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