Life from "the land of eternal spring"....

Some things go unmentioned!

2010-03-03T14:29:00.000-08:00

Mission Impact is dynamic! Not only do we have SEVERAL different areas of ministry, they are located in several different villages in different directions from the central town of Antigua. Each ministry is led by someone different, a Guatemalan who has a specific vision they are carrying out. Mission Impact comes alongside these individuals to support them in their calling from God.

Me? I have the privilege of being involved in every single one of these ministries one way or another - mostly by leading teams. However, since we welcome so many teams, often times overlapping, I am not the only person responsible for physically leading teams when they are in country, although I do much of the logisitical planning and behind the scenes planning for them. Therefore, I pick-and-choose particular details to share with you…..but that doesn’t mean that each of our teams are equally important. Beyond all of our detailed plans, physical labor, outreach, fundraising and programs…It’s evident that God is using each individual that takes a step of faith to come to Guatemala to leave a mark in the lives of the Guatemalan people. And, from almost every team member, you will probably hear that they believe God impacted them more than they impacted Guatemala.

So, a Thank You to…..

 Wisconsin Construction Team (January 13-24; served in Santa Lucia Milpas Altas) who worked relentlessly on the block for Nueva Vida y Esperanza School’s addition.
 Redeemers Team (January 18-29; served in the Ixcan, Peten). In the past year or so Hechos 2:8 (Acts 2:8 ministry) has begun a water filters project to provide the communities with clean water. To date they have provided 8,000 people with clean water, but that only marks 10% of their goal! We say "poco-a-poco"! (little by little)
 Wisconsin Medical Team (February 6-13, served in Sumpango) who patiently waited 4 days as we spent over 35 hours trying to get confiscated medications out of customs at the airport meanwhile pressing forward with what God had in store for you through medical, children's and women's outreach!

God is good!

"Commit to the LORD whatever you do, and your plans will succeed" (Proverbs 16:3).

"In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps" (Proverbs 16:9).

I went looking for February…

2010-03-01T12:00:00.000-08:00

Where did February go? It passed so fast…so I went looking for it. This is what I found:

February was named after the Latin term februum, which means purification, via the purification ritual Februa held on February 15 in the old Roman calendar.

Historical names for February include the Anglo-Saxon terms Solmonath (mud month) and Kale-monath (named for cabbage) as well as Charlemagne’s designation Hornung. In Finnish, the month is called helmikuu, meaning "month of the pearl"; when snow melts on tree branches, it forms droplets, and as these freeze again, they are like pearls of ice. In Ukrainian, the month is called лютий meaning the month of ice or hard frost.

(Thanks Wikipedia. That’s me sighting my source)

Back to our edjumakation class. You could have had me fooled, I was expecting to find something on L-O-V-E. You know, because of Valentines Day!

So how about February in Guatemala you ask? Well, perhaps you wouldn’t find snow on tree-branches nor freezing droplets. And although we walk among dirt roads daily, you most likely wouldn’t encounter much mud because it’s dry season – so it’s more dusty than muddy. You’ll have to wait until May-October for Mud in Guatemala and read facebook updates (like me!) for reports on freezing ice and snow!

Beyond the recorded historical facts and the climate (did you know that Americans are known to talk about the weather a lot?) Guatemala received a new mark on it’s soil this Feburary when RCOA Team (From Canada) and Wisconsin Sumpango Medical Team arrived.

RCOA team was a group of youth from Canada who came for an entire month! Their mornings consisted of Spanish and Cross-Cultural Studies and the afternoons in ministry projects. Their first week here they partnered with Mission Impact’s ministry Construyendo Corazones (Constructing Hearts) with Hector Flores where they participated in Children’s Ministry through puppets, music and bible stories and a variety of different villages. Then they transitioned into Host Families in the village of San Juan Del Obispo and began digging a water cistern (with our Appropriate Technology ministry with Margarito) in the village of Santa Maria de Jesus on the side of Volcano Agua (Water). Mixed in with their planned Children’s ministry and construction project they did additional outreaches via music and puppet performances as well as soccer ministries. Might I add that us Canadian and American ladies beat the Guatemalan ladies? Talk about a confidence boost! But, that’s just a side note. Thank you RCOA for your time in Guatemala! What a blessing to witness the seeds that you planted here as well as the seeds that God planted into your heart!

2010 Taylor University Team - Jan 5th-27th

2010-01-09T05:13:00.000-08:00

Taylor is not our 'traditional team', of 8 days. They come almost an entire month starting out an intense week in Ixcan (In Peten - jungle land) with Hechos 2:8 (Acts 2:8) ministry. Intense I say, because it's a long ride (about 12) with the last few hours on terrible roads. And - it's HOT. (Contrary to common belief, where I currently live and work is not often sweltering hot! The temperature is always like Spring. Hence the name "The Land of eternal spring" given to Antigua, Guatemala). Once again, the tough terrain proved itself when the team came upon a truck stuck in the muddy road, unable to pass they offered assistance and after an hour or so were able to pass. One more hour on the road and they arrived safely at their destination.

What will Taylor University be doing during their time here? Building latrines, water filters, training the Health Center Staff in the area of Ixcan, training technicians of water filters and most importantly demonstrating the love of Jesus to the people of the Ixcan. After their week there, they will return to Antigua and be working in the village of Santa Maria de Jesus where they will dig a water cistern with Appropriate Technology Ministry.

Welcome 2010!

2010-01-01T22:05:00.000-08:00

I'm excited for 2010 for numerous reasons. I enjoy that Guatemala school year begins fresh at the mark of a new year (January), and ends toward the close (October). I enjoy that wrapping up lose ends happens in the last two months of the year, and that fresh beginnings start 'on time'. I like things organized and I like things to 'make sense' (to me in the least). I like things to be logical and in order, that way I can understand it a little better. I'm thankful that I can rest and reflect and then can be hard at work again with a renewed passion and readiness in the new year. The calendar is set, projects are ahead, teams are planning and everything has its place. Ahhh....how does that make you feel?

I'm not finished just yet....did I mention how I like things to work themselves out? Flexibility, you know, allowing for change? Wiggle room you might call it. I don't like things to stay the same, or be predictable, I get a little bored maybe. A little confined feeling. I like when things make zero sense in the present, and then not so far down the road makes me grin from ear to ear because it worked out just so perfectly, aside from any logical understanding or planning of my own. When things fly out of order, I get a little anxious, eagerly awaiting what God's going to do next. Ahhh...how does THAT scenario make you feel?

Me, you ask? FREEDOM! That's my choice word. But, if I'm not careful, and I'm on the wrong side of the fence, I can feel trapped as well. Why do both of my ideal situations almost contradict themselves and can so easily find me feeling free as well as in jail? Does perspective matter?

I love this picture that I took one rainy day in the village of El Rejon, Guatemala. Hundreds of kids gathered...and prayed. Do you ever wonder what all of those little minds are thinking? What's behind the smiles, frowns and gorgeous eyes?

I see so much in this photo: A head bowed humbly before God communicating her minds thoughts and hearts requests. Inquisitive eyes, not wanting to miss a thing, watching for God, waiting to know more of who He is. A playful heart conversing with his Papa. And lastly a content restful mind basking in the Lords presence.

The truth is, I don't REALLY know what each child was feeling. I don't know their perspective on things, nor what makes them feel free and trapped. And chances are, like me, as we grow older and experience new adventures, perspective often changes.

God tickles me pink with how creative He is. I'm so thankful for a variety of different people, cultures, languages. This year, as with every year, my goal is to love more and to know Love Himself, better!

What is one of your goals this year?

Journey from my hometown!

2009-04-08T09:59:00.000-07:00

Mission Impact has been quite busy with teams...having welcomed our Blount Team (Feb 14th - 27th) as well as White Rock Christian School Team (March 26-March 30) since my last post.

I personally had the pleasure of leading our Journey Team from my very own hometown!

We welcomed Journey team (Carlos, Oscar, Johnny and Dolly, Debra and Dawn) on March 28th - April 4th. Let me tell you - it was good times! Not only was it fun for me to talk on 'common ground' with people from back 'home' (parenthesis necessary because I call Guatemala home too), but it was a heart throbbing eye watering time! What moves my heart the most is when I see peoples tender hearts come to love the people of Guatemala with the love of our Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. This team was quite special. Learners. Good humor (Dawn, sorry about the bird dropping in your hair incident *wink*). Patience. Flexible. Adaptable. Each day they woke up with a genuine spirit about them ready to serve the family in El Rejon, Sumpango building a kitchen and stove...investing in the family and children around. Best of all - their heart to continue to partner with Hector and build a relationship with the people of El Rejon and to pray continually for this family. If I sum up their experience I remembering hearing a theme during their time here...."we came to serve and bless the people of Guatemala, and we did, but we received and were blessed way beyond what we gave". Praise our Papito Dios!

Here's some of the men digging holes - beginning the process of kitchen makin' - and cutie standing by watching!

Hangin' out in the old kitchen with the family as they made rice and carrots. I also had a few tortilla makin' lessons and I'll save myself the embarasement of showing you those photos!

RCOA Team continues...

2009-03-01T11:02:00.000-08:00

After our time in El Rejon, Sumpango working with Hector (Construyendo Corazones ministry) we went up to Santa Lucia Milpas Altas and worked a week and a half with Escuela Vida y Esperanza. We held an activity for the local pastors, did outreach in the nearby poorer villages and schools and helped around the school where needed.

We also did some fun stuff...like visit a coffee plantation...

and take a road trip to Copan, Honduras!

On the way home...we stopped in Guatemala to swim in the hot spring water from the volcanos and swim in this awesome river! And yes! that photo was taken in the middle of the river, where I carefully brought my camera - eek!!

The month with the 7 teenagers from Canada was successful! I believe that their faith was stretched and their cultural horizons expanded! Praise the Lord!

Week 2 - Canadian Home School Team

2009-02-10T20:44:00.001-08:00

WEEK TWO brings us into El Rejon, Sumpango serving with Hector (Construyendo Corazones). The students continue with their studies in Spanish and Cross-Cultural missions and then we pack into the van and take a 45 minute ride to this very poor village.

When someone comes to give you a gift and bless you, how do you respond? This family that we are serving in El Rejon responds by saying, "Thank you (as they point to another neighbors house) but that family needs your help more". Furthermore, they host a childrens ministry gathering on their porch 2 times a week and has never charged a cent. Hector tells us that the Lord has put it on his heart to bless this family...and so we are!

We are painting their house a lovely pistachio green! I know you are jealous that this is not the color of your house...but this is quite a desirable choice here in Guatemala! :)

Secondly, we are building this family a bathroom. For now, they just have an out-house and no place to shower (except by bucket, which they go to the river to fill up).

Work is important - as we come to accomplish these projects to bless this family. However, relationships trump work for sure. The people of Guatemala love to laugh and smile and so play time is just as important! The girls and I were playing while the team was hard at work. I'm supervising right? :) Here is our silly face photo...

And lastly, one must always take time out to paint your nose green and take a group photo!

Canadian Home School Team

2009-02-10T20:08:00.002-08:00

Welcome Canadian Home School Team!!

It is my privileged to lead the Canadian Home School Team, comprised of 7 youth, who are here for one month. Yes - one whole month!

Micah, Matthew, Heidi, Lauren, Megan, Grace and Elizabeth (and their leader Mark) have taken the big step of faith to leave their home land for one whole month and study spanish and missions each morning and participate in service projects in the afternoons.

WEEK ONE was a great success. The students have begun learning Spanish and have made a big dent in their Cross-Cultural Missions course. Each afternoon we went up to Santa Maria de Jesus where we partnered with Margarito (Appropriate Technology) and built two fuel efficient wood burning stoves for two different families!

I have to admit, I developed a new hobby - learning Kaqchikel. Kaqchikel (which you can spell one of a billion different ways) is one of the many indigenous languages of Guatemala. Here I am portrayed with my nifty notebook of notes which I am very proud of.

You want to learn too??? OK! Word #1: Jo' = Vamos = "Let's Go" Word #2 Chanin = Apurrate = "Hurry Up"

On Friday we took an educational tour of Santa Maria de Jesus where Margarito taught us about his village and gave us the opportunity to pray for specific aspects of the village and its people. We walked through the market, hiked up the mountain which overlooked the village, visited a school and learned of their needs, saw how the women wash their clothes in the pila...

And lastly, we visited a woman and her four precious children who's husband and family have abandoned her. We filled a box with rice, sugar, pasta, oil, and beans and prayed over her family. She is a sister in the Lord and her prayers were full of gusto! AMEN! This was a very touching experience for the students.

The New Year Brings a New Season of Teams!

2009-01-31T19:22:00.000-08:00

HAPPY NEW YEAR 2009!!

Fireworks exploded lighting up the Guatemalan sky bringing in a new and exciting year! It's 2009! We at Mission Impact have been super busy gearing up to begin a new school year with our schools, continuing with and starting new construction projects and preparing to receive numerous teams this year - that would be my department! We are truly thankful to the Lord to have another year to serve Him and to demonstrate His Love with the beautiful people of Guatemala!

Wisconsin Team was the first team we welcomed!

They came prepared to teach the children up at our Proximos Pasos School in Santa Maria de Jesus all about healthy eating and taking care of their teeth!

Then - we passed out apples...

Among Children activities the Wisconsin Women taught the women of Santa Maria de Jesus about their personal health as well as taking care of their infants. All the while, the men were hard at work on the next floor of the girls school...

And even took a break to come do some juggling act!

And this is the prayerful outcome...that each and every child will be touched by the Spirit of our Lord and Savior and develop a love and commitment to Him!

Merry Christmas!

2009-01-01T18:52:00.000-08:00

People lined up in malls waiting to visit Santa Clause, Christmas music playing, snow falling, commercials advertising new items perfect for Christmas, the hustle, the bustle, trying to figure out who to buy what before Christmas day....

I have to admit, Christmas here in Guatemala was quite different. The lights were beautiful just like in the states, the music played and peoples hearts were filled with joy remembering the birth of Jesus Christ. Some things were lacking that I am thankful for....like the hustle and the bustle...and some things were lacking that nothing could ever take the place of...like my close loved ones back in the states...snow...and the familiarity of life in North America...

But I was truly blessed here in Guatemala. I visited the orphanage here in Antigua where I used to live with Katie and the girls...

I visited another orphanage in Panorama and played with the boys and girls there...
I visited my Guatemalan family and played with the little grandchildren...
Went to a church service with my friends and their mom...
Ate some traditional Guatemalan food...
And then spent the rest of the evening into the early hours of the morning with one of my friends and their family members who all gather together, exchange gifts on Christmas eve - midnight and then blow up fireworks. If you didn't already know - fireworks are fit to celebrate just about anything here in Guatemala!

Then, Christmas day people sleep in super late (as they have already opened their gifts with their families Christmas Eve) .... I could get used to this!

But, my housemate and I woke up, enjoyed breakfast and coffee and opened our gifts on Christmas Day - the way we think it should be done! :)

Off to Mexico! Visa Renewal

2008-12-21T09:37:00.000-08:00

It's true, the weather is pretty cozy here in Guatemala while many of you remain in the frozen tundra of wintery midwest weather! But before you get jealous of Antigua, Guatemalas "eternal spring' weather....try this out for cozy....

Here's a little fact on foreigners living in Guatemala. Every 90 days we are required to get a new stamp on our passport to renew our visa. This can be done in the city (1 hour from here) and gives us another 90 days. After those 90 days pass, we are required to leave the country. Thus, every 6 months we must leave the country.

So, my friends and I hopped into the truck....and took our 5 hour trip to Mexico to receive a new visa...

It was a tight squeeze.

So you pick, nice weather or comfortable traveling?

Then again, I was in good company! I'm thankful for my housemate Melanie. Melanie works for Kids Alive, a girls home up the mountain about 30 minutes.

How Majestic is God's Name!

2008-12-15T14:57:00.001-08:00

LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!
You have set your glory above the heavens.
Out of the mouth of babies and infants,
you have established strength because of your foes,
to still the enemy and the avenger.

When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers,
the moon and the stars, which you have set in place,
what is man that you are mindful of him,
and the son of man that you care for him?

Yet you have made him a little lower than the heavenly beings
and crowned him with glory and honor.
You have given him dominion over the works of your hands;
you have put all things under his feet,
all sheep and oxen,
and also the beasts of the field,
the birds of the heavens, and the fish of the sea,
whatever passes along the paths of the seas.

O LORD, our Lord,
how majestic is your name in all the earth!

Psalm 8

(I took this photo at the Pacific Ocean a few weeks ago)

Welcome Zion!

2008-12-11T10:08:00.000-08:00

I had the privileged of welcoming my Pastor Mike & wife Donna and mentor Jan & her husband Dave to Guatemala for a 4 day visit from my home church in Zion, Illinois. www.ccczion.org. It was an encouraging trip. When asked what were a few ways that my home church could be supporting and encouraging me, my number one answer was that they take an interest in the people of Guatemala and what God is doing here! And they did - and I'm encouraged!!

The Zion clan had an opportunity to see many different facets of my life here!

They met My Guatemala Family! Dona Rosa Maria and Don Joaquin

We visited some precious orphan babies! Jan with baby

And, we bought flowers in the market!

We visited ministry sites! Here is Margarito (with Appropriate Technology) teaching us how he designed his wood burning fuel efficient stoves.

We sipped on coffee here at a coffee plantation!

And then had a free 'tour' of coffee plants, courtesy of Pastor Mike!

We enjoyed some volcanic action...

And, we visited some ruins. Here is a group photo at Santo Domingo!

And those are just a few things we were able to see! Thanks for visiting! Since we have so many fun photos, I'm sure to be posting more in the near future.

The invitation is open to all - come visit anytime!

Happy Thanksgiving!

2008-11-26T20:12:00.000-08:00

Last year I felt the need not to participate in a local ministries offer of an American Thanksgiving Dinner. Afterall, I was trying to learn life and culture in Guatemala - and in Guatemala, there isn't "Thanksgiving Day". So, I wanted to stand aside from the rest of the "Gringos" and not be so "North American".

This year, I'm going! I'm going to enjoy turkey, stuffing, pumpkin pie - yes, I'm going to walk out of there full and thankful! And, I realize that in a year and a half, I'm still no less "North American" and no matter how much culture I have come to understand, I will never transform into a "Chapin". That's slang for "Guatemalan". So why not strike a healthy blance and enjoy some good Thanksgiving Dinner?

I'm thankful for many things over the last month....and....a little bit. (That's my plead for pardon for being slow on my updates - I no longer have internet in my home.)

Of all the things I'm thankful for, I'm most thankful for the privlidge of seeing Gods hand at work in the hearts of people. I'll share two people heavy on my heart tonight as I write.

One is Ana Bella. She was a lover of the Lord, church goer, had a home, a car, a good life and a family. Until she got involved in things of the world. The things of the world turned on her and a long story gone bad - she ended up in prison. She's been there sometime now, with much time left to serve. I went to visit her. My heart ached to see little old Guatemalan women all locked up. What had they done? How did they get there? Where will their life go? Does anybody love them? Had anybody ever shown the love of Christ to them? Who will love these women? I will probably never know their stories, but I got to learn a little of Ana Bella's. This woman's faith turned my eyes glassy. Over all the wrong turns she took - many her fault, some not, she was giving thanks to God. She can see His hand at work in her life, and that although she has lost everything, she recognizes that, just maybe, she has been saved from so much. I don't know when or if I will get to visit with this gal again - but I ask that you pray for Ana Bella and her heart to remain strong in the Lord. God is good and God is faithful. He's at work in North America, He's at work in Guatemala, He's at work all around the world -- but not just at work on a grand scale, but in the very inner corners of His people's hearts.

Secondly, I'm thankful for Herman. Herman, unlike Ana Bella, didn't start with much, but he still has nothing. I don't know his entire story, but what I do know, is not something that will tickle your heart and give you warm fuzzies. Herman does not have a home, he does not have a family, he does not have sufficient food to eat. God allowed my housemate and I a conversation of encouragement to Herman. I don't know about you all, I don't come from a perfect childhood or upbringing. But, there are still many great things to be thankful. One, is that I was taught by my parents to be strong, to get through hardship, to be encouraged, to be ambitious, and to take care of myself and make something of myself through effort. I couldn't just sit around and feel sorry for myself for the things that didn't go right in my youth. Do you ever wonder about the people on the streets? Where are their families? What are their stories? Has anybody ever told them to pick themselves up, press on, move forward, be strong, and take action to get to where they need to be? Has anybody ever given sincere concern? Do the people of the streets become their families and encourage them in this way? I don't have the answers either, but I venture to guess that the majority of the people reading my blog has had at least a taste of such encouragement. God opened the door for my houesmate and I to encourage this man to take action and change his life. You can pray for him as he has already taken a step forward to ask the pastor for work, to gain a little money in order to get his papers with which he can encounter work.

I'm thankful for personal things. I'm thankful to have the blessing of serving in Guatemala. I'm thankful for my supporters, for those who pray for me, for those who encourage me. I'm thankful for food on the table three times a day. I'm thankful for my car, my comfortable and safe home. But, most of all, I'm thankful to have the privlidge to see Gods hand at work in the hearts of His created people and to have the privlidge to be a part of it!

Quinceañera

2008-10-06T11:06:00.000-07:00

We celebrated Marisol's 15th birthday. You might already know the significance of this celebration whose origin's and theories are various. But, in short, this is a very important event where the girl who is turning 15 has a huge celebration, similar to that of a wedding. We were in the midst of planning her party when she came to Katie and told her she would like to forgo her party, which she has talked about nonstop for many months, in order to bless a family who's child needed an emergency surgery. Katie and Marisol had already went to buy a dress and so the Pastor had a little party for her in his home with pastors from the states and then her classmates did the same a week later!

Marisol is a beautiful young woman who's heart is evidently dedicated to the Lord. We know and trust the Lord has big plans for her life!

-Pastors from the states and Guatemala, behind the 'Casa Del Destino' girls home, praying over Marisol

-Here's our goofy photo! We always have a goofy photo!

-Marisol and her classmates, we went to her school where her school and teachers threw her a surprise party after hearing of her generosity!

A visit to the village of El Carmen

2008-09-28T16:11:00.000-07:00

In July I had the opportunity to serve in a village called El Carmen. A group of Guatemalan people who were first displaced as refugees to Mexico during the long war in Guatemala. They were forced to return to their country (Guatemala) and were plopped into this unfertile and desolate village to begin life anew -- but with that, many challenges have come.

Please pray for some of their biggest needs:

- A pastor. A group of women from San Antonio Aguas Calientes has ministered to these people for a while now. This is who I went with. A house has been built and now they are awaiting a pastor. Pray that God provides this person soon!

- Their health. Their greatest health risks are malnourishment and respiratory problems. We brought their first water filter and so now they have one location to go to for clean water. Perhaps this is a project/ministry the new pastor, who is yet to come, can continue.

* Sign entering into the village

*Photo from the medical clinic we held

*Photos of the women from both villages working together preparing lunch

*Clothing & toys brought in to distribute

*First water filter is delivered

*And this women is just precious. She wanted me to take a photo of her so she could see herself! So fun! :)

Cake, Oven Pancakes, and Chicken Feet - have your pick!

2008-09-20T16:37:00.000-07:00

In the orphanage we have many people - Emilia is the gal who works daily cleaning and taking care of the baby girls. Of course Katie has taught her the in's and out's of the home, what her tasks aught to be; but the most important thing we have instilled in the people and the children of this home is to Love God, demonstrate His Love and consistently remind the girls who they are in Christ. Emilia's heart radiates God's love - and she is a blessing to all the baby girls! We thank God, continually, that these baby girls are here safely in this home! Please remember to pray for them.

So, it was a blessing to share in her birthday and enjoy some cake!!

*Photo of Emilia's birthday breakfast in the home

For those of you wondering if I'm starving here as I need to cook for myself -- here is evidence of me learning -- I baked an oven pancake and it was delicious! You are welcome to visit me anytime, and I will bake one just for you!

*Photo of me with my oven pancake! Thanks for the recipe mom!

Chicken Feet anyone? I had the opportunity to visit the boys home (and now girls home too!) of some missionaries (Victor and Chicki) that I met back in 2003. Their ministry has many facets (Church, Drug recovery ministry, children's home). Victor's church is one that I visit regularly. And, might you be thrilled to hear - We had chicken feet for lunch - I know, you are jealous!

*Photo of me and some of the girls

*Photo of chicken feet stew - Yum!

Celebrate!

2008-09-04T21:01:00.000-07:00

Not too long ago there was an exciting celebration ~ a baptism of numerous individuals from one of the churches I regularly attend. It was a blessed day of worship, fellowship, food and of course soccer! No celebration is a celebration without Soccer here in Guatemala! Well...and tortillas.

Finding a vehicle in Guatemala is not an easy process. I won't bore you with the many details involved in that but I share a praise with you as the Lord has provided a beautiful vehicle for me and it was a very easy process to buy it. God is faithful!

What do you do in remembrance of your loved ones? How about Birthday traditions? Some friends and I hiked an active volcano named Pacaya and roasted some marshmallows! How about that for your next birthday 'cake'? (Don't worry mom...they have high tech computer things that tell them when it will erupt next - we were very safe!)

And of course - more Spanish studies! Here's my friend Olga checking out my A+ homework! :) Look closely, you will see an "E" on my book. The levels at my school are in letters and start from level "A" to level "G". Being in level E tells you I now know how to say "hello" and find a bathroom...ok ok...and a couple more things. I could probably help you find a place to stay and some good food to eat when you come visit me too!

Thank you for tuning in and for your continued support and interest!

Blessings!

July Update in August

2008-08-14T14:39:00.000-07:00

So they say "No news is good news". I don't think I'd argue, unless I want to get super analytical and philosophical. But, I'd rather post other things. So why don't we stand in agreement with my very own profound quote, "What good is good news if we don't know the news"? That's my pardon for not posting for quite some time.

By now, you should have received my recent (July) newsletter catching you up on the latest news and faithfulness of God (If you did not, I do not have your e-mail or your mailing address). There, I summarized answer to prayer in many areas: A place to live, roommate, purchase of a reliable vehicle, continued Spanish acquisition, my friendship with Olga, and the welcoming of numerous teams with Mission Impact where many projects were accomplished and relationships built!

I listed some areas of prayer:

- For my living situation with Katie and the girls we are taking care of. Two baby girls (8 pounds each), another precious baby girl 9 months old and Marisol - 14 years.
- Swift and clear Spanish learning
- Safety on the road in my new (to me) vehicle - especially as I am learning how to drive stick
- For my friendship with Olga

- For our Mission Impact Teams

- For my personal relationship with God: to continually seek His face and hear from Him

In my newsletter - I thanked those of you who continually support and encourage me in numerous and creative ways. I appreciate you - and I thank God for you continually. It's a privilege to share with you the things God is doing here in Guatemala.