Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Just for let choo know
I dropped our things off at the HIM office today and was able to meet Karen. An update on Julio...he has made it as far as Texas, although they did need to stop and put a new battery and alternator in the van. Praise God it happened this side of the border. Our continued prayers are with him and the others who travel.
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
We're home!
We apologize for not adding to the blog our last couple days in Guatemala. Let's fill you in ...
On Friday, we went back to the AA site to finish the foundation we were working on. We were able to lay the first two rows of block - including making our own chain links to link the rebar which was laid inside the second row and filled with concrete. The exciting part was that we were also blessed to meet Pastor Sergio who was heading up this project. He was a very kind and joyful man and we had a great time trying to share stories with his limited english and our even more limited spanish - thank you God again for Bert (our translator and guide). He also explained that he was choosing rocks from the area to build an altar. The courtyard area will hold the altar and be used for worship and bible study - and we thought we were just building a wall ;)
While most of us were at the worksite in the morning, a few went back to the nutrition center run by Sister Edna which we had visited our first day in Guatemala. They held, loved, and prayed for the children there, some of which were so severly malnourished it moved them to tears. There would never be enough hands or love to shower on those beautiful children, if yours are aching to hold them you must join the next trip!
After lunch at the H.I.M. house we all went back to finish up at the AA worksite. One of my most memorable moments of the trip was placing a cross Sheryle made out of some extra wire into one of the corners of the building. Pastor Sergio joined us as we prayed that God would bless this building and the men who will be served there. We pushed the cross down into the concrete as we dedicated the building ''In the Name of the Lord''. I wish we could see the finished project, maybe someday... They let us finish a little early on Friday and took us for our ''suprise activity'', a couple house visits. We were able to visit and pray with an elderly couple and their three grandchildren (their daughter was out working) as well as with Bert's grandparents. Actually visiting and going into the homes in Guatemala gives you such a different perspective, some of us had great difficulty imagining life this way.
To celebrate the end of the week they gave us dinner and a dance party on Friday night. We celebrated, some of us more than others. Sheryle was so filled with joy for Jesus and the week we had that in one of her dance moves she pulled, tore, or broke her achilles' tendon. (Dr. visit is pending) I only share this because she needs your prayers. Prayers for restored health, a full recovery, and patience throughout it all.
On Saturday, we had breakfast again at the H.I.M. house and said our good-byes to most of the staff. One more trip to the rooftop, and some good-byes to Guatemala, the mountains, and our time there. Then on to Antigua. What a beautiful city! (I need to do some research now on its history) We stayed at ''Casa de la Fuentes'' ''home of the fountains'' (come to think of it I never did see a fountain). We did some touring and shopping, and enjoyed the dinner that H.I.M. treated us to on Saturday night. Sunday morning we had our own worship service in the hotel courtyard. Sharing the peace has never been so moving!
Our plane trips home were smooth and ''non-eventful'', just the way it should be. I believe many of us did some personal downloading along the way. I personally was having some mixed emotion about returning but God saw fit to greet us in Houston with Christian, our new friend who wheeled Sheryle through the airport. (we expect to see you again this summer) As we moved quickly through the airport we talked about Jesus and the joy and love He brings to our hearts, then we sang a few songs as well! It is good to remember that our friends, neighbors, and strangers here in the states need to hear the wonderful news about Jesus' love for us just as desperately as those we met in Guatemala. I will say that a week in Guatemala is much too short!!! But as I tried to share last night at a congregation meeting I have never personally been in such continual prayer or been blessed to see God so visibly answer those prayers. I thank my God for this opportunity and pray that He will continue to open my eyes to His ways and my heart to His people.
Our love and thanks to the staff who shepherded us through the week...Dan, Bert, Julio, Lauren, Robin, Norma, and Jolie. We look forward to the day our paths will cross again! Our prayers are with Julio this week as he drives a donated van from Highland, IN back to Guatemala and with Bert as he flies to Mexico and continues the drive with Julio. Dan, that God will bless your work to set up the orphanage, those children need a home. And that God would fill you all with His love, joy and peace as you so diligently serve Him and His people. Also, to our new friends Megan, Amy, and Adrian... a safe visit filled with experiences to stay with you throughout your lives as you serve our Savior through healing. May He bless your hands as you remember that true healing comes only from Him.
To the rest of our team - if you're reading this please post a comment with your own thoughts as we returned home. Mine are so many and so heartfelt, but I know that everyone had a different experience and that our friends would like to share in them all.
With great Joy in Jesus!
Carrie
P.S. Prayers for Tami C. as well, she has bruising and slight numbness on her foot and can't recall why it would have happened
On Friday, we went back to the AA site to finish the foundation we were working on. We were able to lay the first two rows of block - including making our own chain links to link the rebar which was laid inside the second row and filled with concrete. The exciting part was that we were also blessed to meet Pastor Sergio who was heading up this project. He was a very kind and joyful man and we had a great time trying to share stories with his limited english and our even more limited spanish - thank you God again for Bert (our translator and guide). He also explained that he was choosing rocks from the area to build an altar. The courtyard area will hold the altar and be used for worship and bible study - and we thought we were just building a wall ;)
While most of us were at the worksite in the morning, a few went back to the nutrition center run by Sister Edna which we had visited our first day in Guatemala. They held, loved, and prayed for the children there, some of which were so severly malnourished it moved them to tears. There would never be enough hands or love to shower on those beautiful children, if yours are aching to hold them you must join the next trip!
After lunch at the H.I.M. house we all went back to finish up at the AA worksite. One of my most memorable moments of the trip was placing a cross Sheryle made out of some extra wire into one of the corners of the building. Pastor Sergio joined us as we prayed that God would bless this building and the men who will be served there. We pushed the cross down into the concrete as we dedicated the building ''In the Name of the Lord''. I wish we could see the finished project, maybe someday... They let us finish a little early on Friday and took us for our ''suprise activity'', a couple house visits. We were able to visit and pray with an elderly couple and their three grandchildren (their daughter was out working) as well as with Bert's grandparents. Actually visiting and going into the homes in Guatemala gives you such a different perspective, some of us had great difficulty imagining life this way.
To celebrate the end of the week they gave us dinner and a dance party on Friday night. We celebrated, some of us more than others. Sheryle was so filled with joy for Jesus and the week we had that in one of her dance moves she pulled, tore, or broke her achilles' tendon. (Dr. visit is pending) I only share this because she needs your prayers. Prayers for restored health, a full recovery, and patience throughout it all.
On Saturday, we had breakfast again at the H.I.M. house and said our good-byes to most of the staff. One more trip to the rooftop, and some good-byes to Guatemala, the mountains, and our time there. Then on to Antigua. What a beautiful city! (I need to do some research now on its history) We stayed at ''Casa de la Fuentes'' ''home of the fountains'' (come to think of it I never did see a fountain). We did some touring and shopping, and enjoyed the dinner that H.I.M. treated us to on Saturday night. Sunday morning we had our own worship service in the hotel courtyard. Sharing the peace has never been so moving!
Our plane trips home were smooth and ''non-eventful'', just the way it should be. I believe many of us did some personal downloading along the way. I personally was having some mixed emotion about returning but God saw fit to greet us in Houston with Christian, our new friend who wheeled Sheryle through the airport. (we expect to see you again this summer) As we moved quickly through the airport we talked about Jesus and the joy and love He brings to our hearts, then we sang a few songs as well! It is good to remember that our friends, neighbors, and strangers here in the states need to hear the wonderful news about Jesus' love for us just as desperately as those we met in Guatemala. I will say that a week in Guatemala is much too short!!! But as I tried to share last night at a congregation meeting I have never personally been in such continual prayer or been blessed to see God so visibly answer those prayers. I thank my God for this opportunity and pray that He will continue to open my eyes to His ways and my heart to His people.
Our love and thanks to the staff who shepherded us through the week...Dan, Bert, Julio, Lauren, Robin, Norma, and Jolie. We look forward to the day our paths will cross again! Our prayers are with Julio this week as he drives a donated van from Highland, IN back to Guatemala and with Bert as he flies to Mexico and continues the drive with Julio. Dan, that God will bless your work to set up the orphanage, those children need a home. And that God would fill you all with His love, joy and peace as you so diligently serve Him and His people. Also, to our new friends Megan, Amy, and Adrian... a safe visit filled with experiences to stay with you throughout your lives as you serve our Savior through healing. May He bless your hands as you remember that true healing comes only from Him.
To the rest of our team - if you're reading this please post a comment with your own thoughts as we returned home. Mine are so many and so heartfelt, but I know that everyone had a different experience and that our friends would like to share in them all.
With great Joy in Jesus!
Carrie
P.S. Prayers for Tami C. as well, she has bruising and slight numbness on her foot and can't recall why it would have happened
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Oh what a day...
Today started off as usual, breakfast then off to the new worksite. H.I.M. has volunteered to help build a place for AA meetings. We stared exhaustedly at the pile of dirt and block in front of us, then began to work! Some of us sifted sand to make mortar, while others aligned blocks to start a foundation. We got to the second row of block before leaving for lunch. Although it was only a few hours, we got in a lot of hard work... along with a tan! After lunch, we headed to a church in Altoplano for our last children and womens bible study : ( On the way, we were amazed to see the mansions belonging to one of the countries largest drug cartel. They sat between shanties and looked so out of place. As we pulled up, kids from all around came to see the gringos. We set up for the kids puppet show inside (where it was extremely hot) while the womens study moved outside into the breezy shade. Carrie and Jan R did a great job talking to the women and getting to know them on a personal level. They made bracelets and the women even asked when we were coming back! Inside the kids enjoyed some dancing and singing with Gloria, Hannah, Jeff and Travis before we started our puppet show. With approximately 30 children, we made puppets and sang louder than any other group this week. We even taught them the hokey pokey! They seemed to love it ;) On our way back, we realized that was the last time we would be able to spread our love to the children here. The next few days involve contstruction and recooperation. We hit the H.I.M. house for another delicious meal, then off to the hotel for some rest. Tomorrow will be a long day of labor under the sun, please keep us in your thoughts and prayers!
Kara and Rob
Today started off as usual, breakfast then off to the new worksite. H.I.M. has volunteered to help build a place for AA meetings. We stared exhaustedly at the pile of dirt and block in front of us, then began to work! Some of us sifted sand to make mortar, while others aligned blocks to start a foundation. We got to the second row of block before leaving for lunch. Although it was only a few hours, we got in a lot of hard work... along with a tan! After lunch, we headed to a church in Altoplano for our last children and womens bible study : ( On the way, we were amazed to see the mansions belonging to one of the countries largest drug cartel. They sat between shanties and looked so out of place. As we pulled up, kids from all around came to see the gringos. We set up for the kids puppet show inside (where it was extremely hot) while the womens study moved outside into the breezy shade. Carrie and Jan R did a great job talking to the women and getting to know them on a personal level. They made bracelets and the women even asked when we were coming back! Inside the kids enjoyed some dancing and singing with Gloria, Hannah, Jeff and Travis before we started our puppet show. With approximately 30 children, we made puppets and sang louder than any other group this week. We even taught them the hokey pokey! They seemed to love it ;) On our way back, we realized that was the last time we would be able to spread our love to the children here. The next few days involve contstruction and recooperation. We hit the H.I.M. house for another delicious meal, then off to the hotel for some rest. Tomorrow will be a long day of labor under the sun, please keep us in your thoughts and prayers!
Kara and Rob
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
HIM has done an outstanding job of putting a variety of enriching activities together for us to do. Today was a great and exhausting day! We went to HIM's Nutrition Center in Gulan (45 minutes away) after breakfast. The Nutrition Center, which opened in January, is set up to take in severely malnourished children and bring them back to better health. Presently, there are 3 children living there (they expect another 7 to arrive next week)(they can accomodate up to 30) but on Wednesdays, they feed the local children lunch. This is often their best meal of the week. Our job was to go to the market and buy the food, prepare it, and serve it. While some of us worked to get the food ready, others were out playing with the kids. Our group found out there are some kids with great soccer skills. There were well over 50 kids. Before serving, Erik said grace with Julio interpreting. Before Julio could interpret, the kids tried to repeat what Erik had said. We all enjoyed listening to their attempts at English. After the kids left, we started our real manual labor. Some sanded and varnished furniture. Others spread dirt in the orphanage they are building behind the center (the floors needed to be leveled after the building process and before pouring the floor).
It was a real experience going to the market. A feast for the eyes and people everywhere!
The plans HIM have for the Nutrition Center, orphanage, senior housing, and dental office are fantastic. Everything is being done by volunteers. They will need many more teams to finish the work! Are you ready to be part of the next team?
Tammi Pflugradt
Jan Remmele
Beth Musser
It was a real experience going to the market. A feast for the eyes and people everywhere!
The plans HIM have for the Nutrition Center, orphanage, senior housing, and dental office are fantastic. Everything is being done by volunteers. They will need many more teams to finish the work! Are you ready to be part of the next team?
Tammi Pflugradt
Jan Remmele
Beth Musser
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
Today was another great day. We started out the day at the public school where we did a Bible Study for 127 children. The children were so pumped to hear the message that our paper bag puppets and our story of many colors, which represented God's plan for Jesus and us, brought to them. The kids were grouped into circles where they made their own paper bag puppets. The children were extremely excited to draw faces and use googly eyes for the "ojos." After the puppets we all sang songs together such as "Father Abraham" and then the children sang us the song in spanish.
After the kids went back to class, we walked to Maria's daycare where we got to see the kids having a blast on the playground we made for them yesterday. We stayed there for a while and played soccer with the kids and watched Scheryle (A.K.A. Sharron Keller) do flips on the new monkey bars. Of course after seeing that, all the kids had to try it too. Travis and Jeff chased a rooster making all the kids double over in laughter. When it was time to go, many of the kids at the daycare escorted us back to our van at the public school, holding our hands the whole way back.
After we were refueled by a muy delicioso (very delicious) lunch, we went to another daycare center to paint picnic tables and build a retaining wall. We had to be quiet when we entered the center because many of the children were sleeping peacefully. We then painted a total of five tables ranging from pictures of scenic mountains to brightly colored pink and blue stripes. While some people painted the tables, others built a retaining wall out of cinder block to keep out water when it rains.
Today was an AMAZING day. Knowing that the children have so little but still seeing them smile and laugh moves you deeply inside.
Travis Appold
Jeff Graves
Tim Pflugradt
Ed Ferguson (A.K.A.Thad)
The Mussenator (Hannah Musser)
After the kids went back to class, we walked to Maria's daycare where we got to see the kids having a blast on the playground we made for them yesterday. We stayed there for a while and played soccer with the kids and watched Scheryle (A.K.A. Sharron Keller) do flips on the new monkey bars. Of course after seeing that, all the kids had to try it too. Travis and Jeff chased a rooster making all the kids double over in laughter. When it was time to go, many of the kids at the daycare escorted us back to our van at the public school, holding our hands the whole way back.
After we were refueled by a muy delicioso (very delicious) lunch, we went to another daycare center to paint picnic tables and build a retaining wall. We had to be quiet when we entered the center because many of the children were sleeping peacefully. We then painted a total of five tables ranging from pictures of scenic mountains to brightly colored pink and blue stripes. While some people painted the tables, others built a retaining wall out of cinder block to keep out water when it rains.
Today was an AMAZING day. Knowing that the children have so little but still seeing them smile and laugh moves you deeply inside.
Travis Appold
Jeff Graves
Tim Pflugradt
Ed Ferguson (A.K.A.Thad)
The Mussenator (Hannah Musser)
Monday, February 9, 2009
And there was evening and there was morning the second day...
Greetings from Guatemala... Today was an amazing day. After breakfast we returned to the daycare center we visited yesterday(Actually "daycare center" is inaccurate, more like a hut in the dirt complete with chickens raoming about.) to build a play area for the kids. I learned why I do not dig holes for a living. We ended up digging 6 instead of 4 because I lined them up wrong. My only excuse is my degree is in Macroeconomics, not hole digging. Eventually, we finished piecing together a playground from scraps on a broken one. We gave it a fresh coat of paint (many colors), and the kids are going to love it. It really doesn't take much to make them smile, and you should see their smiles! :) I know I have taken at least a hundred pictures. After finishing the play area, we returned to the Mission House for lunch. All was well until Carrie spit an avocado pit into the pot of chicken! I have never seen her blush like that. Pity I did not have the camera ready! After our little mishap at lunch, we went to a school to teach the children the story of Jesus and the little children. We had a puppet show for them, and I was Jesus. We had over 200 kids in attendance. After the puppet show we sang songs, danced and made puppets. It was a blast. The kids sang a few songs for us. It was wonderful, albeit quite warm. 200+ kids in one room, and Sheryle... Need I say more? Once our work was done, I returned to my room, greeted the creepy crawlies, and took a nice cold (really cold) shower. Almost drank the water (that would be bad). Settling in before dinner, where we willl be greeted by the anngriest parrot in Central America, Paco. Hasta la vista, amigos! Eric Sitarski
Sunday, February 8, 2009
La vista es magnifico from our hotel. Guatemala is indeed a land of beauty. The views from our plane were breathtaking as we flew above the city on our approach to Guatemala City. Our hotel is very , very nice. Today we had an immersion day in Teculatan and the surrounding area. First breakfast at the mission house. Then preparation of about 150 bean sandwiches, along with a soy or rice milk mixture that we poured into baggies and tied shut for their drinks. We went first to the gargage dump to feed about 100 women and children. The dump was closed for Sunday, but we stayed to play soccor with the children, many malnurished. Then we went to a nutrition center to play with children and hold babies. Most were severly malnurished and/or disabled. Next we went to a HIM daycare center. The kids sang for us and showed the English words they had learned. Tomorrow we will go back there to build a playground. Next we had lunch at the mission house (food very good!), before heading to a natural waterfall and a little hike in the mountains. We are now hangout at the hotel around the pool. Looking forward to our group devotions with Eric and a chance to talk about our experiences with each other. We have all been impacted by the experiences so far. The Lord is showing us each moment that he loves these people and wants us to make Him visible to them through our actions. Stay tuned. Jan Reichart
Saturday, February 7, 2009
Day 1
We have arrived! Our day started early and has been very long, but we rejoice to be here and look forward to a full week. Our plane trips were on time and even had an early arrival. Our first flight to Houston offered an announcement on our behalf and mentioned Trinity and our team by name. We were pleasently surprised to meet many other teams in the Houston airport who were headed out to Guatemala, Honduras, and other Central American areas.
Our trip from Guatemala City to Zacapa was absolutely gorgeous! Our drivers were quite safe and the trip very pleasant. Once here, we checked into the hotel which has beautiful grounds and adequate accomodations. Dinner at the mission house was exceptional! Now we are tired and ready for bed. All is well, good night.
Our trip from Guatemala City to Zacapa was absolutely gorgeous! Our drivers were quite safe and the trip very pleasant. Once here, we checked into the hotel which has beautiful grounds and adequate accomodations. Dinner at the mission house was exceptional! Now we are tired and ready for bed. All is well, good night.
Friday, February 6, 2009
Preparing to Leave
The bags (at least most of them) are packed , papers in order, and last minute details are being attended to. It's the last day before we leave.
Our hearts are racing with anticipation and maybe a few anxieties about the trip or how things will flow at home while we are away. There are families, jobs, and a lot of homework being left behind; although we leave them all in the capable hands of our heavenly Father. To Him we pray for good health, safe travel, peace at home, and hearts and hands that are open to His will and His ways. We know that God is in control of this trip, that He has planned out what we will do, who we will meet, and how we will be marked by this experience. Change is inevitable, we pray that it is a change that will glorify Him.
We thank you for following along with us, for praying for us, for loving and supporting us. You are an encouragement to us and we thank God for you. It is exciting to watch as new followers are added to this site, please feel free to share the link with others or use our messages to share with those at home. We love to hear from you as well - the messages you add remind us that we are just a small part of the body of Christ and we need all our parts to work together.
Today I'm reading this verse, and want to share it with you as a prayer and blessing on our trip...
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13
We go forward in that hope, joy, and peace trusting in the power of His Spirit!
Our hearts are racing with anticipation and maybe a few anxieties about the trip or how things will flow at home while we are away. There are families, jobs, and a lot of homework being left behind; although we leave them all in the capable hands of our heavenly Father. To Him we pray for good health, safe travel, peace at home, and hearts and hands that are open to His will and His ways. We know that God is in control of this trip, that He has planned out what we will do, who we will meet, and how we will be marked by this experience. Change is inevitable, we pray that it is a change that will glorify Him.
We thank you for following along with us, for praying for us, for loving and supporting us. You are an encouragement to us and we thank God for you. It is exciting to watch as new followers are added to this site, please feel free to share the link with others or use our messages to share with those at home. We love to hear from you as well - the messages you add remind us that we are just a small part of the body of Christ and we need all our parts to work together.
Today I'm reading this verse, and want to share it with you as a prayer and blessing on our trip...
"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13
We go forward in that hope, joy, and peace trusting in the power of His Spirit!
Monday, February 2, 2009
Welcome!
Welcome! This is a blog for the Trinity Guatemala Mission Trip 2009 - we're glad you're here! Please check in and journey along with us as we travel to Gualan, Zacapa in Guatemala (closer to the Honduras border) with Hearts In Motion.
There are 16 of us headed down to present Bible lessons, work on projects, make and deliver food to the "residents" at a garbage dump, and of course spend time with the children at their new orphanage facility. Our lessons will be presented 3 different days to groups of children and one day we will be privileged to present to a group of women. Singing and crafts included! Our work projects will include building a playground, painting & varnishing, and building a wall to create a meeting area near the garbage dump.
We have collected the funds needed for travel, over 60 hygiene kits, and many small toys to deliver to the people we meet. THANK YOU! We know that all of this has been given out of many generous hearts and by the grace of God - May He be praised!
We meet at church at 4:00am on Saturday, Feb. 7 and will return close to midnight on Sunday, Feb. 15. Your prayers are coveted! We look forward to being able to update this and keep you in our hearts, our prayers, and along the journey with us!
There are 16 of us headed down to present Bible lessons, work on projects, make and deliver food to the "residents" at a garbage dump, and of course spend time with the children at their new orphanage facility. Our lessons will be presented 3 different days to groups of children and one day we will be privileged to present to a group of women. Singing and crafts included! Our work projects will include building a playground, painting & varnishing, and building a wall to create a meeting area near the garbage dump.
We have collected the funds needed for travel, over 60 hygiene kits, and many small toys to deliver to the people we meet. THANK YOU! We know that all of this has been given out of many generous hearts and by the grace of God - May He be praised!
We meet at church at 4:00am on Saturday, Feb. 7 and will return close to midnight on Sunday, Feb. 15. Your prayers are coveted! We look forward to being able to update this and keep you in our hearts, our prayers, and along the journey with us!
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