Six Chairs at the Table...

What a Joy...

2010-07-23T04:06:00.000-07:00

     We began our day at the Baptist Preschool. Let me begin by saying that this school is completely run on faith and financial donations.  Just about every third day they run out of water... this includes not being able to flush the toilets. They need more financial support. Period.

     (Which reminds me that I neglected to share that Mamma Carmen's is currently washing everything by hand on the roof. Yes, really.)

     The children who come to this daycare come from desperate situations. There is no charge for their care and education. Many live on the dump in cardboard or corrugated metal shacks. Many are on the streets. They come in, get cleaned up and are given two nutritious meals daily. They learn basic early skills and all about personal care and cleanliness. They also learn about a God who cares intimately for each one of them. We sang songs (I wish with everything in me that you could see what Karly and I saw as they lifted their voices and raised their arms). Then we did a Bible story. They just screamed in delight as we tried to make it come alive for them. Then we made simple beaded necklaces. They were so grateful. Beyond grateful. These children are so affectionate. They simply want to cuddle in to us.

     We had done stickers, candy and gifts. We donated your gifts of school supplies, bubbles, inflatable balls and play dough. The director was so thankful. We were actually the first group to visit this year. (Hint: this would be a great place for a group to serve for a few days!) As we were about to leave, the children all came out in neat little lines. Music pumped out of a cd player. At the TOP of their precious little lungs, these angels belted out an exuberant “Itsy Bitsy Spider” and “Head and Shoulders, Knees and Toes” for us in English! It was spectacular. Simply Irresistible.

     We then drove to Antigua and ate lunch at Funky Monkey. Then we walked around the marketplace with our friends. Nearly every stand offered us, “Best price for you. We are friends of Gloria!” You can see Gloria, one of my most favorite people on the entire planet, in the pic with Kar in the front of the yellow church. She works full time for Orphan Outreach here in Guatemala. And just for the record, she is not friends with every single marketplace salesperson!

Positively Precious

2010-07-22T21:12:00.000-07:00

A great team on an even greater trip...

2010-07-21T20:19:00.000-07:00

     The first pic below gives you a look at the faces of the wonderful folks that Karly and I are here with. We could not ask for greater people! They are full of compassion, kindness and hearts that just overflow with love for these little ones. I wish y'all could meet them!

     Our day began with a preschool that was begun by Mrs. Arzu.
     From the Orphan Outreach site: "The children in these programs are all children who live on the street. Some live with a parent or relative but all are extremely poor and in desperate situations. Mrs. Patty Arzu, wife of the mayor of Guatemala City runs and supports the schools through her foundation."  These beaUtiful children arrive at school dirty. It is there that they are washed up and given a sparkling clean uniform to wear. Not only are they presented with an excellent early childhood education, they are schooled in the Word of God. These girls and boys are SO eager to learn!! They loved the Bible lesson and crafts. The rec time was total joy not only for them, but for us. The laughter...oh, the laughter! And the singing and dancing? (Some of these little guys have some SERIOUS moves!) I never knew relay races with inflatable tubes could be so much fun... And to you folks who purchased bracelets, necklaces, matchbox cars, paddle balls, and bouncy balls: To these children, they were treasures. True heavenly treasures. It is so humbling. I cannot beging to express how humbled I am.

      From there we headed to the Children's Museum of Guatemala City. We began at Pollo Compero (Guatemala's version of KFC). Soon after our arrival, Mama Carmen and fifty two of her children arrived to meet us for lunch. Yesterday we posted pictures of this amazing woman and the children she cares for.

     Again, a quote from Orphan Outreach's site: "In 2009, Orphan Outreach learned about Mama Carmen, a devoted Christian woman who runs a private Christian orphanage near the city dump. For over 30 years Mama Carmen has been keeping a promise to God to care for children in need. Mama Carmen cares for 60 children on a full time basis and an additional 40 daily for day care. Many of the children she serves are “special needs” and she is committed to not turn away any children. She provides for the children with full faith that God will lead people to become involved in meeting all their needs." I don't know how she does what she does. So many kids. Their only family space is a large, converted garage that also houses a pick up truck. No comfy furniture. No big screen tv or dvd system. Just a whole lotta love and a conviction that God is faithful and He will cause His followers to rise up and care for the world's most vulnerable children. Yesterday, it was wonderful to connect with her ministry there. We watched her giving chicken soup to homeless men waiting outside her home (not a safe street). Unbelievable.

     Ok. So back to today. One of the members of our team, Joyce, is president of Women for Orphans Worldwide. http://womenfororphansworldwide.org/ They launched in 2009. Please check them out!

    WOW generously paid for lunch for all of the kids and entrance fees to the Children's Museum. When we saw the kids coming out of the bus, I pictured our midday meal being nothing short of total chaos. Wrong. Big time wrong. The older children helped the younger ones get settled at tables. As Pollo Compero slooooowly got all of the meals out, these precious little ones sat with their hands folded  waiting for all to be served and then for prayer. It was like nothing I have ever witnessed. And then they all sat quietly and talked together! It was incredible. We finished up and went in groups of ten into and around the museum.

     This place was the BEST! The kids went into an earthquake simulator and learned how to repsond in such an emergency. Then they practiced building structures and seeing if they could stand up under the shaking. They had a blast with gigantic bubbles - even getting iside of one. The playground activity for these kids was a taste of Heaven. They marveled at the grass. Yes. Grass. (Did I mention feeling humbled?) Another hit was a massive room where kids threw, kicked, conveyor belted and catapulted balls into two different containers high in the air. At the moment it hit capacity, an alarm sounded. The kids RAN under them and the balls came a tumblin' down! They could not get enough.

     As we sadly said goodbye, we gave Mama Carmen clothes and infant formula. She was also given money for a child's eye surgery and follow up thereapy.

     I learned today that children in Guatemala cannot even attend public school unless they can pay for all of their books and bring markers, crayons, paper, folders, disinfectant, and so on. The list even includes a mandatory amount of toilet tissue per child. Imagine what that looks like for a child on the street or in an orphanage. Crayons matter. Markers matter. Those donations are about a whole lot more than coloring cutesy pictures. They mean yes or no to an education. Consider how you might invest in the life of a child. Consider making a donation as a family to an orphan care organization. Look in their eyes. Choose today to make a difference.

Simply amazing children...

2010-07-21T16:46:00.000-07:00

A Beautiful Day in So Many Ways...

2010-07-20T23:22:00.000-07:00

And yet our hearts are just broken for these precious children...
We are so thankful to share God's love with these girls and boys. Stickers make them giggle with delight. Bubbles are the ultimate in excitement. And jump ropes? These kids just run to grab one up!

There is so much I want to write, but I am past the point of beat. I have watched Karly fall deeply in love with the children of Guatemala. I knew it would happen. I can't wait to bring Kelly. She will be done for.
I wish I could bring all of you here. These children need so much...

Tonight I pray that in the playing, singing, crafting, and hugging ~ that each child felt a sense of the God who loves them with an unfailing and everlasting love.

Good night.

It's official: Karly has fallen in love...

2010-07-20T23:13:00.000-07:00

We Made It!

2010-07-19T22:47:00.000-07:00

After a flight to Dallas, then to Guatemala, we are finally here! We met three other families (inluding the director and her daughter) that were on the same trip as us on the flight. We made made it past baggage,(thank you Jesus our bags made it!) and easily made it past customs and imigrations (Where I got my first passport stamp!) . After that we walked outside and see our shuttle. We cram everbody in but still two are left (and that included my mom). So we leave and the next shuttle will come for them. We get to the hotel and check in, still no mom. It took about 45 minutes till they arrived. After they got to the hotel we went to a meeting room and had a snack while talking about tomorrow. We came back to the room and "Skyped" our family back in AZ. Overall it has been a long day and I am heading to bed now. Love to everybody!!
-Karly (guest blogger)

This is What Love Looks Like...

2010-07-19T00:05:00.000-07:00

These are a few of the faces that are sending big, crazy love to some of the world's most vulnerable children. Beachballs, bracelets, markers, crayons, coloring books and stickers... one hundred sixty five pounds of collective love ~ all packed up and ready to go in the morning!

This is what makes orphan care possible... so many people doing their part to say to a child thousands of miles away, "You have not been forgotten. You matter to us - big time." And when we can embrace these kids together, I truly believe that they will sense that there is a God who loves them... And His love? It changes everything.

Talk to y'all real soon.

Heading Back to Guatemala on Monday

2010-07-13T22:59:00.000-07:00

Karly and I leave on Monday to meet up with amazing folks from Orphan Outreach. http://www.orphanoutreach.com/
We will be packing our bags full of love from folks who hear God's call to love on "the least of these." One of the verses we will be teaching the children is Psalm 34:8 See that the Lord is good.

For children who have so little, it is the kindness of folks who send bubbles, stickers, matchbox cars and hair pretties that gives witness to them of a God who never lets go, who never forgets.

Thanks for being such a significant part of this journey.

Lattitude and Longitude

2009-09-27T20:51:00.000-07:00

All of our group left this morning with the exception of Beth, Brynn and myself. My new BFF, Eddi, a terrific guy here at the Vista Real, took me over to Hannah's Hope, Guatemala in the Oakland area.

What a solid, compassionate ministry to the children who call it home.

Everywhere I go I find that I am more and more in love with the children and more determined to find a way to care for them. I realize that I keep repeating myself, but would you look at these faces? Really look and see them gazing back into your eyes. These are the faces of the forgotten, the pushed away, the broken... the orphan...truly the least of these.

Trust me when I tell you that these children's lives before Hannah's Hope are nothing short of horrific. One special mother, Dianna, told me some of their stories. If I am honest with the Lord, myself, and with you, I would tell you that there are things I would like to pretend don't happen.
And then, well... maybe I can accept that they happen to someone... somewhere...

But now I have been embraced, tickled and kissed by the most beautiful faces... truly the image bearers of Christ... I am undone. And I can pretty much bet that it's for good.

Bono brilliantly challenges us, "We can be the generation that no longer accpets that an accident of lattitude determines whether a child lives or dies - but WILL we be that generation? Will we in the west realize our potential or will we sleep in the comfort of our affluence with apathy and indifference murmuring soflty in our ears?"

"Appathy and indifference murmuring softly in our ears..." I've been there. Too many times.

Apathy and indifference in the face of the global orphan crisis is simply not acceptable for those who claim the Bible as the living, breathing, undeniable Truth of God's Word. We can all do something. Period. End of story.

Rick Warren, the well-known pastor and author of The Purpose Driven Life, tells of a discovery many years into his ministry that the Bible actually has 2,000 referances to the poor. Two thousand. Do you think God has something to say to His people regarding his heart for the impoverished? I'm kind of thinkin' that He does.

Micah 6:8 reminds us, "This is what the Lord requires of you. (catch the verb - requires) To act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly with your God."
God's directive, again and again, is that we ensure justice for the powerless, and that means going into those places that we would rather tune out or forget...

If our hearts long to be surrendered, our lives ache to be obedient, and our faith is to prove itself relevant, then God's unrelenting call for us is that we be the ones who dare to go confidently into those places with His hope...

Bringing other along we make it clear by our words and our actions, "You are not forgotten. I want to come along side of you, because you matter... and not just to me, but to God."

In the book, Who Stands Fast, Duncan writes, "I lament the death of outrage. Without a sense of outrage we run the serious risk of being ordinary when God created us to be extraordinary. Outrage makes you do things that are out of the ordinary. Without it we run the risk of becoming nice people in a nice church."

That so resonates in my spirit as I write tonight, on this last evening in Guatemala.

One of my favorite verses is from Amos 6, beginning at verse 21. God declares:
I hate all your show and pretense - the hypocrisy of your religious festivals and gatherings. I will not accept your offerings. Away with your noisy hymns of praise. I will not even listen. Instead, I want to see a mighty flood of justice flowing like an endless river.

I want to live a Christianity that looks like Jesus, with a Gospel that is actually Good News to the poor.

Like so many churches around the world, as Desert Springs Church we sing, Lead Me to the Cross, by Hillsong United. We pray as we sing together:

Savior I come, quiet my soul, remember
Redemptions hill, where Your Blood was spilled
For my ransom.
Everything I once held dear, I count it all as lost

Lead me to the Cross, where Your love poured out.
Bring me to my knees, Lord I lay me down.
Rid me of myself, I belong to You.
O lead me, lead me to the Cross... to Your heart, to Your heart, Lead me to Your heart.

In the eyes of an orphan, I found His heart.
Once again.

Pray with me that God would shake us from our complacency and that He would cause faith to rise in us that empowers us by His Spirit to go forth and do the extraordinary in His Name...

We cry out tonight on behalf of the orpahns throughout the world that God's people, by His Grace, would step up and out of our comfort zones and do what He requires for the poor, the marginalized and the forgotten.

Lord, have Your way in our lives. Tonight we reject complacency. We desire to be Your arms of love. We pray that Your compassion would be extended to the hurting, Your everlasting light would dispel all darkness, and Your healing mercy would wash away the pain of devestating memories for children who long for the love of a family. Show us how to ensure Your justice for those desperate for Your touch.
We pray in faith. We honor You tonight and seek to live for Your Kingdom.
Amen.

Good night.
Sending so much love,

Precious Treasures at Hannah's Hope Guatemala

2009-09-27T14:03:00.001-07:00

Saturday

2009-09-26T19:22:00.000-07:00

Today we were blessed to get a peak at some of the amazing Buckner ministries going on here in Guatemala. We visited the wharehouse which processes thousands of shoes, socks and various other aide items. Unbelievable.

From there we went on to visit two of the boys' transitional homes. Boys who show unique promise in the orphanages are offered the opportunity to live in these beautiful homes with house parents to get them ready for lives on their own. Their education is made a huge priority. While we were visiting today two boys were working with a tutor. One of the guys told us he is planning on med school following graduation... how awesome is that?

We went to the Buckner baby home and met the most wonderful, energetic children. They were SO excited to have visitors to play with, and our mission team stepped up to the challenge in style. Some of their stories would make you cry. And cry. And cry some more. And that's really all I can say about that without falling apart as I type.

We moved on to two of the girls' transitional homes and one for single mothers, that has a day care right on site. Just like the young men, these young women are so inspiring. They know that they are loved, cared for, and believed in. They are also reminded again and again of God's love for them.

Next was seeing the lovely Buckner office ... really a neat opportunity. In fact, every person we have met that makes Buckner in Guatemala do the fantastic work that it does, is truly the BEST! Their commitment to these children is so evident. I am so thankful to God for this week to connect with such incredible folks.

Tomorrow morning almost all of our group check out and head home. Beth and Brynn, our trip leaders are here until Monday... what a huge blessing for me! A taxi will pick me up at 8:30 am, and then take me to visit Hannah's Hope Guatemala. More beautiful children...

All around town - all around Buckner

2009-09-26T15:33:00.000-07:00

Zacapo Camotan

2009-09-25T21:38:00.000-07:00

You truly would not believe the mountain we climbed in our buses to get to the mountain village of Camotan! Can you picture a dirt road? Can you see it winding up a steep mountain? Ok. Now can you see the crazy steep sides as we looked down the moutain as we inched our way up? You may be getting the picture. Now add me reading and rereading Joshua 1:9: "This is my command." (not God's hope, wish or expectation, mind you - He's talkin' command, here)"Be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord, your God, is with you wherever you go," as I hugged my Bible.

Praise God, we obviously made it and were greeted by smiling children and lovely signs welcoming us to their school building. Our team broke into two groups and separated into the two large rooms which made up the school. One team led the children in a worship and teaching time. We could hear the joy as the children sang, "Hallelu, Hallelu, Hellelu, Hallelujah, Praise Ye the Lord!" en Espanol.

My team hurriedly filled 100 gift bags for girls, 100 gift bags for boys and 30 bags of shampooo, bandaids, antiperspirant, etc for the moms. We also organized pain reliever, allergy and cold medicines, antibiotic creams, and vitamins for the mothers. Along one wall we gathered piles of pens, papers, markers, crayons, erasers, pencil sharpeners and soccer balls for the school.

(And I took a few seconds to take pictures of the school kitchen right beside the school. Really look at that kitchen and be amazed)

After worship, the children received their shoes. Uhm... I could cry just thinking about it. Then the moms were given instruction on the different OTC meds while the children received their gifts. It was like Christmas Day - truly. Again, so humbling.
Simple gifts considered to be true treasures... Moms that were so grateful for toothbrushes for their children...Kids chewing on Starbursts in celebration as they showed each other their new things... Hours later, my heart is still pulled... torn... and longing for God to move powerfully in that community.

Tonight I will sleep in the plushest best in the most beautiful room back at the elegant Vista Real, where two huge gala events are taking place: a symposium on IBS (quite ironic given all the Pepto that has been consumed by our group this week) and a wedding. The lights, the music, the gorgeous gowns, the native dance, and the sounds of celebration are all around us. From one extreme to the other, from sun up to sun down.

As I sit here writing and chatting with two friends I made on this trip, one just mentioned the Third Day Song, "Revelation."

"Give me a revelation. Show me what to do. 'Cause I've been tryin' to find my way, I haven't got a clue. Tell me should I stay here or do I need to move. Give me a revelation. I've got nothing without You. Got nothing without You."

And that is where I leave off tonight. This trip is changing me... and I don't even know how. Y'all know my heart's desire, but today that process cannot begin. So I am waiting on the Lord for what's next... waiting on that Revelation.

God is Good. All the time.

Friday in Guatemala

2009-09-25T20:26:00.000-07:00

The long road to Zacapa...

2009-09-24T19:14:00.000-07:00

Well, my friends, we had our bags outside at 4:30 - a wee bit early for me, actually. We arrived at Zacapa at three in the afternoon. I praise God for the super people on this trip, because we sure do spend a lot of time on the bus together!! Look at the 115 children that met us there. Positively precious. Please pray for each one. Check out that rainbow, wouldja??

I am posting pics only as long as my battery holds out - outlet issues - even with the converter. (Yes, I can hear you, Bill, saying "Then why did we spend 50 bucks on that kit?" Ha! Just love me!)

It's probably a blessing that I can't write very much, because my emotions are all over the place. Each day I am more broken, which is exactly what I prayed for. In the mix of crushing pain and quiet rage that I feel, I have fallen more in love with these children that I had ever thought possible.

Good night and God bless.

You gotta love these children

2009-09-23T20:48:00.000-07:00

Totally exausted... thoroughly blessed

2009-09-23T19:29:00.000-07:00

We started our day be driving four and a half hours through the mountains to an orphanage on the edge of the city of Xela. Cerecaif is a private home for approximately 70 children, ages two to fourteen. It is so obvious that they are being cared for deeply. These precious children are there for a variety of reasons: parental poverty, neglect or abandonment. Just too painful... just so wrong.

You need to look at these precious faces. I wish you could have heard them sing - simply one of the most beautiful sounds of my life. When we broke into our small groups, our team of girls could not have been more grateful, mannerly and affectionate. They were just so proud of their new shoes and girly gifts. They were excitedly showing each other and posing for photos. Again, it was so hard to leave.

We then drove into the city of Xela and enjoyed a very late lunch at McDonalds. Then we took a walk down the street to Hogar Temporal, a government run orphanage housing about 100 very eager, active and wildly energetic boys and girls from age one to fourteen. We were singing as the children walked in, and they could not get grabbed up, cuddled and find laps to sink into quickly enough. It took all of our group´s collective gifts to herd these children from activity to activity. Getting all of them fitted with new shoes was nothing short of miracle of God´s grace. Believe me when I tell ya!

One boy, Vincent, age fourteen, realized that we were running low on shoes because many new kids made Hogar Temporal their home this very week. He immediately took off his shoes and gave them to another boy - without hesitation.

How unselfish... how humble... how pure... Vincent, you showed us Christ today. We are left without words.

My friends, I am delighted to tell you that perfect shoes were eventually found for this amazing young man, so he walked away with very hapy feet. Thank You, Lord.

It is Wednesday night as I sit here typing in the business center with Beth and Brynn. We need to be up at 4 am and on the road by five. We have a seven hour drive ahead of us to our next stop. Anyone who knows me knows that I am not a morning person. (ask poor, sweet Gloria) And when it comes to road trips? Ask Bill. How about being in a twenty four passenger bus with twenty three other people going around winding roads... and more winding roads... Yeah. You all know that I crave space - lots of space - as in w i d e o p e n spaces... and yet here I am.

God has blessed me with a group of people that are truly sold out for His Kingdom. They are determined, focused and hysterically funny. I am shocked at how comfortable we are being together. God never ceases to blow my mind with His provision.

My heart is even more broken tonight for these children. The hurt... the deep ache... the grief... the loss... the longing... pray with me that it is not these things which will define them or hold them back - but rather it is the living, active, life-changing Truth of who they are in Christ that says, "You matter. You belong. You are cherished. You are not forgotten."

My friends, the gifts that you sent tell these children just that, because they are wrapped up in the Greatest Story ever told... the story of God´s Covenant of Love that is for all time and for all people - the story of love that must go out to the ends of the earth. Imagine our surprise, when a rainbow formed right above us as the kids were playing with balloons outside. How great is our God?

And for the record, I would do this a thousand times over, cozy bus and all, to be part of proclaiming that priceless, matchless Name - the Name that changes everything - the Name that brings wholeness - the Name of Jesus.

Take two - more of yesterday's pics... here's hoping

2009-09-23T18:45:00.001-07:00

Internet frustration...

2009-09-22T21:13:00.000-07:00

My friends, I have worked the last couple of hours loading pictures - painfully slowly - and right in the middle the internet hiccupped as I was publishing and everything went white. A friend just texted me that if you click on them, you can actually see them. It doesn't work for me...I am sitting alone in a closed restaurant - the only person left here... the only place on this campus with a chance of connectivity. To have the pictures vanish before my eyes is making me so, so sad. I had many more to post, but it is seeming a bit futile at this point. We are only here for tonight. I pray that I will have a better connection tomorrow.

Let me tell you, nonetheless, about our day. We started our day at Antigua Marketplace, where we had the joy of connecing with the local merchants, each one promising: "I give you the best price today." (insert big smile right here)

From there we went to an orphanage for older girls, many of them already moms themselves. They have found themselves here because of parental abuse, homelessness, or parents who simply could not provide for them. Though I cannot show you their faces right now, trust me when I tell you I can see so many of them so vividly in my mind.

Their eyes tell of an ache we will never know. The few stories I was told - of the tragedy that the girls have survived - take me to my knees. I sit here in a dark restaurant, and with everything inside of me I am crying out to God to heal their broken lives and make of their futures something beautiful. They are starving for honest love and genuine, caring affection. It is humbling to know that our arms today were the embrace of Jesus.

They moved from station to station for games, worship songs, Bible memory verse and a story of God's promise of a hope and a future for their lives. We pray that the Holy Spirit would seal the Truth of God's Word deep inside of them.

I would give anything for you - yes, YOU - to see their faces when they received those brand new shoes... the only thing in their lives they can truly call their own. Their smiles were so brilliant, they lit up the grayest, rainy day. (And Lord knows we've had rain here) They rejoiced over hair ties and lip gloss, and were practically giggly over a box of crayons.

More than anything else, they just wanted to be held. They simply came to life in the embrace of a visitor - if only for those few precious hours... they didn't want us to leave. As the metal doors closed behind us, a piece of our hearts stayed back.

Dear God, do what only You can do for those beautiful girls... be their Mighty Healer, their Strong Tower, the steady Rock beneath their feet, their Light that dispels all darkness, their Hope that cannot be stamped out, and the Deliverer who causes each one to be set free from the chains that seek to hold them dowm. I still believe that all Your promises are true. Lord, may they truly sense Your embrace... and may they hear You whisper over them, "Child, I choose you and I love you with an everlasting love." With each one reading this, I pray... and I believe...Because of You, this is not the end of their story. You are the One who makes all things new... Amen.

You better have "amened" that with me! Well, didja?)

We loaded the buses with such a heaviness on our hearts, and went to visit a home for the elderly. To say that the conditions were horrid would be a huge understatement. We delivered humanitarian aid and gathered in the center to join the residents in singing praise. We heard a wonderful story of God's goodness and shared our joy with our new friends.

We then got back on the buses and then checked into our hotel in Antigua. Tomorrow we need to have breakfast at six and bags ready to go by six thirty. We've got a long drive ahead of us, with a whole bunch of children waiting to be loved on.

May God bless you. May He speak to your heart and give you a vision - His vision - on reaching the lost, the broken, and the marginalized.

Jesus said that He came for the sick - and to seek out and save the lost. His touch brought healing, and I believe it still does. (This would be a really great place for a hearty "Amen")
I am embarrassed as I confess to you how uncomfortable I am around dirt and smells... yet the One that I serve told me I gotta get down and wash some yucky feet if I wanna be counted as His follower. Let's pray for each other that we will be ready and willing to do just that.
For His Kingdom and to His glory,

Holding back the tears...

2009-09-22T18:05:00.000-07:00

Let me try to explain...

2009-09-21T22:32:00.000-07:00

The opening pic below is one of the first things we saw on the main road heading to Eliza Martinez. Gloria translated to say, "God loves you. Don't be afraid." I wanna live by that... every minute of every day. In fact, I want you to, as well.

The two lovely young ladies in light blue t-shirts are our Buckner staff mission trip leads. They are Brynn and Beth... and both are completely sold-out for the cause of orphans.

The strange Star Trek type group shot is a pile of folks from the same church in Beaumont, Texas - plus my sweet roomie, Gloria. The reason for the Star Trek pose has something to do with their whole crowd watching the movie on the plane and some funky phrase that used vulcan as an explosive adjective. I'm guessin' we had to be there, huh?

We headed out to the Eliza Martinez government home for boys. May I confess to you that I was not prepared? We had our VBS supplies, candy, toys and shoes. We had prayed individually and as a group. Yet, I wasn't even close to being up for all that I felt.

This particular home has approximately 65 boys, ranging in age from 11-18. At least half are special needs kids. While we were wildly welcomed by the boys, my heart literally shattered at what we experienced. You can see by the pictures that the living space speaks volumes - none of them life affirming. For the boys who are developmentally challenged, the resources are simply not there. And to think... this is better than what they were rescued from.

What I could not push out of my thoughts was our youngest child. She was an identified special needs child, who was not thriving in the orpahage. God did a miracle in her, and I praise Him for that - again and again.

What I have never witnessed was what poverty-plagued, government-held institutional living looks like years down the road. I am sitting here typing with a huge lump in my throat. Trust me when I tell say that you, too, would hae been devastated by what your eyes saw, your ears heard, and your nose breathed in.

Our little visit for these boys was like all the holidays put together. The candy, toys and shoes donated by you were like treasures from Heaven. They did crafts, learned a Bible memory verse, sang songs, received small gifts. Their new shoes? There reaction was unlike any joy I have ever seen in my life. (One could be quickly addicted to Buckner's Shoe for Orphan Souls mission trips.) Join me in praying that long after our visit, that the Word of God's Love for each one of them will resonate in their spirits.

Please notice the precious boy in the eighth picture down. As we walked up to the home, his eyes went right through me. I said a few words and asked if I could take his picture. We soon learned his name, Renee. As you'll see a little later on, Richard helped him with his new pair of shoes, and this child just wept in Richard's arms in grattitude. With Gloria's help we learned that Renee had already trusted Christ as His Savior and he longed for a family of Christians to be connected with. He said - get this - that because of our faith in Jesus, we really were all his family. Our group was simply undone by this child. We committed to pray for each other. Leaving was brutal. So many hugs - many that just didn't want us to leave.

Lord, bless and keep those boys. I pray especially tonight for Renee. Father, comfort him. Make your Presence real to him. Do what only You can do. In spite of his circumastances, Lord, make of Renee's life a testimony to Your divine power to demolish strongholds and make all things new. I ask, God, that You would call these young men to Yourself... bring them to wholeness that can nly be found in You. Amen

Yep - I am still aching.

We went on our way to lunch at a pretty hoity-toity Pizza Hut. It was fabulous!

Then it was back on the road to a church community center. Oh my stars! What a difference. For these children, at least one parent is doing his or her best to raise them. They are connected to a church, singing worship songs, and are part of a community that loves them. We were loved on again - all over the place. The kids loved the crafts and were ecstatic to keep the markers.

When it came time for their new shoes, it was the most overwhelming thanks and joy I have ever seen. They could not stop showing their feet to each other, their parents and each of us. Each child received from your kindness - stickers, activity books, cars, hair ties... and the list goes on. Those bags filled with your goodness brought crazy exuberance and playful glee. Can you see it? Can you?

We gathered together and listened to a dramatic reading in English and Spanish of Hermie and his friends... pointing to God's unigue, loving plan for His beloved children. We closed with singing praise and a prayer of blessing as we went our way.

Our next stop was a fantastic restaurant serving the best of the best the city has to offer. I had a dry tortilla, orange soda, and a Chex Mix bar. Surprising, huh? Bill, I know you are so glad I shared that, aren'tcha?

When we got back to our rooms, the fam and I Skyped. The whole gang got to "meet" Gloria. Kourtny wanted her picture taken. She had just gotten out of the shower. How cute is that? They were making brownies. Thank You, Lord, for my dear family.

Because of this day, I will never, ever be the same. In fact, Gloria is sound asleep as I type, and the tears are sneaking out of my eyes and down my cheeks. Tomorrow is a new day. I can't wait to share the journey with you.

Thanks for joining me.
With great love from Guatemala City,

A day forever etched in our memory...

2009-09-21T20:44:00.001-07:00

Gloria and I are here and exhausted!

2009-09-20T23:25:00.000-07:00

I'll keep this short and sweet...
I was so excited to meet Luke and his daughter, Anna, at the airport in Houston. We went through immigration, baggage and customs together. The folks at the airport were wonderful. Praise God our Vista Real shuttle was right outside.

We got to the hotel after ten to find our whole group in a huge room sorting all of the supplies for each orphanage. It was so organized... So we emptied out all of our donations and people started grabbing up stuff and putting everything in the right areas. Following that we met our super Buckner mission trip leaders for an orientation meeting. Next, we sorted craft supplies for our two visits tomorrow.

I then headed up to our very nice room, where Gloria could not have made me feel more comfortable... she is the BEST!! While I settled in and purchased the wireless internet, she fought with the travel alarm clock. We will be up at 6am, breakfast at 7 and on the road at 8. I promise to post pictures tomorrow.

A friend sent me a text link to check out Leeland's new song with Brandon Heath: Follow You
Check it out at www.leelandonline.com/music
The lyrics...
You lived among the least of these
The weary and the weak
And it would be a tragedy for me to turn away.

All my needs You have supplied.
When I was dead You gave me life.
How could I not give it away so freely?

And I'll follow You into the homes that are broken.
Follow You into the world.
Meet the needs for the poor and the needy God.
Follow You into the World.

Use my hands, use my feet
To make Your Kingdom come
Through the corners of the earth
Until Your work is done
'Cause faith without works is dead
And on the Cross your Blood was shed
So how could I not give it away so freely?

And I'll follow You into the homes that are broken.
Follow You into the world.
Meet the needs for the poor and the needy God.
Follow You into the World.

I give all myself.
I give all myself
I give all myself... to You.

And we just gotta say, "Amen."

Bill, Kel, Kar and Kourty, I miss you so much. Take good care of each other and Grammy. Sweet Dreams.
Good night, my friends.

Weight Watchers Points? What are they?

2009-09-20T12:23:00.000-07:00

Here I am sitting waiting for my first flight to Houston. I did my trying-to-hold-back-hysterical tears squeaky "bye" to each of my beautiful girls, and then Bill brought me to Sky Harbor. What did I do when he hugged me? Cry. Why? I because I am so stinkin' hooked on my family... I am one very blessed Mamma...

So, you KNOW you look like purgatory when the sweet chick who is checking your I.D. at security says, "Honey, are you OK? I could run and get you some paper towels or somethin." Yes. She said "paper towels." Let the reader understand that the writer wears water proof make-up. Yeah, it was just that good.

After thanking her for her kind offer, I proceeded through security and found a ladies room to do some quick fixing-up. I realized at this point that I was mighty hungry. What did I see as I made my way around the bend? Paradise Bakery. An addiction. Truly.

Now, you know that I stand on the truth that the keys to walking in Victory are Jesus, sugar and a DVR. Understand that it is BECAUSE sugar is a key to my life of victory that I am counting points on Weight Watchers!

Clearly, I knew that it must have been the Holy Spirit inviting me to grab an apple strudel mega muffin and butter, which I happily ate (well I ate half) Now,I am certain that the points on half of that baby were my points for the next three days.
It happens.

This time tomorrow...

2009-09-19T21:44:00.000-07:00

This time tomorrow I will be getting my luggage and heading out to the shuttle. Guaranteed I will already be missing my family... soon after that I will meet my roommate, Gloria, and then the rest of the team. I can't wait. Thank you so much for your support and prayer.

I love this little book. A friend included it with her gifts for the children. It's one of the first Bible stories we learn about as little kids. And don't we all love the part about the rainbow that God put in the sky? It is forever a reminder of God's Covenant with His people for all time. One of my favorite words - Covenant. This little mission trip will, undoubtedly, change my life.

I will be posting pictures of the children, the piles of shoes, the games, the crafts, and the most important part of all - telling the story of God's love that causes us to be new creations. It's about so much more than shoes...

For His glory...

Much love,

Smiling all over the place...

2009-09-17T22:52:00.000-07:00

Cute or what? A wonderful little guy at church decided to give 22 of his cars away... I just had to post this one... it just makes me smile. I am so touched. Thanks, Buddy. Your gift, like so many others, is going to be a source of so much happiness for the kids I will soon meet.

Another friend at church tossed 8 more toothbrushes my way... she can't seem to stop herself!

A wonderful box arrived today from some of our Philly family... 12 more hair pretties, 9 toothbrushes, 60 more band aids, infant drops, cough drops, neosporin, Tylenol, card games and activity books. Added to that was more play-doh and gummie vitamins. I wish y'all could see me shoving these into a suitcase, zipping the suitcase, and then weighing it. Keep in mind my massive upper body strength. Suitcase one is 66 pounds. Lifting it on to the scale? Not pretty. Suitcase two is almost there, as well. I just keep thanking God. Truth be told I just keep telling folks, "Thank you for the offer, but there's just not another square inch." What a huge blessing to be able to say that! Hallelujah!

While I am on a thankful roll, may I give a shout-out to my orthodontist? Yes, my orthodontist. He has two friendly, caring, professional Chandler offices - one on Ray, west of the 101, and one right here in Ocotillo. Besides giving Kelz and me significantly improved smiles,

Dr. Chamberlain, http://www.smilestraight.com/ called me and offered support and encouragement that brought me to tears. One of our church's core values is "speaking life," because God's Word tells us in Proverbs that the "The tongue has the power of life and death." Dr. Chamberlain's words were an absolute confirmation that the Lord has and is directing my path. Thanks, Doc, for speaking life to me. I am so grateful.

And to take my joy to a crazy new level, my soon-to-be-roommate, Gloria, and I talked on the phone tonight. God is Awesome! Well, we know that He is, was, and always will be Awesome, even before I "met" Gloria, but I just felt the need to declare it about now ;)

Let me tell you about Gloria. She is a retired teacher who is now working as a teacher's aide, because she just loves kids and school. She has three grown daughters and two grandchildren. She was born in Mexico and lived there for twelve years. And... this is her THIRD Buckner mission trip to Guatemala! God gave me a roommate who is wildly fluent in Spanish and loves the children of Guatemala. I already told her that her picture will be the first pic I post when we get all settled in and the Internet is working. (That's something to pray about, my friends) She's totally up for this trip, and I could not have smiled any bigger as we chatted tonight. I'm still grinning as I write this. Thank You, thank You, Lord.

So blessed...

2009-09-16T07:15:00.000-07:00

I start this day giving thanks... and more thanks... and more thanks....
My blog obviously has a new look-this is thanks to Jaimee at www.centsiblychicdesign.blogspot.com. Jaimee is an amazing listener, and she understood my heart. She is a delight to work with... friendly, brilliant, caring and all-around wonderful!! I could not be happier. She and her hubby share their lives with two mighty handsome sons, who seem to be very much in love with their little princess sister, who just happens to be adopted from Guatemala... Jaimee, I am so grateful. Your kindness will be long remembered.

Next, I am praising God for the ladies of Mom's Club Chandler East! OK, my friend, Gina, told me to pick up some things that were on her front porch. I got there yesterday and there is a box - and not just any box, mind you. It is a mega-sized box, and this thing was loaded! Inside I found:

10 little board books
5 really big Colgates
4 toothbrushes
2 enormous infant Tylenols
2 antiperspirants (little black dress approved)
17 small cars (is this SO fun??)
a matching card game, a tub book, a bar of soap, a bottle of lotions,
hair pretties, WONDERFUL infant toys
And... so many small toys that I cannot fit them all!!!

Hey, Ladies, at http://www.momsclubchandlereast.blogspot.com/ , you are simply incredible!! I can't believe that I don't know any of you, but you decided to dive in for kids so many miles away...
I am shouting out my thanks! Can you hear me now?? May God bless each of you.

And my day ended with a card arriving from a
dear Philly relative who I know would really prefer that I stay here... enclosed was her committment to pray and a check to purchase whatever was needed.

Know what? I know God will show me where to give it away when I get there, but today I am out of room. Because of all of your generosity, my clothes for eight days need to fit in my carry on... yes, really. I have a huge bag of toys for my next trip.

My only question?

Who's joinin' me?

Pressed down, shaken together & running over...

2009-09-13T15:12:00.000-07:00

These are the smiles that I am going to miss - BIG time!

Oh my stars! Uhmmmm... when I said, "Do you wanna send some love?" I never, ever dreamed of the response that would soon follow! My bags are packed and ready to go with all of this lovin':

742 Band-aids. (Yes, I counted them. In fact, I made this list and checked it twice!)

312 balloons. (OK - can you even believe that?)
72 cough drops
65 hair pretties
46 itty-bitty beanie babies
45 toothbrushes
41 benedryl, cough & cold, and pain relief
21 toothpastes
18 matchbox cars
14 play dohs
11 activity books
14 sweet lip balms
10 bars of soap
10 notepads
9 Camp Rock necklace pens
8 packs of pens & pencils
7 Neosporin
7 flying disc sets
6 card games
6 sets of 16 funky grow capsules
5 sticker packs
5 antiperspirants
4 wooly willies (please see pic!)
4 packs of mini-stamps
4 punching balloons (like why didn't I think of that?)
3 bubble bottles
3 bouncy balls
2 jump ropes
2 boxes of Crayolas
2 hot wheel pens
1 lovely scented Purrell
1 Tonka play-doh craft set
1 super-cool neon yo-yo
1 drop-pop (which, after reading the directions, it took all of the self-control I had not to open up that baby and try it out)
1 mini Frisbee
1 set of Jax
1 alligator bop ball (think reptile-shaped punching balloon)
1 big, hunkin' bottle o' Flinstones
And can you say "Happy Meal" toys? Yeah. We've got 'em. More comin', too.
Last, but not least, 1 precious book: "The Story of Noah's Ark" (more on that soon)

I can't even tell you how blown away I am. My whole family is, in fact.

Brothers and sisters have sorted through their toys, and picked some small ones to share with kids 1,872 miles away. Mommies handed me tiny toys that are days away from being another child's treasure. A Grandma and her princess in Apple Valley, Minnesota, carefully shopped, packed and shipped a box full of tenderness. A family at church clearly went to town in Target's clearance department, and we could not believe our eyes...

Two Pottsgrove, PA, teachers (that I haven't seen for five years, and haven't worked with for eight) sent boxes packed to overflowing with warmth and kindness. A sister in faith handed my daughter cash at church and with a directive to go shopping. Let me tell ya, she and I made some seriously good purchases. A dear, sweet friend from Mt. Penn, PA, (who was eighteen when she babysat Kelz as a newborn) spread the word and sent a package that was nearly bursting at the seams. A young woman at church went shopping... and that bag revealed a heart overflowing with compassion. A couple friends recently handed me cash and said, "Get whatever is left." I'll give you a hint where that's gonna go:
It's sphere-shaped. It's black and white, it is a key feature in a beloved sport, and the guys at the shop are deflating them for me at no extra charge. I am so incredibly thankful.

When I signed onto this trip months ago, I really wondered how I was going to manage on this trip without knowing anyone on it. While I am certain that the 29 folks I will be meeting at the hotel are amazing, there was just something a little unsettling about heading out by myself. Certain that it was where God was leading, I left it all in His more-than-capable ever-loving hands.

Now, because of you, friends, I may be the only one who bought a plane ticket, but I have a pile of friends joining in the the adventure...

At every stop, I will be reminded that you are right there with me ~ sharing the love of Jesus. About this time next Sunday the plane will be landing, and our Shoes for Orphan Souls mission trip will officially begin. My prayer is that lives will be so blessed as we share the Good News that is new life in Jesus Christ.

You wanna send some big love?

2009-08-21T15:00:00.000-07:00

We will be visiting 7 different orphanages, sharing the love of God with approximately 800 children. (Break off a piece of my heart...) We will be spending 2-3 hours at each home. We will begin by breaking into 4 groups and having VBS time (complete with Bible story, crafts, and recreation). Then we will take our small group of kids to find the perfect (please, Lord) pair of shoes for each precious child.

Each member of our group will be packing all of the craft supplies (it's a big, hunkin' pile) and, with your help, a whole lot more. Please consider making one little extra purchase for a child who has nothing when you are out doing errands.

If you are ready, willing, able and inspired, join me in sharin' the love:

Infants Tylenol for young children and babies
Chewable Tylenol
Vitamins - children and adults in large bottles
Children’s Cold medicine (Nyquil, Generic Tussin DM)
Antiperspirant
Band-Aids
Antibiotic cream (Neosporin & Hydrocortisone)
Toothbrushes
Toothpaste
Soap
Cough Drops
Children’s Pepto-Bismol
Flavored chapsticks
Small toys (think Happy Meal size)
Tiny cars/trucks
Card games (Uno, memory, matching)
Coloring books
Play-doh
Hair pretties
Balloons
Jump ropes

You divin' in?

One More Month until SOS Guatemala...

2009-08-20T15:56:00.000-07:00

I welcome you to my new blog. A little while back I asked my friend, Jennifer, http://www.jenniferjonesphoto.com/ to take one picture of me for the side bar. Miss Jennifer claimed that she wanted my daughters to pose just to "check the lighting balance"... or somethin' like that. As you can clearly see, for a professional - she sure did struggle, needing a lot of lighting adjustments, didn't she?

She gave me a gift of love taking such wonderful shots...
Jennifer, you know my heart for children living without the basic necessities of life... and even worse, they are living apart from hope. You share my heart because you and Neil have already heard, felt, and responded to God's call to love the fatherless. You are a treasure.

So, my friends, on September 20th, I will join 29 others on a 1 week mission trip to Guatemala with Buckner's Shoes for Orphan Souls. I simply cannot wait.