this time with our new friends, the Guatemalan missionaries. We worked hard; but we also had a lot of fun sharing riddles back and forth, and laughing a great deal.
This was particularly great because it was the last time we'd get to spend with them. When they left the mission house to head home, there were many, many hugs & tears. They were very, very important to us and I know that I can speak for the whole group in saying that we're going to miss them A LOT!!
Tonight, after pretty much everything for the day... & a pizza dinner (it was good... not as good as Ginny's meals), we had time together for sharing about the whole week. I understand they always have the last night as the "Reflections" night, and wow... they had about 5 or 6 questions for us, and they brought just about all of us to tears at least one point or another. "Reflections" is really a great name for it, because we really thought about the whole week and how it's going to affect our lives going forward. I was very moved by many of our groups' testimonies and confessions. It's been a long time since the last time I went on a mission trip, but I feel as close to this group as any other of any other mission trip I've been on. I was sharing tonight that this was sort of an eclectic group, but we really came together & loved on each other throughout this week.
I feel truly blessed to have come on this trip, I can't even imagine the situation if I hadn't come. The Lord led every single one of us to come to Guatemala this week. We've seen God move in ways we never could have imagined.
I'm physically spent... I'm emotionally exhausted... I'm actually kinda dirty... And I will never forget this experience, and I can't wait to share it with others in America when we return.
So... what's next, God?!
God Bless, you all!!
-Luke, & Terri... cause Luke is too ADD to get a blog started on the last night of a mission trip
Saturday, October 25, 2014
Thursday, October 23, 2014
The Last Day in the Field
As we reflect on this week our evening devotions tonight was Matthews verses where Jesus fed the 5000 men plus the women and children by multiplying the 5 loves and 2 fish. As a group we prayed that the time spent with the Guatemalans, the children, the babies, the adults would be multiplied.
- May the love of the Lord that was shared be multiplied
- May the smiles and hugs shared be multiplied
- May the bible stories shared be multiplied
- May the words of the songs sung by the children above the sounds of the chain saw touch the hearts of the men using them and multiply
- May the encouragements given be multiplied
- May God receive glory for the smallest of contributions of in kind donations and money given so children can receive an education be multiplied
- May the work of the Guatemalan missionaries be multiplied
- May all of your love shared this week be multiplied
- May the changes started in the hearts of us all be multiplied
- May the laughter shared be multiplied
Wednesday, October 22, 2014
Happies and Crappies
To whom it may concern, we made it through another day in paradise! Every night at dinner, we go around the table and share about our day, also knows as our happies and crappies. I thought tonight I would share with you some of our happies and crappies for the day.
Crappy ~ The car ride to Buena Vista was a long, 2 hour trek.
Happy ~ During the car ride, the Americans got to talk with the Guatemalan missionaries. We shared stories about our life at home, about our families, and also about our faith. They helped us with our Spanish and we helped them with their English. (They are especially fond of how hard Dustin is trying to learn Spanish.)
Crappy ~ Some of us have been suffering through allergies and continual headaches.
Happy ~ While waiting for the lesson to start, we got to play some games with the kids. First we played tag but then switched to cops and robbers, or in Spanish, policia y ladrones. We would chase down the kids, pick them up, and then carry them to the big tree where the "jail" was. We played in a soccer field so everybody got muddy!
Crappy ~ When we went to start the faith lesson, some men came in a truck and started using a chainsaw to cut down nearby trees. This made it impossible for the kids to be able to hear what we were saying. Because of this we had to move across to the other side of the field so we could be heard. The thing is though, as soon as we left, so did then men who were working there. Oscar called it the Diablo Chainsaw, translated to Devil Chainsaw. It was kind of like the devil was trying to stop us from sharing the story with the kids.Which leads into the next happy.
Happy ~ We conquered the Diablo Chainsaw and go to teach the kids the faith lesson despite the struggles. The kids also enjoyed coloring their boxes. One little girl even walked up to me and asked "debuja el conejo?" which means "Draw me a bunny?" and I was blessed to be able to understand her and help her decorate her box.
We also had many other adventures not mentioned above. We got to see how rubber was made (it comes from trees if you didn't know), and we got to visit more people in their homes and share the word that way as well. Some of us even got to venture down the mountain to a beautiful stream at the bottom. I won't tell you about all little things now though. You'll have to ask one of us about it when we get back.
Thanks for reading and God bless!
~Becca
Crappy ~ The car ride to Buena Vista was a long, 2 hour trek.
Happy ~ During the car ride, the Americans got to talk with the Guatemalan missionaries. We shared stories about our life at home, about our families, and also about our faith. They helped us with our Spanish and we helped them with their English. (They are especially fond of how hard Dustin is trying to learn Spanish.)
Crappy ~ Some of us have been suffering through allergies and continual headaches.
Happy ~ While waiting for the lesson to start, we got to play some games with the kids. First we played tag but then switched to cops and robbers, or in Spanish, policia y ladrones. We would chase down the kids, pick them up, and then carry them to the big tree where the "jail" was. We played in a soccer field so everybody got muddy!
Crappy ~ When we went to start the faith lesson, some men came in a truck and started using a chainsaw to cut down nearby trees. This made it impossible for the kids to be able to hear what we were saying. Because of this we had to move across to the other side of the field so we could be heard. The thing is though, as soon as we left, so did then men who were working there. Oscar called it the Diablo Chainsaw, translated to Devil Chainsaw. It was kind of like the devil was trying to stop us from sharing the story with the kids.Which leads into the next happy.
Happy ~ We conquered the Diablo Chainsaw and go to teach the kids the faith lesson despite the struggles. The kids also enjoyed coloring their boxes. One little girl even walked up to me and asked "debuja el conejo?" which means "Draw me a bunny?" and I was blessed to be able to understand her and help her decorate her box.
We also had many other adventures not mentioned above. We got to see how rubber was made (it comes from trees if you didn't know), and we got to visit more people in their homes and share the word that way as well. Some of us even got to venture down the mountain to a beautiful stream at the bottom. I won't tell you about all little things now though. You'll have to ask one of us about it when we get back.
Thanks for reading and God bless!
~Becca
Tuesday, October 21, 2014
Hello from Guatemala!
This post if from Maggie.
Hello everyone, Thank you everyone for your thoughts and prayers! We are having a blessed time here, our minds have been opened to the culture and how we as Americans take things for granted like fresh water and the medicine and resources that are available to us.
Today we went to El Rhicon (spelling and accents are missing i have no idea how to put them along with where they go on the word hehe) It is a small farming town about 1 hour away. We got to see some volcanoes along with the hill side. What a breath taking view!! We started out doing a couple home visits. They are such a wonderful time to talk with the Guatemalans and to connect through God's word. Today was also our first day teaching the young kids about the Tower Of Babel. The kiddos were so attentive and so loving. It was amazing seeing how ready they were to learn and talk to us (even though communication was limited)
Overall it was an amazing day! Tomorrow we're off to a town called Buena Vista about two hours away. We have to leave here very early in the morning so that's all for tonight.
Buenos Noches!
Hello everyone, Thank you everyone for your thoughts and prayers! We are having a blessed time here, our minds have been opened to the culture and how we as Americans take things for granted like fresh water and the medicine and resources that are available to us.
Today we went to El Rhicon (spelling and accents are missing i have no idea how to put them along with where they go on the word hehe) It is a small farming town about 1 hour away. We got to see some volcanoes along with the hill side. What a breath taking view!! We started out doing a couple home visits. They are such a wonderful time to talk with the Guatemalans and to connect through God's word. Today was also our first day teaching the young kids about the Tower Of Babel. The kiddos were so attentive and so loving. It was amazing seeing how ready they were to learn and talk to us (even though communication was limited)
Overall it was an amazing day! Tomorrow we're off to a town called Buena Vista about two hours away. We have to leave here very early in the morning so that's all for tonight.
Buenos Noches!
Monday, October 20, 2014
Yes!
This post comes from Terri
Greetings to all who are reading this! I trust that if you are reading this you are keeping us in prayer too - so Thank you!
"Does anybody want to do the blog tonight?" "yes!" I replied. And here is why... Not because I have anything brilliant to say, but because that is what this week is about for me (for us as a team) is saying yes. Yes to God, Yes to an opportunity to be uncomfortable, and for me tonight, yes to writing the blog.
I think it is true for all of us this attitude of "yes". I see it as Kevin asks if anybody would like to pray before a meal, or at a family visit, or whatever the case may be. Just this wonderful attitude of yes. Here are some other "yes" items:
Blessings,
Terri
Greetings to all who are reading this! I trust that if you are reading this you are keeping us in prayer too - so Thank you!
"Does anybody want to do the blog tonight?" "yes!" I replied. And here is why... Not because I have anything brilliant to say, but because that is what this week is about for me (for us as a team) is saying yes. Yes to God, Yes to an opportunity to be uncomfortable, and for me tonight, yes to writing the blog.
I think it is true for all of us this attitude of "yes". I see it as Kevin asks if anybody would like to pray before a meal, or at a family visit, or whatever the case may be. Just this wonderful attitude of yes. Here are some other "yes" items:
- Is Ginny a good cook: Yes! We had beans and rice today for lunch, a Guatemalan staple, and I really liked it. The coffee is wonderful, and Ginny is keeping us very well fed.
- Are the "beans" talking back "yes" and I for one am trying to be discrete about it!
- Are we feeling stretched emotionally and spiritually "yes"
- Were home visits hard? "yes"
- Were home visits wonderful? "yes"
- Are we learning a lot about the culture? "yes"
- Has anybody gone "fishing" ? "yes" (Let me explain, we cannot flush toilet paper here. So if we forget and toss it into the toilet there are gloves provided on the wall for the fishing expedition.)
- Has the weather been cooperating so far, "yes"
- Was the Bible time with the Guatemala missionaries this morning a wonderful time of learning? "yes" These people know the word of God! It is wonderful to to have this time that crosses any language barrier.
- Are the children beautiful? "yes"
Blessings,
Terri
Sunday, October 19, 2014
Grace Mission Team in Guatemala 2014 - Sunday Oct. 19
Man, that's a really boring title... Especially when you consider how great this first full day in Guatemala has been!!
This evening's post comes from Luke Esselman. Hi everyone.
We started out this Sunday morning, not too early, with a wonderful breakfast made for us by our hosts, Ginny & Kevin. At that time, Kevin shared with us what all this day would entail. We would soon leave for church at Manuel's church (Manuel is one of the Guatemalan missionaries). I knew this worship service would be unlike anything I'd been apart of in the past, but I didn't anticipate how emotional it would be for me personally. The Guatemalan people were just so "present" in worship... you could just see and feel they're desire to worship & serve the LORD. It started out with several songs (in America we would consider them fairly contemporary) and their worship band was just as good as most any band I've seen in a church setting in America. At first it was just enjoyable to listen to the Spanish, clap, and just be there as a part of the service... but a few songs in, I started recognizing the songs & was able to sing along in English. Of course, it especially helped when the worship leader sang some of a particular song in English. The LORD'S presence was just so evident & palpable, it was amazing! There was a message or sermon (not sure how they title it), and most of our group would have been completely lost if it weren't for Sarah & Rebecca Draper. Oh my goodness!! They were so awesome; listening for a while then translating a section of the sermon for us... I was so incredibly impressed with them.
After worship, we returned to the mission house & had lunch, then the rest of the day has been spent working at the mission house. We brought A LOT A LOT of stuff (yes, I intentionally said A LOT twice... well, three times now)! But our group worked so diligently & hard: sorting toothbrushes & soap, boxing up craft supplies, stapling coloring sheets, rubber-banding crayons, and so on. They may seem like tedious tasks, and quite a bit to take the whole afternoon, but it was great to serve & to grow as a group in this way.
At dinner (which again was fantastic, Ginny is quite the cook), Ginny & Kevin asked us all to share why we were here, why we had come on this Guatemala mission trip. I'm not going to go through & tell you all the stories... first of all, PERSONAL!! Secondly, it would take a long time. However, let me just say... tears were shed! So many tears!! But don't worry, it was a wonderful experience. I feel way closer to this whole group after this dinner & very much more emotionally connected to this trip after this whole day.
I am so thankful to our great, gracious God for granting us the opportunity to be here in Guatemala this week. I've had so many friends come down to Groundwork Guatemala in the past, and this is looking to be everything they said & so much more. Very anxious for what is going to come next!!
Hope this wasn't too long.... Blessings all!! You'll probably hear from someone else tomorrow.
-Luke
This evening's post comes from Luke Esselman. Hi everyone.
We started out this Sunday morning, not too early, with a wonderful breakfast made for us by our hosts, Ginny & Kevin. At that time, Kevin shared with us what all this day would entail. We would soon leave for church at Manuel's church (Manuel is one of the Guatemalan missionaries). I knew this worship service would be unlike anything I'd been apart of in the past, but I didn't anticipate how emotional it would be for me personally. The Guatemalan people were just so "present" in worship... you could just see and feel they're desire to worship & serve the LORD. It started out with several songs (in America we would consider them fairly contemporary) and their worship band was just as good as most any band I've seen in a church setting in America. At first it was just enjoyable to listen to the Spanish, clap, and just be there as a part of the service... but a few songs in, I started recognizing the songs & was able to sing along in English. Of course, it especially helped when the worship leader sang some of a particular song in English. The LORD'S presence was just so evident & palpable, it was amazing! There was a message or sermon (not sure how they title it), and most of our group would have been completely lost if it weren't for Sarah & Rebecca Draper. Oh my goodness!! They were so awesome; listening for a while then translating a section of the sermon for us... I was so incredibly impressed with them.
After worship, we returned to the mission house & had lunch, then the rest of the day has been spent working at the mission house. We brought A LOT A LOT of stuff (yes, I intentionally said A LOT twice... well, three times now)! But our group worked so diligently & hard: sorting toothbrushes & soap, boxing up craft supplies, stapling coloring sheets, rubber-banding crayons, and so on. They may seem like tedious tasks, and quite a bit to take the whole afternoon, but it was great to serve & to grow as a group in this way.
At dinner (which again was fantastic, Ginny is quite the cook), Ginny & Kevin asked us all to share why we were here, why we had come on this Guatemala mission trip. I'm not going to go through & tell you all the stories... first of all, PERSONAL!! Secondly, it would take a long time. However, let me just say... tears were shed! So many tears!! But don't worry, it was a wonderful experience. I feel way closer to this whole group after this dinner & very much more emotionally connected to this trip after this whole day.
I am so thankful to our great, gracious God for granting us the opportunity to be here in Guatemala this week. I've had so many friends come down to Groundwork Guatemala in the past, and this is looking to be everything they said & so much more. Very anxious for what is going to come next!!
Hope this wasn't too long.... Blessings all!! You'll probably hear from someone else tomorrow.
-Luke
We Are Here!!!!!
Hola Everyone,
We made if safely in Guatemala late last night.
We had a 4 hour overlay in Huston, TX.
While waiting for our Guatemala flight our Terminal changed 4 times on us. So we got our exercise yesterday move from Terminal 1 to Terminal 24 (4 times), which are at opposite ends of the airport. We also had a 40 minute delay on top of that. We all were very tired when we arrived to the mission house.
We will post more later tonight.
Grace Mission Team
We made if safely in Guatemala late last night.
We had a 4 hour overlay in Huston, TX.
While waiting for our Guatemala flight our Terminal changed 4 times on us. So we got our exercise yesterday move from Terminal 1 to Terminal 24 (4 times), which are at opposite ends of the airport. We also had a 40 minute delay on top of that. We all were very tired when we arrived to the mission house.
We will post more later tonight.
Grace Mission Team
Friday, October 17, 2014
test
WE ARE OFF FOR OUR 3RD TRIP TO GUATEMALA!
PLEASE PRAY THAT WE HAVE OPEN HEARTS AND MINDS AS WE TEACH OUR FAITH LESSONS AND VISIT ONE ON ONE WITH OUR GUATEMALAN FRIENDS.
THURSDAY NIGHT WE PACKED EVERYTHING IN 13 BAGS AND 8 BOXES. JUST HAVE A LITTLE LEFT TO PUT IN CARRY-ON BAGS.
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE THAT HELPED GATHER ALL OF THE DONATIONS.
WE BOARD OUR VAN AND HEAD FOR CHICAGO OHARE BY 7AM SATURDAY.
THANK YOU TO TRINITY MUSKEGON FOR ALLOWING US TO BARROW THEIR VAN AND TRAILER. WE OWE THEM A DEBT OF GRADITUDE.
WE WILL POST DAILY TO KEEP YOU INFORMED OF OUR PROGRESS.
YOU CAN ALSO CHECK OUT GROUNDWORK GUATEMALA ON FACEBOOK. GINNY AND KEVIN POST PICTURES THEY TAKE OF US THERE.
THANKS YOU AGAIN FOR ALL YOU LOVE AND SUPPORT!
RANDY AND THE REST OF THE TEAM
PLEASE PRAY THAT WE HAVE OPEN HEARTS AND MINDS AS WE TEACH OUR FAITH LESSONS AND VISIT ONE ON ONE WITH OUR GUATEMALAN FRIENDS.
THURSDAY NIGHT WE PACKED EVERYTHING IN 13 BAGS AND 8 BOXES. JUST HAVE A LITTLE LEFT TO PUT IN CARRY-ON BAGS.
THANK YOU TO EVERYONE THAT HELPED GATHER ALL OF THE DONATIONS.
WE BOARD OUR VAN AND HEAD FOR CHICAGO OHARE BY 7AM SATURDAY.
THANK YOU TO TRINITY MUSKEGON FOR ALLOWING US TO BARROW THEIR VAN AND TRAILER. WE OWE THEM A DEBT OF GRADITUDE.
WE WILL POST DAILY TO KEEP YOU INFORMED OF OUR PROGRESS.
YOU CAN ALSO CHECK OUT GROUNDWORK GUATEMALA ON FACEBOOK. GINNY AND KEVIN POST PICTURES THEY TAKE OF US THERE.
THANKS YOU AGAIN FOR ALL YOU LOVE AND SUPPORT!
RANDY AND THE REST OF THE TEAM
Monday, January 14, 2013
The Journey Begins - Again!
GROUNDWORK GUATEMALA MISSION TEAM MEETING.
A big thank you to all who have signed up and have shown interest in serving the people of Guatemala. I can promise you it will be a life changing experience.
IT IS TIME TO GET OUR JOURNEY STARTED!
I know that October 2014 seems like a long way off but it will be here before we know it.
We would like to have our first organizational meeting on February 10th after church around 12:00 pm. Please set this time aside and join us.
We will, show a short power point, hand out some preliminary paperwork, answer any questions that you may have regarding the trip, and costs as best as we can. We will also begin to organize our team.
If anyone has not signed up because you are unsure please come to the meeting and we can answer your questions and hopefully help you to make an informed decision.
A big thank you to all who have signed up and have shown interest in serving the people of Guatemala. I can promise you it will be a life changing experience.
IT IS TIME TO GET OUR JOURNEY STARTED!
I know that October 2014 seems like a long way off but it will be here before we know it.
We would like to have our first organizational meeting on February 10th after church around 12:00 pm. Please set this time aside and join us.
We will, show a short power point, hand out some preliminary paperwork, answer any questions that you may have regarding the trip, and costs as best as we can. We will also begin to organize our team.
If anyone has not signed up because you are unsure please come to the meeting and we can answer your questions and hopefully help you to make an informed decision.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Until Next Time
Well here we are, 2 weeks after returning home from Guatemala and I still find it hard to concentrate on life here without constantly thinking about all we left behind. The love of Jesus that we shared with others and the love that was shown to us. All the dedicated Guatemalan missionaries and Kevin and Ginny that are so on fire for God and share God's love with their people. Not to mention the children who are so starved for adult and fatherly attention and love.
With that said, we have the great pleasure of reliving our trip to Guatemala this Sunday Feb.19 at church during the adult bible class. We will be presenting our pictures and telling all about our trip. Please make a special effort to come and see what God is doing in Guatemala.
I often think about why I have been so drawn to these people and have a burning desire in my heart to continue to go back. So many times you see or hear about the depressing way that people around the world must live and do not give it a second thought, or maybe give a few dollars to what you consider is a worthy cause in hope that it will clear your conscience and excuse you from really getting involved. I know I am guilty. After all we have so many responsibilities here. I sat down the other day and tried to put into words what I felt, not an easy thing for me to do.
here is what I came up with.
WHAT IS IT THAT CONTINUES TO PULL ME BACK TO GUATEMALA?
IS IT THE CONSTANT 75 DEG. SUNNY WEATHER?
IS IT THE SCENERY WITH BEAUTIFUL VOLCANOES ALL AROUND YOU?
IS IT THE TOURIST TOWNS WITH ALL THE TIENDAS OF GUATEMALAN MERCHANDISE?
IS IT THE FRESH DELICIOUS FRUIT?
IS IT NOT BEING ABLE TO EAT MEAT AND BE VERY CAUTIOUS ABOUT EVERYTHING ELSE THAT YOU EAT?
IS IT THE INABILITY TO SPEAK OR UNDERSTAND THE SPANISH LANGUAGE?
IS IT THE HORRIBLE TRAFFIC MAKING 6 LANES OUT OF A 3 LANE ROAD?
IS IT THE AIR POLUTION FROM DIESEL BUSES THAT BELCH BLACK SMOKE SO THICK THAT YOU CAN WIPE THE RESIDUE OFF THE CEILING OF YOUR CAR?
IS IT ALL THE NOISY CARS, MOTORCYCLES, TRUCKS AND BUSES?
IS IT THE LITTERED GROUND EVERYWHERE YOU GO?
IS IT THE POLLUTED STREAMS, RIVERS, AND LAKES?
IS IT THE POLLUTED WATER THAT YOU CAN ONLY BATH IN BUT NOT DRINK FOR FEAR OF GASTRO-INTESTINAL PROBLEMS?
IS IT THE 4 STEP DISHWASHING PROCESS? WASH, RINSE, SANITIZE AND LET DRY.
IS IT THE CRUMBLING SEWER SYSTEM THAT IS SO POOR YOU CAN NOT FLUSH TOILET PAPER?
IS IT THE THREAT OF EARTHQUAKES AND VOLCANOES ERUPTING?
IS IT THE MAINGE AND FLEA RIDEN DOGS AND OTHER ANIMALS THAT ROAM THE STREETS TO FIND A SCRAP OF FOOD ANY WHERE THEY CAN?
IS IT THE GUATEMALAN DUMP THAT IS FILLING IN A BEAUTIFUL RAVINE BETWEEN TWO MOUNTAINS?
IS IT THE M-16 TOTING SECURITY GUARDS EVERYWHERE THAT YOU CAN NOT TRUST?
IS IT THE POLICE OR GOVERNMENT THAT YOU ALSO CAN NOT TRUST?
OR IS IT THE HIGH RATE OF CRIME, EXTORTION, AND MURDER?
NO, I CAN HONESTLY SAY THAT NONE OF THESE REASONS ARE ENOUGH TO MAKE ME FALL IN LOVE WITH THIS 3RD WORLD COUNTRY, CALLED GUATEMALA.
I THINK THE REASON THAT I CONTINUE TO BE DRAWN BACK IS THAT GOD HAS BUT A FIRE IN MY HEART FOR THE PEOPLE THAT LIVE IN THIS COUNTRY AND STRUGGLE EVERYDAY.
MANY SURVIVE FROM DAY TO DAY SQUATING ON LAND THAT DOES NOT BELONG TO THEM; WITH NO ELECTRICITY, NO FRESH RUNNING WATER, AND NO SANITARY CONDITIONS OF ANY KIND.
YET THEY ARE THE HAPPIEST PEOPLE THAT YOU COULD EVER MEET.
IF THEY KNOW THE LORD THEY ARE ON FIRE FOR HIM AND COMPLETELY TRUST GOD FOR EVERYTHING THEY NEED AND SHOW IT IN THE WAY THEY WORSHIP, THE WAY THEY PRAY AND THE WAY THEY LOVE EVERYONE UNCONDITIONALLY. THEY ARE HAPPY TO SEE YOU AND INVITE YOU INTO THEIR HUMBLE HOMES. THEY WILL GIVE TO YOU OUT OF WHAT THEY HAVE, WHICH IS NEVER VERY MUCH.
YES GOD KEEPS CALLING ME TO GO TO GUATEMALA. I KNOW THAT I CAN NOT RELIEF THEIR SUFFERING. I HOPE THAT I CAN DO JUST A LITTLE SOMETHING TO BRING GOD’S LOVE AND HIS WORD TO THEM. HE IS SHOWING ME SO MUCH MORE THAN I WILL EVER BE ABLE TO DO FOR THEM.
WE PRAY FOR THEM AND TALK TO THEM OF GOD'S LOVE. WE SEE GOD’S HAND AT WORK HERE. AND YES, THEY ARE ALWAYS GLAD TO SEE YOU AND THANKFUL THAT WE CAME AND HOPE THAT WE WILL COME AND VISIT AGAIN.
GOD WILLING I WILL.
Thanks for following our blog. There is a lot of words written here that come straight from the heart.
Stay tune !!! Some of us have a desire to go again and are talking about 2014! God willing we all will be able to go and continue this journey.
With that said, we have the great pleasure of reliving our trip to Guatemala this Sunday Feb.19 at church during the adult bible class. We will be presenting our pictures and telling all about our trip. Please make a special effort to come and see what God is doing in Guatemala.
I often think about why I have been so drawn to these people and have a burning desire in my heart to continue to go back. So many times you see or hear about the depressing way that people around the world must live and do not give it a second thought, or maybe give a few dollars to what you consider is a worthy cause in hope that it will clear your conscience and excuse you from really getting involved. I know I am guilty. After all we have so many responsibilities here. I sat down the other day and tried to put into words what I felt, not an easy thing for me to do.
here is what I came up with.
WHAT IS IT THAT CONTINUES TO PULL ME BACK TO GUATEMALA?
IS IT THE CONSTANT 75 DEG. SUNNY WEATHER?
IS IT THE SCENERY WITH BEAUTIFUL VOLCANOES ALL AROUND YOU?
IS IT THE TOURIST TOWNS WITH ALL THE TIENDAS OF GUATEMALAN MERCHANDISE?
IS IT THE FRESH DELICIOUS FRUIT?
IS IT NOT BEING ABLE TO EAT MEAT AND BE VERY CAUTIOUS ABOUT EVERYTHING ELSE THAT YOU EAT?
IS IT THE INABILITY TO SPEAK OR UNDERSTAND THE SPANISH LANGUAGE?
IS IT THE HORRIBLE TRAFFIC MAKING 6 LANES OUT OF A 3 LANE ROAD?
IS IT THE AIR POLUTION FROM DIESEL BUSES THAT BELCH BLACK SMOKE SO THICK THAT YOU CAN WIPE THE RESIDUE OFF THE CEILING OF YOUR CAR?
IS IT ALL THE NOISY CARS, MOTORCYCLES, TRUCKS AND BUSES?
IS IT THE LITTERED GROUND EVERYWHERE YOU GO?
IS IT THE POLLUTED STREAMS, RIVERS, AND LAKES?
IS IT THE POLLUTED WATER THAT YOU CAN ONLY BATH IN BUT NOT DRINK FOR FEAR OF GASTRO-INTESTINAL PROBLEMS?
IS IT THE 4 STEP DISHWASHING PROCESS? WASH, RINSE, SANITIZE AND LET DRY.
IS IT THE CRUMBLING SEWER SYSTEM THAT IS SO POOR YOU CAN NOT FLUSH TOILET PAPER?
IS IT THE THREAT OF EARTHQUAKES AND VOLCANOES ERUPTING?
IS IT THE MAINGE AND FLEA RIDEN DOGS AND OTHER ANIMALS THAT ROAM THE STREETS TO FIND A SCRAP OF FOOD ANY WHERE THEY CAN?
IS IT THE GUATEMALAN DUMP THAT IS FILLING IN A BEAUTIFUL RAVINE BETWEEN TWO MOUNTAINS?
IS IT THE M-16 TOTING SECURITY GUARDS EVERYWHERE THAT YOU CAN NOT TRUST?
IS IT THE POLICE OR GOVERNMENT THAT YOU ALSO CAN NOT TRUST?
OR IS IT THE HIGH RATE OF CRIME, EXTORTION, AND MURDER?
NO, I CAN HONESTLY SAY THAT NONE OF THESE REASONS ARE ENOUGH TO MAKE ME FALL IN LOVE WITH THIS 3RD WORLD COUNTRY, CALLED GUATEMALA.
I THINK THE REASON THAT I CONTINUE TO BE DRAWN BACK IS THAT GOD HAS BUT A FIRE IN MY HEART FOR THE PEOPLE THAT LIVE IN THIS COUNTRY AND STRUGGLE EVERYDAY.
MANY SURVIVE FROM DAY TO DAY SQUATING ON LAND THAT DOES NOT BELONG TO THEM; WITH NO ELECTRICITY, NO FRESH RUNNING WATER, AND NO SANITARY CONDITIONS OF ANY KIND.
YET THEY ARE THE HAPPIEST PEOPLE THAT YOU COULD EVER MEET.
IF THEY KNOW THE LORD THEY ARE ON FIRE FOR HIM AND COMPLETELY TRUST GOD FOR EVERYTHING THEY NEED AND SHOW IT IN THE WAY THEY WORSHIP, THE WAY THEY PRAY AND THE WAY THEY LOVE EVERYONE UNCONDITIONALLY. THEY ARE HAPPY TO SEE YOU AND INVITE YOU INTO THEIR HUMBLE HOMES. THEY WILL GIVE TO YOU OUT OF WHAT THEY HAVE, WHICH IS NEVER VERY MUCH.
YES GOD KEEPS CALLING ME TO GO TO GUATEMALA. I KNOW THAT I CAN NOT RELIEF THEIR SUFFERING. I HOPE THAT I CAN DO JUST A LITTLE SOMETHING TO BRING GOD’S LOVE AND HIS WORD TO THEM. HE IS SHOWING ME SO MUCH MORE THAN I WILL EVER BE ABLE TO DO FOR THEM.
WE PRAY FOR THEM AND TALK TO THEM OF GOD'S LOVE. WE SEE GOD’S HAND AT WORK HERE. AND YES, THEY ARE ALWAYS GLAD TO SEE YOU AND THANKFUL THAT WE CAME AND HOPE THAT WE WILL COME AND VISIT AGAIN.
GOD WILLING I WILL.
Thanks for following our blog. There is a lot of words written here that come straight from the heart.
Stay tune !!! Some of us have a desire to go again and are talking about 2014! God willing we all will be able to go and continue this journey.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Good Bye Guatemala
Many of the team members shared at our last evening devotions tonight what they will be taking from their Guatemalan Experience. For me it is much more than an experience. It is living the way God has intended. Waking to bible study, prayers, visits with people sharing our love for the Lord, sharing the love of God with the children with bible story, puppet shows, crafts, and coloring pages, dinner prayers and Godly discusion around the table, evening devotions and reflection of the day in our journals, evening prayers and to bed so we can get up and do it all over again the next day. Every bit of work done was done to the Lord! We are disconnected from TV, radio, cell phones, computers (except when blogging), work (at least most of us), and other distractions that pull us away from God and our task in life of making more and better disciples.
Now we head for home where loved ones wait. We miss you all and thank you for all your prayers and support. We will see you soon.
Larry said to say hi to all (he never blogged). Many are in bed preparing for an early rise the rest of us will follow soon. Good night! God Bless!
Now we head for home where loved ones wait. We miss you all and thank you for all your prayers and support. We will see you soon.
Larry said to say hi to all (he never blogged). Many are in bed preparing for an early rise the rest of us will follow soon. Good night! God Bless!
Friday, January 27, 2012
Last day with the Guatemalans
We had our last VBS with the kids today at the Mission House. We had maybe around 30+ kids here. A breath of fresh air after the 300+ kids we had on Thursday. But it was also our final day with the Guatemalans. It's always an emotional day for the team… or for those of us who show our emotions, right Pastor? The team enjoyed having lunch again with the Guatemalans, and shortly after we started our VBS. When the VBS was over we only had a few hours left with our Guatemalans. So everyone is getting their picture taken with everyone and gifts are being exchanged with those who sponsored Guatemalans. Then the hard part comes when we have to say goodbye. Getting hugs from most of them before they headed out. Its amazing how close we get to each other here only being with them for such a short time. It is so hard to say goodbye because we do not want to leave. The week here has gone by so fast. It's been so nice being away from the busy, hectic life back home. Things are much simpler in Guatemala and that is a breath of fresh air… not that the air is clean here, because it‘s not.
We do long to be home with our families and being able to eat meat again! We will not miss having to go fishing anymore, or sleeping with snorer.
-Ashley
P.S. Rick- mom says she Loves You and will see you and Daisy soon!
And Jess- We Miss You and Love You!
Thursday, January 26, 2012
More Greetings From Guatemala
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| Joyce & Oscar (one of the Guatemalan missionaries) |
On a more spiritual note…God has been working here among the team and the Guatemalans’. Growing in faith while sharing ours, growing in hope as we believe and see all that is possible, and growing in love for God, His work, and all people. Ten very different people came to this city and country to witness to the Guatemalan’s. Ten will return changed by the grace of God in way too difficult to explain. We have seen Jesus, we have seen hope among destitute people, joy among those who have next to nothing and are content, love willing to give from what little they have all because they hold tight to the Lord and his love and forgiveness. It is this mission team that has been changed. It is through this place and God’s ability to work in the hearts of those he has chosen to serve. We have been given a great privilege, one we hope will last for a lifetime. God’s work will continue here when we leave. My prayer is that it will also continue in each person touched by the love of God and the Guatemalans.
My Time-Out in the Corner
I am a very impulsive person. Often I act before I think. And, many times I suffer the consequences of my actions in an unpleasant way. Today God gave me a “time-out” for my misbehavior. But, keep it in mind that our God is a good God, and is gracious in so many ways. For instance, my time-out is in a sunny corner of our ’gathering” room on the uppermost floor of the mission house. It has windows on three walls, which are all open to allow a nice breeze to flow through. No 20 degree weather here! I am surrounded with a view of blue sky, some puffy white clouds, mountains and an awesome volcano thrown in for good measure. Of course, I think God wants me to remember that I am on a time-out and shouldn’t be thoroughly enjoying this. Thus, the sounds of dogs barking relentlessly and the roar of busses passing below (not to mention the fumes), are a constant reminder that I am here to reflect on the actions that put me here.
Okay, I’m not going to bore you with all the details of what led up to my time-out in the corner today. I’ve been dealt a number of “opportunities” in the past month that started about the second week of December and led to the “opportunity” presented to me this week. In order to reflect on these happenings and to recognize the reason why, God put me in the corner for a time-out. In other words, everyone went out to do God’s work today, except me.
In the sermon last Sunday, the minister was speaking about a guy complaining about all his woes. I was fortunate to sit by Sarah (I only knocked over two chairs and stepped on one person’s toes to get there…. Just kidding). During the sermon, Sarah would translate the speaker’s words and I was writing them down as fast as I could. Unfortunately, I can’t write as fast as the Guatemalan’s speak… or Sarah translates. Consequently the sermon got narrowed down into seven sentences in my journal. I guess that would be called summarizing.
So, while I’m in my corner today, I am going to reflect on last Sunday’s sermon (and, believe me, it was much longer than Pastor’s sermons can get.) Here are a couple of the sentences that were food for thought for me today. (Please excuse my grammar, these sentences were written in haste.)…
1. “The things in this world don’t matter.”
2. “Look at bad luck as opportunities from God.”
Ah yes, those around me the past several days have heard me grumble about the three falls I have taken the past month and a half that have caused me to be trussed up like a Victorian lady in a corset. Each of these falls have given me the opportunity to embrace the thought that things in this world really do not matter.
For one instance, each fall made me give up on some things I thought I absolutely had to do before going on this trip. Actually, I learned that the things I didn’t get done really didn’t have to be done before the trip (they can wait for me to get back, and my pets won’t love me any less), or were taken care of with the help of others when we got down here. I had a ball with several of the team members as we finished the “Jesus” puppet and props for our skit. That was an opportunity I would’ve missed out on if I hadn’t had the “bad luck“ of throwing my back out. Si?
Also, while letting go of the things that didn’t have to be done, I was given the opportunity to reflect on how “lucky” I really am. After my first fall, I spent considerable time flat on my back to let some inflamed disks heal. This truly was an opportunity to count my blessings, since it hurt to do much of anything else. For what it is worth, whenever you are hurting for any reason (physically, emotionally, spiritually ,or whatever), dwelling on your blessings from God is a good pain reliever.
One thought that was uppermost on my mind at that time was how I would be able to get up and walk again as long as I took care of myself and let those things go that didn’t matter. That fall was only a temporary setback for me, not like the multiple of things faced by so many others in our world. At the time my thoughts and prayers were especially with Jane Harris‘s mom. Now, on a global note, I have been given the opportunity to pray for the husband and father in a Guatemalan family; who has injured his back at work and will probably have to live with that pain until he dies. The chance for getting any significant relief for a back injury down here is minimal. We met him on Tuesday, at one of our home visits.
Oh dear, I just looked at the clock. The team should be arriving home soon from their day’s work in the mission field. I guess I should tell you what put me in the corner today. It wasn’t my back… that was just my God-given opportunity to reflect on my blessings. I had to take time out today because I was having trouble breathing, and I can’t talk. It seems like my lungs and sinuses object to the air everyone breathes down here. Actually it is a reminder of how I’m blessed to live in Coopersville MI…. in spite of the landfill across the highway. As for losing my voice;for those who know me well, I can be quite a motor mouth. I believe it was God’s way of getting me to shut up and listen to Him speak for a while. (As the Guatemalans would say…. Ja ja ja ja ja ja ja ja ja.)
Over and out. I’m going to jump in the shower before the real workers get home.
Uh oh. Too late. They are coming in the door now. I can't wait to hear about their day. Maybe someone will share that with you later.
Okay, I’m not going to bore you with all the details of what led up to my time-out in the corner today. I’ve been dealt a number of “opportunities” in the past month that started about the second week of December and led to the “opportunity” presented to me this week. In order to reflect on these happenings and to recognize the reason why, God put me in the corner for a time-out. In other words, everyone went out to do God’s work today, except me.
In the sermon last Sunday, the minister was speaking about a guy complaining about all his woes. I was fortunate to sit by Sarah (I only knocked over two chairs and stepped on one person’s toes to get there…. Just kidding). During the sermon, Sarah would translate the speaker’s words and I was writing them down as fast as I could. Unfortunately, I can’t write as fast as the Guatemalan’s speak… or Sarah translates. Consequently the sermon got narrowed down into seven sentences in my journal. I guess that would be called summarizing.
So, while I’m in my corner today, I am going to reflect on last Sunday’s sermon (and, believe me, it was much longer than Pastor’s sermons can get.) Here are a couple of the sentences that were food for thought for me today. (Please excuse my grammar, these sentences were written in haste.)…
1. “The things in this world don’t matter.”
2. “Look at bad luck as opportunities from God.”
For one instance, each fall made me give up on some things I thought I absolutely had to do before going on this trip. Actually, I learned that the things I didn’t get done really didn’t have to be done before the trip (they can wait for me to get back, and my pets won’t love me any less), or were taken care of with the help of others when we got down here. I had a ball with several of the team members as we finished the “Jesus” puppet and props for our skit. That was an opportunity I would’ve missed out on if I hadn’t had the “bad luck“ of throwing my back out. Si?
Also, while letting go of the things that didn’t have to be done, I was given the opportunity to reflect on how “lucky” I really am. After my first fall, I spent considerable time flat on my back to let some inflamed disks heal. This truly was an opportunity to count my blessings, since it hurt to do much of anything else. For what it is worth, whenever you are hurting for any reason (physically, emotionally, spiritually ,or whatever), dwelling on your blessings from God is a good pain reliever.
One thought that was uppermost on my mind at that time was how I would be able to get up and walk again as long as I took care of myself and let those things go that didn’t matter. That fall was only a temporary setback for me, not like the multiple of things faced by so many others in our world. At the time my thoughts and prayers were especially with Jane Harris‘s mom. Now, on a global note, I have been given the opportunity to pray for the husband and father in a Guatemalan family; who has injured his back at work and will probably have to live with that pain until he dies. The chance for getting any significant relief for a back injury down here is minimal. We met him on Tuesday, at one of our home visits.
Over and out. I’m going to jump in the shower before the real workers get home.
Uh oh. Too late. They are coming in the door now. I can't wait to hear about their day. Maybe someone will share that with you later.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Wednesday
Pastor J again for Connie. Keep her in your prayers. Between her back and throat, she was all in today. Not much but a wispy croak comes out of her. So we put her to bed early.
Was an early morning departure 7 a.m. for Buena Vista, a tiny cluster of tin homes in the middle of sugar cane fields. A two hour ride - the last 30 minutes on a very rough road (?). Home visits in the morning. I got to shuck some corn as we talked with one lady who poured out her heart to us about her neighbor who had fallen into the creek face first and was hurt badly and hospitalized. She also was very concerned about the youth and what was happening especially to the boys in the community - turning into thugs and theives. This is a common problem in Guatemala, the men are typically not godly men, more interested in making children then being a father to them and giving them a guide for life. In our lessons with the children, there are always a few older boys that obviously think they are way too machismo for this kind of thing. They want to hear the lesson and do the crafts, but they are afraid they won't seem "cool". Once again, not so different with our kids in the U.S.
Commercial break: Men, please consider coming to the "Courageous" sessions that Mr. Luke is setting up at Grace. We'll be watching that great movie about being a godly father and working through it for about 7 weeks. Talk to Mr. Luke for more information about dates and times. We need godly men in our society who are ready to mentor our young men and women.
Back to home visits - an interesting experience with dirt floors and usually one room with some mattresses and maybe a shelf or two for their few clothes. Chickens will be running back and forth under your legs and several flea-infested dogs lying around. Water is a big issue for most. We took school supplies to a school that had been set up for the Buena Vista people and their well was almost dry - just a muddy sludge left. Last year the Guatemala missionaries connected with Groundwork Guatemala were able to offer about 120 water purifiers free to a number of different places and there was one there, but you can't purify what you don' t have any of.
The school only goes up to 6th grade and most of these folks will not continue beyond that, although Kevin introduced us to one young man who will be the first high school graduate from Buena Vista in anyone's memory. He has to travel two hours to get to a high school. Many also do not continue their schooling or interrupt it for a year or more because someone must always stay in their homes. They are all just squatting on land they do not own. If they leave their place, someone else may move in and take it over. The farmers let them be in most cases and sometimes they keep worse things from happening to their land.
The Guatemala missionaries are awesome. They always seem to know the right Bible passage to use in the right instance and are not afraid to hold their people accountable not just to believe in Jesus, but to walk with Him as His true disciples. We've all very much enjoyed getting to know them - the two hours in a hot bumpy van packed with people went quickly with good company both ways.
Must heap praise on one member of our group. The most heard word on this trip is sure to be: "Sarah" - what's the Spanish word for this or that - "Sarah, Sarah, Sarah." Don't want her to get a big head when she reads this later. She is just a poor miserable sinner like the rest of us...however... She has been an absolutely awesome translater and never seems to run out of patience as everyone is trying to use her to understand something better. The kids of course love her and I would say she certainly is choosing an area of giftedness as she studies to be a Spanish teacher. She also has connected with Manuel's family who lives at the Mission house where we are staying. They have 5 children ranging from 16 to 3. It could be hard for both sides when we have to leave...
Enough for now. A shorter trip tomorrow with same format when we arrive in Amatitlan. Home visits (people are usually quite ready to drop whatever they are doing and visit with us for as long as God intends) in the morning, then we set up to do a lesson with the children - singing songs we learned over the last few months, doing a cute little puppet skit about Jesus calling the disciples to be fishers of men, then working with the kids with a simple craft of fish necklaces where we show them how to scratch away part of the outside to reveal pretty colors below - so they scratch scales and designs and some of them get very creative. Then some coloring pages and crayons which they are very grateful to receive.
Those of you who are reading this blog, please pass the link on to others and family members and friends, please post notes for us. We are all committed to what we're doing here, but miss you very much and think of you often.
Dios te Bendiga (God bless you)
Was an early morning departure 7 a.m. for Buena Vista, a tiny cluster of tin homes in the middle of sugar cane fields. A two hour ride - the last 30 minutes on a very rough road (?). Home visits in the morning. I got to shuck some corn as we talked with one lady who poured out her heart to us about her neighbor who had fallen into the creek face first and was hurt badly and hospitalized. She also was very concerned about the youth and what was happening especially to the boys in the community - turning into thugs and theives. This is a common problem in Guatemala, the men are typically not godly men, more interested in making children then being a father to them and giving them a guide for life. In our lessons with the children, there are always a few older boys that obviously think they are way too machismo for this kind of thing. They want to hear the lesson and do the crafts, but they are afraid they won't seem "cool". Once again, not so different with our kids in the U.S.
Commercial break: Men, please consider coming to the "Courageous" sessions that Mr. Luke is setting up at Grace. We'll be watching that great movie about being a godly father and working through it for about 7 weeks. Talk to Mr. Luke for more information about dates and times. We need godly men in our society who are ready to mentor our young men and women.
Back to home visits - an interesting experience with dirt floors and usually one room with some mattresses and maybe a shelf or two for their few clothes. Chickens will be running back and forth under your legs and several flea-infested dogs lying around. Water is a big issue for most. We took school supplies to a school that had been set up for the Buena Vista people and their well was almost dry - just a muddy sludge left. Last year the Guatemala missionaries connected with Groundwork Guatemala were able to offer about 120 water purifiers free to a number of different places and there was one there, but you can't purify what you don' t have any of.
The school only goes up to 6th grade and most of these folks will not continue beyond that, although Kevin introduced us to one young man who will be the first high school graduate from Buena Vista in anyone's memory. He has to travel two hours to get to a high school. Many also do not continue their schooling or interrupt it for a year or more because someone must always stay in their homes. They are all just squatting on land they do not own. If they leave their place, someone else may move in and take it over. The farmers let them be in most cases and sometimes they keep worse things from happening to their land.
The Guatemala missionaries are awesome. They always seem to know the right Bible passage to use in the right instance and are not afraid to hold their people accountable not just to believe in Jesus, but to walk with Him as His true disciples. We've all very much enjoyed getting to know them - the two hours in a hot bumpy van packed with people went quickly with good company both ways.
Must heap praise on one member of our group. The most heard word on this trip is sure to be: "Sarah" - what's the Spanish word for this or that - "Sarah, Sarah, Sarah." Don't want her to get a big head when she reads this later. She is just a poor miserable sinner like the rest of us...however... She has been an absolutely awesome translater and never seems to run out of patience as everyone is trying to use her to understand something better. The kids of course love her and I would say she certainly is choosing an area of giftedness as she studies to be a Spanish teacher. She also has connected with Manuel's family who lives at the Mission house where we are staying. They have 5 children ranging from 16 to 3. It could be hard for both sides when we have to leave...
Enough for now. A shorter trip tomorrow with same format when we arrive in Amatitlan. Home visits (people are usually quite ready to drop whatever they are doing and visit with us for as long as God intends) in the morning, then we set up to do a lesson with the children - singing songs we learned over the last few months, doing a cute little puppet skit about Jesus calling the disciples to be fishers of men, then working with the kids with a simple craft of fish necklaces where we show them how to scratch away part of the outside to reveal pretty colors below - so they scratch scales and designs and some of them get very creative. Then some coloring pages and crayons which they are very grateful to receive.
Those of you who are reading this blog, please pass the link on to others and family members and friends, please post notes for us. We are all committed to what we're doing here, but miss you very much and think of you often.
Dios te Bendiga (God bless you)
Monday, January 23, 2012
Sarah's thoughts for the day....
We woke up earlier this Monday morning than we have in the few days we’ve been here in Guatemala. We were on the road by 8am and headed towards another mission house. This organization, started by an American who, like us, felt the call to go to Guatemala, is called Only a Child. It is a house and a workshop where young men, usually at least 18 years old, come to escape life on the streets. There are very strict rules in the house, in part because the situations that the young men come from have left them with some bad habits and irresponsible tendencies. They are often from homes in which their entire existence has been one of neglect, abuse, and violence. For many, Only a child is the only home or family they have ever had.
At the carpenter shop they learn to make wooden boxes of all shapes and designs. The founder of the mission, George, said that after they started the mission it became clear that the boys would need something to keep them busy as well as something that they could take pride in. After living at the bottom of society for so long and after having nothing to take pride in, these boys and men gain self-confidence and learn about dedication and what it means to work honorably. The goal of the mission, as George puts it, is to give them the chance to grow up to be able to support themselves as well as wives and children, and to reflect the characteristics of good, Christian men.
We got the opportunity to share a little bit about ourselves and our families, as well as to hear a little about the young men that live there. All are continuing their education, even if they are 22 and still at a 6th grade level, and they are working hard to meet their goals. They have dreams of being everything from cooks to lawyers to publicists to pharmaceutical representatives.
After we got back on the bus we headed towards the cemetery. On the way we saw all kinds of shops. There were wood-working shops, mechanics, clothing stores, trophy stores and stands with any kind of fruit or vegetable you could imagine. When we got to the cemetery we were that we would have to pay a toll. Apparently grave robbing is a significant problem in Guatemala. As we walked through the tombs, all above ground because no one is buried underground, a quote from the Lord of the Rings jumped into my mind. “The kings built houses more splendid for the dead than for the living.” The tombs of the cemetery were very beautiful, if not a little run down, and after driving past houses made of tin sheets I could not understand how they could afford such splendor. But this is Guatemala, and sometimes things just don’t make sense.
On the edge of the grave yard there was a cliff face. It looked down over a valley that might have been very beautiful, like the ones we see in pictures of the Amazon. But one peek over the edge and all of that evaporates in the smell and the sight that greets you. Below, at the bottom of the valley huge trucks pull in and dump trash in great piles. Among these piles are men and women, picking through the garbage just like the vultures that flap next to them. These people come to the dump to make a living, a lot of them in the only way they know how. They sort out glass, plastic, wood, cardboard and food and bring it back to town to either use or sell. Many Guatemalans, even the ones that we work with at the mission, have family or friends that work at the dump. It’s not hard to imagine what effect this work has on their health and well-being.
Kevin joked with us earlier this week about how he avoids the locals giving us food. (Guatemalan food is unsanitary in a lot of cases and would make us very sick.) In order to not be rude he tells us that Americans are a very weak people, not strong like the Guatemalans, and they are not strong enough to eat the food. After seeing what these people live through, and really we’ve only seen the tip of the iceberg so far, it seems there is a little truth to that.
Our last outing of the day was to the house of someone who had actually graduated high school as a result of Groundwork Guatemala. His name was Edgar and we got to meet his little brother as well as his new wife. We learned a little bit about his family and his situations and he shared a favorite verse. When we asked if he and Nancy, his wife, attended church he said no. This started a whole conversation that included ourselves and our Guatemalan guides about how easy it is sometimes to not go to church. Manuel, our driver and a leader of the adult bible study, was very firm with Edgar in telling him that he must remember his responsibility as a husband and as a Christian man to attend church and participate in a community of Christians. It was very inspiring and was really a lesson that all of us can relate to.
At the carpenter shop they learn to make wooden boxes of all shapes and designs. The founder of the mission, George, said that after they started the mission it became clear that the boys would need something to keep them busy as well as something that they could take pride in. After living at the bottom of society for so long and after having nothing to take pride in, these boys and men gain self-confidence and learn about dedication and what it means to work honorably. The goal of the mission, as George puts it, is to give them the chance to grow up to be able to support themselves as well as wives and children, and to reflect the characteristics of good, Christian men.
We got the opportunity to share a little bit about ourselves and our families, as well as to hear a little about the young men that live there. All are continuing their education, even if they are 22 and still at a 6th grade level, and they are working hard to meet their goals. They have dreams of being everything from cooks to lawyers to publicists to pharmaceutical representatives.
After we got back on the bus we headed towards the cemetery. On the way we saw all kinds of shops. There were wood-working shops, mechanics, clothing stores, trophy stores and stands with any kind of fruit or vegetable you could imagine. When we got to the cemetery we were that we would have to pay a toll. Apparently grave robbing is a significant problem in Guatemala. As we walked through the tombs, all above ground because no one is buried underground, a quote from the Lord of the Rings jumped into my mind. “The kings built houses more splendid for the dead than for the living.” The tombs of the cemetery were very beautiful, if not a little run down, and after driving past houses made of tin sheets I could not understand how they could afford such splendor. But this is Guatemala, and sometimes things just don’t make sense.
On the edge of the grave yard there was a cliff face. It looked down over a valley that might have been very beautiful, like the ones we see in pictures of the Amazon. But one peek over the edge and all of that evaporates in the smell and the sight that greets you. Below, at the bottom of the valley huge trucks pull in and dump trash in great piles. Among these piles are men and women, picking through the garbage just like the vultures that flap next to them. These people come to the dump to make a living, a lot of them in the only way they know how. They sort out glass, plastic, wood, cardboard and food and bring it back to town to either use or sell. Many Guatemalans, even the ones that we work with at the mission, have family or friends that work at the dump. It’s not hard to imagine what effect this work has on their health and well-being.
Kevin joked with us earlier this week about how he avoids the locals giving us food. (Guatemalan food is unsanitary in a lot of cases and would make us very sick.) In order to not be rude he tells us that Americans are a very weak people, not strong like the Guatemalans, and they are not strong enough to eat the food. After seeing what these people live through, and really we’ve only seen the tip of the iceberg so far, it seems there is a little truth to that.
Our last outing of the day was to the house of someone who had actually graduated high school as a result of Groundwork Guatemala. His name was Edgar and we got to meet his little brother as well as his new wife. We learned a little bit about his family and his situations and he shared a favorite verse. When we asked if he and Nancy, his wife, attended church he said no. This started a whole conversation that included ourselves and our Guatemalan guides about how easy it is sometimes to not go to church. Manuel, our driver and a leader of the adult bible study, was very firm with Edgar in telling him that he must remember his responsibility as a husband and as a Christian man to attend church and participate in a community of Christians. It was very inspiring and was really a lesson that all of us can relate to.
Monday, January 23rd
Okay, I suppose you are wondering what happened to Sunday. The internet was down most of yesterday and through the evening. So, here's Sunday's post....
Worship today. Manuel’s church. Not quite what we have to offer in Coopersville. Lively, contemporary, good quality liturgical dance with young girls. Two hours. Would be good for all to experience - if only to make the one hour service seem short - and the pastor’s sermon seem the same. (In case you’re wondering, yes, it’s Pastor J blogging tonight for Connie - whose back is suffering…along with other backs in the group…in fact prayer for backs might be appreciated on behalf of quite a few…)
The group was well received in worship by very expressive worshippers. Joni would probably have been a little jealous of one lady who snuck in a little kiss on my cheek…the fact that she was probably Mom’s age not withstanding.
Continued working around the house in the afternoon. One thing bleeds into another. About the time we would finish one electrical project, someone would mention another, here a toilet seat, there a light switch, here a blind that needed cleaning, there a room that needed painting. (Joyce is a painting fool! Couldn’t stop her.) Was nice to be of service and hopefully set some things in place in such a way that they won’t be continuing problems for the folks coming and going here. Also just good to see everybody chipping in and using their gifts - or discovering new ones to do what needed doing and happy to do it.
Kevin and Ginny have been wonderful hosts in so many ways that I’m sure others can also express. One thing our loved ones might appreciate is that they are always very careful to keep us safe. We don’t wander outside the mission house and when traveling, again there are safety measures in place. The guys have made a couple of trips to Ace Hardware, and just being out and about I see a fast and self-absorbed culture with everybody in it for themselves… not unlike another culture I know… Perhaps more dramatic here, but people are people and “people need the Lord” and “their souls will be restless, searching, until they find their rest in God.”
(Well, there it is for Sunday. It is now Monday and we are about to eat lunch. We have already done the "introduction tours" of our mission this morning, and this afternoon we are starting our home visits. Hopefully I will be able to post this day's adventures sometime tonight. Adios.)
Worship today. Manuel’s church. Not quite what we have to offer in Coopersville. Lively, contemporary, good quality liturgical dance with young girls. Two hours. Would be good for all to experience - if only to make the one hour service seem short - and the pastor’s sermon seem the same. (In case you’re wondering, yes, it’s Pastor J blogging tonight for Connie - whose back is suffering…along with other backs in the group…in fact prayer for backs might be appreciated on behalf of quite a few…)
The group was well received in worship by very expressive worshippers. Joni would probably have been a little jealous of one lady who snuck in a little kiss on my cheek…the fact that she was probably Mom’s age not withstanding.
Continued working around the house in the afternoon. One thing bleeds into another. About the time we would finish one electrical project, someone would mention another, here a toilet seat, there a light switch, here a blind that needed cleaning, there a room that needed painting. (Joyce is a painting fool! Couldn’t stop her.) Was nice to be of service and hopefully set some things in place in such a way that they won’t be continuing problems for the folks coming and going here. Also just good to see everybody chipping in and using their gifts - or discovering new ones to do what needed doing and happy to do it.
Kevin and Ginny have been wonderful hosts in so many ways that I’m sure others can also express. One thing our loved ones might appreciate is that they are always very careful to keep us safe. We don’t wander outside the mission house and when traveling, again there are safety measures in place. The guys have made a couple of trips to Ace Hardware, and just being out and about I see a fast and self-absorbed culture with everybody in it for themselves… not unlike another culture I know… Perhaps more dramatic here, but people are people and “people need the Lord” and “their souls will be restless, searching, until they find their rest in God.”
(Well, there it is for Sunday. It is now Monday and we are about to eat lunch. We have already done the "introduction tours" of our mission this morning, and this afternoon we are starting our home visits. Hopefully I will be able to post this day's adventures sometime tonight. Adios.)
Sunday, January 22, 2012
Saturday night, and all is well.
Sorry about not finishing my blogpost last night, to let everyone know we arrived in Guatemala safe and sound. I was super tired after being up for almost 40 hours... so, I hit the hay without blogging.
Passing through customs yesterday was a breeze for everyone... except Randy. He was traveling on a different airline than the rest of us, due to getting his ticket late in the game. He got a FULL body scan... AND, after a dog sniffed his carry-on luggage he had the opportunity to show all the contents to the customs officials.
What do they say about a picture being worth a thousand words? Well, instead of rattling on, I will send you a few thousand words in the form of pictures. Enjoy.
Larry is pointing out that this is the last chance for a meal with meat, as we are waiting at the Miami airport to board our plane to Guatemala.
As soon as we arrived at the mission house yesterday, God let us know why He had to send us down here early. We met three ladies from Indiana who were trying desperately to make good on a promise to provide 300 foam stars for a children's lesson before leaving Guatemala on an early morning flight today. We offered our help and their mission was accomplished. We gained some new friends.
We also got a head start in preparing for the children's crafts we are doing. Crayons were being sorted on one end of the table as stars were being being produced on the other end. It was a rather colorful event.
Our early arrival also gave us the opportunity to help Kevin and Ginny (our missionary hosts) with their ToDo list....
And a host of other tasks were completed for our hosts throughout the day!
Passing through customs yesterday was a breeze for everyone... except Randy. He was traveling on a different airline than the rest of us, due to getting his ticket late in the game. He got a FULL body scan... AND, after a dog sniffed his carry-on luggage he had the opportunity to show all the contents to the customs officials.
What do they say about a picture being worth a thousand words? Well, instead of rattling on, I will send you a few thousand words in the form of pictures. Enjoy.
Larry is pointing out that this is the last chance for a meal with meat, as we are waiting at the Miami airport to board our plane to Guatemala.
As soon as we arrived at the mission house yesterday, God let us know why He had to send us down here early. We met three ladies from Indiana who were trying desperately to make good on a promise to provide 300 foam stars for a children's lesson before leaving Guatemala on an early morning flight today. We offered our help and their mission was accomplished. We gained some new friends.
We also got a head start in preparing for the children's crafts we are doing. Crayons were being sorted on one end of the table as stars were being being produced on the other end. It was a rather colorful event.
Our early arrival also gave us the opportunity to help Kevin and Ginny (our missionary hosts) with their ToDo list....
Ashley painting
Larry fixing an appliance.
Sue cleaning windows. (BTW, Jim... Sue wanted me to tell you she is feeling fine.)
Pastor fixing the plumbing.
And a host of other tasks were completed for our hosts throughout the day!
For lunch we had our peanut butter sandwiches out on the rooftop....
While soaking up the sunshine, we wondered what the temperature might be up north today. (Just kidding... I had to throw that in.)
Anyway, we even had time to work on our props for our puppet skit after the chores were done.
I would like to close tonight with thanks to God for sending us down here early. Now, like everyone else... I'm going to bed now. Talk to you later.
Friday, January 20, 2012
We are in Miami!
Hi everyone! We have landed in Miami and we're just chilling out in the 77 degree weather. We have about a 2 hour wait until our flight leaves for Guatemala.
I just checked the temperature for Coopersville and see that you are really chilling out in 7 degree weather. :-)
Here's how Pastor chills out....
I just checked the temperature for Coopersville and see that you are really chilling out in 7 degree weather. :-)
Here's how Pastor chills out....
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