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!
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Saturday, February 27, 2010
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.
Friday, February 26, 2010
a few pictures from site 1
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…
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!
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!
Thursday, February 25, 2010
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
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
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!
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
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.
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.
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
A different view than before, w/ a teaser at the end
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
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…
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
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 PeaceB.
Where’s My Heart
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
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.
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.
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