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!!