I'm Feeling 22

Yes it has been a memorable start to my year of being 22 to say the least.

Here is what I had planned for my birthday week starting with a Wednesday night bible study celebration.  I love the friends I have made thru hanging out weekly and was looking forward to finishing up our short summer 5 week study.  I also knew they had something planned for me since it was my birthday the next day but I wasn't too worried since I don't get embarrassed all that quick or easy.

On Thursday my actual birthday I had a chiro appointment in the morning to get put back in place for my upcoming girls weekend in Des Moines.  I was also working at the salon in the afternoon.  My grandparents were going to take me out for supper to Nederlander's in Orange City and we were all going to my sister's singing recital that night!

But the best part was Friday and the girls trip I had planned with some friends.  We all work a lot and it's hard to make time for each other so we were heading up to Des Moines for the weekend to go to Adventureland, Cheesecake Factory, and of course the Jordan Creek Mall.  I had made hotel reservations and was planning on buying our tickets online on Wednesday night after Bible Study.

BUT none of it happened because GOD decided I needed some rest and relaxation on my birthday instead.  I did end up going to the ER on Wednesday at noon.  I came home for lunch and to walk the dogs but I was having minor stomach cramps to which I thought was an after effect of eating Ice Cream the night before because I am lactose intolerant not the wisest choice but I figured I could handle it :)  I suddenly realized it was not just from the ice cream but something else and instantly I knew.  In November I had ended up in the ER due to a cyst located behind but not attached to my right ovary.  It was happening again but way more pain and way quicker.  Lord, I was saying, I don't have time for this I have to get back to work this afternoon and I have all these plans lined up and a wedding I need to do hair for next week Please not now.  Well I didn't stand a chance because it was out of my control.  Anyway long story short I was able to experience the clinic, ER, and stay a night in the new Hospital.  What a wonderful facility!

So for my birthday it was room service... I came home on Thursday night!  I now have an appointment on Wednesday in Sioux Falls.  The cyst is not attached to the ovary but is located behind it so in order to fix it they need to take it out, exactly what I don't have time for.  But I now just get to take it easy for a few days and hope to get some more answers next week.

Nothing better than room service on your birthday

As we were sitting there on my birthday my mom kept saying 22 years ago I thought it was the best day of my life because you were born.  So God blessed me with a relaxing day and some time to reflect and be thankful for my family.  I did enjoy my birthday even if it was not what I had planned, God knew I needed to slow down instead :)

Finding HOME

I have wrestled with my challenge where is home... The more I have prayed chewed on and conversed with others I have come to realize the longing inside of me is not a place a building country or even the people I call family but it is being in the center of God's will each and every day of my life.  I can wake up each day and be focused on all the missed opportunities, kiddos I long to kiss and hold, and the place I WANT... Instead I have focused on who and what God is asking of me each day.  I have been on a roller coaster of emotions every day since returning but the more I focus on relationships and God's will the easier life is... Not easier but more fulfilling because trust me what God asks sometimes stops me dead in my tracks but when I follow thru I am so overflowing with his faithfulness I am as a bride on her wedding day... or you know what I mean :)

I do yes have rough days and times I don't see or seize and opportunity.. But God is faithful and always provides another!!  That is just how perfect and wonderful God is!  I am just ahhh so glad to be loved, forgiven, and in love with HIM.  I am so far from perfect I have my own set of flaws mistakes and imperfections that I see but I know all HE sees is beauty, perfection, and a heart that yearns to follow HIM.  

I get asked frequently where exactly God is leading me next in life and I am here to say, " Not sure yet."  But when I look back over the past 3 years I can say it just took time to fulfill the purpose and following in the little things opened up the door to the bigger things.  I am learning to be faithful in the little things so I can look back in 5 years and say,"Thanks God you had my back the whole time now I just understand it a whole lot better."  That is just how cool God is.  I need to continue to hold his hand even when all I want to do is cry in frustration because I miss opportunities, people, or just need to let it all out.  He loves me the good ugly and all.. I am a child of a King. Forgiven, Redeemed. and Living for a PURPOSE.

Living in the Moment that Lasts for a Lifetime

Ahhh warm weather!! FINALLY!!!!  It sure does wonders on the attitude and a little tan never hurt either!   It has been a great past 2 weeks.  2 amazing weddings two weekends in a row watching friends commit their lives to each other with the Lord as their guide.  Simply a blessing to be the stylist for one of the weddings and walking alongside the bride and the families enjoy the day of celebration!  Laughter and tears of joy and the pride in a father's voice of his love for his daughter.  The simple delights but yet moments I will forever treasure.  blessings.  relationships.  The Lord blessed me with friends who live in the moment and laughter that lasts years beyond.

This past memorial day my family got down in the dirt and planted all 1102 flowers... Yes that is a lot of holes but we have our ways!!  What a pleasure it was to just simply enjoy each sister for an afternoon and evening.  We each had our special "task" but none was more important than the other because everything needed to be done to accomplish the job together correctly.  It brings to mind my Wednesday night bible study discussion.  I learned about spiritual gifts; none is greater but they are all serving the greater purpose to glorify the Lord.  No matter how great or small they are as long as I use the gifts God has given me to glorify him I am serving HIM and living in the moment by not missing an opportunity to bring praise to HIS name and delight HIM by being simply who he created me to be.

As my family faithfully gathers each night out by our fire pit after every busy day, I find myself just simply smiling at the moments we relive over and over.  The laughter never seems to cease the more and more we repeat our stories and moments in life.  We might not always tell them correctly, or perhaps stretch them a little more but it never fails to have everyone laughing.  I am lucky to have people in my life who I have shared incredible moments with in life that have shaped me whether learning to love more, let go, or simply take a deep breath.  Life is a simply amazing journey but keeping my eyes up and knowing I live solely for an audience of ONE allows me to just step back, even when I have lost patience or gotten frustrated and laugh.  Reliving those moments over and over to allow them to last for my lifetime and who knows maybe even generations to come..

Stuck in the Middle

Here I am again... waiting, patiently, well not SO patiently... Why do I always look ahead to what I can see at the end of the week rather than looking at the person in my chair in the salon, next to me in the checkout line, sitting at lunch with me.  Do I REALLY know or even want to know how they are doing besides our normal "good" response?  Their is so much more going on in our "good" lives but we don't take the time to share what good it is.. weather bad good or great good.  Relationships are a key to life.  The more I develop the existing friendships the more I long for even deeper things within those relationships.  One key for me not to slip into pity mode is to invest time, energy, and listening ears not just one but BOTH.  I say I am stuck in the middle not in a bad way but in a way that I have relationships here that I know will always be here and family down a few countries away that might not always be there or will constantly be changing.

Yes this weekend was a great relational weekend.  Graduation parties for the class that were just baby freshman when I was a senior; congratulating them on a job well done and whoa I was so humbled by the stories of when I had taken time as the "elder" to listen, laugh, or cry with them.  Class of 2014 I am blessed by you!  A wedding of a very dear and special brotherly friend to an amazing woman!  May God richly bless you as you begin the new chapter together!  And the dance was the best ever with amazing friends!  Then watching commencement as my sister walked across the stage to receive her diploma from a special uncle!  And her awesome party where once again I was able to share my Guatemala experience and just catch up with those I haven't seen in a few months!  It was wonderful to reconnect relationships!  And lastly having to say goodbye to friends as they ventured back after graduation from college, not knowing when I will be able to see them but hopefully sooner than later since I struggle with this patience thing!

I am so blessed and look forward to warmer weather, bonfires, and moving the lawn.  But more importantly building relationships to last and deepening the existing relationships I have.  As I am in the patience zone, God is teaching me to really listen to the answers of :good: and date to ask more of them instead of just settling for an answer I know is only surface level.  I challenge you tomorrow to challenge those you love to be better than good everyday but rather be honest about the real issues high or low going on.  We might all be surprised how admitting the truth will bring us closer.  I know I have sad days and happy days but thru it all I have to remember who it is that I will keep my focus on.. my life is lived for an audience of 1

Did someone mention GRADUATE?!?!?!

May is absolutely flying... where has the time gone?!  Actually that is how I feel about the past 4 years as my little sis GRADUATES.....wait yes for real she is GRADUATING!!!!   It feels like yesterday I was the big "senior" sister she was looking up to and I was the one standing up and stepping in for her.  Now as I have been blessed to watch her grow and blossom into a lovely young woman; I am proud!  We have spent so much time bonding and no one quite understands me like she does.  We never really fight, yes we disagree from time to time but a heart beat later we are joking and going to Walmart together.  She is the one I can always count on for a funny Pinterest joke or a goofy text to cheer up any bad day I might be having.  It is crazy how different we are but yet we tolerate and love each other in a weird but totally normal way!  I remember all the teasing and deep talks we have shared throughout the years, moments I will always treasure and cherish.  And yes all those crushes I would tease you about or how much better my driving skills will always be compared to yours.. simply because I am older!  It feels like yesterday I was looking for you in the hallway, coaching you thru basketball practice, or getting ticked at you for ALWAYS making me late for school (which we never really were).  It has been fun working in the Pet Lodge together and always getting into trouble for being the "naughty two".  The trouble we got in was minimal but the memories monumental.  All those pranks or silly nights of sparkling grape juice need to always be a part of our routine together no matter how old we become!  I will always be the proudest big sister of you no matter how old we get!!

Jules I am proud how you have been the Senior sister standing up and stepping in for Em!  I have enjoyed this year watching you two bond and grow closer as the year is almost over cherish and treasure the last few days you have in school together because it won't ever quite be the same!  I love you and can't wait to see what the Lord has in store for you in the future

Where is HOME?

I was asked this question by a team member and have been wrestling with it for  oh almost a month I suppose... too long.   I have been praying so much about where the next step with Jesus will be and how I can work with him.  Whether it be in Sioux Center or some other part of the world (I just hope not anywhere cold because I have definitely become a wimp).  As I seek his direction I am learning to be patient in this whorl wind of life America wants us to have.  Standing still is where I am today just waiting while gazing at Jesus knowing he will reveal himself to me in the perfect time:  HIS TIME.

My heart hurts with the loss of a family I grew to love in Guatemala.  My heart feels like it has been ripped out, stomped on and now I am allowing Jesus to piece it back together in a new way.  But healing takes time.  I won't be the person to put on a fake facade of "Life is Perfect" because it isn't.  I miss those kids and CONSTANTLY find myself there instead of here.  If anyone asks,"Are you happy to be home?" I have to be 100% honest and say no.  Yes I have been loving seeing everyone and sharing about how I feel in love with Jesus in a new and beautiful way but I am now fighting to keep my head a float by adjusting back to the American way of life.  And it is hard because unless you have walked this path it is hard for me to put into words my emotions.

A few huge adjustments are understanding EVERY conversation in a room again, being short and not seeing over a crowd of people, and having my own schedule not the kid's or group's schedule.  I know crazy right?! But it just takes time to process it all and take the right next step thru the right door.  I now need to allow my experience to be shared with others and I love being able to share what I did and how I learned to rely on God in so many incredible new ways.  My prayer is for you to realize how much God loves you and desires for you to love him with your life back!  I desire to continue to search out where God is calling and want to be an encouragement to others who are searching or just trying to stay afloat in our busy lives.  Remember God is crazy about you and all he desires is to be in a relationship with you, no matter the church walls you worship inside God wants even more to walk with you out the doors and into every part of your week... He wants to be your everything; to take away the stress, worry, fear, anxiety, and restlessness in your heart.  He is crazy about you and as we go into this Easter weekend fall on your knees and love him, thank him for what it is that he did for you on that old rugged cross.  He is waiting for you as he has been since the day he witnessed and smiled as you breathed your first breath!  Your life is a celebration of the amazing God who created you to bring him glory.  Life is a gift, how have you used it today?

Family Time!

Last week Tuesday was the LOONNNNNGGESSSTTT day.  The team was suppose to arrive at 11:20 AM.  We left around 10:20 ish but the few hours before then were filled with anticipation.  I was so excited to see Maria, Michael, Ali, and the rest of the Iowa team!  Once we were finally on the road it was the longest ride to the airport I have ever had!  Anya dropped me off to sit and wait for the team to arrive!  I was watching and watching, there was a group of people gathering and I assumed they were the half of the Michigan team but I still hadn't seen any Iowa faces... Finally I saw a little blonde walking out of the airport!  I took off running and screaming her name and thru my arms around her!!  It was the best hug I have ever received!  I was shaking and crying simply because I had been so anxious to see her and Michael!  And of course Ali, an amazing girlfriend of mine!   So fun to see them all but even funnier was the faces of the Michigan team members at the sight of this crazy girl who just sorta showed up and started giving out orders!  But they listened and we were able to get them loaded up in no time!  Off we went to San Ramon!! The van ride was filled with laughs and lots of catching up!  Anya and I tend to start to make up silly unbelievable answers to peoples questions because we have answered them so many times and people don't expect it from us at all.  I told my van the reason the bottom of the trees were painted white was calcium licks.  To which Maria called me out on but not after everyone in the van believed me first!   The real reason is it is to prevent termites and it is easier to see at night.  We were just nearing San Ramon when Daniel's van had a flat tire but much better than last time because it was day light not nighttime.   We arrived around 3 PM.  I took a group down to the river and then took Maria and Michael to my first house I built that was down near the river.  It was so much fun to be able to share and show them were I have been.  It rained right before devotions.  So loud in fact we just sang and sang praising our Lord for "Grace Like Rain."  A powerful way to start out the week ahead just adoring our Lord for who He is and getting our focus on Him.  It also made for a muddy first day of building but the cloud cover was so welcome no one bothered to complain!

Our house was built for a widowed Mother, Marta, and her 3 children Ana 16, Miguel 18, and Juana 21.  Marta's son Carlos, his wife Rosa, and their 3 young children were also there to help.  It is always fun to get to know more family!  I have to say every family I have built for God has brought "extras" we did not know about to be there.  But He knew they needed to be there to experience and build relationships with us as well.

I did handpick my building team because I wanted my sister on my team!  We had 3 from Iowa: Maria, Terri, and John, and 3 from Michigan: Albie, Jesse, and Jessica.  The best part was 2 had been there before and one was my sister!  I will admit it was nice to be the one telling her what to do and teasing her along the way!  I loved it and so did she makes up for the lost time over the past few months!  We had our house up in no time and I loved how hard working and respectful my team was.  We all bonded instantly; Jessica was a hairdresser so the bond was instant :)  I enjoy getting to know my teams and also going house to house this week seeing how everyone was bonding was so neat.  Not every team bonds as quickly as this team!   Everyone just had a desire to meet and get to know everyone on the other team.   They were willing to help out in any way! In fact Dan decided that just to try to stress me out he sent over his team because they were finished and mine wasn't quite there.  The help was appreciated and I can easily handle giving instructions to 12 people no problem :)  Devo's were set for 7 PM and it rained again.   It has been so interesting because it is the dry season but it has rained so much!   We all just gathered in close and worshiped louder than the rain on our tin roof!  God knew we needed to be close and

Stucco day went so quickly!  I ended up way to full of stucco for my liking but oh well it all washes off in the end anyway!   I told them I don't care just not in my hair!  They listened but I still looked like I bathed in it!   Painting was a Sea Foam Green affair and in no time we had a beautiful canvas to decorate for the family.  I told my group, "Make it personal".  I had other work to go do so It is always a surprise the next day to see what they have done with the house!  Finally we were able to start a fire and do devotions out under the stars to sing for all the world to hear!   It was a night of preparation as tomorrow we enter battle.  I can't describe how encouraged I was by the focus of this team.  We prayed by name for each family member in our house before heading to bed.  It was a beautiful picture to see each building group gathered, heads down, pouring their hearts out for people they barely knew but yet had formed a relationship with.

Everyone was up early for dedication day and as I headed to the bathroom seeing everyone digging into the word and focusing on the battle ahead was moving.  It is encouraging to know how seriously the matter at hand was.  They grasped it and were going to be fully ready for the enemies attacks!  As we began dedicating, prayers were being lifted up, songs were sung, and words from God's word were pouring out of the lips of team members.  God was surrounding us and his Spirit was on us.  I had a peace that today was the Lord's and nothing was going to go wrong.  I was encouraged by the team to pour myself out fully and watch them stay focused thru the entire dedication time.   It gives me goosebumps to talk about how focused and intent they were praying for the souls of the people.  My house was going to be dedicated last which is what I like best.  At the third house the group outside was singing "Amazing Grace" and just as they were singing the line - How precious did that Grace appear the hour I first believed- the father of the house was answering yes to accept Jesus as his personal Lord and Savior.  It was a powerful moment!  I love when the spirit moves and then being able to share later makes it even better!!  For our house we gave the gifts, exchanged words, and began.   As we shared our words the mother and daughters began to weep.  It was evident the pain they were carrying at the loss of a father and husband.  The son soon realized that he didn't have to be the leader alone but God would do it with him.  Our family all accepted Christ as well as the "extras" that helped all week!  God blessed us with more than we were anticipating!!  He is so good!!

The first Medical clinic we were going to has never been visited before.  It is a new region but steeped in years of religion and tradition not a personal relationship with a living Savior.  The name of the village was Los Cerditos meaning the Closed off ones.  We were ready with lots of ice breakers, coloring, nail painting, jump roping, and my personal favorite, Soccer!   They had a huge dirt field with no ravines on the edges!  I enjoyed our girls vs boys game.  I needed a break so I headed back to see how Maria was doing in the clinic!  At that time a mom with her 22 day old baby boy was about to sit down to have her med's explained to her.  I of course couldn't resist putting my arms out and taking her baby for a few minutes!  She was a beautiful mom and her baby was strong and healthy!  She was laid on my heart during the Jesus film but it was time for singing and testimonies so I could only pray now that she would stay and not leave because it was getting cooler outside.  After powerful testimonies and singing we dispersed among the crowd!  I saw my mom was still there but as the gospel was being presented she turned as if to leave.  I stepped in to block her path and offered to hold her baby once again.  She allowed me to hold her baby while she listened and I prayed the Lord would move her and keep the baby quiet!  As the invitation was extended she had tears rolling down her face but was hesitant to go forward.  As soon as Johanna came and asked her if she wanted to go she immediately grabbed her other young son's hand and headed forward.  At that point the baby began to cry, I knew he was hungry but tried to keep him quiet even though he was hungry.  It was a beautiful thing to watch everyone falling on their knees and accepting Jesus for the very first time!  It gets everyone excited for the next clinic and the chance to do it again!

Our second village, Chacanun, was special for 2 reasons.  We were able to commission Acedro as a Lay Pastor in the village.  But also they built houses in the village 3 1/2 years ago.  Tonight was not so much about first time dedication but more recommitting and reconnecting with Christ.  I prayed for the Lord to lay someone on my heart and right when we made it down the big hill into the village I saw him.  A little boy in a dark green hoodie but I was going to be in the clinic doing glasses.  Terri offered to do it instead because she knew I wanted to be out with the kids.   I made her a Spanish Script and took off.  I wandered up the hill and saw my little guy sitting there so I motioned to him and his eyes lit up when I did the Frisbee motion.  I noticed right away the other boys were picking on him and he was protective of his Frisbee and soccer ball.  Finally I was asking him his name, Israel and he was 9 years old.  I asked him how many siblings he had and he said only one brother, Jose 12 years old.  For some odd reason I also asked if his parents were here.  Instantly his head went down and he said they were both dead.  Boy I took a shot to the heart on that.  He said him and his brother live alone in a pink house, meaning one that the team had built.  He told me his grandparents lived a few houses down but they didn't live with them.  I sat on the grass and slowly he kept getting closer and soon couldn't cuddle into me any closer.  His brother joined us on the grass to.  He really didn't care about playing Frisbee instead he wanted love.  I just sat and held him all night long!  After the invitation he tugged me up and took me to the front where his brother was.  I knelt down put my arms around both of them and cried with them.  Hearing Jose cry out to Jesus was a moment I will never forget.  The sadness and burden he felt was being released as he cried out to Jesus.  I had packed a bag of food, candy, and extra granola bars from various team members to give him.  He was grinning ear to ear as he had his bag in one hand, bible in the other, and another bag on his back.  He was so cold so I gave him my sweatshirt as well.  I couldn't help but just want to bless him with everything I had!  We were able to pray once again for the missionary and safe travels home before leaving!  A powerful night!

Monday morning I woke up to discover my sister had gotten sick in the middle of the night.  She stayed in my room with me and we enjoyed quality sister bonding time!  She decided not to go to Antigua so instead I had to help Michael shop for her!  I can say we bonded and had a great time trying to barter together!  It was a day I won't to quickly forget!  I was so blessed to spent time with family and share in the experience with them.  It was a gift and something I will cherish forever!  Saying good bye was a happy occasion!  I didn't shed any tears but rather couldn't stop smiling at the week we shared together!  As I struggle to get excited about leaving it did help to see them and know that in just 2 weeks I will see them again!   Now comes packing as I sent one bag back with them.  I look forward to one more week and a last build in San Ramon!  Please continue to pray for us for strength and patience!  We can't say enough how your prayers help us thru the week!   Only 13 more days and I will get to see you all again!

Beauty in LITTLE things

A new tooth... Jumping in a water puddle...  Listening to the crickets after all the kids are in bed and it is quiet... Crayons all over the floor... Nails painted hot pink... The content baby sigh...  Another empty bottle...  Giggles when swinging because I am tickling Evonne...  The kisses that we exchange before bed... My 3 favorite words I love you being yelled under my bathroom door while I try to quick shower.... A content heart basking in the love the Father has for me in HIS perfect plan!

What a wonderful crazy week!  I am tired but yet I can't get enough of all the new babies!  I just go round and round... feeding, changing, burping, feeding again!!  Bounce, bounce, bounce!  Rosa is not sure how much she likes her "mom" holding other babies while she has to sit and watch :)  But she is now big enough to hold her own bottle and put herself to sleep, which makes me sad but God blessed me with 4 other babies to rock every night!  I did have one fantastic afternoon because all the kids went for their monthly doctor visit so I did laundry, cleaned, and enjoyed my quiet!  But everyone came back and back to the hustle and bustle!

Please be in prayer for Dulce.  She was recast on Tuesday and when they went to the doctor on Wednesday she went to the hospital.  She was throwing up due to her spine adjusting to the recast but she is doing better it is just taking a little time.  Please pray that her little precious body becomes adjusted to her new position and keeps healing.  She is strong and has a fighting spirit but her body now needs to heal!

Today Anya and I were able to take a hike as a little break in the action!  We took a hike to the bottom of the valley behind the base to see the waterfall and river below.  Nothing is more moving than God's creation to show how powerful and amazing HE is.  I can't say it was relaxing but it was a few hours of quiet and laughter was refreshing!  The waterfall was about 20 feet and coming down the mountian I could hear the rushing water!  Wow breathtaking for sure!  But I made sure I was back in time to love my kiddos for a few extra hours filled with laughter and kisses!

I am also getting excited to see my sister and brother-in-law on Tuesday!  It feels like yesterday I stepped off that plane and now we have only two teams left!  It has been a humbling experience to watch others lives change and still others come to know Christ as their personal Savior for the first time!  A powerful event that never ever gets old and continues to bring me to tears everytime I am amidst it!  It is a humble experience to be a part of the Lord's work when He really doesn't need me to be but yet it is a gift He allows us to experience!  Please pray for the last two remaining teams and strength as we finish out the season strong for the LORD!  

Two hands to build, Two arms to hold, One Life to Live

What a week it has been!  I am sorry I wasn't able to post sooner but I am experiencing computer and internet difficulties.. Just wonderful since I was not gifted in the area of technology to begin with!  I spent the week in San Ramon building!  I was put half, well mostly in charge of a house with Hermano Jesus, the pastor but he doesn't speak English so well so I played leader and yet co-leader!  The team is made up of 26 people, the norm is 30. Lots of young kids and an elderly couple who was not able to help us build.  This meant our numbers were going to be done already. 

 

My house family was Mario, Rosinda, 5 year old Jade, 3 year old Diego, and a baby 6 months along.  But also God gifted us with Mario's 2 cousins Fosto and Elvia.  They were visiting Rosinda for the first time and had never been that far out to visit ever!  Elvia was 21 and Fosto was 19!  They were excited to be able to help do the detail work on the second day!  One unique detail is Mario works at a school 8 hours away and will not be home until November.  And with mom being 6 months pregnant this house was so so much more to them then just a house.  It was a mircle!  I loved getting to know our mom and the cousins but the youngsters were pretty timid!

 

My team was a dad, Jeff, his 5th grade son, Mason, a 17 year old boy, Austin, and an 8th grade girl, Tanya... And me!  It had its moments of trying times but we made it thru!  I didn't tell them I am actually a trained hairdresser until over halfway thru the day!  They could hardly believe it!  Thank you dad for teaching me awesome carpentry skills! Thank goodness with this team we built fairly close to base and not far up the mountain.  One of our cement board pieces was cracked so we had to carry one from base to our house without cracking it but Jeff and I did it!  It was a long first day but we made it before the rain started... Yes rain in the dry season and lots of it!  We were forced to sit under the patio with little room and gather close for devos in order to hear Dan.  It was crazy because you never get rain but even crazier is the next night it rained even more!

 

Day 2 started out nice and muggy!  What a great thing Iowa has humidity so I had no problem adjusting or feeling anywhere but home working in it!  Stucco went on with extra to spare and I managed to stay a little cleaner than last time!  Not that I don't like getting dirty but scrubbing stucco off for over 15 minutes in a cold shower is a little to refreshing for me!  We were slowed down and sat and watched mud dry for a while... Which is ironic because with the last team I was out with I was teasing a group for watching mud dry when now here I sat doing the same!  Gotta love God's sense of humor!  I helped get the detail work done after dinner but told my team I had complete faith in them, make it special, and form a relationship with the family!  The cousins loved decorating and that was a huge bonding point as well!  We were able to get all our staff jobs done and finished up during the afternoon which was perfect because down came the rain and washed the spider out!  ... Not quite but its a good visual picture!  We were once again under the patio but this time we had so many more kids with us for devos, including my twin boys from the previous house I built!  The snuggle one under each arm and I was loving every minute of it!  Made me miss my little ones even more!  And also on day 2 Milton returned to family but Layla who is 40 days old joined our Open Doors family!  So now there is 8 kids!  We went from majority older kids to 3 under age 1!  And today I was told there is a posiblity of 3 more little ones! Wow I need more arms for sure!!  But we rotate kids around so everyone gets a turn with a crying child :)

 

Okay now back to San Ramon!  Day 3 Dedication day.. my favorite day!  But of course we had to wait for the mud to dry up in order to make it to our houses up the steep hills.  And also we would be dedicating a house from last week because the family was not present.  So not only did we get a later start we also had double overtime for dedications! (meaning 6 houses if you aren't into sports)  My house was in line for the second quarter!  The first house went fairly quick and the whole family accepted Jesus!  Alright great start!  Our house was awesome!  I pulled the cousins into the house too because the Lord had laid Elvia on my heart before I fell asleep the night before.  They came in but seemed a little hesitant.  I was praying my heart out that they would understand that the gospel we were presenting was a relationship not just head knowledge of the gospel. When the time came for the question they all accepted!  I was on my knees praying over them afterwords!  My heart was overflowing with joy knowing I had 2 more siblings in Christ!  I gave Fosto a big hug after and told him I am your sister in Christ!  He smiled huge and gave me a hug!  What an uplifter and encourager for the next 4 houses to come!

 

The third house everyone anticipated going well simply because of how much knowledge the father had all week about the bible but what he didn't have was the relationship.  Everyone had their guard down just enough to let distracions happen but once we refocused after Dan came out to tell us to pray harder, once again they immediately acceptted and more hearts were won for Christ!  The 4th house went well also!  We were nearing lunch time so once The house was finished we broke for lunch and encouraged the team to stay focused because we still had 2 houses to go!  And so far the harvest was fantastic!

 

The 5 house it was getting hot!  I stand in the back of the house by the window so I can see what is going on inside the house and know how to tell the team how to specifically pray for the people inside.  It was so hot inside the house I could feel it radiating out of the window like crazy!  I knew they were warm so I sent the message around to pray for air... No longer than 1 minute passed when a breeze came from both sides of the house and instantly cool air flowed out of th window; afterward the team thanked us for praying because they needed it!  We also prayed against distractions inside the house with 4 young children it was a challenge to keep the focus.  I also passed around a notecard with a verse that read, "Keep your focus on Jesus Christ" because I was sensing the restlessness and tiredness of house number 5.  Unless you have went into a Spiritual battle you will never understand how exhausting it is for you in every way.  I also knew we had a special gift of house number 6 coming up next!  For the first time in all of PBM history we were dedicating and presenting the gospel to a family whose house was built the week before but who were not present when the dedication was to take place.  It had a special place in my heart because I had gotten to know last weeks team so well and I didn't want to give half of what I have to fight for their eternal salvation.  But once again I serve an incredible God and the harvest was incredible.  All 6 houses, every single person accepted Jesus into their hearts!  We knew God had incredible things planned for this team!!

 

I was blessed and able to stay home from both the medical clinics but I love hearing about how lives were changed amongst team members and how Christ was accepted with open hearts in the villages!  I was able to get some awesome quility time with the new little ones and spoil my favorites once again!   We made popcorn, played play dough, chased each other on the playground, and drew sidewalk chalk- well I drew the kids thought it was great to draw on their hands and rub each others faces but in the end the smiles and giggles were so worth it!  I also was lucky enough to have my little baby Rosa sleep in her crib for one night in my room.  She was still awake when I was going to bed so I asked if we could pull a crib in my room and have a sleepover.  :)  I am not attached one bit am I?!  She was awesome and only woke up once at 1:49 for a bottle!  It was fun and might be happening again because yesterday as we were about ready to leave for Antigua with the team the ambulance pulled up.. I had been told of possible new babies coming but I just never know how soon it might actually happen.  Out stepped not one nurse holding a baby but two!  Now our kid count doubled in a week and also all of a sudden we had more in diapers than in panties!  YIKES!!  I do not have enough arms to hold them all!  Juan Carlos was just 10 days old and Josue Alejandro was 23 days old. It was a neat experience for the team to witness these precious new gifts coming to us here!  I was lucky enough to be the first one to recieve a baby boy from the nurses!  What sweet little children for sure!  It also helps that they are all very content babies and cry a minimal amount well accept for Layla but she is the only little girl so how else is she suppose to get attention right?!

 

I am so blessed to help raise up God's precious gifts and I am excited to see what God has planned for each special child I get to love and hold.  I know he has everything worked out for their good but as much as my heart breaks for when a child leaves, I have comfort knowing that at least for a season I was God's hands and feet in their life.  Please pray for all of our staff, new babies, and myself.  It is a beautiful thing to see each woman bouncing a bundle around!!

New Kids and Crazy Days!

After the first clinic Friday night, I was exhausted from pouring myself out spiritually during the clinic praying for others and holding 3 of the cutest 7-8 year old little girls as they pulled me forward and wanted to accept Jesus into their hearts.  They were crying and I was just weeping.  No matter how many times it happens little kids move me to tears of joy quicker than anyone.  Then hearing them personally ask Jesus into their hearts is a moment I will never forget; the angels in Heaven rejoiced that night!  I was also able to run around and play some soccer but boy did those little boys show us how its done!  Nothing like a huge ravine behind the field either where I seemed to always kick the ball and someone would have to go and get it!   But in the end it was great!

Saturday nights medical clinic was also memorable because we came to the village and were told they did not want to host a clinic anymore... now what?  We all gathered around and began to pray Guatemalan style of course (Everyone prays all together at once)  for this village and also where we were to go from here.  We all loaded up into the vans and headed for a village that was close to the base.  Only 2.3 miles as the crow flies but 45 minutes to drive it.  It was a beaututiful village and we ended up serving almost 60 families at the end of the night.  Their was a woman who was more ahead of the village and I was able to pray the salvation prayer with her!  I was also able to tell her she reminded me of my mama grizzly bear at home.  She was in charge and had a heart of love!  She gave me 2 awesome mom hugs after I explained that I was here for 3 months and missed my mom!  She was wonderful.                                                                      

On Saturday night around 10:45 pm after our second medical clinic.  I was informed we had 2 siblings coming sisters. The older was 5, Evonne, the younger was 2, Sophia.  They arrived around 3 AM.  They were rescued from domestic abuse.  Their parents were drunk.  It was heart breaking hearing a little girl cry out for her mom when I can do nothing but hold her close with tears streaming down my face crying out to the Lord to give me strength and wisdom.  I just wanted to tell her everything will be alright.  She calmed down with a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup and a book.  By now it is 4:50 AM Rosa hasn't slept since 1 with all the excitement and I can't sleep either.  I finally got up at 5 and took my baby Rosa got her to fall asleep and she laid in my bed because it was the quietest.  Meanwhile it was Jose who broke the ice.  They pushed his crib next to Evonne and she was giggling at this silly boy.   She was coming around and having the team here and come down to meet both little girls was special.  They had her giggling and cuddling.  She was loving it and is the most polite 5 year old ever.  A beautiful smile and wonderful shining eyes.  Evonne told me she loves Jesus and brought tears to my eyes with how brave and strong she is!  It was a night that made me grateful once again but also changed my heart forever.

Sunday was spent in Antigua and of course I was able to video chat with my family!  It was wonderful to see them and catch up on all the things that were happening.  I was tired because once I knew the kids were coming I slept but I was on edge.  Final devotion night with the team is one of my favorite nights.  It is where you see hearts and lives transformed for Christ and where we are able to really bond as a group.  Watching hearts heal, lives change, and yet others accept and begin their own personal relationship with Christ is a beautiful thing.  Praying with people and having others pray for me is a humbling experience.  I have never felt so blessed and I am always renewed in a new way after every team.  One wise team member told me to "Keep adventuring for God".  I love that saying and can't wait to keep on keeping on with God as my guide and source of strength in everything.

Yesterday it was up at 3 and off to the airport!  Not much sleep once again but I just didn't tell myself that.  The team left on time and arrived home safely!  We got our shopping all finished up and back home we went again.  I was able to finally get to bed at 8 PM!   Nice and early.  I was trying to check emails but of course our power went off so I could have gone to bed earlier but never the less still was able to get a great 10 hours of sleep!

Today makes 8 children as a new baby just arrived.  His name is Oscar Tommy and he was born January 28, 2014.  He is very very very little and I would say around 6 pounds if even that big.  I was the first one to hold and marvel at this beautiful new baby.  My heart melted in a pool on the floor for sure.  My arms are just not large enough to hold all the kids but my heart has plenty of love in it for all of them for sure!  He is absolutely precious and has a sweet little cry since he did not like getting his hand and foot prints done :)  Now it is time to pack the van, do laundry, clean my room, pack my own cloths, and love the kids enough that they won't miss me as I head out once again for construction at San Ramon.  Please pray for the team that arrives tonight.  We are anxious but yet also need continued prayers for strength as we as a staff continue to pour ourselves out.  I can honestly not believe that Febuary is almost over and we will have 2 teams left after this week!  Wow times goes fast when you are content and doing what God called you to do.  I thank you all for your support!

What it's Thursday already?!

Where did the time go this week?!  It has gone so fast; I have been busy chasing rambunctious little boys, rocking a precious baby, and walking Miss Dulce around the base to give her fresh air!  I have loved it so much in fact that i have began to wear my favorite Chaco sandals out.  Good thing they have a lifetime warranty!  I wanted to share some pictures from the past week but with slow internet it hasn't worked so instead I will share some humorous stories!

Valentine's Day was wonderful!  The kids, nineras, and myself made a bunch of Valentine's together.  I just sorted about 5 in a pile put a ribbon around it with a Reese's Peanut Butter cup on it and everyone received Valentines before dinner!  The kids were thrilled and just keep looking at all the painted pictures we made.  It was nothing fancy but you could feel the love in the room so neat!

This week we discovered a cart on the patio normally used for hauling medicine boxes after medical clinics but a little let over plywood later we made ourselves a wagon!  Cristian could have pushed that thing all day long around and around even if no one was riding!  Everyone took a turn getting a ride or pushing so cute!  We all love to be outside and enjoying the nice warm sunshine, me more then them but everyone is happy and it tires those energy filled boys right out!

On Monday I built Jose a fort out of blankets and chairs.  He thought it was so cool and played all day in his castle :)  Every time he would take the blankets down just so I had to help him put it all back together!  This morning he was trying to build his own fort in the toy room and he kept on saying all he needed was more cloths because his pillows and pillow cases were not working too well.

Yesterday Jose managed to lock me and the other ninera outside with Rosa, Dulce, and Milton.  And he proceeded to laugh at us and shake his hips as if he was dancing.  Cristian was stuck inside with him so we went up to the top in order to get him to open up the door and let us back in.  What a little smarty pants but that's not all!  I came back from eating lunch and doing some things up in the main base and was going to grab something out of my room but he had locked the door.  And he knew it because I went to find him he just giggled and said, "I love you!"  His famous line for when he is naughty!  Luckily there is windows that I put him thru to unlock the door and allow me to get into my room.  We all share a good laugh at how he keeps us on our toes!

Everyday this week I have taken Dulce for about a 30 - 45 minute walk around the base.  She is a little heavy simply because her cast but she loves being outside and getting fresh air is important.  My arms are tired but her smile and bright eyes are so worth it!  The other boys love to be companions on our walks but they can get into more because they know I only have one hand to grab them or save them from falling.

We have made it a week sitting at the big table in booster seats.  Jose made it one day and he fell off his chair but he figured out you have to sit nice or else that is what happens.  Milton is doing awesome and doesn't throw his food around!  Yay for the small things!!  The ladies agreed that we are more like a family when everyone can sit around the table together.  And we just enjoy sitting around the table longer simply because it gives us a chance to all connect and take a quick breath.

I have remained healthy and really sound like a mom when I say I am tired and the hour from 5-6 PM sometimes seems to take forever with a crabby baby, tired boys, and hungry tummies.  But oh about 3 -4 times a day now we take all our chairs down and sit and color pictures.  It is fun to see how they improve from just wanting to watch to actually coloring an object even if it is outside the lines.  Every little bit counts!!

The team arrives tonight so I will be surrounded by English speakers but I am excited to hear that my Spanish is way better then when I came.   Having to be alone on base has allowed complete emersian and I never thought I would be glad about that!  I learn so much more everyday and can have better more in depth conversations to get to know everyone better.  To them I will always be the crazy American who likes to sing, dance, and is for sure the biggest kid they have to take care of.  A couple of times this week someone would end up crying because we were playing to rough or doing things that were probably not the wisest but I can't help myself!  I will do almost anything to see a smile hear a giggle that means they are happy.  Don't get me wrong they know when I mean business or when they have pushed it to far but we have a great time most moments.

One last thing I can't forget to mention is how wonderful nap time is.  I get to go sit high up on the water tower lookout and daily do my devotions.  Nothing better then a great view, warm sunshine, and the Lord.  I enjoy my quiet moments to draw myself near to him without distractions and gazing at his beautiful creation.  I had an emotional devotion Monday and struggle to learn to trust his promise of holding tomorrow in his hands.  I was walking with Dulce all around the inside of the Orphanage because it was cold and cloudy outside.  I had praise music blaring, singing to it, and dancing to see Dulce smile.  I walked outside and there it was.  A beautiful rainbow.  His promise; a kiss from my Lord; just when I needed it.  Wow what a moment of sheer worship and thanksgiving!  And the best part is there was not a drop of rain anywhere!  Remarkable how if we are aware how he is right there with beautiful signs for us!  Keep your eyes open and your heart ready because he loves us and desires for us to let him bless us!

Gratefulness

The past few days on base have been wonderful!  Just being with the kids not worrying where I need to be and when with a group is a nice change of pace for me.  I have been struggling recently with why God would bring me here just for a short few months and then back home I go again.  One thing for sure is how grateful I have learned to be.  I have never realized all that he has blessed me with not just materialistically speaking but also the people, community, school, job, and support.  I have sort of always taken for granted that I was born into a very strong Christian family who loved the Lord with fierce devotion and fought for each other when one guy stumbled and fell.  I am so grateful for parents who were and are always there for me even when I don’t realize I was being stubborn and trying to carry on alone God sends someone to intercede on his behalf.  I don’t like that I try to do it on my own but that is how God made me and now I am learning to rely on him and others to guide me thru.  The older they are the more wisdom they have, yes teenagers your mom’s and dad’s are brilliant at knowing just what you need and when you need it.  Trust me I have learned some hard lessons in life by simply thinking I knew what was best instead of trusting my father in Heaven to carry me thru and avoid the hurt I caused myself.  Don’t get me wrong I fight my idols daily and struggle to let God be the center of my life way too often but at the end of the day His praise will be on my lips.  I know he is the only person I need to strive to please but yet I don’t even need to strive I just need to reach up and grab his hand to carry me thru.  It is a constant battle but with him always there I know I am never alone.

I have also been born into a beautiful family of sisters.  With one amazing older sister for me to look up to and have as my role model I sometimes forget that I have 4 beautiful sets of eyes watching me as well.  I try to love them and be a strong example for them but yet I find myself stumbling and causing them to stumble or else making a mistake I made that could have easily been avoided.  Yes I am not always proud of choices I have made and having to answer to my sisters as they they get older and need to make the same choices as I made.  I love them and daily as we are apart treasure who they are and what they mean to me.  I am lucky to have close relationships with each sister in such a different way.  Even being business partners has its challenges but at the end of the day we just never seem to want to go to bed no matter how tired, crabby, and sick of each other we might be.  Someone is normally sneaking into someone else’s room or doing something silly at all hours of the day.  Yes I miss my sister’s like no one can imagine but I am blessed to be the sister to children who need one even if only for a few months.  God has taught me to never take them for granted and to truly love them where they are at with all I have to offer.  I am learning that I can never out give God because he just keeps giving me more. Praise Him with a grateful heart!

"Give Thanks" Give thanks with a grateful heart Give thanks to the Holy One Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son Give thanks with a grateful heart Give thanks to the Holy One Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son And now let the weak say, "I am strong" Let the poor say, "I am rich Because of what the Lord has done for us" And now let the weak say, "I am strong" Let the poor say, "I am rich Because of what the Lord has done for us" Give thanks with a grateful heart Give thanks to the Holy One Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son Give thanks with a grateful heart Give thanks to the Holy One Give thanks because He's given Jesus Christ, His Son And now let the weak say, "I am strong" Let the poor say, "I am rich Because of what the Lord has done for us" And now let the weak say, "I am strong" Let the poor say, "I am rich Because of what the Lord has done for us" Give thanks We give thanks to You oh Lord We give thanks

Back ON Base

We have a slight break in the action here finally but sadly it also means that my internship is half over.  Wow it went so fast and I can hardly believe it has been that long that I have hugged my family!  Yes saying that makes it bittersweet and a little homesick simply because I wish we could all be here together experiencing and learning together.  I am so blessed to have an awesome family who is so close and has taught me the value of hard work and working together.  It has been a value I am so thankful for especially now that I rely on it everyday!  I am blessed to have a second family here in Guatemala, or so I call family.  It is such a mix of people old young and yes Guatemalan and American.  I never expected to bond this fast with everyone and form the tight bond right away.  It definitely helps a lot with the homesickness from setting in.  

This past week I learned so much by truly bonding with a team and experiencing God thru their eyes; a truly life changing enriching experience.  Sometimes it has the danger of becoming routine but experiencing it a new every team is awesome.  Watching a team change and bond over their experiences is one thing I loved watching this week.  From singing louder to sharing deeper and finally praying over each other before returning home is a beautiful thing.  I am without words to describe the depth of the feelings.  Words are no match for God’s work in others.  I am just learning to trust HIM and hang on for one amazing ride!  

It has been nice to just simply be home all day today and spend quality time hugging and kissing the kiddos.  I missed it and did begin to crave routine when life was crazy last week.  I enjoyed the crazy but a nice relaxing week with just the kids is so looked forward to.  I am going to try some different activities to tell stories and test out how the kids respond.  Yesterday I was able to sit in with their Psychiatrist (I think that is how she described herself).  It was really good to watch her work with the kids and refreshing when they acted up with her just like they will with me.  I am not alone in their attitude and not listening.  I enjoy her and she has explained things to work on with the kids and tomorrow I am going to incorporate a few things together. We are going to go “fishing”, similar to a kids carnival except instead of a prize they will be doing jumping jacks, kicking a ball, clapping their hands, etc.  I am pretty sure they will love it!  I am excited to try it with them and see how it goes!  I decided it will be good for them and good for me for a change in coloring, play dough, and puzzles along with the same other activities we have been working on.

Today is a way of getting things ready and accomplished for the next week team.  It is our halfway break but yet doesn’t really feel like a break.  I love having teams here but it throws off the kids and the routine they are used to.  I am blessed by their willingness to help out and love the kids to give us a breather and refuel.  Please continue to pray for health for me.  I am fighting a bad head cold that wants to come and I do not simply have time or energy to waste on getting sick!  Thank you for all the prayers and encouraging emails!  They mean a lot to me!  

Pictures from OD team!

Before with all the stuff hauled out

Complete!  It is awesome!

The Children's Museum

Playing in the sand barefoot!

My mom always taught me to take a picture by the sign!

What he really thinks of me!

My little girl is growing up!

Home Built, Lives Changed!

I left home on Tuesday night at 7:15 with my babies tucked in bed to pick our next team up from the airport at 8:30.  It was a struggle to leave for just the 3 days to San Ramon knowing I was only going to be gone for a short time.  Don’t get me wrong a scene change was nice but by the ride home all I wanted was to hug my kids again but one was reunited with her family so my love is now even deeper with the 5 remaining kids.  Ruth went home to her mother on Wednesday but please be in prayer for her.  The Guatemalan foster/ childcare system is very good.  Her mother will get scheduled and random visits from the government and counseling to be sure she is well taken care of.  It was hard news to hear on Wednesday since I wasn’t even able to say goodbye or anything but I only trust in the Lord’s plan for my little Ruth’s life.  I loved her unconditionally and can only hope I was able to love enough.  I am learning that to love means always wearing your heart on your sleeve and becoming volnurable in order to truly experience what God has to offer.  I have to love thru the up’s and down’s; smiles and crys; good times and bad because then I truly learn the meaning of self less love.  It is so powerful and my Father in heaven inspires me more and more because that is how HE loves us, even me.  

Okay back to building!  It was so much different to be in charge of a group instead of being given instructions.  Since I have never been in charge before I was apart of Anya’s team and she instructed/ taught me while instructing our team.  The first day is key to get the walls up drywall up, cement board on the outside and first coat of mud on.  They also have a team that goes house to house and puts the porch on.  This group only has 28 people which meant 2 teams were going to have 5 instead of the normal 6 people.  Our team had 5 but 2 leaders.  I also am in charge of going house to house capturing moments in picture and in video.  I also need to add that we were building on a hillside so every time I made a round I had to go up down around and everywhere while trying not to slide down the hills.  The country side is absolutely beautiful.  A river runs thru the bottom so you always hear water moving swiftly over rocks; especially by the bathroom where the spring starts its beautiful.  Anya and myself struggle a bit the first day because our team wasn’t quite used to our pace and a little grumbly about the heat, which I burnt my shoulders to a nice beautiful red tomato color :)  But we make a great team and got our group caught right up again and we even finished an hour earlier than the last team.  I enjoyed getting to know our family and my build group.  The family was Enrique and Juana with their 2 beautiful teenage daughters Mirza and Brendis and twin 11 year old's Celso David and Celso Wilfredo.  Grandma Marta was also their just because they were getting a new house.  A new challenge is that most of the mothers and older women only know the Mum language.   Spanish is a second language to most of the villagers.  I was able to have a small conversation in Spanish with Juana but otherwise I made sure to smile a lot paint fingernails, and rub her back when I could.  They were a beautiful family and were so content with the simplicity of life and the joy the new home were we building them was overwhelming.

The second day was stucco and painting day!  I, of course, was decently covered in stucco simply because I was the scooper for everyone else.  I loved it because it gave me a chance to really get to know everyone and their name with a face.  There is 7 girls from 12-17 and wow was I blown away by all of them.  They truly connected especially on the second day.  What simply amazed me is how on day one we struggled to keep our team on task but when it came to painting and personalizing our walls our group was the first to start and the last to finish.  it was beautiful to watch the talent our team members have.  Grace, who is 12, sketched 2 awesome pictures which were put on 2 walls, picked out a verse for the other, and the Kris drew a beautiful scene of a path leading to the tomb, after telling me he only enjoyed drawing cars.  God has gifted both of them in incredible ways.  Our family was right in their helping, especially Enrique.  He traced part of John 3:16 on the wall as well as everyone’s name under their hand print we put on the wall.  I was so blow away by the gentleness and leadership he has in his family.  I was able to clearly see the love he possessed and the joy in his eyes.  The older men after the detail work was finished constructed a matchbox car track for the boys.  Wow!  It was so neat to see the young and old who couldn’t speak the same language laughing and playing together.  We all gathered at night after a delicious supper of tacos for our devotions.  My personal favorite time to praise the Lord and thank him for a great day.  My worship is thru the songs.  We were also preparing to go to battle the following day as we dedicated the houses where the gospel is presented to the families for the first time.  We needed to be ready to defend our houses and families against the devil’s attacks.  It is neat to prepare alongside others as we all wanted the same result, to see each family members name written in the Lamb’s book of life.  

Friday morning arrived.  Along with it came chaos of getting things ready for the next team reorganizing before we headed to battle at 8 AM.  Our house was going to go last.  I like that best so I can battle for every other house first and then when I am exhausted from praying for 4 hours I leave it all in the house and pray for the family that has stolen my heart.  It was incredible to watch others experience Christ and the Holy Spirit.  Just when we were getting a little warm the Holy Spirit came thru in a cool breeze and our strength was renewed.  Everyone of us felt it and during God sightings last night said wow what a mighty God we serve.  One of the most humbling experiences I can never have enough of is crying out to my Father on behalf of others, for them to come to know him as their own Savior and begin a personal relationship with HIM. Our whole family including Grandma dedicated or rededicated their lives to Christ! What a happy day it was! We returned to base exhausted but with hearts overflowing!!

Today was an awesome day! I was able to spend all day with my kids again, since I was in San Ramon I stay home from the medical clinics which is totally okay with me! They missed me and I missed them the nineras told me they asked where I was all week and last night when I walked in their faces lit up and they yelled, "I LOVE YOU RAQUEL!" They are simply the best! Here is a picture of tonight and how Rosa fell asleep! I was sweeping the floor and doing dishes to get her to fall asleep! So sweet!

Pictures!

Here are a few of our Tuesday travel day!  More to come later!

The sign and longest 1 mile ever because the roads are so bumpy

My 20ish new little friends!

The view!  If it is clear you can see the Pacific

A decent road but the best picture because the rest were so bumpy pictures wouldn't turn out

Saturday

Yesterday we took the team to Antigua for their shopping day.  We had a prayer for Anya before we left for protection and safety of travel.  I was able to sit and video chat for a long time with my family which is a highlight of going on shopping days.  On the way home we encountered a horrible accident.  A man was struck only moments before we arrived on the scene.  He was driving a motorcycle and was killed.  It was a moment that I will never forget.  We went from feeling helpless to praying for the man and his family that he knew the Lord.  It was a difficult moment of coming face to face with the wonder of the Eternal fate of someone we didn't even know the name of.  Please pray for our team to understand why God allowed us to be the first on the scene, we might never know the reason but that we can all be at peace with just knowing we were there to pray might be reason enough.  Have a great Sunday everyone.  Praise the Lord for the day HE has blessed you with!

Recap of the past few days!

Into the Jungle!

Tuesday was an incredible day!  Dan, Anya, and I traveled to San Ramon.  It was incredible! Yes the roads were bumpy and not straight but the view was incredible!  San Ramon is where all the teams this winter will be building as well as staying in the village for the 3 days they build.  The dorms are awesome and the bathrooms are totally modern!  It was nice and hot because it is coastal.  The craziest God moment yesterday.. We were leaving San Ramon and going past a school in the village just below it on the mountain when it hit me that I was there last March for my medical clinic # 1.  Dan said I was correct!  So cool to be going back to that area again!  Especially since it is a coastal warm area!!  We made 2 more stops to meet with other people including a stop in a village up another side of the mountain, if it would have been a clear day you can see the pacific!  But we weren't blessed with a clear day so I just had to imagine it!  Once at the village Dan, Hermano Jesus, and Darvin met with the pastor of the church.  Anya and I chose to stay in the van for a short siesta much needed after the early start and bumpy roads.  Feeling refreshed and curious how the meeting was going we headed to the church and sat outside on some rocks but out of sight of the door.  Within a minute of sitting down we had some curious girls come just to look at us.  Especially my super white skin and reddish brown hair.  They were fascinated by putting my arm next to theirs and giggling about it!  I thought it was pretty cute!  Then I decided to take my hair out of its braid and let them touch it!  Great idea to attract the rest of the girls from inside the church to come out and try to.  I was in awe of their simply curiosity and questioning of what color my hair really was.  Easiest friends I made :)  I am always blow away how the kids and adults young and old trust you so much within a few moments of meeting you.  Of course I decided to start a game of race/chase… bad idea it quickly turned into tickle Rachel!  I am super ticklish and was out of breath from laughter while trying to hold my pants up fending off 20 of the cutest giggling kids!  I love laughter and consider it a kiss from the LORD!  After getting tickled to death we sat down and they braided our hair, as a hairdresser I find it humbling to receive that kind of pampering from kids I want to pamper.  They were thrilled to yank and braid while giggling some more!  So much fun but a long day on the road.  The views were just incredible going up to the villages as going back down the mountain!  God is so present and seeing his magnificent creation was breath taking but causes me to giggle out of pure awe for a Father who loves me and see me as more beautiful than I can ever imagine.  I love hearing HIS whispers of love for me thru the little things he made when time began.

Wednesday on the road again to pick up the team of 5 women coming to help me in the Orphanage (aka my home).  I have a list all made and for sure had them working hard today and I can say I am blessed to have people to serve me here willing to help out in any way possible!  WOW!  But of course as the season has been going their flight was delayed and they would not be getting in until 9:30 PM which turned into 10 PM.  But since Dan, Anya, and myself had lots of errands to run in the capitol and were already on the way we continued.  I have been so blessed to get to know Anya as a sister and Dan all the better.  We laugh so much together.  We completed all of our errands and headed back home.  The big debate was who would be returning to the airport at night.  Since it was at night it added another twist and with vans giving us a little trouble lately the 2 of us would not be going alone.  The other issue was devos at night who would lead if Dan was gone.  I found myself saying I can do it…  Wait did I say that?  Okay LORD here I am use me as I felt a sense of peace wash over me.  If you have ever been in devos when Dan is leading it is powerful so I knew I had big shoes to fill.  As we began devos I just kept praying for the Lord to speak thru me.  I was at complete peace and let the Lord lead.  Since this week is only a construction team we were given a book to read any chapter we wanted and share that night at devos what we learned or what hit us when reading.  God truly worked thru devos as you could feel HIS calming presence and it was a great night of sharing what we learned, what we did, and praying for others.  I am learning ever so slowly that as long as you are willing GOD is sooo much more than able to provide for you in those times HE needs the glory.

Thursday was an incredible day!  The team arrived safely by about midnight and were ready to work!  We started organizing cleaning and cleaning and organizing!  I loved it and was sure exhausted by the end of the day with my brain like mush from deciding where to put things, what to keep, and making an inventory list.  But by the end of the day I felt so accomplished and in control and found a few treasures along the way!  I am so blessed to have women come along side me this week and do what I can’t do myself or what would take days to complete what they did in 1 day.  The nineras (caretakers)  were helping organize and telling us what to keep and what to get rid of, whether it be broken or just worn out from the kids.  It was awesome!  

Friday we headed to the Children’s Museum in Guatemala City with the oldest 3 boys, the team of women, and myself.  It was amazing compared to the Museum’s I have been to in the states it was remarkable.  At every station there was a person there to explain all the different aspects of the exhibit and also lead you thru an activity.  They spoke rapid fire Spanish but my skills are sharpening up and I was able to keep right up with understanding the majority of it.  The boys warmed up to it but it was a little overwhelming at first, even for me! But the kid at heart in me was right at home playing with the kids!  It is neat to watch them interact and for me say little prayers all day that they would behave, not pull their pants down when they need to go potty, hit each other, or throw food at the restaurant.  Which they did none of so I shouldn't have even been worried in the first place!  I fell asleep on the ride home but was awakened to Jose and Cristian yelling Raquel to loud just to make sure I was okay and to tell me they loved me!  I am blessed more than ever.  Once we returned home I rounded up the ladies one last time and we finished our organizing!  It was a little bit of a struggle for me since I am the youngest unmarried no children woman but yet I was giving the orders and trying not to offend the nineras by crossing cultural boundaries.  With my improving Spanish I was able to explain that we needed to clean and move things because where they were their is a water issue and we didn't want any more mold in cloth items.  They understood and were excited by the organization! Thank you LORD! I am going to sleep good now that it is all organized and clean!  

I hope to get some pictures of of a few things this week!  Thank you for your prayers and supportive emails!  They make my day when I can finally get around to a free moment of quick and no kiddo calling my name!