Hi Everyone
It is hard to believe that we've been home for over a week. So soon the routine of everyday business and life settles back in and that's okay! Many of us experienced a deep tiredness upon our return home and I heard, "All I wanted to do was sleep" over and over. It's good to wonder why we are so tired. Is it from the work? Is it from the experience? Is it from the travelling? Is it because there is so much to process?
Karl and I returned home also deeply tired....but not a tiredness of being exhausted from work or lack of sleep. It was a peaceful tiredness, one that produced very deep and restful sleeps at night, one that allowed us to stay in the moment and rest with God. It was a satisfying tiredness that let one sit longer, think more, contemplate God and his eternal peace, and understand that our God is so much bigger than we ever have realized. Its a peace that lets one realize that our striving and pushing, and fondness of appearance and other idols in our lives has nothing to do with what God calls us to be in this world. It was God's peace.
For four of us, this is our second time in Guatemala. There was a sense of 'coming home' when we turned into the driveway at Camp Shalom. Walking into the house, seeing Timo and Mary-Lou and even the dogs...we know we've been here before and it feels good. The surprise of seeing the school almost completed was pure joy. Seeing the children and teachers enjoying the classrooms and space the next day was a highlight. Seeing the purpose of Worldwide Christian Schools being fulfilled was amazing.....vision and mission put into action. This is what we were here for!
Going on a short-term missions and being a part of a TEAM is part of the experience...in fact, I would dare say it is a huge part of the experience. You get to spend almost 24 hours a day together - scary for some! You eat together, live together, travel together, do devotions and share together. You share living space and bathrooms, play games together and soon there are very few secrets! :) You talk together, work together, and in reality are a 'small group' - first during the preparation stage but more so during the 10 days you are on site. This experience could be intimidating for some. But in my time as leader for three different groups I can honestly say this IS the best part of the whole experience. Building relationships within the group and getting to know these people becomes an important part of the group experience. I thank all of our team members for their realness and honesty, for their work, for their sharing, for their love and support over the past year. All of you played an important part in team-building and did your jobs with love and enthusiasm. This is a true team - a true community of God.
I have talked to many people in our church community about going on a short-term missions trip with Worldwide Christian Schools and so many have said, "We'd love to do this....sometime". "We think this is a great thing - let us know when you go again", only to approach them later and they have changed their mind. "We'd like to go but the timing is not good right now". "We'd love to join the team but......." Fill in any reason you'd like. What REALLY stops people from joining a team like the one we were just on? ?? What prevents people from just stepping "out of the boat" and taking a leap of faith? If you are one of those that has talked about wanting be be on a HANDS Team but hesitates, ask yourself, "WHY"? "What's going on right now that makes me hesitate to commit?" For most of us, it would come down to fear.
If you have ever found yourself inspired or interested to be on a team to build a Christian School, don't be afraid. Talk to someone who has just returned and see their joy and enthusiasm. Listen carefully to what they say and how they are full of excitement. And, a year from now, when the call comes to join a HANDS Team, come to the initial meeting and find out what it means to be a part of something big!
I am passionate about Worldwide Christian Schools - their mission and vision to provide Christ-centered education for the children of this world. Being involved as a volunteer has had much impact on my life. Getting to really know the people behind the scenes has been a privelege for me. Michele handles all the teams and all the logistics that goes into putting a team together. She is the one I work with most closely and is a gift to Worldwide. Working with Michele has been a huge learning experience for more and I love her. Hank is the Exectutive Director in Canada. I am learning to appreciate his humour and see his love of Christ everywhere. He is a calming influence in the office and takes his role very seriously. Carolyn's office is right next to me and I am sad to say that she is leaving soon for a new role - running a flower shop! Carolyn is kind, soft, wise and I so much appreciate her thoughts as we've talked about many different things, including our love for Bibical counselling courses. Laura-Jane is the person who answers the phone, who you'd meet if you visit and is so sweet. She's busy with the money end of things and answering the phones. Drop by the office sometime and get to meet her first.
Being a part of Worldwide Christian Schools and leader of HANDS Teams has opened my heart and given me a huge appreciation for God and His world. Being able to be a small part of God's 'divine design' - His plan for us and for His world - has shaped who I am and how I see life. I am thankful that I have been able to participate in these small ways to bring the Good News of the gospel to the children of the world. Please pray for WWCS and all the little children who will hear about the saving love of Jesus this school year. Blessings....
Monday, February 23, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
Home - A Bittersweet Ending
Friday morning, 9am. We've just rolled out of bed and are ready for a cup of tea. Can it be that we were gone for almost 12 days? Mind you, just crawling in last night at 2:30am reminded me that we were home for real - no more hard 'coffee tables' with flat mattresses! Our hips were thankful for the comforts of a bed!
And thus is our thought processes of our first morning back. Full of gratitude for the amazing lives and gifts we have here in Canada but ever mindful of our brothers and sisters around the world, esp in Guatemala, who have so little physically but have LIFE in Christ. Thankful for the ability to travel across many countries through the air in a matter of hours, yet mindful of those who lost their lives just hours before we landed at the same airport. Bittersweet......blessing that is pain. And such is life.
Our last few days were uneventful in that our travels and time together went exactly as planned. No accidents, no vehicle break-downs, no bad weather, on-time flights, good connections, time to enjoy the process and not have to rush or panic. It was our prayer that this would be the case and God heard our prayers and answered, true to his faithfulness. We are thankful for this. But it was also our last two days! We were drawing closer to the time we'd have to say good-bye to many people who had made our time in Guatemala a time of learning, a time of blessing, and a time of joy. Bittersweet......blessing that is hope and pain.
We woke Wed morning to blue skies, a warming sun and the promise of another gorgeous day. However, this morning after breakfast the suitcases we had packed up the night before were to be loaded back onto the vans....oh, only ONE van!?? All in one van? All the suitcases on top of that van?? Oh my goodness, look at what Hank will have to drive through those mountain roads in! The old pick-up - no tail lights, bald tires and looking like it will fall apart any minute - you can't be serious! Oh yes, Timo is serious and with a look of resignation, Rosario shrugs her shoulders and tells me she will go with Hank b/c she is very worried about this. We load up most of the suitcases in the back of this little Toyota pick-up, which has definetely seen better days, cover everything with a tarp. Then we all load into the van....don't worry, its not full yet - Hank and Rosario will join us once we arrive in town! (It holds 15). And off we go.
We are ready to roll - until we hit "Four Corners" when somone realizes that there is no spare tire for the pick-up. Timo decides to park the van alongs-side the road, leave us there and then take the pick-up back to Camp Shalom for the spare tire. Now, under normal conditions, this may take about 15 minutes (normal, as in driving around home). Here, it is 'crazy time' - everyone is on the road - in car, truck, transport, delivery truck, walking, biking, scooter, motorcycle, buses (lots of those noisy, black-smoke spouting things!). So, we sit for 45 minutes. What do you do when you are wanting and ready to go then get stopped? Well, you do what most good Guatemalan's do - you talk, you read, you pray, you talk some more, you share peppermints, you get out of the van, you take pictures, you people watch - ok, that's what we do...lol.
Back on the road, the van in front, Hank and the pick-up in back, we went from San Cristobal to Guatemala City in about 4 hours - not bad. It could have been much worse if we had been stopped for construction. They are working on the Pan Am highway, making it four lane - they need to blast and then clean up and so stop all traffic, sometimes for hours. We first went to Antigua and spent two hours enjoying this beautiful historic city, full or stores and a huge artisans market. You could spent two days there! From there we went to our loging for the night, a seminary right in town, near the airport. With small but wonderful rooms and 'real' beds we rested, showered and got ready for dinner out.
For supper we went downtown. We saw the upscale, affluent side of Guatemala. Beautiful, trendy clothing and furnitures stores, jewellery, big highrise businesses, restarants. Several Steak Houses were here and we ate at one of them. We enjoyed our last night of fellowship together over a meal, talking out our week, our trip home, watching a great soccer game and just relaxing, allowing the events of the past 10 days to begin to perculate in our hearts.
Yesterday morning we had breakfast at 8 and met on an outside patio for devotions. Over the past few days we have become close and there were tears from many of us on occasion as we talked about how God works in our lives, how blessings are not always what we expect, how pain and suffering can also be used by God as blessing in our lives to teach us His ways. We debriefed a little on the 'now what' topic - now that we've been on this trip, what do we do? We talked about each of us having a 'story' - how does this trip impact our life story? What has God been teaching us the last few weeks? We talked about God - how big he is and how small we tend to make him. We talked about the impact of the gospel on a country such as Guatemala. Again, Hank and Rosario contributed much to this discussion in offering their experiences and thoughts.
Time to go to the airport. A brand new airport and beautiful! Check in went well and my concerns about missing our Atlanta connection were put to rest when the young man who check Karl and I in said, "You've been here before?" "Yes" I said. "Why?" "I remember your group two years ago - your flight was delayed, it was my first day and you were not a happy bunch!" He said this with a smile on his face but I apologized to him and then asked him about todays flight. With a smile he said, "You'll get home tonight." A little story, but a huge story in God's faithfulness even to me! After check in, we had some great coffee and lunch.
It was time for Hank and Rosario to enjoy a few days of peace and quiet - it was time for them to leave. With many thanks and hugs and a few tears we said good-bye. They will be staying in Guatemala until the end of March - leading Team Niagara yet and visiting family. Relationships - such joy in building but bittersweet when we have to say good-bye.
The rest of the day was spent flying, transfering, lugging luggage to re-check in, standing in line, sitting, sitting some more, sleeping, going up, going down. The last leg to Buffalo was quiet as we got closer there was anticipation for coming home. We all have missed our families, we were all tired, some of us are still sick, all our sense have been overwhelmed, and our hearts have been filled with so many emotions and thoughts. It will take some time for us to 'come-down' and be able to share with you what has happened.
We landed early in Buffalo, unaware of the event that had taken place just hours earlier. As usual we went to claim our luggage just wanted to go home. But slowly we began to get wind of something that sent shivers through us - a plane had gone down nearby and all were killed. The announcer asked several times for friends and family of flight#____ to please come upstairs to the ticket counter, media were starting to show up, flashing lights were out on the runways, people were quiet. The realization, once again, of how fragile life can be in a world where we often take so much for granted, began to settle in. Our homecome was bittersweet....a blessing to us, so much pain for so many other who had expected the same thing.
We left the airport, subdued and praying for those affected by this accident but so feeling so thankful and eternally blessed that we were spared. God, indeed, is not done with us yet!Through customs and off to our homes - it was time to put it behind us for a few hours and get some sleep.
And thus is our thought processes of our first morning back. Full of gratitude for the amazing lives and gifts we have here in Canada but ever mindful of our brothers and sisters around the world, esp in Guatemala, who have so little physically but have LIFE in Christ. Thankful for the ability to travel across many countries through the air in a matter of hours, yet mindful of those who lost their lives just hours before we landed at the same airport. Bittersweet......blessing that is pain. And such is life.
Our last few days were uneventful in that our travels and time together went exactly as planned. No accidents, no vehicle break-downs, no bad weather, on-time flights, good connections, time to enjoy the process and not have to rush or panic. It was our prayer that this would be the case and God heard our prayers and answered, true to his faithfulness. We are thankful for this. But it was also our last two days! We were drawing closer to the time we'd have to say good-bye to many people who had made our time in Guatemala a time of learning, a time of blessing, and a time of joy. Bittersweet......blessing that is hope and pain.
We woke Wed morning to blue skies, a warming sun and the promise of another gorgeous day. However, this morning after breakfast the suitcases we had packed up the night before were to be loaded back onto the vans....oh, only ONE van!?? All in one van? All the suitcases on top of that van?? Oh my goodness, look at what Hank will have to drive through those mountain roads in! The old pick-up - no tail lights, bald tires and looking like it will fall apart any minute - you can't be serious! Oh yes, Timo is serious and with a look of resignation, Rosario shrugs her shoulders and tells me she will go with Hank b/c she is very worried about this. We load up most of the suitcases in the back of this little Toyota pick-up, which has definetely seen better days, cover everything with a tarp. Then we all load into the van....don't worry, its not full yet - Hank and Rosario will join us once we arrive in town! (It holds 15). And off we go.
We are ready to roll - until we hit "Four Corners" when somone realizes that there is no spare tire for the pick-up. Timo decides to park the van alongs-side the road, leave us there and then take the pick-up back to Camp Shalom for the spare tire. Now, under normal conditions, this may take about 15 minutes (normal, as in driving around home). Here, it is 'crazy time' - everyone is on the road - in car, truck, transport, delivery truck, walking, biking, scooter, motorcycle, buses (lots of those noisy, black-smoke spouting things!). So, we sit for 45 minutes. What do you do when you are wanting and ready to go then get stopped? Well, you do what most good Guatemalan's do - you talk, you read, you pray, you talk some more, you share peppermints, you get out of the van, you take pictures, you people watch - ok, that's what we do...lol.
Back on the road, the van in front, Hank and the pick-up in back, we went from San Cristobal to Guatemala City in about 4 hours - not bad. It could have been much worse if we had been stopped for construction. They are working on the Pan Am highway, making it four lane - they need to blast and then clean up and so stop all traffic, sometimes for hours. We first went to Antigua and spent two hours enjoying this beautiful historic city, full or stores and a huge artisans market. You could spent two days there! From there we went to our loging for the night, a seminary right in town, near the airport. With small but wonderful rooms and 'real' beds we rested, showered and got ready for dinner out.
For supper we went downtown. We saw the upscale, affluent side of Guatemala. Beautiful, trendy clothing and furnitures stores, jewellery, big highrise businesses, restarants. Several Steak Houses were here and we ate at one of them. We enjoyed our last night of fellowship together over a meal, talking out our week, our trip home, watching a great soccer game and just relaxing, allowing the events of the past 10 days to begin to perculate in our hearts.
Yesterday morning we had breakfast at 8 and met on an outside patio for devotions. Over the past few days we have become close and there were tears from many of us on occasion as we talked about how God works in our lives, how blessings are not always what we expect, how pain and suffering can also be used by God as blessing in our lives to teach us His ways. We debriefed a little on the 'now what' topic - now that we've been on this trip, what do we do? We talked about each of us having a 'story' - how does this trip impact our life story? What has God been teaching us the last few weeks? We talked about God - how big he is and how small we tend to make him. We talked about the impact of the gospel on a country such as Guatemala. Again, Hank and Rosario contributed much to this discussion in offering their experiences and thoughts.
Time to go to the airport. A brand new airport and beautiful! Check in went well and my concerns about missing our Atlanta connection were put to rest when the young man who check Karl and I in said, "You've been here before?" "Yes" I said. "Why?" "I remember your group two years ago - your flight was delayed, it was my first day and you were not a happy bunch!" He said this with a smile on his face but I apologized to him and then asked him about todays flight. With a smile he said, "You'll get home tonight." A little story, but a huge story in God's faithfulness even to me! After check in, we had some great coffee and lunch.
It was time for Hank and Rosario to enjoy a few days of peace and quiet - it was time for them to leave. With many thanks and hugs and a few tears we said good-bye. They will be staying in Guatemala until the end of March - leading Team Niagara yet and visiting family. Relationships - such joy in building but bittersweet when we have to say good-bye.
The rest of the day was spent flying, transfering, lugging luggage to re-check in, standing in line, sitting, sitting some more, sleeping, going up, going down. The last leg to Buffalo was quiet as we got closer there was anticipation for coming home. We all have missed our families, we were all tired, some of us are still sick, all our sense have been overwhelmed, and our hearts have been filled with so many emotions and thoughts. It will take some time for us to 'come-down' and be able to share with you what has happened.
We landed early in Buffalo, unaware of the event that had taken place just hours earlier. As usual we went to claim our luggage just wanted to go home. But slowly we began to get wind of something that sent shivers through us - a plane had gone down nearby and all were killed. The announcer asked several times for friends and family of flight#____ to please come upstairs to the ticket counter, media were starting to show up, flashing lights were out on the runways, people were quiet. The realization, once again, of how fragile life can be in a world where we often take so much for granted, began to settle in. Our homecome was bittersweet....a blessing to us, so much pain for so many other who had expected the same thing.
We left the airport, subdued and praying for those affected by this accident but so feeling so thankful and eternally blessed that we were spared. God, indeed, is not done with us yet!Through customs and off to our homes - it was time to put it behind us for a few hours and get some sleep.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Last Day of Work
Hi everyone! Well, its the last day of work...its hard to believe. In some ways it has gone too fast, in others it seems like we've been here forever...and that's a good thing.
I've been pretty sick with the flu for the last few days, pretty much in bed all the time. It sure is making its rounds and we pray that no one else will come down with it as we have travelling to do yet....tomorrow morning back to Guatemala City and home on Thursday.
Today, most of the crew was painting inside the school, finishing up the main floor hallway, stairwell and a third story classroom that is needed b/c the school is growing rapdily. Enrollment is now around the 400 student mark and they keep on coming. Lloyd continued helping the concrete guys pour the columns and it looks like they have them done. Ed is making a cabinet for our tools that will be under lock and key and yesterday he drew up plans for cupboards to be put in the staff room.
This morning we attending a special presentation by the children - it was really wonderful. They placed chairs for us as guests of honour and each class came up to sing a song. We were blessed by them through prayer as well as thanked. This school means so much to them and to the community and they are so appreciative. After the presentation, we all received a Guatemalan handmade item as thanks. We then handed out bracelets to them with coloured beads representing the story of salvation. Hilda's daughter-in-law had translated the meaning in Spanish for us and each bracelet had an explanation attached to it. Laura Klapwyk had made 500 bracelets for us and we thank her as well. Each of the kids also were handed a candy as a treat. We then went into the school where we were able to buy handmade bags, bible covers, purses, wallets and more.
We have made up gift packs for the kitchen staff and concrete workers that will be given later today. Without them we would never have been able to accomplish what we did! We are thankful to these quiet, gracious people for all the meals we've enjoyed and for putting up with us 'gringos' as we learned to lay block, mix mortar and work alongside our Guatemalan brothers and sisters.
Tonight we clean and pack up. We leave after breakfast, going first to the historic city of Antiqua to see the market and this old, beautiful city. We will go out for dinner in the city and then stay overnight in a seminary. Breakfast tomorrow morning, perhaps to an artisans market yet and then off to the airport! Our flight leave around 2pm...if all goes well. Pray that our flight will be on time and we'll be able to make our connecting flight in Atlanta to Buffalo. We are due to land in Buffalo near midnight.
Its always hard to say goodbye. Goodbye to Timo and Mary-Lou, goodbye to the workers, goodbye to the teachers and students, goodbye to this beautiful, mountainous country, goodbye to each other as our time together as a small group is coming to an end. Has it been a year since we first met? Last night we talked about our team and what a blessing its has been. And with Matt joining us at the last minute - that was God's blessing to us! His skills as an electrician have been used much and without him along there is much that couldn't have been done in the classrooms. God was, as always, faithful and in control and we give him all the honour and glory as we prepare to leave.
We also have to say goodbye to Hank and Rosario....what an amazing blessing they have been to us. We have come to love them and hope that they have felt part of our team. Their ability to translate the language to us, explain customs, and tell us about the different things we saw was wonderful. Hank and Rosario will be staying in Guatemala to host the Niagara Team - due to arrive on February 18. Hank and Rosario - thank you so much for your gift of hospitality, your love of these people and for volunteering your time and effort on behalf of the last three groups. Without you, we would not have been able to work near as efficiently!
This is probably the last blog I'll be writing until we are home. Thank you all for following along and sharing our experience. We have been extremely blessed to be able to participate on a HANDS Team through Worldwide Christian Schools. Please continue to pray for this organization and all the HANDS Teams that will continue to go out in the next few months. If doing something like this intriques you at all, stay tuned - there'll be another team starting in a year or so. Thank you to all of you for your encouragements, prayers and comments. Its amazing that we are so far from home yet able to be so close because of internet. Blessings to you all - we love you and will see you soon....till we meet again.
I've been pretty sick with the flu for the last few days, pretty much in bed all the time. It sure is making its rounds and we pray that no one else will come down with it as we have travelling to do yet....tomorrow morning back to Guatemala City and home on Thursday.
Today, most of the crew was painting inside the school, finishing up the main floor hallway, stairwell and a third story classroom that is needed b/c the school is growing rapdily. Enrollment is now around the 400 student mark and they keep on coming. Lloyd continued helping the concrete guys pour the columns and it looks like they have them done. Ed is making a cabinet for our tools that will be under lock and key and yesterday he drew up plans for cupboards to be put in the staff room.
This morning we attending a special presentation by the children - it was really wonderful. They placed chairs for us as guests of honour and each class came up to sing a song. We were blessed by them through prayer as well as thanked. This school means so much to them and to the community and they are so appreciative. After the presentation, we all received a Guatemalan handmade item as thanks. We then handed out bracelets to them with coloured beads representing the story of salvation. Hilda's daughter-in-law had translated the meaning in Spanish for us and each bracelet had an explanation attached to it. Laura Klapwyk had made 500 bracelets for us and we thank her as well. Each of the kids also were handed a candy as a treat. We then went into the school where we were able to buy handmade bags, bible covers, purses, wallets and more.
We have made up gift packs for the kitchen staff and concrete workers that will be given later today. Without them we would never have been able to accomplish what we did! We are thankful to these quiet, gracious people for all the meals we've enjoyed and for putting up with us 'gringos' as we learned to lay block, mix mortar and work alongside our Guatemalan brothers and sisters.
Tonight we clean and pack up. We leave after breakfast, going first to the historic city of Antiqua to see the market and this old, beautiful city. We will go out for dinner in the city and then stay overnight in a seminary. Breakfast tomorrow morning, perhaps to an artisans market yet and then off to the airport! Our flight leave around 2pm...if all goes well. Pray that our flight will be on time and we'll be able to make our connecting flight in Atlanta to Buffalo. We are due to land in Buffalo near midnight.
Its always hard to say goodbye. Goodbye to Timo and Mary-Lou, goodbye to the workers, goodbye to the teachers and students, goodbye to this beautiful, mountainous country, goodbye to each other as our time together as a small group is coming to an end. Has it been a year since we first met? Last night we talked about our team and what a blessing its has been. And with Matt joining us at the last minute - that was God's blessing to us! His skills as an electrician have been used much and without him along there is much that couldn't have been done in the classrooms. God was, as always, faithful and in control and we give him all the honour and glory as we prepare to leave.
We also have to say goodbye to Hank and Rosario....what an amazing blessing they have been to us. We have come to love them and hope that they have felt part of our team. Their ability to translate the language to us, explain customs, and tell us about the different things we saw was wonderful. Hank and Rosario will be staying in Guatemala to host the Niagara Team - due to arrive on February 18. Hank and Rosario - thank you so much for your gift of hospitality, your love of these people and for volunteering your time and effort on behalf of the last three groups. Without you, we would not have been able to work near as efficiently!
This is probably the last blog I'll be writing until we are home. Thank you all for following along and sharing our experience. We have been extremely blessed to be able to participate on a HANDS Team through Worldwide Christian Schools. Please continue to pray for this organization and all the HANDS Teams that will continue to go out in the next few months. If doing something like this intriques you at all, stay tuned - there'll be another team starting in a year or so. Thank you to all of you for your encouragements, prayers and comments. Its amazing that we are so far from home yet able to be so close because of internet. Blessings to you all - we love you and will see you soon....till we meet again.
Monday, February 9, 2009
HILDA'S COMMENTS
Ok so now I get some posting time. As you have been reading in Wilma's past posts..we as a team are having a wonderful time of fellowship together. In our work, break times and evening devotions. We truly are one in spirit, each using talents that God has given us, and even doing things we aren't that great at. Anita has learned to paint walls:):) Mike is helping Matt with some electrical jobs, Lloyd is super at doing concrete and the Ed and Evert have been making doors for different rooms, the rest of us just kind of help when and where needed. Never a boring day here. Regardless of what Karl said in his previous comment, Hans has been looking after getting things in order every day so that we do not stand around with nothing to do. Its been alot of work but we are very happy with what we have accomplished this past week here in Guatemala.
Its hard to believe that tomorrow will be our last day here at the school, we leave here on Weds. morning to begin our trip back into Guatemala City. We will be stopping in the city of Antiqua to do some sightseeing, spending the evening at the Presbyterian Seminary for a sleepover in REAL BEDS:):) and then on Thursday late morning we will be travelling to the airport to start our trip back home. First to Atlanta and then our final flight to Buffalo. We hope to arrive there some time before midnight. Keep us in prayers as we finish our work here tomorrow, say goodbye to our host family and Henk and Rosario who have been a great help in interpreting for us here. To our families and friends we miss you and are really looking forward to seeing you all again in a few days...
Its hard to believe that tomorrow will be our last day here at the school, we leave here on Weds. morning to begin our trip back into Guatemala City. We will be stopping in the city of Antiqua to do some sightseeing, spending the evening at the Presbyterian Seminary for a sleepover in REAL BEDS:):) and then on Thursday late morning we will be travelling to the airport to start our trip back home. First to Atlanta and then our final flight to Buffalo. We hope to arrive there some time before midnight. Keep us in prayers as we finish our work here tomorrow, say goodbye to our host family and Henk and Rosario who have been a great help in interpreting for us here. To our families and friends we miss you and are really looking forward to seeing you all again in a few days...
Karls comments
Well after spending two days in bed with the flu I am on the mend. The sad thing now is that Wilma now has what I have and is in bed. The group had a great day on sunday first visiting the market and then going to the weavers house. They saw how to weave beautiful cloths and also the women all dressed up in native Quatamalan costume. When Wilma is feeling better I will ask her to post a picture of all our wives decked out in these costumes. Today is another beautiful day with clear sunny skies. Most of us are painting in the school and we have finished the downstairs hallway and one more classroom. Our foreman Hans has a hard time behaving himself as he enjoys painting others especially me on the face or on my clothes. It is a good thing he is self employed as back home He would be jobless if he worked like that. :-) Lloyd worked hard with the nationals pouring 9 more coloums. Mike and Matt worked on some electrical work and Evert and Ed finished hanging all the doors in the 2nd floor bathrooms. All the students are glad to have privacy now. Well I am going to do some more painting as I do not want to incur any more of Hans bantering. He never lets up and because of this we have acomplished alot this week. I hope you all tell Hans when you see him that he did a awesome job. I think I will want that job back next time we go.:-) Thanks for all your support and prayers we sure have felt them this week. Hopefully some of the others will blog tonight yet and we will see you shortly. Karl
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Frost this Morning!
Good morning everyone. Its Saturday and we woke up to frost....yes, it gets that cold here! In a few hours the sun will warm us up and we'll be down to T-shirts.
A typical day on our HANDS Mission Team.....what is it like for us, day to day?
Breakfast is at 7:30, although that is flexible. We usually have cereal, mild, wonderful sweet bananas (they are very tiny and sooo good), melon, coffee, tea, bread with jam. Everyone takes a turn doing devotions for the meal times, picking scripture that is meaningful and relevent to them. Sometimes we discuss this scripture as it applies to our time here. This morning Matt read about the Good Samaritan and talked about how to show mercy to all. Breakfast ends about 8:15 and we head over to our place to gather things needed for the day...cameras, water, supplies. About 8:30 we start our work.
Hans is our 'fearless foreman'... as he's been nicknamed. He's been checking out what needs to be done each day with Hank, our interpreter. He makes sure things keep moving along during the day. Everyone keeps busy doing the work, whether that's loading and bringing blocks, mixing mortar, laying block, making doors, staining, varnishing, fixing vehicles and tractors, moving paving stone, cleaning up the school bathrooms or our home for the week. The pace of work is not the same as at home and there's a very relaxing quality about the day. For breaks we grab our cameras and take pictures of the kids and the work being done, enjoy the sunshine and enjoy the beauty of the area. Yesterday many of us saw a volcano 'puff' and a plume of smoke rose from the top of the volcano...neat stuff!
We take two coffee breaks - the usual 10 and 3 - or there abouts. Everyday has a flavour of its own and it depends on what we are doing. We have received delicious Guatemalan coffee from Joe, an independent, freelance mission guy (don't know what else to call him!) who runs all over the place doing technical repairs for surgeons, dentists, doctors, schools, medical clinics and more. We met him two years ago. Joe plays a mean guitar and will be here until Monday morning, with his son Micah, to work on the wireless internet and installing programs for the new computer lab.
At lunch we are usually treated to a hot lunch and time to relax - sit or lay in the sun, take a siesta for half hour or read. We do need this break as we are doing things we aren't really used to! And whether we really notice it or not, the altitude and very dry air take their toll. After lunch we head back to our work until about 5 pm. Then its time for showers to take off the dust and dirt. We do have two bathrooms in our house with flush toilets, showers and running hot water....sometimes :) lol Between pressure issues, running out of propane and inconsistant water, we do get caught in our shower with cold water!
Supper is at 6:30pm - a wonderful time to connect about our day, give glory and honour to God, establish relationships with each other and our host family - breaking bread together is truly a blessing! Once again, the meals have been more than we could have hoped for and we thank Timo and Mary-Lou with blessing us day after day. After supper we gather in our 'living room' to debrief, have a time of singing, scripture reading, discussion about scripture and about our day. We usually spend about an hour together in fellowship. Last night we were blessed with Joe's gift of music as he played guitar while we sang. He can pick out pretty much any tune and we will have him here for a few more nights. (We do miss you Paul!!) After devotions we usually catch up on our email, read, journal, play cards and other games. We are pretty tired by now and slowly we all retire for the night - usually about 10:30.
This morning the crew is beginning to paint the hallways of the school - white ceilings and yellow hallways...its pretty cold in there this morning and I doubt it'll warm up much as the building is concrete block with plaster. Michale is back on the team even though his chest is hurting pretty bad. Karl now has the same virus and is back in bed, feeling horrible....others are complainging of sore throats and coughing. Please keep us in your prayers as it seems this virus is going around. There is some frustration at not being able to participate in the work and fellowship with the team but we take things a day at a time and realize that God is here, even in this.
Blessing to you all. Tomorrow we are off to the city market and worship at 4:30 in the afternoon.
A typical day on our HANDS Mission Team.....what is it like for us, day to day?
Breakfast is at 7:30, although that is flexible. We usually have cereal, mild, wonderful sweet bananas (they are very tiny and sooo good), melon, coffee, tea, bread with jam. Everyone takes a turn doing devotions for the meal times, picking scripture that is meaningful and relevent to them. Sometimes we discuss this scripture as it applies to our time here. This morning Matt read about the Good Samaritan and talked about how to show mercy to all. Breakfast ends about 8:15 and we head over to our place to gather things needed for the day...cameras, water, supplies. About 8:30 we start our work.
Hans is our 'fearless foreman'... as he's been nicknamed. He's been checking out what needs to be done each day with Hank, our interpreter. He makes sure things keep moving along during the day. Everyone keeps busy doing the work, whether that's loading and bringing blocks, mixing mortar, laying block, making doors, staining, varnishing, fixing vehicles and tractors, moving paving stone, cleaning up the school bathrooms or our home for the week. The pace of work is not the same as at home and there's a very relaxing quality about the day. For breaks we grab our cameras and take pictures of the kids and the work being done, enjoy the sunshine and enjoy the beauty of the area. Yesterday many of us saw a volcano 'puff' and a plume of smoke rose from the top of the volcano...neat stuff!
We take two coffee breaks - the usual 10 and 3 - or there abouts. Everyday has a flavour of its own and it depends on what we are doing. We have received delicious Guatemalan coffee from Joe, an independent, freelance mission guy (don't know what else to call him!) who runs all over the place doing technical repairs for surgeons, dentists, doctors, schools, medical clinics and more. We met him two years ago. Joe plays a mean guitar and will be here until Monday morning, with his son Micah, to work on the wireless internet and installing programs for the new computer lab.
At lunch we are usually treated to a hot lunch and time to relax - sit or lay in the sun, take a siesta for half hour or read. We do need this break as we are doing things we aren't really used to! And whether we really notice it or not, the altitude and very dry air take their toll. After lunch we head back to our work until about 5 pm. Then its time for showers to take off the dust and dirt. We do have two bathrooms in our house with flush toilets, showers and running hot water....sometimes :) lol Between pressure issues, running out of propane and inconsistant water, we do get caught in our shower with cold water!
Supper is at 6:30pm - a wonderful time to connect about our day, give glory and honour to God, establish relationships with each other and our host family - breaking bread together is truly a blessing! Once again, the meals have been more than we could have hoped for and we thank Timo and Mary-Lou with blessing us day after day. After supper we gather in our 'living room' to debrief, have a time of singing, scripture reading, discussion about scripture and about our day. We usually spend about an hour together in fellowship. Last night we were blessed with Joe's gift of music as he played guitar while we sang. He can pick out pretty much any tune and we will have him here for a few more nights. (We do miss you Paul!!) After devotions we usually catch up on our email, read, journal, play cards and other games. We are pretty tired by now and slowly we all retire for the night - usually about 10:30.
This morning the crew is beginning to paint the hallways of the school - white ceilings and yellow hallways...its pretty cold in there this morning and I doubt it'll warm up much as the building is concrete block with plaster. Michale is back on the team even though his chest is hurting pretty bad. Karl now has the same virus and is back in bed, feeling horrible....others are complainging of sore throats and coughing. Please keep us in your prayers as it seems this virus is going around. There is some frustration at not being able to participate in the work and fellowship with the team but we take things a day at a time and realize that God is here, even in this.
Blessing to you all. Tomorrow we are off to the city market and worship at 4:30 in the afternoon.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Work and Play!
Its Friday morning and hard to believe we are almost halfway into our trip!
Yesterday was a beautiful day, clear blue skies, warm sunshine. Some of the guys continued on the wall with the nationals, some continued to carry paving stones to the front bus stop, and we continued sifting sand, making mortar and cleaning up. With an hour to go until lunch, we decided to unload skids full of more paving stones, apparently they needed the skids back. We unloaded three or four skids before lunch only to be told that it really didn't have to be done....this can be how things go now and then! Oh well, it was good for the waist-line :) At lunch we stood on the front yard watching the kids race out of school. As soon as that bell goes its like a stampede out the front door. Evert got it on video and I took pictures. Kids really are the same everywhere!
We are being totally spoiled by Mar-Lou and her kitchen help. The food has been amazing, nutricious, and delicious. Never a same meal and usually two hot meals a day. Mucho gracias, Mary-Lou!!
After lunch we piled into the van and headed for the volcanic hot-springs, about 45 minute drive from here. The drive alone is worth it. Through a few small towns and then up the mountain side. A narrow road with no guard rails and the side of the mountain literally a few feet from the edge of the road. But the scenery - beautiful valleys, market gardens, irrigation and poly houses, a patchwork quilt of plots full of onions, radishes, cabbage, cauliflower, carrots, brocolli, flowers and more. With a constant water supply they farm all year round. These are locally owned farms that hire the local people to work - hard work on steep hillsides. Most of this produce goes to Central America and local markets. The produce is beautiful and lush. We couldn't get enough of seeing these amazing farms set in the middle of the mountains, with the volcano Santa Maria as a back drop!
The hotsprings are set in a tropical oasis. If you can at all picture what creation might have looked like before the fall, this would be it. Bigger than life plants, flowers, water dripping from the rocks, and pools of aqua water terraced into the mountain side. There are several pools, the top being the hottest...which is an understatement as the water was so hot it took most of us a good bit of time to actully get in! The second pool is like bathwater and the third cool. All the water cascades from one into the other. We eased ourselved into this hot mineral water and soaked all our aches and pains away. Its a good thing we did this in the afternoon as most of us were just finished by the time we got home!
This morning we are sorting all the school supplies we brought along with us. Thank you so much for all the supplies we received - it will bless the teachers and students. Some of the girls will go and help Rosaria clean the bathrooms in the school, others will continue with the wall and the paving stones.
Our devotions are a special time for us during the day. After supper we gather to read scripture and a few thoughts on it, sing and share. Its a good time for us to debrief, talk about our day, our thoughts and observations, what we are learning or how we are feeling. Most of us have become fairly comfortable with our routine and the days are flying by. The team continues to gel extremely well and the friendly banter and joking keeps us laughing all day. We talk often about our hearts, about how we respond to the people of Guatemala, how we deal with some of minor issues that we come across and what we are to do with it - thanks Pastor EJ and Sharen for teaching us how to do this!!
We miss you all - we are thankful for our warm days and sunshine and wish you good days.
Blessings.
Yesterday was a beautiful day, clear blue skies, warm sunshine. Some of the guys continued on the wall with the nationals, some continued to carry paving stones to the front bus stop, and we continued sifting sand, making mortar and cleaning up. With an hour to go until lunch, we decided to unload skids full of more paving stones, apparently they needed the skids back. We unloaded three or four skids before lunch only to be told that it really didn't have to be done....this can be how things go now and then! Oh well, it was good for the waist-line :) At lunch we stood on the front yard watching the kids race out of school. As soon as that bell goes its like a stampede out the front door. Evert got it on video and I took pictures. Kids really are the same everywhere!
We are being totally spoiled by Mar-Lou and her kitchen help. The food has been amazing, nutricious, and delicious. Never a same meal and usually two hot meals a day. Mucho gracias, Mary-Lou!!
After lunch we piled into the van and headed for the volcanic hot-springs, about 45 minute drive from here. The drive alone is worth it. Through a few small towns and then up the mountain side. A narrow road with no guard rails and the side of the mountain literally a few feet from the edge of the road. But the scenery - beautiful valleys, market gardens, irrigation and poly houses, a patchwork quilt of plots full of onions, radishes, cabbage, cauliflower, carrots, brocolli, flowers and more. With a constant water supply they farm all year round. These are locally owned farms that hire the local people to work - hard work on steep hillsides. Most of this produce goes to Central America and local markets. The produce is beautiful and lush. We couldn't get enough of seeing these amazing farms set in the middle of the mountains, with the volcano Santa Maria as a back drop!
The hotsprings are set in a tropical oasis. If you can at all picture what creation might have looked like before the fall, this would be it. Bigger than life plants, flowers, water dripping from the rocks, and pools of aqua water terraced into the mountain side. There are several pools, the top being the hottest...which is an understatement as the water was so hot it took most of us a good bit of time to actully get in! The second pool is like bathwater and the third cool. All the water cascades from one into the other. We eased ourselved into this hot mineral water and soaked all our aches and pains away. Its a good thing we did this in the afternoon as most of us were just finished by the time we got home!
This morning we are sorting all the school supplies we brought along with us. Thank you so much for all the supplies we received - it will bless the teachers and students. Some of the girls will go and help Rosaria clean the bathrooms in the school, others will continue with the wall and the paving stones.
Our devotions are a special time for us during the day. After supper we gather to read scripture and a few thoughts on it, sing and share. Its a good time for us to debrief, talk about our day, our thoughts and observations, what we are learning or how we are feeling. Most of us have become fairly comfortable with our routine and the days are flying by. The team continues to gel extremely well and the friendly banter and joking keeps us laughing all day. We talk often about our hearts, about how we respond to the people of Guatemala, how we deal with some of minor issues that we come across and what we are to do with it - thanks Pastor EJ and Sharen for teaching us how to do this!!
We miss you all - we are thankful for our warm days and sunshine and wish you good days.
Blessings.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
It is Wednesday morning and I'm sitting here at Casa Wick (our home for the time here) looking through the windows at the front of the school area. The two busses have just arrived and the children are coming out. Some are in full uniform, others have just registered and their uniforms are on order. What a sight this all is today, and everyday. So many, many children and still coming! Just two years ago this building was a couple floors of blocks, concrete and quite a mess. It was hard to picture and believe that soon this would be a beautiful school, full of enthusiatic kids getting a Christian education! The sun is shining brightly as it has since we've been here. Its cool this morning but the afternoons are wonderful. I also see the mountains, puffy white clouds and our team working hard on building that wall that will be important to the security of this school.
Children also arrive with their parents by 'city' bus or car, holding their little hands tightly. Yesterday I watched a little one hold tightly to his daddy's legs as he was starting his first day of school. Tears and then hugs, they walked hand in hand towards the school - I could still hear him crying but he went. Somethings are global and that 'first day of school' is one of them!
Yesterday was a very tiring day for the team. We had to fight high winds and a very bright sun all day. Lloyd and Matt helped Nicolous and Juan work on the block wall, Anita helped bring blocks, keep the moist and even was shown how to mix up a batch of mortor. We had a good time watching Nicolous explain, in Spanish, the recipe for the mixture, what fun! Karl and Evert spent most of the day taking down an old barbwire fence and clean up the back lot-line of debris and trees. They even found an electric chainsaw to use which helped alot. So, Evert asked the block guys if they could use the electric cable, only to find that it was just wiring stuck into a power source! No matter, it works well and they were able to cut all the trees down. Hilda and Wilma moved alot of block and then helped clean up behind the fence line. Nellie, Ans and Rosario brought heavy large paving stones to a bunch of guys laying stones for a new bustop. Eventually, Hans used the tractor and wagon to bring the stones rather than the gals using wheelbarrows - but heavy handling it was! Michael was not feeling very well at all - running a fever and sever headache. He spent the day in and out of bed, surrounded by our prayers. He is much better today and back out and at it with the rest. Ed worked on putting locks in the school and making doors, varnishing and going to town to order wood and other supplies.
All team members would like to thank their families for the care packages that they received last night, we even saw a few tears! It meant alot to them to see pictures of their families, receive small tokens of love and feel that connection to home. The neat thing is that during devotions this morning, Lloyd and Anita make note that we are all connected by our faith and that when we see the sun during the day and the stars at night, we realize that you all see the same sun and stars! When we believe in God and recognize his Son, we share that with all of you as well and distance become much less of a factor.
Today we will continue working on the block wall and continue cleaning up the fence line. The block wall will continue around the back of the school later this week. They are also hoping to form up wood for the support columns, if not today then tomorrow. That will be heavy work as they must mix concrete and lift the pails up and over the walls to pour down the forms. Also, after lunch today we will be taking a side trip into the volcanic area to enjoy and experience the hot springs - a treat, for many of us are having trouble sleeping and have sore muscles due to work we are not used to! Tomorrow we will continue with the wall, cleaning up. Saturday we hope to work in the school as the children will not be there - painting, woodwork where needed, and some other indoor work.
Prayer requests: For Michael, that he will continue healing and make a full recovery, for better sleeps so that we can continue or day to day work, for travelling mercies as we head up into the mountains today, for the peace of Christ to rule our hearts. Often the next two days can be difficult as the adreneline rush from travelling winds down, everyday routine settles in and we begin to miss our families and home. God is good and we are experiencing communion of the saints in our small corner of the globe. Will keep in touch when I can as I have to use Hank Stronks laptop - he and his wife Rosario have been fabulous and caring to our group and we are so very thankful that they are here.....what a blessing they have been to us! Pray that they, too will continue to be strong as this is all new for them.
Blessings to you all. Thank you for your prayers and encouraging comments, they mean alot to us. Your support has been amazing....thanks be to God for all his goodness to us!
Children also arrive with their parents by 'city' bus or car, holding their little hands tightly. Yesterday I watched a little one hold tightly to his daddy's legs as he was starting his first day of school. Tears and then hugs, they walked hand in hand towards the school - I could still hear him crying but he went. Somethings are global and that 'first day of school' is one of them!
Yesterday was a very tiring day for the team. We had to fight high winds and a very bright sun all day. Lloyd and Matt helped Nicolous and Juan work on the block wall, Anita helped bring blocks, keep the moist and even was shown how to mix up a batch of mortor. We had a good time watching Nicolous explain, in Spanish, the recipe for the mixture, what fun! Karl and Evert spent most of the day taking down an old barbwire fence and clean up the back lot-line of debris and trees. They even found an electric chainsaw to use which helped alot. So, Evert asked the block guys if they could use the electric cable, only to find that it was just wiring stuck into a power source! No matter, it works well and they were able to cut all the trees down. Hilda and Wilma moved alot of block and then helped clean up behind the fence line. Nellie, Ans and Rosario brought heavy large paving stones to a bunch of guys laying stones for a new bustop. Eventually, Hans used the tractor and wagon to bring the stones rather than the gals using wheelbarrows - but heavy handling it was! Michael was not feeling very well at all - running a fever and sever headache. He spent the day in and out of bed, surrounded by our prayers. He is much better today and back out and at it with the rest. Ed worked on putting locks in the school and making doors, varnishing and going to town to order wood and other supplies.
All team members would like to thank their families for the care packages that they received last night, we even saw a few tears! It meant alot to them to see pictures of their families, receive small tokens of love and feel that connection to home. The neat thing is that during devotions this morning, Lloyd and Anita make note that we are all connected by our faith and that when we see the sun during the day and the stars at night, we realize that you all see the same sun and stars! When we believe in God and recognize his Son, we share that with all of you as well and distance become much less of a factor.
Today we will continue working on the block wall and continue cleaning up the fence line. The block wall will continue around the back of the school later this week. They are also hoping to form up wood for the support columns, if not today then tomorrow. That will be heavy work as they must mix concrete and lift the pails up and over the walls to pour down the forms. Also, after lunch today we will be taking a side trip into the volcanic area to enjoy and experience the hot springs - a treat, for many of us are having trouble sleeping and have sore muscles due to work we are not used to! Tomorrow we will continue with the wall, cleaning up. Saturday we hope to work in the school as the children will not be there - painting, woodwork where needed, and some other indoor work.
Prayer requests: For Michael, that he will continue healing and make a full recovery, for better sleeps so that we can continue or day to day work, for travelling mercies as we head up into the mountains today, for the peace of Christ to rule our hearts. Often the next two days can be difficult as the adreneline rush from travelling winds down, everyday routine settles in and we begin to miss our families and home. God is good and we are experiencing communion of the saints in our small corner of the globe. Will keep in touch when I can as I have to use Hank Stronks laptop - he and his wife Rosario have been fabulous and caring to our group and we are so very thankful that they are here.....what a blessing they have been to us! Pray that they, too will continue to be strong as this is all new for them.
Blessings to you all. Thank you for your prayers and encouraging comments, they mean alot to us. Your support has been amazing....thanks be to God for all his goodness to us!
Tuesday, February 3, 2009
We're Here!
Well, we have arrived! What can we say other than it was an amazing, long, long day. But God is good and already we have been blessed with seeing the enthusiasm of the children in a school that will honour Him.
We met at Lloyd and Anita's to load up and enter into prayer. We drove to Buffalo and after a pitstop at Tim's headed for the US border. After the first carload they began to recognize the 'orange' T-shirts and waved us through. Check in and security went well....oh, other than Nellie who had to be frisked because of her pacemaker. Then they checked all their bags, took a few things away and checked Evert's bags! Flights were on time, everything went as smooth as it could have been.
We landed in Guatemala City three minutes early! Luggage and immigration went well and we met Hank Stronks and his wife Rosario just outside the airport. So many different sounds and sighs, smells and tastes. We stopped at the Pollo Campero for lunch - a kind of KFC - as we became accustomed to this new place. We piled into two vans, all our luggage up on top covered with a tarp. And off we went.
We left the city and began the long trip into the mountains. Up and down, around and around! We went as high as 12 000' just before we decended into the Totinicapan area. We are in San Cristobal. The views and sights were breathtaking. The sun was setting behind the mountains as we travelled. Travelling in Guatemala, as in most Central American countries, is interesting and best and frightening at its worst. Busses, transports, crazy pick-up drivers, people walking on the roadsides and lots of cars. People passing each other in blind spots were you could literally look thousands of feet down the cliffside - what a drop! This is the Pan American highway, opening the way up for free-trade in Central Amercan. Construction, dust, stopping and craziness! However, thanks to Timoteo and another driver we are here safe and sound. As a reminder of how difficult and dangerous it can be, we saw a rather bad accident just before we arrived....God has protected us. After de-briefing from the day and devotions, it truly was good to crawl into bed!
We arrived to the hospitality of Timoteo and Mary-Lou's home and a hot meal. It was good to realize that we were really here and enjoy fellowship with them. Four of us were here two years ago and there were hugs and smiles all around - they remembered us! This morning we received a tour of the new school and saw all the kids in class - so cute! Its amazing how faith and vision, along with support of the community of the saints around the world produces such works. God is blessing these Guatemalan's and it is our prayer that he will continue to do so.
Today, Lloyd and Hans are helping the block layers continue working on a wall that sits between the main road and school property. A truck with three loads of block came and needed to unloaded. Blocks are being wheeled to the layers and moistened with water. Ed and Michael are doing some strenthening to desks that were built as over 30 brand new computers arrived this morning. It is difficult to to much work in the school itself as it is preferrable to keep noise, dust and distraction to a minimum during school hours.
We are adjusting today - to new routines, new food, the altitude, each other, the language and customs. We are trying to pace ourselves a little although many of us would just like to "do something" and that's not always possible at all time durng the day. We ask that you would continue to pray for us as a team and individually. We are here and we are looking forward to 10 days of being Christ to the people of Guatemala!
We met at Lloyd and Anita's to load up and enter into prayer. We drove to Buffalo and after a pitstop at Tim's headed for the US border. After the first carload they began to recognize the 'orange' T-shirts and waved us through. Check in and security went well....oh, other than Nellie who had to be frisked because of her pacemaker. Then they checked all their bags, took a few things away and checked Evert's bags! Flights were on time, everything went as smooth as it could have been.
We landed in Guatemala City three minutes early! Luggage and immigration went well and we met Hank Stronks and his wife Rosario just outside the airport. So many different sounds and sighs, smells and tastes. We stopped at the Pollo Campero for lunch - a kind of KFC - as we became accustomed to this new place. We piled into two vans, all our luggage up on top covered with a tarp. And off we went.
We left the city and began the long trip into the mountains. Up and down, around and around! We went as high as 12 000' just before we decended into the Totinicapan area. We are in San Cristobal. The views and sights were breathtaking. The sun was setting behind the mountains as we travelled. Travelling in Guatemala, as in most Central American countries, is interesting and best and frightening at its worst. Busses, transports, crazy pick-up drivers, people walking on the roadsides and lots of cars. People passing each other in blind spots were you could literally look thousands of feet down the cliffside - what a drop! This is the Pan American highway, opening the way up for free-trade in Central Amercan. Construction, dust, stopping and craziness! However, thanks to Timoteo and another driver we are here safe and sound. As a reminder of how difficult and dangerous it can be, we saw a rather bad accident just before we arrived....God has protected us. After de-briefing from the day and devotions, it truly was good to crawl into bed!
We arrived to the hospitality of Timoteo and Mary-Lou's home and a hot meal. It was good to realize that we were really here and enjoy fellowship with them. Four of us were here two years ago and there were hugs and smiles all around - they remembered us! This morning we received a tour of the new school and saw all the kids in class - so cute! Its amazing how faith and vision, along with support of the community of the saints around the world produces such works. God is blessing these Guatemalan's and it is our prayer that he will continue to do so.
Today, Lloyd and Hans are helping the block layers continue working on a wall that sits between the main road and school property. A truck with three loads of block came and needed to unloaded. Blocks are being wheeled to the layers and moistened with water. Ed and Michael are doing some strenthening to desks that were built as over 30 brand new computers arrived this morning. It is difficult to to much work in the school itself as it is preferrable to keep noise, dust and distraction to a minimum during school hours.
We are adjusting today - to new routines, new food, the altitude, each other, the language and customs. We are trying to pace ourselves a little although many of us would just like to "do something" and that's not always possible at all time durng the day. We ask that you would continue to pray for us as a team and individually. We are here and we are looking forward to 10 days of being Christ to the people of Guatemala!
Saturday, January 31, 2009
Our Team!
Its Saturday morning. Its hard to believe that less than 48 hours from now, we will be enroute!
I would like to introduce you to "the team" - the people who have been together for about a year. We are more than a team, we are a small group, a fellowship. We are bonded by common goals, common work and a God who has put us together for this purpose.
Hans and Hilda Dam - Hans, in partnership with his brother, own and operates Clarences Service Centre in Fenwick. His expertise was proven two years ago when he and a few other team members managed to get an old tractor going in Guatemala. Hans will be our work co-ordinator, figuring out what has to be done for the day. Hans is married to Hilda who works at her brothers' hardware store. She is a generous, caring and fun lady and took care of getting many, many school supplies donated for us to take along. They have five kids, four of them are married and have four grandsons.
Michael Klapwyk - Michael works for his father-in-law, GreenPark Nurseries, helping with marketing, field work and tractor work. He is married to Laura and they live in Caistor Centre. Michael has good expreience in construction and carpentry and will be a great assest to the team as the school needs desks repaired, cupboards made and doors hung.
Matt Oussoren - Matt joined us less than a week ago! His heart was stirred while attending the commissioning service. Matt is an electrician and own/operates his own business. Matt will be a great addition to our team as there is great need for this kind of work when building a new school. God bless you, Matt, as you prepare for this trip with such short notice!
Evert and Nellie Prinsen - Evert is a retired tool and die maker. He has much experience and knowledge on how to fix just about anything. One of his hobbies is to restore antique cars to running condition. Nellie is a homemaker, mother to four married kids, grandma to 16, and great-grandma to 2! Don't let that fool you, both are in amazing health and have been great to have on our team. Evert is our videographer for the week. We are so pleased you are able to join us! They attend Maranatha CRC in St. Catharines.
Ed and Ans Roorda - Ed also owns and operates his own business, along with his wife Ans. They own Oakridge in Fenwick. Ed will likely be put to work building cabinets and doing other construction on the third floor. Ed is an avid outdoorsman, enjoying skiing and snowmobiling. Ans is the mother of four girls and also grandma. She loves to read. Together, she and Ed will be leading our team in devotions and worship during the evenings.
Lloyd and Anita Wierenga - Lloyd and Anita are partners in a greenhouse operation. Both work and play hard in life. Lovers of the outdoors, camping, and canoeing, spending time with their families is priorty. Both have a wonderful sense of humour and we look forward to alot of laughter. They have four children, all in university or highschool. Lloyd has been taking pictures over the past year and will continue to do so as our 'official' photographer. Anita has taken charge of gathering and taking a first-aid kit. Our prayer is that we will not have to use it!
Karl and Wilma Vahrmeyer - Karl own/operates a nursery and cut ornamental branch business along with his three sons. He has been on many mission trips and lends his experiences to us all. He is our treasurer and made sure all the funds donated were recorded and turned in properly to Worldwide Christian Schools. Wilma is mom to five kids, three who are married, and grandma to 2. Wilma is Team Leader and this is the third team she has led. She volunteers once a week at the office of Worldwide Christian Schools and has developed a passion for this organization.
So, there you have it - twelve people who's lives have been condensed to a few sentences! Do not be fooled - all of our team members are beautiful and gifted people who have contributed much to the tone and spirit of this team. Please continue to pray for the team as a whole and also for the individuals on this team. All come from different walks of life, all are experiencing different thoughts and feelings as the day comes near. Some are worried about home, parents, kids, their businesses, travelling, health and more. Pray for the peace of Christ in our hearts as we go!
I would like to introduce you to "the team" - the people who have been together for about a year. We are more than a team, we are a small group, a fellowship. We are bonded by common goals, common work and a God who has put us together for this purpose.
Hans and Hilda Dam - Hans, in partnership with his brother, own and operates Clarences Service Centre in Fenwick. His expertise was proven two years ago when he and a few other team members managed to get an old tractor going in Guatemala. Hans will be our work co-ordinator, figuring out what has to be done for the day. Hans is married to Hilda who works at her brothers' hardware store. She is a generous, caring and fun lady and took care of getting many, many school supplies donated for us to take along. They have five kids, four of them are married and have four grandsons.
Michael Klapwyk - Michael works for his father-in-law, GreenPark Nurseries, helping with marketing, field work and tractor work. He is married to Laura and they live in Caistor Centre. Michael has good expreience in construction and carpentry and will be a great assest to the team as the school needs desks repaired, cupboards made and doors hung.
Matt Oussoren - Matt joined us less than a week ago! His heart was stirred while attending the commissioning service. Matt is an electrician and own/operates his own business. Matt will be a great addition to our team as there is great need for this kind of work when building a new school. God bless you, Matt, as you prepare for this trip with such short notice!
Evert and Nellie Prinsen - Evert is a retired tool and die maker. He has much experience and knowledge on how to fix just about anything. One of his hobbies is to restore antique cars to running condition. Nellie is a homemaker, mother to four married kids, grandma to 16, and great-grandma to 2! Don't let that fool you, both are in amazing health and have been great to have on our team. Evert is our videographer for the week. We are so pleased you are able to join us! They attend Maranatha CRC in St. Catharines.
Ed and Ans Roorda - Ed also owns and operates his own business, along with his wife Ans. They own Oakridge in Fenwick. Ed will likely be put to work building cabinets and doing other construction on the third floor. Ed is an avid outdoorsman, enjoying skiing and snowmobiling. Ans is the mother of four girls and also grandma. She loves to read. Together, she and Ed will be leading our team in devotions and worship during the evenings.
Lloyd and Anita Wierenga - Lloyd and Anita are partners in a greenhouse operation. Both work and play hard in life. Lovers of the outdoors, camping, and canoeing, spending time with their families is priorty. Both have a wonderful sense of humour and we look forward to alot of laughter. They have four children, all in university or highschool. Lloyd has been taking pictures over the past year and will continue to do so as our 'official' photographer. Anita has taken charge of gathering and taking a first-aid kit. Our prayer is that we will not have to use it!
Karl and Wilma Vahrmeyer - Karl own/operates a nursery and cut ornamental branch business along with his three sons. He has been on many mission trips and lends his experiences to us all. He is our treasurer and made sure all the funds donated were recorded and turned in properly to Worldwide Christian Schools. Wilma is mom to five kids, three who are married, and grandma to 2. Wilma is Team Leader and this is the third team she has led. She volunteers once a week at the office of Worldwide Christian Schools and has developed a passion for this organization.
So, there you have it - twelve people who's lives have been condensed to a few sentences! Do not be fooled - all of our team members are beautiful and gifted people who have contributed much to the tone and spirit of this team. Please continue to pray for the team as a whole and also for the individuals on this team. All come from different walks of life, all are experiencing different thoughts and feelings as the day comes near. Some are worried about home, parents, kids, their businesses, travelling, health and more. Pray for the peace of Christ in our hearts as we go!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Under the Umbrella
When teams go on short-term mission trips, such as the one we are on, they do not go alone. The trip itself is the final journey of a year's worth of prayer, effort, logistic's management and community encouragement. We go, under the "umbrella" of God and the organization of Worldwide Christian Schools.
Worldwide Christian Schools. Where does one begin? HANDS (acconym for Helping Another Nation Develop Schools) gives the average person a mission opportunity. It is for volunteers who would like to make a difference in the the name of Jesus. These teams build or repair schools in many countries around the world, allowing children in these, often the poorest, countries to attend a Christian School. Going on a HANDS Team is often the experience of a lifetime, touching your life as much as you will touch the lives of the people you meet.
When going on a mission trip such as this there is hard work, a new culture to see, enjoy and experience, new people who often become your friends, much worshipping with the hosts and with the team, and there is a new sense how Christ's message is relevant to the whole world - his love has no boundaries! These trips touch your heart.
HANDS Teams go to Honduras, Nicaragua, Belize, the Dominican Republic, Soweto, Zambia and Guatemala. The schools that are built are Christian and have high education standards, there is consideration for the local culture and there is encouragement for these schools to partner with other organizations and not depend of WWCS. WWCS helps build and establish these schools but does not operate them.
My experience of being on three HANDS Teams has been heart-touching. God is using WWCS and his people to bring the truth to places and people who have never had a chance to know Jesus and his life-saving grace. Children are the ones who often bring this message of salvation to their homes and families. Being on a HANDS Team is life-changing and makes me realize that the Good News is not only for us, but for the world. God's message of life is not only for white, conservative, hard-working North Americans but is especially for the down-trodden, the poor, the uneducated, the unemployed, the sad and lonely. His message is for the whole world for "He has the whole world in His hands!"
For more information about Worldwide Christian School please go to www.wwcs.ca There you can see all the teams that are going this year. You will be able to find out more about HANDS opportunities and other programs.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Commissioning Service
We have experienced the grace of God and received the encouragement from two church congregations during the past year. On January 18 and 25 we were commissioned to 'go' and bring the Good News. We were challenged to be Christ's ambassadors to the people of Guatemala. In Maranatha, Pastor Jerry Hoytema preached on the "Feeding of the Five Thousand" and how Christ gives his followers everything they are in need of to do His work. We were encouraged by his words and through the prayers that followed. After the service we were surrounded by the people who offered their words of encouragement and talked about one day sending a team of their own.
In Bethany, Pastor Martin Dam (guest pastor) preached on "How Do We Love?" and "Whom Do We Love?" It was good for us to hear this messages as we contemplate why we are going on this trip! Our own pastor, EJ deWaard then also commissioned us to be Christ to the people of Guatemala, we read a responsive litany with the congregation and the elders came to the front, layed their hands on us as a team, and prayed over and for us. We knew that we were in God's presence. A powerpoint was shown at both services about Guatemala and the site we would be - they say a picture is worth a thousand words and its true!
God has been real and present during the past year. He has blessed our efforts immensely! We have prayed together, talked together, fundraised together, and fellowshiped together. We pray that it was all done in the name of Christ. As we look forward to this coming Monday, when we step on the plane and head south, we ask that you also will continue to pray. Pray that we will represent Christ well. Pray that we will have His compassion and concern for the people of Guatemala. Pray that we will have good health as we experience altitude and a different climate. Pray that God will bring us opportunity to minister to the people there. Pray that the work we do will be only to the glory of God. Pray that we will receive the gifts of the spirit in our hearts - love, peace, patience, self-control, kindness, gentleness, humbleness, and more. Pray for safety in heart as we see some of the evil the people of Guatemala face. Pray for physical safety as we travel by plane and van, as we work hard, as we are in a different country. Pray that the relationships on the team will strenghten and will become close. Pray that those who are anxious about this trip will experience the true peace of Christ as they bring those anxieties and cares to Him. Above all, pray that everything we do will honour and praise our Creator. May all the glory go only to Him.
In Bethany, Pastor Martin Dam (guest pastor) preached on "How Do We Love?" and "Whom Do We Love?" It was good for us to hear this messages as we contemplate why we are going on this trip! Our own pastor, EJ deWaard then also commissioned us to be Christ to the people of Guatemala, we read a responsive litany with the congregation and the elders came to the front, layed their hands on us as a team, and prayed over and for us. We knew that we were in God's presence. A powerpoint was shown at both services about Guatemala and the site we would be - they say a picture is worth a thousand words and its true!
God has been real and present during the past year. He has blessed our efforts immensely! We have prayed together, talked together, fundraised together, and fellowshiped together. We pray that it was all done in the name of Christ. As we look forward to this coming Monday, when we step on the plane and head south, we ask that you also will continue to pray. Pray that we will represent Christ well. Pray that we will have His compassion and concern for the people of Guatemala. Pray that we will have good health as we experience altitude and a different climate. Pray that God will bring us opportunity to minister to the people there. Pray that the work we do will be only to the glory of God. Pray that we will receive the gifts of the spirit in our hearts - love, peace, patience, self-control, kindness, gentleness, humbleness, and more. Pray for safety in heart as we see some of the evil the people of Guatemala face. Pray for physical safety as we travel by plane and van, as we work hard, as we are in a different country. Pray that the relationships on the team will strenghten and will become close. Pray that those who are anxious about this trip will experience the true peace of Christ as they bring those anxieties and cares to Him. Above all, pray that everything we do will honour and praise our Creator. May all the glory go only to Him.
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
The Countdown in on!
Today its cold! as it has been for a little while now. Dreams of our upcoming trip are becoming closer to reality. Guatemala is a beautiful country, nestled between Mexico to the north, Belize to the east, the Pacific Ocean to the west and Honduras and El Salvador to the south. Tropical near the coast, cooler and arid in the mountains, Guatemala is a contrast of culture and geography.
We will be flying to Guatemala City and from there travel by van up into the mountainous area of San Cristobal, Totinicapan. Though 160 miles as the crow flies, the trip will take us over four hours. Up and down, around and around - through the mountains we go.
The area is green. The countryside is marked with many mountainside farms that checkerboard the hillsides. Everything from tropical fruit to cold weather crops like cauliflower and broccoli are grown here. The Guatemalan highlands are often called the land of eternal spring - the climate has an average temp of 22C during the day. But don't be surprised to find frost on your windowpane when you wake up in the morning! At 8000' above sea level, the air gets frosty once that sun disappears!
I spent several hours at Worldwide Christian Schools today, working in the office. Its a privilege for me to learn more each time I'm there about this amazing organization and how it continues to bring the gospel - the Good News - to children around this world. Thank you Michele, Carolyn and Laura-Jane for your friendship and encouragement in the office. I'll see you in a couple of weeks.
We will be flying to Guatemala City and from there travel by van up into the mountainous area of San Cristobal, Totinicapan. Though 160 miles as the crow flies, the trip will take us over four hours. Up and down, around and around - through the mountains we go.
The area is green. The countryside is marked with many mountainside farms that checkerboard the hillsides. Everything from tropical fruit to cold weather crops like cauliflower and broccoli are grown here. The Guatemalan highlands are often called the land of eternal spring - the climate has an average temp of 22C during the day. But don't be surprised to find frost on your windowpane when you wake up in the morning! At 8000' above sea level, the air gets frosty once that sun disappears!
I spent several hours at Worldwide Christian Schools today, working in the office. Its a privilege for me to learn more each time I'm there about this amazing organization and how it continues to bring the gospel - the Good News - to children around this world. Thank you Michele, Carolyn and Laura-Jane for your friendship and encouragement in the office. I'll see you in a couple of weeks.
Monday, January 26, 2009
Monday, January 26, 2009
Well, a week to go before we leave for Guatemala. Kitchener is currently there we are excited to have their team leader stay behind with us. Some team members are already packing, final arrangements are being made and we had the exciting news of adding another member today. Matt, welcome to our team! Your skills as an electrician and your caring manner will add much. We look forward to getting to know you over the next few weeks. Everything seems to be in order for next Monday, Feb 2. We will be leaving Buffalo early in the morning and our prayer is that things will go well are that we will arrive in Guatemala that same day. Keep in touch with us as try and do our best to blog and add pictures. Feel free to leave your thoughts and prayers.
Wilma
Well, a week to go before we leave for Guatemala. Kitchener is currently there we are excited to have their team leader stay behind with us. Some team members are already packing, final arrangements are being made and we had the exciting news of adding another member today. Matt, welcome to our team! Your skills as an electrician and your caring manner will add much. We look forward to getting to know you over the next few weeks. Everything seems to be in order for next Monday, Feb 2. We will be leaving Buffalo early in the morning and our prayer is that things will go well are that we will arrive in Guatemala that same day. Keep in touch with us as try and do our best to blog and add pictures. Feel free to leave your thoughts and prayers.
Wilma
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