It's a bird, it's a plane... it's Vacation Bible School!

With an aviation theme the Brazos Abiertos team and volunteers taught approximately 50 children that seeking first the Kingdom of God is a REAL adventure.  With Bible and real life examples of adventurers the children were taught a different aspect of the main theme daily during our Vacation Bible School week.

"The wonderful Adventure of Seeking God"

The sunshine peeking through the clouds on Tuesday morning held the promise of laughter.  As I walked up the stairwell towards the third level of the ministry base I could hear that laughter resounding within our concrete walls.  The ministry building was filled with joy as nearly 50 children joined our staff and volunteers for a time of praise and worship.

With enthusiasm not marred by a life of religiosity, these children freely lifted hands and danced unto the Lord.  Despite coming from homes where little if any knowledge of Jesus exists we have been able to bring these energetic little people into a place of reverent worship.  It is a precious thing to behold as they bring their petitions to the Lord in faith.

I remember going to VBS.  I remember fingering a quarter in my pocket and waiting expectantly for my turn to give in the offering.  The children packed into our activity room only differed in they type of coin they fingered- quetzales instead of quarters!  This year on of our volunteers came up with a creative offering bucket- one that actually smiled at the children as they gave.  One that might look familiar to some of you.

our offering bucket

The VBS morning begins with all ages together learning the central theme for the day.  Then we split up into 4 age groups for snack, Bible lesson, memory verse, and craft. 

Chrissy with her class

Yolanda with her class

craft time!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

the smallest little people

I have such fond memories of VBS as a child.  Learning Bible truths that molded and shaped my heart and therefore my life.  I am so thankful to the women of the church who worked so hard to plan classes, crafts, and snacks.  As I looked around me on Tuesday at the smiles and heard the children recite memory verses from the previous day I was filled with a sense of KNOWING that VBS will hold the same sweet memories for the children of San José Pinula.

On behalf of these children I want to thank the staff and volunteers of Brazos Abiertos who diligently planned and carried out the classes, crafts, and snacks.  I want to thank our supporters who sowed finances making this week possible.

May God bless you all!

Doña Yoli- an inspiration and example

It is easy after so many years of mission work to think more highly of yourself than you ought to think.  It is a snare that the devil lays for us- that trap of thinking you are doing a pretty good job of reaching people.  You can start to check off the good deeds you have done like a to-do list: the people whose lives you have changed, the hundreds and thousands you have led to Christ over the years, or the amount of food and clothes that have gone from your hands to someone in more need.  It is easy to look at charts and graphs that paint a picture of growth (and therefore success).

It is easy to fall prey to the perverted lie that numbers matter most and the more important aspect of mission work is what is visible and tangible so that others can see- and maybe applaud. 

Yet when these dark thoughts begin to reach the depths of my heart as a shadow growing long in the evening will overtake its surroundings there is a voice inside of me that reminds me that if I have not love I have nothing.  If I give all I possess to the poor and surrender my body to the flames, but have not love, I gain nothing.

love is patient, love is kind

1 Corinthians chapter 13 is a good reminder of what should truly motivate us as we serve the Lord, whether in full-time ministry or as laymen.

Today I was reunited with Yoli, the woman who first introduced me to the villages around San José Pinula and opened the door for CrossCulture Jesus to begin working there.

Once again I was reminded of what it is like to serve God and serve others out of genuine concern and love for people.  Every step we took we were bombarded by village dwellers wanting a word with "Hermana Yoli".  She had a kind smile and soft word for each woman we greeted.  She asked about the members of their families by name.  She made promises of stopping by later for coffee and prayer.  She confided in me her deep desire to help each family with food, clothes, medicine, and whatever else could be needed.

It was a refreshing reminder to me that there is life outside of motherhood.  And while motherhood is a divine calling in itself, I miss being "in the trenches" so to speak.

It was also a reminder that there is so much more work for us to do.  My heart breaks with the burden to reach these villages and I find myself pleading with God to send us more workers because the harvest where we are is truly, truly plentiful but the workers on our team are so very few.

Lord bring more "Yoli's" to our team!

the fields are ripe unto the harvest

Quaking and Shaking

Something all my years of Bible Institute never prepared me for- an earthquake!  Today we experienced the largest earthquake in Guatemala since the huge one in 1976 that caused so much destruction and death.  It was a sobering few seconds to feel the earth rocking and rolling beneath me and I so utterly powerless to control it.

My first instinct was not to panic.  Then as I felt fear welling up inside of me when the shaking did not subside I realized that it was time to call upon the name of the Lord.  My thoughts immediately ran to my baby upstairs in the church nursery, my pre-schooler at his pre-school, and my husband on the 5th floor of a rickety old building.  Were they all okay?  All I could do was trust the Lord.

It is at moments such as these when faith really comes into play.  The Word of God that I had been reading and meditating on for years suddenly bubbled up in my spirit like springs of fresh water.  I remembered that my family and I were those that dwell in the secret place of the Most High and therefore entitled to all the promises of Psalm 91.  And of course I remembered that God is my refuge and God is my strength and a very present help in times of trouble- THEREFORE I WILL NOT FEAR THOUGH THE EARTH BE REMOVED AND THOUGH THE MOUNTAINS BE CARRIED INTO THE MIDST OF THE SEA.  sounds like an earthquake.

Thanks be to God, my family and I are fine.  Here in the capital city of Guatemala and its outskirts there was no destruction.  However, I have been told that in a distant part of the country called San Marcos is where the epicenter was located and there many houses fell, many lives were lost, and they were not so fortunate as I.

We have been told to beware of after shocks which could even be stronger.  We have been told to prepare for a state of emergency.  So I have packed diaper bags with fresh water, baby food, granola and cereal bars.  I have children's pajamas and tons of diapers all packed and ready to go.  Yes, I am a woman of faith, but I firmly believe in being prepared.  Should we need to flee this house I fully trust in God's faithfulness.  I fully expect his mercy to abound toward us and I know we will be fine- under the shadow of His wings.  But if I run- I want to run with food and drink and the knowledge that I have done the best I could for my kids.

Some may ask that if I am so confident in God's faithfulness then what happened to those in San Marcos upon whom tragedy rained?  God is faithful.  Always.  His faithfulness is a part of His character.  I believe that God is also faithful to take home His own and faithful to reunite us at the appropriate time.

So take time right now to thank God for His faithfulness in your life.  And if you are not sure that you are in the family of God, take time right now to recognize that Jesus Christ paid the price for your sin, you are forgiven.  Accept that gift, ask God for His forgiveness and ask Jesus to be your Savior and Lord.  God is faithful.

Also let us pray for those where were so deeply affected by this earthquake.  May God heal the hurting and bring peace to hearts and minds.  May the Good Lord use my family and I in any way possible to reach out to those in need.

Lands left behind

Mark 10:28-30

New King James Version (NKJV)

²⁸ Then Peter began to say to Him, “See, we have left all and followed You.”
²⁹ So Jesus answered and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or brothers or sisters or father or mother or wife^[a] or children or lands, for My sake and the gospel’s, ³⁰ who shall not receive a hundredfold now in this time—houses and brothers and sisters and mothers and children and lands, with persecutions—and in the age to come, eternal life.

I often meditate on Mark 10:28-30.  Surely this verse applies to me!  At times it seems that I left it all behind in order to follow the calling of God on my life.  But, then, doesn't everyone sacrifice something in order to truly live for Jesus?  

Corban in front of the Spring House at Grandma´s

Now that I have children I feel even more keenly the loss I have endured to bring the gospel to families so very different from my own.   There are childhood memories I cherish and wish my children could claim for their own.  Sunday dinners at Grandma's house full of rowdy cousins, animated adult conversation,and  delicious dishes made by aunts.  Grandma´s house is a bit of history in itself.  The house is older than the civil war and was used by the Yankees as a hospital.  The spring house still stands and still houses fresh, cold water.  

At times it saddens me to know that family members I hold dear are strangers to my children.  

Visiting Grandma.  Having lunch with some Aunts.

 There are traditions firmly established in my family that bring us comfort and joy.  Going to the State Fair every year was a  highlight of my childhood.  Oh, that my children could boast the same.  This year we took our children.  Corban enjoyed every aspect.  He loved seeing the big tractors, the shops that sold a variety of agricultural necessities, the food, the rides, the animals, the shows... How fun to see Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, and cousins as we spent the day at the fair.  

at the petting farm

There is something special about spending time with cousins.  There is something special about the love and unity of family.

I am so thankful that even over the time and distance I am able to maintain a close relationship with my siblings.  I am thankful for friends that are as close as family.  

Even though there are occasional times when I feel the losses I have suffered of lands, houses, family, and culture.  Above all I can testify that the Good Lord has been faithful to me.  I have reaped 100 fold in this lifetime all that I ever sowed.  AND I CONTINUE TO REAP.  I have made friends in Guatemala that have stepped in to become the family I left behind.  I have married into a warm loving family.  My husband, my soulmate, my bestfriend  is there for me at all times.  He is a good provider for this family, affording us a nice house in a nice neighborhood.  I may not have the 350 acres I left behind, but I do have a good life.  One full of rewards both spiritual and material.  I am satisfied.  And if hindsight is 20/20 then I can look back and say that I have no regrets about leaving so many things behind in order to pursue the plans and purposed of God for my life.  

learning to fish with Uncle Frank and the boys

cousins

 

A Whole New Adventure!

The day finally dawned.  We were going to Virginia!  I was ecstatic- albeit a bit apprehensive about traveling with 2 small children.

It had been almost 2 years since our last visit.  Corban couldn't remember much and was anticipating seeing snow like the last time (he has no real concept of seasons and couldn't be convinced that it never snows in September in Virginia).

After a busy morning of last minute packing of toothbrushes and toiletries, filling the diaper bag with a days worth of bottles and baby food, and then packing lunches and snacks for the rest of us we were ready to go.  A friend who owns tourist buses and helps us with mission teams came to take us to the airport.  The 4 of us, plus 3 suitcases, 3 carry-ons, a laptop, a diaper bag, and a stroller don't fit easily into just any car.

brotherly love while waiting at the airport

watching our plane approach

I was so proud of Corban that day.  He took charge of his own carry-on.  He was so well behaved.  He was a real joy to have around.  Even when we almost missed our connection and had to literally run from one end of the Miami airport to another.  Shew!  I didn't even know that I still knew how to run!!!!!!!

After a VERY long day we arrived at my sister's house.  Somewhere after 1am.  We were all exhausted. The next day dawned bright.  Our little family woke up sluggish, but quickly rose to the occasion as we greeted Aunts, Uncles, and cousins galore!

with Uncle Richard and cousin Nicholas

we took it easy that first day- only venturing out in the afternoon to the grocery store and then to visit my best friend.  Since my family lives in the country (and i mean country) that small trip was a 3 hour adventure!  It felt strange to be driving those roads again after 21 months.

Unfortunately, Cohen had contracted a cold which grew into an Upper Resp Infection on the plane.  He started the trip on Antibiotics and was not quite himself for several days.  That combined with sleeping in new quarters, a new time zone, jet lag, and culture shock meant that our family didn't sleep well for the first several nights.

Still, on Saturday we drove out to my parents house to visit the farm.  It was a fun filled day.  Corban and I rode in the dump truck with my dad--- I even drove it!  We helped put up a round pen, we helped train some horses, went on a trail ride and had all kinds of farm fun.

helping to set up the round pen

Corban helping with farm work

My favorite pastime- riding my horse!

Only 2 days into our trip- the boys were exhausted by mid afternoon and konked out in my parent's den.

Jet lag catching up with the boys

The interesting aspect of this trip for me was to see Corban's reaction.  Going to Virginia to me is synonymous with going home.  Not so for the rest of my family.  My children have grown up knowing Guatemala as home, Corban, therefore felt out of sorts for a good portion of the trip and suffered a very real culture shock.  He was  very impressed with the dishwasher having never seen such a contraption.  Was leery of drinking tap water.  Confused by all the English that bombarded his unaccustomed ears.  Overwhelmed by all the family that wanted to talk to him, play with him, and love and hug on him.


A bit later in our trip he casually explained to a friend how to roast a chicken over an open fire- a reflection of time spent ministering to village families.  He missed tortillas with his meals.  He wondered at the very modern vacuum cleaner.  And while my son is outgoing, his accented English stood him apart on several occasions making him uncomfortable as he tried to explain himself using phrases and expressions familiar to him and often used in Spanish.

A leisurely stroll through the woods

And so, what I thought would be a grand adventure of returning home to visit family, friends, and churches who support us turned into a different type of adventure altogether.  It was a time for my husband and 2 boys to travel to a country and culture foreign to them.

Getting ready for a whole new adventure!

I am sitting here in my tiny office at the foot of the stairs.  Mountains of supplies threaten to tumble right on top of me! 

Yes- it is that time again.  Time to pack!!!!!  Time to travel!!!!!!  I haven't been back to the States since before my last pregnancy.  I am so anxious to be back on my home lands.  I cannot wait to walk through the dense forest on my Daddy's farm, skip rocks on the pond, ride the horse, listen to - NOTHING... and gather my thoughts once again. 

Time off of the mission field is a refreshing time for me.  The peace and quiet of the farm life, with no immediate demands on my time allows me a much needed break.  I have time to think.  I have time to pray.  I have time to meditate on the Word.  And best of all- I am surrounded by family willing to entertain the boys and give me a much needed chance to be a person besides mommy.  I am surrounded by friends who encourage me in the Word and prayer. 

aaaahhhhh, it will be so good to be home. 

But now, the seemingly insurmountable task of packing, packing, packing.  Checking that we have enough formula and diapers for a while.  Making sure we have enough entertainment packed for the plane.  Let's not forget snack foods since the airlines now charge and arm and a leg (and probably a few fingers) for a meal.  I must make sure I have presentations and messages ready for the churches I will be visiting.  Gifts for friends, family, supporters.  Oh, and keys to houses and such.  I have actually compiled a check list and made an itinerary!!!!! 

Corban is home from school today because tomorrow is Independence Day in Central America.  That makes the beginning stages of packing all the more fun.  It seems that whatever I set aside to pack is suddenly a new (or at least forgotten) and interesting possibility for play!  And the ceaseless questions: are we going on our trip today?  Will we see snow at Aunt Ellen's house?  What is this?  Why are you packing this?  Which one is my suitcase?  Can I help? 

So, I am armed with patience, creative packing ideas, a good worship CD, and now I am ready to work!!!

A whole new adventure awaits this family - traveling as a family of 4 to Virginia!!!!!

Hometown Missions

You know, I have been a missionary for 14 years now- 13 of those years I have been established in Guatemala.  Yet, I never cease to be amazed at the number of comments I get from well meaning individuals who question my desire to GO into ALL THE WORLD to preach the gospel (as the great commission commands us to do).  Quite a few people have reminded me of the needs we have "right at home" and admonished me to busy myself with serving God in my hometown instead of going so far away.

I now sit in the quiet of my home (an unusual occurrence nowadays!) and reflect on my life and my decision to move away from where I grew up.  I suppose our trip to Virginia being every day closer is the cause of my deep thoughts today.

It is true, there is much to do in the community where I grew up.  It is true, there are hurting people right in Richomond, Hanover, King William, and King and Queen.  There is even a growing Latino community in Virginia with needs all its own.  I didn't have to move across the continents in order to serve the Lord.  But I felt called to.  And perhaps, one day, we as a family will feel the Lord tugging on our hearts to move again.  For now, though- I wonder if perhaps those same people who question my leaving aren't the very same ones that Jesus wants to use to reach out to Richmond and its surrounding areas.  It sounds as though they have a burden on their hearts for the people I left behind.  A burden that the Lord placed there.  So, what I have to say to those who would like me to stay behind is YOU DO IT.  YOU serve the Lord in your community.  YOU be the hands and feet of Jesus where you are.

As for me- this is my home now.  My family and I are rooted here for the time being.  We ARE serving the community we live in.  And not only in CrossCulture Jesus, the missions organization we founded, but also in the local church we attend, Bible studies we have fostered, and by simply reaching out to our neighbors.

Let us all be like trees planted by the water, let us all bear fruit in our season in the place we are planted and in the places the Lord may replant us.  Let us all make disciples of all nations- the one we are currently located in and as much as possible others as well.

The responsibility to serve the Lord and bless others belongs to all of us.

Pictures of us being at home in Guatemala....

me getting a refresher course in tortilla making

Corban, who "took notes" during my refresher course- making tortillas with play-doh

Corban and Papi filling the piñata at Corban's 4th birthday

Getting in a New Groove

And so, after many months of having visitors, whether individually or in teams, we are switching gears and getting into a different groove...

a visit from Southwest Harvest Church

It was a great year to have guests.  As always, each individual and team brought its own unique gifts and talents to our organization.  They all blessed our team and "our" families in ways that are too numerous to write down. We were once again humbled as we confronted with the generosity and bigness of heart of our supporters.

Carla Cage with Yolanda and Chrissy

Let's see, the Cage's who were here for almost 2 months were encouraging and edifying - like a breath of fresh air for our team.  They were affectionate and kind to the children families, sowing the seed of the Word at every possible occasion. 

The Jarrell family who came with such a sweet spirit and desire to serve and bless.  The accomplished their goal- making a lifelong difference in the families they came in contact with and serving as a healthy reminder to the rest of us to remember what missions is all about.

Joy with her energetic spirit, ready to take on any challenge.  Vessels of Mercy who serve with so much joy that it is contagious.  They came to bring the gospel and medical help to some remote areas.  Southwest Harvest Church who seems to always come so ready to bless our team members as well as the children and families we minister to.  This is an important detail that is so often forgotten- the missionaries also need blessing and refreshing!!!

every present smile

And Tausha- who stayed on a week to learn what our lives are really like.  She was so kind and compassionate, so ready to learn, so willing to teach.



Tausha came and worked with our crafts group women.  She took over an afternoon of Manos a la Obra.  This is an oft overlooked aspect of CCJ.  So many times the focus is on the children in the villages, in the schools, and in the orphanages.  So often we talk about the needs of the family as a whole.  But it is a little known fact that women in this country who live below the poverty level are treated as mere objects.  Their needs both physical and emotional are ignored.  Outreaches such as Manos a la Obra, directed to this overlooked harvest field, gives the women an outlet, gives them tools to economize in the family and bring in extra income, and gives us a chance to share the love of Jesus.

Tausha explaining the craft

Thank you Tausha for coming and sharing with these special ladies!  Not many teams or missionaries have tackled this task thus far.  We appreciate your heart for the women.  And we pray for others to follow in Tausha's lead.

We welcome those who wish to come and serve with us for a week, a month, or even a year.  Each person who comes has such unique giftings that it truly adds to the dynamics of our outreach team.  Pray about coming in 2013.  Pray about sending young people from your church.  Pray about bringing a team.  There areendless ways to serve with us and help us to impact this town for Christ.

Find out how at www.crossculturejesus.org

So, even as I ponder on these things I can feel the atmosphere at CCJ shifting gears.  Fun and Fellowship with missionaries and mission teams is behind us for this year.  Time to focus on National Child's Day.  Time to plan for VBS.  Time to wind down the ministry year.  Out of one groove and into another.

A wave of mercy in missions

I truly dislike my hair.  I do.  If there were one feature of my body I could change it would be this dry, brittle, unruly, frizzy, excuse of a hairdo.  Whenver I look at pictures of years gone by my attention is immediately drawn to my hair- it seems no matter what style I try to accomplish, the type of shampoo, or any other factor- I am never satisfied with my hair.  However, that is probably the only aspect of my life that has not changed in the last decade.

Bev, Sarah, and Yolanda

In the past few weeks CCJ has had the privilege of hosting 2 mission teams.  Both of them had hearts of gold.  Vessels of Mercy directed by Bev Gibson came to hold medical clinics in some remote parts of the community we work in.  Bev and her team of ladies are a ton of fun, with humble hearts and a sincere desire to bless all those they come in contact with.  And since they are from my home town I especially enjoy getting a chance to catch up on news from home.

In total well over 400 patients were seen in the five days they held medical clinics.  Most of those patients were seen in the moutains of San José Pinula, a rural area steeped in mayan traditions carefully disguised as catholic.  The three communities we visited are very closed to outsiders.  Little by little, by bringing help such as this, we are breaking the barrier of mistrust and building relationships that will  help us in the future. 

The simple country people expressed heartfelt gratitude at the assistance that was being offered.  Their life is a hard life with little comforts.  Hard work and generosity characterize these folks who lined up in scraggly clothes and rubber boots with weather worn faces.  Some mornings our team members struggled to warm themselves in the brisk moutain climate yet the local population seemed undaunted and even amused by our team's efforts.

Consultation with a nurse

Chrissy, Joy, and Yolanda praying and counseling

Here I am helping with registration

Yet, as I relate these events, I must confess that I tell them second hand.  As I reflect back on my life one aspect that has changed dramatically in the past decade is my ability to accompany misson teams on their daily treks.  My role of mommy trumps the role of interpreter and guide these days.  I was only available to help on the last day of the medical clinic which was held at a public school nearby.


Shortly after Vessels of Mercy departed, a team from Chrissy's home church visited us.  Chrissy always seems to glow a little more while her church is here.  They visited several areas of Guatemala and spent 2 days with us at the end of their trip.  The program they did for the children was sensational.  "our kids" enjoyed it extremely.  Just another reminder for them that God is fun.  The Bible is fun.

Alfonso with the family that recieved construction

Besides ministering in our Bible Club and at an orphange, they also did some construction on the home of one of our Bible Club familes.  The men got to work adding a cement floor to the patio area- which will help tremendously during the rainy season (now!).  I was told that some of the team members were so impacted by the state in which some of our families live that they took the shoes and shirts of of their backs and gave them away then and there.  What an example of love in action!  I thank God for sending us people with tender hearts full of compassion.

And so it is with gratefulness that we close the mission team portion of this year which was seasoned with mercy.  May God continue to bless us with more visitng teams and missionaries who will partner with us to bring the tangible message of the goodness of God to this area of Guatemala.

A Passion for Compassion

Compassion... a word I have been thinking a lot about lately.

Therefore, as God´s chosen people, holy and dearly beloved, clothe yourselves with COMPASSION, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.  Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another.  Forgive as the Lord forgave you.  and over all these virtues put on LOVE , which binds them all together in perfect unity.   (Colossians 3:15-17)

As I clothe myself with compassion and put on love I find myself motivated to help others.  I find myself urged to forget whatever challenges I may be facing and instead look to serve my brother, neighbor, stranger, friend, and enemy. When we make compassion a part of our daily lives we begin to see things differently, I think.  Compassion is truly the opposite of selfishness and self-centered living.  If more were motivated by compassion for others instead of self-seeking this world would be a different place.

Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, preaching the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness.  When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.  Then he said to his disciples, "The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.  Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field." (Matthew 9:35-38)

I am not a Bible scholar, but as I meditate on this I see a few things.  As Jesus taught and healed he drew crowds.  Doubtless the size of the crowd was too big for a single person (Jesus) to handle.  Imagine, trying to pray for and minister to each individual need.

Imagine yourself in that crowd.  Crowds then weren't much different than they are today.  I am sure there were those who lacked patience, those who grumbled because there were too many people, they couldn't see or hear, they were being pushed and jostled, etc.  Others who wouldn't wait their turn but shoved their way to the front to have their need met first.  Timid folks, folks who vocally expressed dissatisfaction, others who kept it to themselves, some who came just to see what all the ruckus was about, others who came to make fun.... and also those who respectfully waited their turn, and a few who despite the long waits, hot sun, and uncomfortable conditions managed to keep a smile on their face and a good attitude. 

They were harassed and helpless.  hmmm.  Harassed by whom?  By each other.  By the devil.  They needed help.  What was Jesus' response to this overwhelming need?  He told his disciples to pray for more workers, others also moved by compassion who would labor alongside Jesus.

As I look around me, I am also moved with compassion.  It is compassion that motivates me to write Bible lessons, designed to sow the Word of God into little hearts.  Without the living Word of God in their hearts, these families will not see the fullness of God operating in their lives.  The will stumble along in darkness without the Word to light their path.  It is compassion that leads us to carry medical teams and evangelistic teams into remote, unreached areas of San José Pinula.  It is compassion that motivates us to constantly seek for donations to bless the families in our community.

I am so thankful to be a part of the move of God taking place in this part of the country.  I am so thankful for every person who supports this ministry and makes it possible for us to continue.  I am so thankful for the mission teams who have come and the missionaries who visit.  But still there is much work to be done.

Join us as we pray for more laborers to join us in the harvest.

Special Thanks to a Special Family

AAAAAAHHHHHHH!  Finally.  Corban returns to school after a 2 week break.  I love having him around.  I love hearing him sing loudly and off key all through the house.  However, despite all the joy it brings to have my little sidekick around, I can never get as much accomplished as when he is gone :)

Jeff, the dad of the visiting family, and his daughter-- sorry, sideways picture!

And so, the man who drives a little van and takes Corban to school came by at the usual time and with bribes of cookies and chocolate milk in his hands, Corban reluctantly climbed aboard and left for school.  I got busy.  I had just a little bit of time before I needed to head out to join a family of four that was here.  They had generously offered time and resources and set aside the entire day to help one of the families in our Little Giants Bible Clubs.  "Doña Ana" we will call her- is a prime example of life in Guatemala for most of the population.  She is a hard worker, with a bright smile and cheery outlook despite the hardships she has faced.  She is a joy to be around and so are her children.  Doña Ana is the mother of 6 intelegent, talented children who have been in our program for several years now.

So, as I was packing the car and getting ready to spend the day at Doña Ana's house I received a huge shock.  Suddenly Corban's van came around the corner and pulled up.  A dazed and disoriented Corban hopped out and announced that classes actually began the NEXT DAY.  oooooops.  my bad.  Quickly I changed Corban's clothes and plopped him in the car so that our missionary adventure could begin!

The plan for the day was to repair some sheets of metal on the roof as well as take care of some other repairs on the house.  To the left is a picture of the kitchen ceiling.  You can see one shiny new metal placed up there.  You can also see plastic which was hung to catch the leaks.  Doña Ana was so grateful for help with this.  You see, her husband, a taxi driver, was killed a few years ago by gang members seeking extortion.  All of her children are somewhat young still... so getting up on the roof to replace the metal was something she was saving up her money to do herself.

The tortilla fire.. sorry, this picture is sideways.

When Corban and I arrived we found that Kelly (the mother of the family visiting with us) and her 2 girls had already done crafts and games with Doña Ana's children who were at home at the time.  Doña Ana was already putting more kindling on the fire to make her tortillas for the next few days.

Her small garden patch

She grows her own corn, harvests it, degrains it, takes the grains to the mill to have it ground, and makes her own tortilla dough/paste.  She does things the old fashioned way!  As does a large portion of Guatemala's people.

Corban was impressed.  He had only seen me buy tortillas.  It had never occurred to his 3 year old mind that some people make them at home.  He wanted me to learn so that I could make some.  yeah right!  for a little over a dime I can buy 4 tortillas.  I think I will stick to buying them freshly made and leave the hard work to someone else.  Still, to appease him and to initiate a cultural exchange - Doña Ana began tortilla classes for all interested!  Kelly and her daughter tried their best.  After many laughs and failed attempts a couple of the tortillas came out right!

another sideways picture!  Getting tortilla making lessons....

While the men worked, the women were busy tending a Güisquil plant.  Gúisquil is a vegetable native to the area that grows in abundance.  We pulled off dead leaves and pruned the vine a bit to bring new life to it.  The footing beneath was a muddy, messy clay.  Our shoes were extremely yucky after that day!

pruning the gúisquil vine

As the morning wore on, more of Doña Ana's children appeared.  Each dressed in school uniform and with books on their arms.  In Guatemala, the public school has 2 shifts.  Some of Doña Ana's children study in the morning and others in the afternoon.  At one point I noticed Corban doing a familiar dance... he had to go to the bathroom!!!!!  And so began yet another adventure.  Doña ana does not have running water in her bathroom.  Basically, the toilet sits over a hole in the ground.  And the shower is just a stall.  You must bathe with the use of a bucket of cold water and a cup or something to dip the water out.  Unfortunately, the hole under the toilet is filling up.  The stench invades the house... Doña Ana has taken it upon herself to begin digging another hole outside of the house so that she can move the toilet to a new location.

This barrel holds rainwater.  The bucket on the floor is used to draw water out and pour into the toilet bowl, forcing the sewage down.

dirty, dingy bathroom with a muddy, yucky floor.

The hole Doña Ana has begun to dig by herself

It was a morning to remember.  We spend a good portion of our days teaching in the Bible Clubs, orphanages and schools.  At various times throughout the year we visit the homes to take provision and minister to the families.  Still, there is something very special about spending an entire day one on one helping a family that is doing all it can to help itself.  Corban and I had to leave just before lunch.  The baby at home was due for a nursing soon!  But our missionary guests stayed on with our team to continue working.  They even treated everyone to a hearty lunch and a very American dessert of brownies!

From the bottom of my heart I think Jeff, Kelly and their girls for coming to Guatemala and blessing the Least of These.  Jeff and Kelly, you have such wonderful, humble, servants hearts.  Your girls are simply amazing.  What a wonderful way to spend your family vacation- on a mission trip serving others.  We hope you come back again!

Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these my brethren, you did it to me.... (Matt. 25:40)