2010 winter Guatemala mission team

WHAT

2010-03-07T00:59:00.000-08:00

We started this journey;

as a call answered

as 13 then 11

as a group/ a team

as based on faith

With God's help;

we came to Christ

our hearts were awakened

we answered His call

we boarded a plane

we built some houses

we loved on some people

But, what about;

here,(home)

The others,(in Cerro de Oro)

The other village,(Panabaj)

The church,(in Santiago)

The pastor,(Diego)

The School

The children

We have discovered a place in our hearts.

A place God wanted us to find.

He (God) put it there

He (God) called us to go to Guatemala

He (God) gave us;

the hands to do what we did

the hearts to love like Him

the eyes to see the injustice that surrounds us in this world

The feelings to cry like we did

the faith to trust Him and step out of the boat

We built a couple of houses

we loved

we laughed

we cried

we came home

WHAT

are we going to do with what we have felt

WHAT

are we going to do with what we have learned

WHAT

are we going to do with the love in our hearts

WHAT

are we going to do with the what we have seen

Guatemala is our neighbor

WHAT

are you going to do

WILL

you answer that call

love like Him

see like Him

feel like Him

I am going back in July

God providing

WHAT

about you

are you going to come with me

to see with your own eye

WHAT

Christ is doing

and join him

To all things

may the glory be God's

He is my Lord

He is my savior

He is my hope

2010-03-01T11:11:00.000-08:00

Can Anything Good Come Out of Guatemala?

There is a place in the Bible where the question is asked. Can anything good come from Nazareth? It's in John 1. John the Baptist has announced that Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world. Then soon after Jesus finds Phillip and says "Follow me."
What does Phillip do? He goes and finds Nathanael to tell him. In verse John1:45 'Philip found Nathanael and told him, "We have found the one Moses wrote about in the Law,and about whom the prophets also wrote - Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph."
"Nazareth! Can anything good come from there?"Nathanael asked.

Does God speak?

Here's how He spoke to me on this trip.

I said before "Do you think God is a God of coincidences?"
Do you think it's a coincidence that the Father of the home I helped build was named Moises(Moses) and that me and him loved like brothers.
Do you think it's a coincidence that my name is Joseph and that while standing on a platform about to do a zipline on our last day the zipline instructer called me Joseph. Just before I flew through the sky in a valley in Guatemala.
I had asked Christ to help my soul fly on this trip. To set me free.
He has done just that.
He has given me a purpose.
What is it?
Two things.
First: "Follow me." I have been there and God willing I will be going back soon.
Second: Like Philip, my purpose is to tell others. They need to go. They need to see for themselves. Jesus is in Guatemala. He is working hard to save in Santiago Atitlan, Cerro De Orro and Panabaj. Go see!
Let Jesus break your heart for what breaks His.
They need us. I cannot implore you enough to go! I cannot describe the need there because it is so great. We have what they need. Resources. Money. Knowledge and know how.
And they have what we need. A genuine love that comes from the heart that is all together seperate from there circumstances. Our hearts need that.
Jesus is there. .....Will you go?
The more people we send, the more resources we bring and the more people we can love on. We cannot stop. This mission must become bigger. There are so many ways in which they need help.
Christ is bringing us together to heal both of us.
We need our hearts to be healed to love inspite of circumstances. To have hearts full of joy regardless. That's what these beautiful people offer to us.
Christ is trying to heal them from there actual poverty and wanting to use us and our abundance in resources to help people in need. We need to go! What a great opportunity!
I have never met a more loving people than these people in a small, forgotten and desperate place. They are the people of Santiago Atitlan, Cerro de Orro and Panabaj. Jesus loves them.

Can anything good come out of Guatemala?

"Come and see."

(sign up sheets for July's trip are at the missions table)
God bless you all!

2010-02-28T06:05:00.000-08:00

Holy Discontent

Been a few days since I blogged. Emotionally I couldn't bring myself to blog. Too much weight on my heart and God was still speaking. Needed to be still and listen.

Friday was a real rollercoaster.

We went to the school and I cannot describe the joy that filled my heart. The kids are full of joy and so eager to know you. Christ could not have placed me in a better place to just love! Being a kid at heart I had so looked forward to this day.

We brought so much school supplies and they were so needed. As we sorted the supplies and organized them there were little smiling faces in the doorways waiting. Some introduced themselves eagerly. Others were a little shy. (I love them, by the way!) My smile opened the door to their hearts and my hands loved on them. Touch seemed to be what their hearts needed and I held hands, hugged and poked every kid I could.

Made me feel like a kid again myself.

We had missed out in attending church on Thursday because of Pastor Diego's conference in another town but we were blessed this day when the fifth graders sang several Christian songs to us in English. They did it in the courtyard and we all sang together and worshiped this Mighty and Gracious God who is tying our hearts to these beautiful people. Every time I looked one of them in the eyes while they sang I would get the biggest smile. I wonder how big Jesus was smiling in that moment?

Our next event was passing out candy to all the kids in their classrooms. How fun is that! Bags of candy! Kids are the same all over the world. They love being made special and they love gifts. God has given us such a gift in little kids. Even though they aren't my kids, in these moments I loved them as though they were.

I miss my kids. Thankyou Lord for them!

There was a boy there that I connected to right away. His name was Elias. He and his friends quickly introduced themselves and after that it was like he was my little brother. He had asked me if he could have my UW hat but in Spanish so I just thought he wanted to wear it and so I stuck it on his head. He smiled really big then one of the interpreters, Cesar asked if I had given it to him. I hadn't but oh well, right? I said it was okay but a little while later he came back and stuck it back on my head. School let out and all the kids started to go home but as we prayed with Pastor Diego, Elias and some of the other kids hung around. He walked with me to the bus and while standing near the street he told Cesar to tell me he had lost both his parents in the mudslide five years ago. My heart broke. I hugged him and told him how sorry I was then told him that my dad had left when I was little and I never knew him. I got down at eye level and I told him we have a Father in heaven as I pointed to the sky who loves us more than anything!

We both smiled and hugged and I asked Cesar to tell him that I love him like my brother. I put my hand on my heart then patted his heart with my hand and gave him the biggest hug.

Tough to leave.

Later that day I knew Ruth Anne, Barrett and Gloria were going to meet with Pastor Diego so I gave them another UW hat that was almost new to give to Elias and because of the stretchy back would fit him better. What joy when they returned and gave me the hat back because we were going to Panabaj where the mudslide had occured and I could give it to Elias myself. Ain't God good! God is good all the time, all the time God is good!

We got to Panabaj and you never saw a more happier boy then Elias when I put that new hat on his head. He could not have hugged me harder and that is a feeling deep down in my heart I will never forget.

I love that kid!

Pastor Diego told me he had a nickname because he had survived the mudslide when so many kids didn't and he has the scars to prove it. What's the nickname?.......Rambo! Ain't that classic!

Pastor Diego then showed us some destroyed buildings from the slide. Homes, police station and a hospital, just a lot of devastation. Then we got on the bus and headed to the poorest part of Panabaj. Could it get much worse?

Yes.

We drove to a place that is simialar to a refugee camp but only permanent. The people who had lost everything made homes out of what they could and survive on nothing but the shear will to survive and the compassion of church's like Pastor Diego's. We sat on the bus while Pastor Diego talked to us about their biggest problems and needs and all the while, in the back of the bus I watched the little kids. They ran to the bus but soon lost interest as they began squirting each other with water bottles they were filling from the Govt provided water. It was a big squirt gun fight and I laughed and watched. Aren't all kids the same at heart?

What was heartbreaking was that not thirty yards from these peoples homes are rows upon rows of almost completed houses. They are only missing roofs and the Govt has fenced them off because they are still in the mudslide zone. They live in poor shacks in the mudslide zone while homes are there but not in use. My heart was so angry. They are the forgotten. They are the worthless. But not to Jesus. To him they are the jewels in the mud. And I love them. When Pasto Diego got done telling us everything we started to leave. My heart broke again. In my heart I wanted to scream "Stop the bus!" I needed to get out. I needed to touch these kids. I needed to love them like I loved the kids back at the school. But we couldn't.

Holy Discontent.

Why? Why God, had You let me go through that heartbreak when I was right there. In Mark 10 Jesus rebuked his disciples for keeping the kids from Him. He wanted to touch them and in that moment so did I. They needed it and I felt like a failure.

Christ would not stop talking to me after that. I couldn't blog and I couldn't sleep. But all through the next day He showed me His good purpose in that. He was connecting a lot of dots. Moises(Moses) and the fire in my heart(burning bush). You know how God works.

For a week God had been building one blessed day upon another. I needed my heart broken for these people.

Holy Discontent.

So what was His purpose. He was lighting a fire deep down in my heart. A burning desire to help these desperate people. I had been blessed so much this week with the people we got to meet and the work we got done that my heart was so full of joy and I think too comfortable. Christ needs a burning passion in me to help build disciples in Guatemala. Whatever that takes. He needs me to fight for these people and get them the help they need. He needed me to see with my heart that there is so much more work to be done. So they won't be forgotten. They have a passionate advocate in me and this team.
They need help!
They need land!
They need homes!
They need food and clothing!
They need scholarships to go to school!
They need love!
They need to know someone cares!
They need us!

Holy Discontent!

Don't know where this is all going but I know the direction it's going. And knowing Christ it's gonna be big.
Jesus says He will never abandon you and that's the truth. And I know He hasn't abandoned these people in Guatemala and we aren't going to either!
Lead us Lord!

2010-02-27T05:52:00.000-08:00

Mary caring to the last of the open sores on Barbaras leg.

This is the lady Keith H. cared to in July.

All but on of her ulcer sores are healed up and she is wearing shoes again.

this one is for our family members. we were being taken care of.

even as we sleeped

it was a busy day and it will take some time to process.

We could not blog. It was an emotional day.

God be with us as we travel.

I know he is here in the village.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOHN

2010-02-26T18:04:00.000-08:00

a few pictures from site 1

2010-02-26T11:10:00.000-08:00

Family of site one

I will have more time today to post more pictures ,but I have to go to breakfast now.

Blessed be this day

Steve recovered with out getting there.

Jeanneane has made a full recovery also.

We will be at the school today dropping off all of the supplies you all generiosly donated

God, we give you thanks and praise.

Simple things…

2010-02-26T10:43:00.000-08:00

Yesterday we had the honor of dedicating the houses that we had helped on and we brought the families gifts for their new homes.
It was such a joy to watch them as they received the simple gifts that we had brought, things that we in America take for granted, like basic groceries, little toys for the children, a sink for washing, plastic tables and chairs, etc…
At the first house where the Gomez family lives, the item that they received that brought smiles and laughter to the children even more than the toys was silverware. When they saw the silverware their faces lit up with delight and awe and they all started to giggle (mom and dad included). I could not hold back the tears and as I looked around at the group I realized that I was not the only one. We have been working all week surrounded by absolute poverty, but I believe that until that point I had been blinded to the circumstances in which the people live, as my eyes were only open to the faces and the hearts of the people that we were seeing . I know that this was a direct blessing from God because I had been praying and had shared with the team that I would most likely have trouble controlling my emotions - yes I admit it I am the stereotypical female in that way and yes I do cry when the Hallmark card commercials come on. Simply Put, that is how I am wired. I did not want to be a blubbering mass of emotion on this trip and that was one of my biggest fears and prayers. I really prayed for God to prepare my heart and give me strength in that area and of course, as always he is faithful in his promise that when we ask we will receive. I wanted to be able to connect in a personal way with people here and not be afraid of building that relationship that is so important.
At the second house where the Ramirez family lives when we were making our trek up the hill to the house, the children that have surrounded us all week were there on the path and came right along with us holding our hands and following us to the family’s home. When we arrived, pastor Diego talked with them and then Gloria translated to us and when she explained to us that Moses Ramirez, the family’s father had said that he had so desired to provide a home for his family and did not believe he would ever be able to do so, and that without the help of others he would not have been able to, well of course the tears started to flow again. The most touching, meaningful and humbling part was when he and all of his family members came around the group and thanked each of us individually shaking our hands and hugging us. I can not imagine how much this man, Moses had to sacrifice his pride to ensure that his family was provided for and I cannot begin to explain the tremendous amount of respect that I have for this man who so loves his family that he was willing to step aside, sacrifice his pride and allow strangers to come in and take on the responsibility that he probably feels is his. Hmm… reminds me of another father that sacrificed his son for us.
We had the opportunity to pray with each family individually inside their homes. I could feel the tangible presence of the Lord during this time. Pastor Diego prayed in the native tongue and the families prayed with him and as we all agreed in prayer, even thought we could not understand what was being said we all understood that God was present and being honored.
I leave you with this verse for thought…
Acts 10:34-35
God doesn’t show favoritism but in every nation the person who fears God and does righteousness is acceptable to him.
We are ALL acceptable to him. What an awesome God we have!

2010-02-25T23:26:00.000-08:00

Christmas in February

Do you know the moment when you've spent so much time getting the perfect Christmas gift and you watch your small child open the present? You know, the gift she has been wanting forever. And you found it and you have been waiting to see this moment. The smile on her face and the joy. You eagerly watch for the look on her face because of the joy in seeing someone you dearly love receive such a valued gift.
We lived that today.
To go and bless the two completed homes and bring gifts and new furnishings to these wonderful families was just like Christmas.
We saw some beautiful kids pour joy out of their hearts through their smiles and excitement. That was a gift for us.
We saw fathers give thanks for new and much needed tools.
That was a gift for us.
We saw mothers express thankfullness for new stoves and sinks.
That was a gift for us.
And more importantly we gave new homes to two beautiful families!
We got to pray with both families and bless their homes.
And you know what both men said seperately to us? They had both dreamed of having a new home for their families. God is the Dream Maker!
With a new home comes new hope. We poured our hearts into these people and they loved right back. I cannot tell you how much love Christ has filled our hearts with. And I can't tell you how incredible these people are. The children are adorable!
For me to hug Moises and feel the love from him was pure joy. The love he has given me and I have for him is a gift I will alway treasure.
Can you imagine? Jesus watching us hug and love each other like brothers? Was that one of His many moments to watch us open a gift? Did it bring a smile to my Lord's face?
He is good ain't He?
Good all the time, all the time He is good!
What a gift this trip has been.

Can't wait to see the present he has for us tomorrow!

In Christ, Joe

2010-02-25T15:21:00.000-08:00

What's Your Name?

Had one of those never forget moments today. You know, one of those "double take" moments where it seems God is winking at you. Our team split up today since we were getting close to finishing the houses. We only needed two members to work at each home so the others went to buy supplies and needed things for their new homes. Thankfully I was one of the ones chosen to go finish the work. So me and Steve headed down the hill to go and help Miguel finish up the home for Moises and his family.
As soon as we got there, Miguel put us to work and we worked hard to build the stove and a sitting step out of cement along the front of their house. We didn't do too bad I must say.
But as we were working there was a group of little boys sitting there watching us like they have done each day. We were working so hard and because there was only two of us we couldn't play much with the kids. Then it happened.
I heard a little boys voice.
And what did he say?.......In perfect English he said, "What's your name?"
I turned around and they were all giggling. Then he said it again. "What's your name?"
I looked at him, pointed to my chest and said "Jose." He giggled again but then something amazing happened.
Moises, the father of the family, heard it and rushed over to shake my hand. And not just any shake. He grabbed my hand with both his hands and said, "Jose! Gracias!" The joy in his eyes I will never forget. Even though I had introduced myself to him before maybe he forgot or because I said my name as Joe he might have been unsure how to pronounce it. But now he knew my name and he was very grateful. And so was I. I was grateful for the opportunity to meet this humble, hard working man and it was a pleasure working along side him. I love him and his family and I pray they will come to know You Jesus as their personal Savior.
Do you think it's a coincidence that his name is Moises? God is not the God of coincidences. Moses wanted to know God's name at the burning bush. God told Moses that He is the "I am" God. And when He promises that "I am with you always" it was true in that moment. He was there.
Who is this great and awesome God that draws some imperfect people to a distant place to love some people in need? To have them for even a few days feel that they are "special." To gift to them a home to call their own that maybe they had dreamed of.
Who is this God that humbles you because you see how hard the ones He loves work for what they have and who truly appreciate gifts in a way maybe I have never done.
Who is this God that uses people, who you think are in need to show you that you are really the one in need? And what do I need? The capacity to love just for loves sake. The ability to truly live. To see your life have an everlasting impact all for God's glory. I need that. God is using these beautiful people to show me my need for Him and at the same time loving them through me and allowing me to be a part of it. I am so grateful!

So, "Who is this God?" "What is His name?"

He is my Lord! He is my King!

His name is Jesus!.......we love You Lord!

Team members in need of prayer

2010-02-25T06:17:00.000-08:00

This morning we decided to split up Joe and Steve went to site 1, Pat and Eric went to site 2, Chris and Mary went to spend the day with there missionary friend, and the rest of us went to Santiago to shop for "house warming" gifts.

I will let Joe blog about sites 1 and 2, I was not there ,but a moment to deliver lunch.

The day in Santiago running from hardware store to hardware store looking for a Pi la for the families was kinda funny. At each store, when they would tell you that they did not have one, they would give you directions to the store that they thought would. The directions would always start out with, "go to the fisherman's restaurant then........" We guess that that is just a good, well know reference point.

I have to say I am sorry, I have been just freakishly sleepy on this trip. Not a bad thing, but I have not been blogging the way I usually do. I feel asleep while doing it last night and had to delete everything I had written. It seemed to be in an unknown foreign language. This being said, It is nice to have Joe and Jeanneane blogging also.

Going through the city hunting for Items. Was just a warming experience with every thing that we picked up. knowing that each family would be able to celebrate what the Lord had done for them in a great way.

I did get to go to Site 2 today to deliver lunch to Miguel and the extra snacks to Moises and his family. The look on his face as I came into his courtyard was of great gratitude. He rushed out of his house where they were eat there lunch to shake my had and so thank you. I , In my lack of Spanish tried to direct his thanks to God, "gracios a Dios". I think he did understand what we were trying to say.

I have to go now we are blessing the houses this morning.

I have no picture to post my camera battery went dead. We have pictures on other camera, but do not have them.

As soon as I can figure out how to get my computer to cut and paste Joe's blog It will be up there.

Please Pray for Jeanneane she has become very sick and spent the majority of the day in her room trying to be still.

Please pray for Steve. He was having some stomach issues, but we thik he was medicated early enough. He seems to be recovering.

Please pray for the families we are building house for. May they give there thanks to God and believe.
(site 2) are non-believers)

bye for now.

Glory be to God for this day.

A different view than before, w/ a teaser at the end

2010-02-24T08:31:00.000-08:00

It has been a different experience for me this time on the mission trip. Being in a leadership role I have noticed my perspective change on alot of things.

I am feeling more at ease with the projects. There just is not that sense of urgency now. I have a different focus.

I am no longer worried about getting something done. I am more focused on the relationships.

I have mentioned this before and I will say it is no different this time.

"My favorite thing to do is witness God (Father,Son, and Holy Spirit) working in the lives of all involved in the mission."

It is not a thing of trying to prove that He exists. It is a blessing to me that I get to give God thanks and praise for allowing me to see it and share what I saw with others.

Yesterday in the village Jeanneane said that she was feeling like she was just standing around and getting in the way when she was trying to help. I think you will see by the previous pictures that she has not been standing around, but really working her tail off.

But in my new perspective I felt the need to point out to her that it is not about the project it is about the process. They do not need us to build the houses for them. They could actually do it faster if we were not in there way. No, why we are here is to establish a relationship with them and let them see Christ working in us and want that for themselves.

I feel a presence of Christ here and he has been here before I came and He will be here after I leave. I just need to be sensitive to his nudging to be in his will and to share his love.

Fore God is so wonderful and mighty that he can take the feeble attempts and blunders of a fallen man like me and turn them into beautiful moments for the Kingdom.

Thank you Lord this day

I have good news, but I am teasing you now. I want to share this with you tonight.

In Christ's name I pray for this day, that He will be glorified.
Amen

Learning the art of patience…

2010-02-24T07:11:00.000-08:00

　
We just wrapped up day two working on the homes that we have been assigned to. We have a lot of hands to pitch in at each site for every task, and sometimes too many hands as we all step up at once to pitch in and complete a task. Everyone on the team was eager to get to work on these houses and see progress, and accomplish our goal, after all that is why we are here isn‘t it? That is what we signed up for when we decided to come to Guatemala right?
It seemed as though we were just standing around a lot at our site and feeling somewhat useless, getting a little impatient to get something accomplished and possibly starting to question our purpose here and then little by little we started to have an audience of small curious faces. First outside of the fence on the site that I am at and then slowly the children started to come into the area we were working. At first they were shy and did not want to come to close so we waved and I made silly faces at them and then the giggles started to come here and there. Then they saw our cameras and wanted to get closer to see what they were. I took a picture of one little girl whose name is Maeta and then let her take a picture of herself she had such a serious look at first and then she laughed at her image. Then I took one of us together and she thought that was pretty funny too. After that she followed me and we played patty cake together and pretty soon we were fast friends. She wanted to touch my face and my hair and was fascinated by my painted fingernails, touching them and then her own. Although we do not speak the same language we managed to get each others names down saying them several times to each other and giggling together as we tried to get them right. While I played with Maeta a few of the other children came and started to play with all of us and then when it was time for us to head to the bus for lunch the kids started to follow us and we had to have the interpreter tell them that they had to stay and we would be back. We thought that they were going to stay behind, but they ambushed us about half way down the trail and we had to have the interpreter again tell them they had to stay there. After some arm pulling and leg hugging they stayed behind.
After we came back from lunch the kids were not too far behind us and they seemed to have multiplied in number while we were away. Pretty soon we were all playing with them. Joe was playing catch with one little boy and the little guy was laughing so hard that he fell over. There was a teddy bear that we played keep away with, it was covered with dirt and would most definitely have been a long discarded toy back home, but to these kids it was something to be treasured and find joy in with these strangers that were here playing with them. I hope that I can speak for everyone that was on our work site and say that these kids were not the only ones who found joy in this simple game, we were laughing and running around right with them enjoying them as much as they were enjoying us. There is nothing more precious and beautiful to me than when a child laughs that deep uncontrollable belly laugh. Their precious smiles breaking across their faces in a way that you couldn’t help but smile back. I think that Barrett and Steve may have had a few welts when we left from playing catch with limes and then being pelted with them. Barrett had them using our empty water bottles as baseball bats and limes as balls. Those kids can hit!
When we were ready to leave yesterday it seemed that the site that we had come to work on was further along than we expected. How had that happened with all of that standing and waiting and playing with the children? Something miraculous always happens whenever we forget ourselves and focus on God’s purpose, and when we stopped thinking about the tasks that we thought we had to complete and started focusing on the people miracles started happening within us and around us. I know that we each are experiencing something that is profound. I can only speak for myself in this area, but when I started playing and laughing with the children I experienced a joy that was almost overwhelming. My love language is definitely not touch, but when I let go and the kids touch me and hang on to me I really was able to connect with them in a way that I would never have experienced had I not surrendered myself to the moment.
Last night in our devotion time we read 1 Corinthians 13: 1-7 and it reminded me among other things that love is patient and I need to be patient and wait upon the Lord and when I do the blessings pour out like a waterfall.
　
　

Day two pics

2010-02-24T06:22:00.000-08:00

I will just let the picture do the talking today. Joe's blog is up, and when Jeanneane finally posts you will need some sit down with a cup of coffee time for that.

All for now

Off to the village

Grace and Peace
B.

Where’s My Heart

2010-02-24T05:41:00.000-08:00

It is hard not to fall in love with the people in Santiago Atitlan. But that was our whole mission anyway, right? We came to love them and we have, but they love back just as much. You have never; at least I have never seen so many people so eager to smile at you in my life. Their smiles fill my heart with an unbelievable joy. So much can be expressed through a smile and the sparkle in the eyes that breaks through the language barrier. The door of my heart is wide open and why? Because these beautiful people have so much love to give. There are so many little children and every moment is special. I especially love the shy ones. They look at you from a distance but a smile and a little wave and they can’t help but smile and wave back. Such big smiles too!

What a blessing this trip has been. Loving what Jesus loves, People. To get to know them has already changed me and I’m sure the whole team for the better. Love never fails.

So how will I be changed when I get back? Don’t know for sure but I do know this. It will seem that my mind will be thinking about these wonderful people and so I know at some point the thought or question will arise. Did you leave your heart in Santiago Atitlan?

Though at times, especially during my first week back, it might seem like it but that isn’t what is going on with my heart. I love my family, Heidi and my girls and all the people Christ has brought into my life back home. And I can’t wait to see you all again! But what Jesus has done with my heart is grown it. It is much bigger now because He is filling it with love for these people and so my capacity to love I hope will be greater. He is growing my heart with joy and I’m so thankful.

That’s where my heart is today!

In Christ, Joe

Short and to the point post

2010-02-24T05:25:00.000-08:00

Day two in the village was different.

If you compare the work, yes you see progress. The work is getting done.BUT is the project getting done the real reason that we are here.

I don't think so. No. I know it is not.

The progress that you can see in the photos, if you look closely, is the relationships that are growing.

The craftsmen on the job that we are helping are now asking us to do stuff. They are joking with us and laughing alot. Before there was an awkwardness to working around them.

The Children, hahaha, They see us coming now and run to be there with us.

And most importantly the families. Their stand-backness has changed to a right in the middle of us-ness.

I think I can speak for the team when I say this " God was glorified today"!,
and we enjoyed every minute of it.

First day in the village photo group

2010-02-24T05:06:00.000-08:00

Hey how did he get here?

More coming

A great day and A great night

2010-02-23T05:39:00.000-08:00

The morning progressed into a thunderstorm of birdsong. It was the most beautiful sound as you stared across the lake watching the fisherman. As I prayed for Luis, I felt a calmness come over me.. A peace that only Christ could give me. I said before in my previous blog that the "why Questions were flying through my head" I don't pretend that I have all the answers and I am confident my Lord is there with him and his family. But, as I sat in this synphony of sound and site, I felt a calm come over me and I knew the day was going to be blessed.

Just watching the fisherman on the lake brings thought of the gospel story of the disciples and Jesus crossing the Lake and Jesus calming the storm and rebuking the wave.

The storm in my heart was calmed and any thought of why was rebuked.

I prayed

For Luis

for the day

for my family

for all of you

for Cerro de Oro

for the families of the houses we were to serve

for the team

for me

And I worshipped my Lord

PEACE, GRACE, MERCY, HOPE, PERSEVERENCE

The team gathered for breakfast and we headed for the village.

I have to get going. No me right now. SO. I will leave you with a teaser of pictures.

I am sorry,but not really

I started to feel sleeping after dinner last night and took advantage of my condition.

I went to bed

and was asleep all night

thus no night blog

The internet here is very weak and we get kick off all the time.

could not even get on to say hi or call Amy and my kids

or even send a message

so I was asleep

Here is your teaser for the first day

sorry so short

I will do a couple of massive photo blogs tonight

This last photo is of one of the families that we are building a home for.

Thank you all for praying.

I feel a great day ahead

One that will glorify God

Sorry I was asleep all night, but not really.

God blessed me with sleep to prepare for today.

I am awake now and thinking;

"here am I Lord.............................."

Off to breakfast and Cerro de Oro for the day.

just a note

2010-02-22T03:55:00.000-08:00

We as the bloggers of this mission have made a rule. We will not read the blogs of the other bloggers for the day until we have posted for that day. Therefore you may have some redundancy in our blogging, but from our own personal view. Kind of like the synoptic gospels. Only we are not trying to write a bible here we are just reporting on the mission at hand.

Full of Sorrow and Full of Joy

2010-02-21T23:30:00.000-08:00

Felt the value of a heart today. No wonder Christ puts so much value in our attitudes because our hearts mean everything. Saw a lot today. So many things to write about and how different it is here. You see both the good and bad. But what was important to me was what I saw with my heart.

How can a heart have both the capacity for sorrow and joy at the same time.

My heart breaks for one of our interpreters named Luis. As we made our journey to Santiago Luis got a call that his grandmother had just died. He had to cut his trip short on his first day to go be with his family.

For a short time this morning we had got to know him as he helped us exchange money and buy more supplies for the school children. You have never met a more caring and friendly guy with the big smile to match.

Our hearts break for him and knowing that he is going through other family issues as well and was still willing to serve us for the sake of our Lord will forever tie my heart to his. He has a prayer warrior in me and I hope you will join me in lifting him up in prayer. He could use some strength that only Christ can give and I am thankful to have met him.

So when I think of the day my heart was broken but it was also full of joy.

So many people that I saw on the way that a smile or a wave would get the biggest response.

What joy! I love these people! The little kids especially! Sometimes they would be unsure, then they would give a little smile and just raise their hand in a little wave. A sparkle in their eyes brings joy to my heart!

I just want to know them. I want to look them in the eyes and even though I can't say I love them with my mouth, I want them to see it in my eyes.

Maybe that's what a heart like Christ is like. Both broken and joyful on the same day or even in the same moment.

Jesus is a man of sorrows but He is also our joy!

I thank Him for this day!

(though I am posting this. It was written By Joe Lange while the internet was down)

A bitter sweet day

2010-02-21T23:20:00.000-08:00

Today started off with a beautiful sunrise and the sound of birds. I always like it when I wake up at the vista. I now know this is the start to a week that is going to see transformation in the lives of all involved.

Of course I could not wait to get down to the buffet to have breakfast and fill my thermos full of Guatemalan coffee for the ride to Santiago.

I think the real reason for the anticipation of morning was that I would see friends that I have not seen since July when I was last here.

Karty showed up first and we talked for a while. Ruth Ann and Linda both came over to join in the conversation. We all know Karty from the 2008 Mission to Xela.

Not long after a car drove up and out came Luis, his wife, and his children. This was a very special arrival for me. Luis was our translator for the 2009 mission. Our whole team became attached to him.

The back story on Luis is that he was not a Christ follower when he joined our 09' team. After spending a week with the our team he ended up being the room mate of the pastor of the church that followed us. This pastor completed the Romans road with him and he gave his life to Christ. When our team heard this news we could not help ,but rejoice for the work the Lord had done in his heart.

(fast forward back to present)

After all the meet and greet the team piled onto the bus to head for WalMart to buy supplies for the school. We all started getting to know the translator as they trailed us through the stores.

But for a portion of us, Mostly the guys. We spent the morning with Luis as he helped us exchange money and searching for odds and ends.

Like last July, it was evident the team was instantly bonding to Luis. He has that genuine personality that beckons you to like him.

Once on the bus with close to 200 note books, socks, and odds and end. We headed for lunch. No time for anything interesting, just Burger King.

On our way to lunch Luis received a call. A quit conversation with Gloria and then an announcement in the parking lot of BK.

Luis was going to have to leave the team. His Grand mother had just past to the hands of our Lord.

If this was not enough. An earlier conversation let me know of the stress, confusion, and heartbreak Luis was already going through before this news.

Luis' Father runs cars. He travels to southern Mexico then gets on a plane and flies to Houston to pick up the car he has been assigned to drive back to Guatemala. The last they heard from him he was about to get on the plane to Houston. The people in Houston said he never got off.

The family has tracked his credit card and the last place it was used was in a part of Mexico his dad would not have had any reason to go. Then nothing. Nobody has heard/seen any trace of him in weeks. The family is fearig the worst.

Then this , his grand mother dieing (his dads mother)

You would think this would be enough to break anyone of us, but pile on one more thing. Luis' wife is running out of options for her ailing health and is quicky being left with one last option. an operation. of which they cannot afford and are scared to face the possible outcome.

We all sat on the bus, I was in shock. My heart was breaking for him. This is a time when those questions start flying through your head.

'Why Lord, Why? Why this man? Does he not have enough to suffer through."

Ruth Ann and Gloria lead the team in a prayer over him. We laid our hands on him as we prayed. I was still in broken shock for him and could not even speak a word of prayer"

We all stepped of the bus. to say our good-byes.

In tears, I looked him in the eyes and told him I would pray for him unceasingly.

I handed him his letters. Letters that the summer/July team had written him. We hugged. and we watched him walk away to get a ride home.

I had a quiet lunch and tried not to let my brokenness for Luis affect the rest of the team.

Back on the bus, on our way forging forward I can't help but feel I just left A big part of me back in the parking lot.

Every time I think of him and his situation I start praying. Every time I start praying I start crying.

This is hard

I am going to leave this here for now. I need to get some air, be still, pray and spend some time with my Lord.

You have just read this.

Do you believe in the power of prayer?

I do.

Please stop right now.

And Pray for our brother in Christ.

I am comforted by the sounds filling the air tonight. The Sunday evening worship is reaching late into the night tonight. I am going to go join them.

Psalm 34: 1-3

Tomorrow is a fresh day, with time for much prayer and praise.

running to dinner, we are late

2010-02-21T16:17:00.000-08:00

We are here in Santiago. We have to leave in a few minutes for dinner. Today was a long day of travel with a bitter sweet start. When I collect my thought over dinner I will explain.

Be praying for the team as we prepare for the day ahead and we will be fb'ing tonight with you all

Grace and peace

COMPUTER DOWN AT THE VISTA

2010-02-21T16:12:00.000-08:00

I have to say I am sorry. I was not able to get back on the internet last night. For some reason It had low connectivity and would not let me on.

The flight into Guatemala was a bumpy one. Not so much to make you hold on to your seat,b ut enough to make you hold on to your soda.

Coming into the airport the flight crew informed us that there were not any customs forms on the plane and we would need to fill these out at the airport. hick-up.

Upon arriving in the airport we all we all gathered at the top of the gangway and prayed over our time here in Guatemala. That we would be in tune with His will and that we would make it through the airport with out incindent.

Off to baggage claim we went. Seems we were the only flight arriving at the time so they had our bags already circling the carousel.

Then came customs. Chris and Mary went through with out a second glance. The Jeanneanne and I went through. They asked to open Jeanneanne's bags and proceeded to filter through.

"Are these donations?"

"They are gifts"

"For a school?"

"Yes"

"Ok have a good eveening"

And we were off

Everyone came through accept Pat . Pat they also searched.

"You have equipment in your bag and you did not declare it!"

"This is not equipment." refering to the tools in his bag "These are hand tools"

a stearn look and she closed his bag.

Once out of the airport we meet up with Gloria from Orphan outreach, Had our bags loaded on the bus and we were off to the hotel in Guatemala city.

Most were tire and went off to there rooms to get some sleep after a long flight.

Me I played on facebook, talked to my wife and kids on skype. And when I finally felt motivated to write on the blog. I could not get back on the internet.

The Lord has provided us a safe day of travel may He provide the same today.

2010-02-20T10:43:00.000-08:00

Here we are at the gate. The bus ride was fun and we are quickly becoming a tight knit group. We have had our coffees and ate a snack. Now it is just a moment to relax and wait for the plane.

Once again. Thank you all for your support and Prayers. We are on our way

Special thanks to Spencer and Wendy Finney for opening there home and being a very important part of our team. Thank you for the proper send off.

Grace and Peace

Next stop ; GWB national airport Houstan TX

blink, blink, blink, blink

2010-02-20T06:01:00.000-08:00

Just sitting starring at the computer, watching the cursor line blink.

The thoughts are running through my head of how we have got this far. I remember the day the applications came out and wondering how many would come. I remember our first meeting and wondering how we were all going to raise the money in that short of time.

I look back. And Thank Our God in Heaven above for the generosity that poured forth from all of you. I am so thankful for all who gave of time and materials so that we may go.

This is it; my last post from the comfort of my desk. I have my cup of coffee and a bowl of oatmeal and I sit here watching my children sleep and just feel blessed for every little thing that God has given me.

Thank you Lord

It is time to pack up the computer. It is time to start waking the kids. It is time to do one last check of the bags. Even though I have everything I need. The Love of my father, A loving and supportive wife, My four children Who have taught me over the years what unconditional love looks like. My Church family here in Washington and in North Carolina to Alaska to Guatemala who have blessed me with prayer, support and funds.

It is time.......... to stepout of the boat.

On my knees before you God giving you thanks and praise.

To all of you, I give you a verse that was give to me one day by a good friend whom I wish could be going with me. It sums it all up.
Philippians 1:3

Grace and Peace
(Grapes and peas)

blink, blink, blink, blink

Ready To Fly

2010-02-19T22:39:00.000-08:00

Here it is. The night before we leave. My heart is ready.
Sure we are going to get on a plane but are we ready to fly?
What awaits us, who can be sure. But one thing is certain. We are in our Lord's hands and there's no place I'd rather be.
I want my soul to fly!
Here we are. You have marked out our path and we begin a journey to change the world.
Guatemala will be changed because of our love.
And we will be changed because of Your love Lord!
You change one heart at a time. Start with us!

"The Lord reigns! Let the earth be glad!"

To all our loved ones and friends,
Thank you! Thank you for your love and support! We are on our knees before our Lord giving thanks for you!
You all travel with us because in our hearts is always a place for you.
May Christ forever delight in you and bless you in your time of need!

A time to Pray, a time to trust in a plan other than our own

2010-02-18T23:18:00.001-08:00

As you may have already seen as posted by Joe and Barrett we have hit a bit of a hiccup and we haven't even left the comfort of our homes yet. Of course we all have concerns, but you know what they say, the best laid plans...

We can all lay out as many detailed plans as we like, but the most important thing for each of us to remember is that God has gone before us and laid out the master plan and as long as we trust in him and we remain in his will, we (according to his plan) will overcome. This mission is not about us or what "stuff" we can or cannot bring into another country. It is about sharing Christs love with other people and whether or not we can carry supplies into the country is not the issue, God has already equipped each of us with all of the "stuff" we need to share his love if we just allow ourselves to be used and trust in Gods plan for this trip. Hmmm...Maybe this is not about about the supplies, but about us truly relying on Gods plan for this trip.

Proverbs 3:5 says; Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.

We may not understand why anyone would want to confiscate supplies that we believe will help others, but again we must remember that God has a master plan here no matter the outcome for the supplies that we are taking.

I seem to recall asking God to take me outside of my comfort zone and to help me face my fears head on, the question is am I ready to lean on his understanding and not my own.

I have to agree with Joe, I think things just got a little more exciting!

Please pray for us to be in God's will as we go through customs and to remain in God's will throughout the trip, and to be willing to let go of our "stuff" if necessary. All of the stuff we are bringing with us, not just the physical baggage, but the spiritual and emotional baggage as well.

PRAYER REQUEST

2010-02-18T23:09:00.000-08:00

We received a call from Orphan Outreach today warning us of Guatemala customs seizing supplies from mission groups.
One team had their medical mission supplies seized and were offered a chance to buy them back for $5000 in taxes. Another team had their supply of diapers seized that were heading to an orphanage and were offered the opportunity to buy them back for $1200 in taxes.

This is where your prayers come in. I just spent a couple of hours shifting supplies around trying to make them more evenly distrubuted and less obviuos. BUT since they are all one of two types of t-shirts and school supplies, with a few tools mixed in, it is hard to make them look like a normal checked bag.

There is no hiding what they are if they decide to look in them.

Ruth Ann and I have discussed the issue and we are leaving this in Gods hands. We have faith that Gods will, will be done here.

We will be using some simple strategies to try to go through unnoticed. One; we will not be wearing our team shirts. Two; we will not go through as a big team ,but separate into groups of two. Three; we are going to hold on to these supplies loosely. God has a plan here and we need to be willing to go with his plan(will).

I am asking everyone who reads this to please pray for our team. Please pray that we are in God's will. Please pray for the supplies to go unnoticed.

This is just a pump in the road and God says we can move mountians with the faith of a mustard seed.

I have faith. Faith that God's will will be done.

Grace and Peace
Barrett

Prayers Please

2010-02-18T21:43:00.000-08:00

Seems our team has it's first big challenge. News is that the government of Guatemala is confiscating supplies from humanitarian groups at customs.
Let's don't forget one thing. These are Christ's supplies not ours. We are just the ones entrusted to carry them.
"Where is our faith?"
If Jesus wants these supplies to get to the church we are bringing them to there is nothing and no one who can stop them.
We didn't ask for the easy road and the One we serve will be with us. He leads us as we go and protects us from all trouble. We will fear no evil.
Please pray for our hearts to trust.
To not trust in outcomes or circumstances but in the only One who is worthy of trust. Jesus!
This is His mission, we are just along for the ride.
I for one think it just got a little more exciting.
I hope that this whole trip we are put in need of a miracle because I know God is faithful.
And I want to see Him work!

Where is your Faith?

2010-02-18T21:21:00.000-08:00

With two days to go on our mission it has been a rough week for me. My heart was in a great place last week and I was antsy and ready to go. Then I started my vacation and began it with the list of things I needed to get done before I left. Didn't go at all as I had planned and by Wednesday I was pretty discouraged and feeling beaten down. My heart was feeling distant and I was worried I wasn't hearing from Christ and we were only days from leaving. Then I went to Men's group and Jesus did what He always does. He showed up. Once again He proved His faithfulness. Why do I doubt? We read in Luke about the disciples with Jesus in the boat during a storm. What was Jesus doing? Sleeping. They woke Him in fear for their lives and He calmed the storm then asked them this question.
"Where is your faith?"
My unfinished list with all it's worries suddenly seemed a lot smaller. I got my focus off the distractions and back on Christ. There is nothing Christ can't handle so I put all the worries in a basket and gave them over to Him. The list is just a list. If it doesn't get done I'm okay because I trust Him.
Peace again........now I'm ready!
Need some encouragement?
Read Psalm 121

"Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth."
And He doesn't sleep or slumber and His eyes are on me.

Oh how He loves us!

Ready, Set, Go...

2010-02-18T09:07:00.000-08:00

Only 2 days left until we depart. Wonder what I will forget?

Monday evening we had our supply packing party and packed up 11 - 50lb suitcases full of socks, t-shirts and various medical and school supplies and a few tools. Thanks to all of you who contributed to the supplies. A huge thanks to the Finneys for allowing us to crash their house, store all of our stuff there until we leave and for helping us pack and giving us encouragement. Here are a few pictures from Monday. If it looks like we are having fun it is because we are!

Chris is showing off his Muscle...

Not sure if this face will make friends in Guatemala...

Was this a moment of Praise or confusion?

Steve does the all important Weighing in of the Bags... He takes his job very seriously.

Our own Dr. Mary hands out the ever so important travelers intestinal recovery pills, she gives us a brief explanation of how to take them and Ruth Ann and Joe demonstrate the joy that comes with happy intestines.

The 2010 Winter Guatemala Missions team.

Well I must go and finish those errands and start packing. Get out and enjoy that sunshine now people while it lasts. You can read more of our blogs later! God Bless!

Where is it?

2010-02-14T23:14:00.000-08:00

Where is it? I cannot find anything! Aaaaauuuugh!!

My mind is spinning and I am running around the house looking for stuff and forgetting what I was looking for before I even get halfway to finding it.

Where did my raincoat GO?? I had it hanging up......I think.

Where is my flashlight? KIIIIIIDS. What did you do with my flashlight?

So here I sit. 11pm. I decided to sit down and start making a list. What do I need. What do I really need there with me. *Sigh*. Nothing really.

1) My Lord, I need Jesus.
2) Me, I need the real me to show up.
3) I need my teammates.
4) I need prayer support
5) I need to have faith
6) I need a passport
7) I need a plane ticket
8) I need to be patient
9) I to stop worrying about what I think I will need to make this trip a success.

I am just sitting here thinking. Would God not provide for me if this is his plan. No I would never think of testing him. That is not my point. My point is that I am not doing this alone. I have the Holy Spirit counseling me. I have Jesus whom has been there since the creation of begining. I have my God who is for me(and of course the team and those we will see).

Just stop..........think............No..Stop.............Pray.............Pray some more............ Breath in and out.
Now start thinking truthfully about what I really need to bring with me.

1) My willingness to serve others with a heart like Jesus.

Done

Thank you Lord for this team of people willing to go in your name. Thank you for letting me be a part of this, Your work. Thank you for placing in the heart of every person involved in our going, the desire to be a part of your plan fore they gave so generously. Thank you Lord. Just for being so wonderful.

There it is.........Peace.......Grace and Peace

2010-02-14T20:18:00.001-08:00

It is hard to believe that we are less that a week away from starting the last and most significant leg of our journey to Guatemala. The journey began late last year when we all turned in our applications and the 2010 winter missions team was chosen. We came together mostly as strangers and through a common goal have become more than just a team, I personally feel as though I have 10 new members in my family. We have spent many a Sunday afternoon and a couple of Saturdays preparing mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually as a team and as individuals. The preparation time has gone by so quickly and we have learned so much about this country we are going to on paper (Thanks Barrett!) that I cannot wait to see in person the real Guatemala and meet the people that God brings into our lives during the brief time that we have there. I have already seen here at home within the team the work that God is beginning to do in every ones lives, and I know that there is so much more to come. It is exciting to witness and a privilege to be a part of.

Thank you so much to all of you who have supported each of us. Please continue to keep us and our families in your prayers over the the next couple of weeks.

We look forward to sharing our time in Guatemala with all of you.

Gettin Ready

2010-02-14T17:53:00.000-08:00

Less than a week to go. Anticipation and excitement. Can't contain the joy in my heart but I need to be still. I need to hear my Lord's voice. I am so grateful for all the support and I think I can speak for the team in saying how grateful we all are to have so many people praying for us. Let this mission not be about us though. Let all we do be for Christ. "Perfect love casts out fear."Christ, who is perfect has covered our imperfections with His love and so we go. We go because He loves us and in Guatemala and all along the way there are people who need to know how deep His love for them is. May He begin on this Valentines Day to continue to prepare our hearts for this mission. May He fill our hearts with so much love that it overflows to all we meet. May they know us by our love. Help our hearts to receive Your love Lord so we can then give it away.

Testing testing: is this really working

2010-02-12T23:00:00.000-08:00

Ok everyone, This is it. I am starting this thing again. The Blog thing. This mission trip has been set. The team has been trained. and we are on the door step of departure.

Our Goal( as a blog): to keep you informed of what we are doing down in Santiago and Cerro de Oro, Guatemala. To let you see the Lords work at had. So that you may rejoice with us, So that you can PRAY for us. So that you can PRAY for the people that God has us come into contact with.

Looking at the map above;

Look center,bottom; do you see the road following the edge of the lake?

On the Florida shaped inlet you will see the city of Santiago Atitlan and as you follow the road east(to the right) you will see the village of Cerro de Oro.

Santiago is where our partner church is located. "El Buen Pastor" (The good sheppard). That is also where our hotel will be.

As before we will travel each day to work in the village of Cerro de Oro. This is where we will be building two houses and helping El Buen Pastor with there missional church "Mision Batista, El Buen Pastor".

This is just the beginning. I hope to have other team members sign on and blog each day so that you will have multiple views and writing style to read.

Please pray for us, that we may only glorify God with this blog. This is its chief concern.

With much anticipation, I welcome you to follow us as we walk along side our brothers and sisters in Christ. So that we may bless each other with that which God has blessed us with.

In Christ,

Barrett