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.