Wednesday, February 24

"Unless the Lord builds the  house, the work of the builders is wasted."  Psalm 127:1

We came here not to build houses, but to build homes.  As we worked together with families to build their homes, and as we spent time with their children in VBS this week, we built relationships.

Today was dedication day.  We divided into two teams and each team was able to spend time with six families.  A local pastor led each team, sharing God's love, praying together, singing a song and leaving a house-warming gift.  The absolute highlight for many of us on our team was when three members of one family gave their lives to Jesus.

After returning to the mission house, we toured the coffee plantation surrounding it.  It produces some of the highest quality coffee in the world and it was fascinating to watch how the coffee beans are processed.

We give praise to God not only for a great day, but for a great week.

Mary Jo Vis



Regardless of our stage of life, whether married with kids, empty-nester, or a high school or college student it seems we all have a soft spot for small children.  On Tuesday a group of us were blessed to go back to the orphanage to finish our wood cutting and splitting and to play and visit with our friends there.  It is extremely difficult to walk into a space filled with kids and not feel God tugging on your heart.  These helpless and abandoned little ones, who Christ would call to Him were He here, looked up at us with their big dark eyes and beautiful smiles and we melted.  Ryan and I sat on the grass and the 3 and 4 year old boys and girls cautiously came to check us out.  Before we knew it we were acting as human jungle gyms and laughing louder and longer than even the kids.  What a blessing to be able to spend an hour loving on these little blessings.  I picked out 2 I wanted to take home but unfortunately God's plan for them is elsewhere.  Pray with us that our friends at the orphanage, especially the kids, are blessed, provided for and kept close to Jesus as they grow!

Jamie DeVries (Becky's husband)




Wow!  What an amazing day.  Emotions go from one extreme to another.  When we got to the village this morning I couldn't wait to see a special person that I made a connection with.  Her name is Marcia, she approached me as soon as we got to the village on Saturday morning.  The connection was instant.  It started with her asking me to her home to show me her coffee plants, to teaching me how to make tortillas and salsa.  She then asked me to help her pick coffee.  When I got to the village this morning and I found that she wasn't there my emotions went to sadness that I would not get to say goodbye.  We did all the house dedications and were passing out pictures and we saw each other.  We could not get to each other quickly enough.  We hugged and cried!  She has made such an impact on me in this very brief meeting that we had.  After saying good bye I was crying and she was worried about me, she asked me to come back to her.  I went over with the Juan Marcos (the gentlemen that does our translating for us) and she wanted to know if why I was crying, did she hurt me?  I asked Juan to explain to her that she touched my heart.  Her and her family would be in my prayers and that I would never forget her.  She said she felt the same way.  God is amazing.  This experience has changed me.

Irene Voss

Hola from Guatemala!

A lot of different jobs were done today, one of which was going down to My Dream Center, an after-school feeding center for 70 kids around the city. While we were there, we helped cut up produce for their lunches, served them, helped them brush their teeth, and did crafts with them. It was amazing to watch these wonderful kids go through their routine, while being so excited to see us. They even told us "thank you" (yes, in ENGLISH!) Before the chicken bus came to pick them up to take them home, they sang three or four songs for us (also in English!). It was so sweet and it made us tear up. To end the great day, they made sure to give us hugs before they got on the bus. Being a preschool teacher at home, it was wonderful to experience how classes are done here in Guatemala, and I can't wait to share it with the kids back home. God is so good and is everywhere. Especially in the smallest kids in Guatemala.   -Paige Merrill

This evening we had the opportunity to serve members of the Guatemalan community at a local church. At the church we distributed food and goods to about 100 families in need. The food that we provided will supplement a family's diet for about a month. To begin the evening off, we were introduced by the pastor. He said a few words, and then Duane Door and John King said a few words and a prayer. Both the pastor and the members of our group who spoke had it translated by a young man so that everyone was able to interact and understand. The pastor expressed that he was more than grateful to have us there to help support members of his church and his community. We formed a line with tables behind us so that we would be able to talk and interact with each of the individuals personally. To each person we said, "Dios de bendiga" which means "God Bless You". It was a great opportunity to share the love of Christ with individuals who may not have had any interaction with the Christian Faith previously. As people went through the line, we received many hugs, handshakes and even some kisses! It was very evident to me that God was present in that church tonight. - Josh Lackey

'Amazing' can only begin to capture what the entire day and God had in store for us and me.  Miah Grassmid started today with a devotion, that seemed to be directed toward each one of us individually, with a reminder and elaboration from Adam Jager's devotion of making this trip mean just as much to us as it did to those families we were serving.

We loaded the vans and headed out to start a profound journey to the Tejar dump.  We found ourselves choked up and teary-eyed, and I'd like to say it was from the smoke from the burning rubble, but from a sense of compassion for the work being done and God providing for those who needed it.  Families, from little children to their parents, scavenged through the trash for clothes to wear and materials to support their families.  We passed out food to those working and united in prayer to give thanks, ask for special attentions and reinforce the need to always find God's hand in all of His splendors.  This experience was an eye opening opportunity to remind us of how we need to appreciate all of His blessings, give thanks for all the family and friends that enter our lives, and to continue to seek ways to serve.  We then headed to the village to continue our work on the homes and enjoy the companionship of the families we were helping.

This van ride then became that enlightenment I was seeking on this journey along with serving, the reflection of how God has always been present and has guided my life throughout good times and bad (Thank you Mary Jo). It was only fitting at dinner that I sat at the end of the long table to be able to look down and see the faces of my Guatemala family that were only strangers less than a week ago.  30 some individuals of different ages, backgrounds and different stories united by a single decision to share God's word and story of simply being kind.  I cannot express the gratitude to have been invited and called to join them on this journey of serving, but will be forever in debt for the inclusion of a "lost boy" (in more ways than just not knowing how to find Moline). Miah's selection of the song 'Mighty to Save' couldn't have been more appropriate for the entire day, start to finish,  to sum up my heavy heart: "Everyone needs compassion, a love that's never failing . . . So take me as you find me. All my fears and failures and fill my life again . . . He is Mighty to Save!"  Blessed, humbled and grateful for #Guatemala2016 and all the moments and incredible people God shared with me.  -Eddie Taylor

Monday is back to the village day here in Guatemala- and we can't wait to be back with our new friends there. After another incredible breakfast, Paul Hendriksma led us in devotions. He challenged us to strengthen our relationship with Christ and with each other. Once in the village, we (Sam and I) had the privilege to assist the VBS. What a gift it was to be with these children today. Juan Marcos preached a story about Jesus and the 12 disciples and then there was a craft that followed the story. We sat on the street side for all of this. After awhile, I noticed two older boys watching from a distance. They were teenagers, and were too old (and maybe too cool) to participate. With the Spirit's urging, Sam and I pulled a soccer ball from our bag, and with Juan Marcos translating, went over and spoke to the boys.  We found out their names were Charlie and Freddy, and were members of the neighborhood church. They were grateful for the ball, and started kicking it around right away. We serve a gracious God who gives us these amazing opportunities. These are just a few examples of many that happen daily for everyone here serving in Guatemala. God is good!

Adam and Sam Jager

Hello from sunny Guatemala.  Writing on this blog is another of many first for me over the past several days. Guatemala is full of sights, sounds and smells that only can be experienced if you come here.  This morning after a devotional that reminded us we are created to work and serve to the glory of our God, most of us were off to do just that in the village.  I tried to help build a home but was excited when I was invited to join the VBS team again.  The children of this pleasant little village are so adorable with their big brown eyes, colorful dress and dusty little feet. They are so easy to love. Not all are sure of of us when we try to engage with them and it takes a few tries before they trust us .  One small girl hugged her craft package tightly to her purple shirt and shook her head no every time I tried to help her.  She even said no to crayons because it would mean she had to let the craft go.  But, when I came back to her I found out the Linda got her to take a crayon and she picked purple.  On Friday I drew pictures with another girl and she remembered me even though I didn't come on Saturday and she brought me a picture of a chicken that she drew.  Esther is a girl who I met today as we started her new home this morning. I introduced her to some ladies who started at a different house and she smiled. Then, at Bible school every time she saw me she gave me a hug.  Gina got out bubble and she and I blew many bubble until the children ask to do it.  We bounced balloons and gave out toys.  I have to say it was very fun to hear their giggles.  The other members of our group went over to the feeding center and will share that tomorrow.   Continued prayers are always appreciated.  

To God Be The Glory,

Cindy De Kraker           

Hey there people of Michigan,

My heart goes out to the people of Guatemala, they can be the most loving, generous, and kind people. They do not have very much, but they let Gods light shine through in the way that they work, the way that they give, and the way that they trust and rely fulling on God... All the houses that we are building this week are within walking distance and the kids are starting to call us by name as we walk through the village streets from house to house. Relationships are being built and growing stronger everyday with the people of Guatemala. God is truly blessing this team! I am glad to be a part everything that is happening here in Guatemala, and I cannot wait to bring home what we are learning here back to Michigan.

God bless,

       Miah Grassmid

Hello from the Mission house,
Today was our day of rest from working.  We were able to spend time enjoying God's beautiful creation. We headed out to Pacaya, one of the volcanoes about an hour from the Mission house.
While our guides took the more strenuous route we able to ride in style on the backs of our horses.  The scenery on the way was incredible!  Closer to the top we had to get off and make the rest of the trek by foot.  Traveling on top of the lava rock we made our way to the luxurious marshmallow roasting spa to enjoy fellowship and a snack.  We were then forced with a choice of a vertical challenge or to turn back the way we came.  Needless to say only a brave few turned back and the rest aimlessly struggled to the top to enjoy an overlook before the "plummet of death" slide.  As each of us slid down the side of the largest mountain anyone has ever seen, some on our feet and others on their backside, we were able to get a fast glimpse of the beautiful Guatemalan landscape.  At the bottom we joined the rest of the group for the treacherous downhill descent on horseback back to the vans for our much awaited shopping extravaganza.
After a brief snack/lunch we loaded up to head towards Antigua to enjoy the culture, shoppes and a search-n-find for the best ice cream.  Chicken bus after chicken bus, we made our scary way toward Antigua only to be thwarted by traffic, football matches, Mayan New Year and Lenten celebrations.  Unfortunately our route was detoured to an alternate route which would have taken us another hour and a half to get to Antigua, so we opted to head back tot the Mission house.  The close bonding on the buses and plentiful conversations made the disappointment much easier.  We even took a slight pit stop to get gas and a tummy full of ice cream.  We made it back safe and sound to enjoy some much needed res and relaxation.

The night concluded with a house full of guests and a devotion led by Tico.  He touched base on our comfort zone and being courageous because He will guide us through every obstacle and struggle.  He discussed God's repetitious encouragement, as found in the Book of Joshua, to guide us throughout all the adversities life throws our way.  Jaime on the piano and Adam's harmonica led us in praise songs.
Tom and Linda Hendriksma

Hola from Guatemala.   

 

  It was a beautiful day to go into the village to build houses and do VBS with the local children. We are making good progress on building the houses. We have had a lot of help from the families that we are building the houses for this week.  It has been wonderful getting to know the families.  Laura and I had some assistance building windows and doors from Loretta.  She was so excited to use the drill. Her smile said it all!

  VBS went well today. It was a smaller group of about 25 kids but I understand that Jamie and his guitar were a big hit. 

  Paige M. and Irene had the wonderful experience of being invited into a home to make salsa and tortillas and then go on to pick coffee beans with them. Again, the smiles said it all!

  From the sounds of all the chatter in the van on the way home, it was a very good day.  

  By Paige TeHennepe

  Some of the team had the opportunity to go to Love the Child Orphanage today.  We were able to meet Cheryl who heads up the orphanage of 47 children, three and under who have been abandoned.  We heard her love and compassion for every child who is under her care.  We were able to spend time loving on the children.  

   Cheryl needed help getting ready for an inspection, so the ladies painted a fence around the children's play area.  The men cleaned up the new building site by cutting up some tree trunks.  They rolled them down the steep road while trying to control and brace them.  Then they chopped the logs into firewood.

   It was a great day to do some work for them, and see how well the children are cared for.  The weather was sunny and fairly cool.  

   As always, we were thankful for a safe trip through the interesting roads here in Guatemala.  We certainly have so very much to be thankful for.  God has truly blessed us all so much!!

   By Brian Popma and Connie Vunderink

Hola!
As you know from the last post, we have all arrived safe and sound in Guatemala! In addition to starting building, we also did Bible School with the kids. As soon as we arrived in the village, we were greeted very excitedly by a group of kids. There were some women in the village who were told about us coming and they had already informed all the kids about Bible School. They were obviously super excited. I mean who wouldn't be excited about spending a few hours with 8 crazy gringos learning about Jesus? We found a local church about a mile from the first building site. We all loaded up into one of the vans and Juan Marcos (our amazing translator) drove us to the church, along with the several kids we picked up along the way. We started out with the story of the lost sheep, followed by a craft and coloring pages. Then we pulled out the parachute and we all watched in awe as the kids giggled and laughed. After doing the parachute for a while, we started an intense game of Pato Pato Gonzo (Duck Duck Goose). I don't know who was more into the game, us or the kids. Fast forward a few hours and we did it all over again with about 30 kids. Overall Bible School was great and all the kids kept asking if we were coming back tomorrow. I am so excited to watch God continue to work in these kids lives and see the way they impact us as well. Relationships have already starting to flourish and I'm going to have a very hard time leaving the village next week. Some of the kids started to call me Momma Abby and it just melted my heart. I think I can speak for our whole team when I say that all of the people in this village already hold a very special place in my heart.
Thank you for all the continued prayers and support that you have been giving us!
Abby H

Hello from Chimaltenango, Guatemala!
We are back at the mission house after our first day of working in the village. It sounds like everyone had a really successful day, both with the building and with vbs. We enjoyed something that doesn't happen here very often--rain! It started before we left this morning and pretty much lasted all day. Most of the time just a drizzle but harder at times, too.
The village we worked at today was about 1 1/2 hours away. We were able to meet and work with some really great people. They were so willing and excited to help. The mom at one of the first houses helped put together the door that she will walk into every day. Rico, the 18 year old son, helped set the posts and side the house that had to be an awesome feeling!
We also spoke with the pastor of the church whose members are the ones we are building the houses for.  They were all very appreciative and excited to recieve one. Vicenta prayed before we started setting the poles for her house and the entire group was incredibly moved (even though we didn't understand a single word!)
We returned to the mission house, tired and hungry, but still feeling excited and inspired by the days events.  After a fabulous meal prepared by the cooks and an evening of community with the group, we will soon retire for the night anxiously awaiting what the Lord has in store for us tomorrow.

Laura M and Paul H

Thursday, February 18: Arrived Safely in Guatemala

Hello Friends and Family!

We arrived safely to the mission house at 3:30, had a brief team meeting, had dinner with Samuel and his family, and as of 9:20 pm Central Time, only a couple of us are still awake.

We're very thankful for answered prayers thus far - travel was smooth, we've continued to get to know one another better, and we are eagerly anticipating what God has planned for us tomorrow as we meet the families who we'll be working alongside for the week.  

Please pray that we'll be able to set aside distractions so we can truly live 'in the moment' this week and be God's hands and feet to those we serve.   Thank you for your continued encouragement and prayer!