Winding Down

Today was our last work day, and a half day to boot. I was part of this morning's stove crew, Mom (Michele), John, Brad, and me. We went to the same village, down as far as the road would take us, and then some. It was a ways away from the road, but thankfully not too steep. The family we were serving helped us carry the materials to the house and were very friendly. John noticed as one sister came up the hill the other came back to take one of the cinderblocks from her, to lighten her load. He also noticed other simple interactions between these sisters. 

The five sisters and their mother :)

As they sat coloring pages from the activity books we brought one was using the only orange crayon and the other just sat and waited for her sister to finish, not prodding or begging, just sitting. John described it as "watching Grace in motion." Small courtesies, I feel, are often lost in our lives. If there's one thing I'd say about the Guatemalan people it's that they are very genial. From every person you pass by you'll hear, "Buenos Dias." (Literally 'Good Day,' a customary greeting). People don't always do this for each other back home. We get so caught up in our daily lives that sometimes we forget about each other. We don't see people. in my time here in Guatemala I've been reminded how a simple greeting can positively change my affect. I know, moving forward that I will try to keep this in  my mind.

After lunch we returned to the school for a presentation from the staff. They thanked us for our hard work and said they would get a lot of use out of the new office. As a show of thanks they gave each of us a slice of cake and a can of coke. To us this seems like a small snack, something we would have at a birthday party, but to them it was a very big deal. I remember Tom telling is the first day about how if we were given cake that it was a HUGE deal. It must have cost them a lot to give all of us both cake and coke, yet another example of the generosity I have witnessed here.

I'd like to leave you with a sort of parable I was told this week. The work we do is to plant a seed. We are only here for a short time. We will not necessarily get to see the fruits of our seed. We plant the seed, and nurture it. Over time it will grow and produce fruit and seed of it's own. God will work through what we have done this week. I pray that the school will prosper, and the teachers will be blessed and now may do their jobs even more effectively, in turn shaping the lives of their students and allowing them brighter futures. I pray that the families who received stoves would breathe better and eat better now that they have a means for safe, efficient cooking over fire. I pray that Mission Guatemala will continue to bless the people of this country and that the staff (Tom, Dave, Angel, Ivan, Angelina, Delia, Werner, Elmar, Alejandra, Mara Lee, to name a few) would remain safe and secure, knowing they are doing what God wants.

I hope that we will continue to support Mission Guatemala, like with Donna's CD. I think that is wonderful.

Humble Offerings

Thank you for your prayers, brothers and sisters. It's Erika again. I'm going to tell you about my experiences today. I was part of the stove crew this morning. We went to the same village where I had installed my first stove. This home, however, was up a steep hill farther down the street. John & Ramona, Jo, and myself all helped assemble the stove. We took our time carrying the materials for the stove up the incline. I fell a couple of times, but thankfully I was unharmed as were the materials. When we had everything up to where the stove was going to be Dave and Angel leveled the ground and laid the foundation. As we worked on the interior of the stove, getting everything flush and in place, we took turns playing with the children. There were three that lived there.

Geronimo, the youngest

The oldest was nine, and I believe the youngest was three. Ramona gave them coloring pages. I stayed with the stove for the better part of it all, but at one point I stepped out to give Angel room to make the vent for the chimney and as I sat down I saw the mother coming up the hill with a bottle of 7UP in her hand and a black bag. She sat down the things and said "Un momento." She stepped into the house and produced 7 mugs and told us the soda was for us and the bag had sweet bread in it. I was so taken aback by her generosity that I almost forgot to say "Gracias." I sat and drank my 7UP and Ramona said "This is the best 7UP I've ever had." I couldn't agree more. She was so hospitable and humble, I couldn't begin say how much she reminded me why it is that we are here, in Guatemala. I nodded to Ramona and took another swig of my blessed 7UP. I split a sweet bun with Dave and continued work on the stove. As I spread the ashes, one of the last steps in the process, I thought to myself that every falling particle could represent my prayers for this family. I prayed that they might have many wonderful meals with this stove and that the children would grow up strong and healthy, and that they could take pride in the stove and be reminded of what God does in our lives. We are merely footsoldiers, messengers for God. Our actions speak for Him. As we made our final trek down the slope I took a moment to look back on the family. I saw them all standing together, watching us leave with smiles on their faces. Today I was once again reminded how fortunate we are and humbled by our host's generosity. The soda and half a sweet bun I had was enough to fill me up, more than that I was full. It's amazing what God will do with a gift.

 So I encourage you, my brothers and sisters: Never underestimate the depths of your kindness. You may not see it's weight, but God always works in and through you for his good purpose.

Shaking All Over

Earthquake damage in San Marcos

If you haven't yet heard, there was a major earthquake today in Guatemala. Official reports say that at 10:35 a.m. off the coast of Guatemala was a 7.4 earthquake.  Shocks were felt all the way to Mexico City.  So far 48 people are reported dead as the result of falling rubble.  Three die when earthen materials from a hillside collapsed trapping them.  They were only a 30 minute drive from where we were working today.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/world/2012/11/07/earthquake-quake-guatemala/1689347/

Jo Flynn and Laura Espinoza lay block
while foreman Elias gives instruction

We had two crews out at work sites when the earthquake hit. The stove crew happened to be in the truck driving to the site where they would deliver and install a wood burning stove for a family in need.  They never felt the tremors as the ride in the truck is bumpy enough.  However the other crew was working at a school in San Andres Semetabaj.  We are building an office with flush toilet for the teachers in this elementary school. I was cutting concrete blocks with a power tool when I felt the first jolt of the quake.  Then the earth began to move under my feet and I felt like I was on a boat on the water.  It was an unnerving feeling for a native Hoosier. The tremor lasted for 30 seconds.  None of our party was hurt.  It was exciting, but our excitement turned to compassion as we learned of the deaths in San Marcos.

I thought of the passage from Psalm 46:1-3.

Office construction for elementary school

"God is our refuge and strength,
    an ever-present help in trouble.
² Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way
    and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea,
³ though its waters roar and foam
    and the mountains quake with their surging." 


There is a certain confidence that comes no matter the challenge or trial when one knows the power of God.  The psalm lifts the city of God as the place where all the ruckus is quieted by the peace that is found there.  The psalmist says with great hope, "The God of Jacob is with us."

The knowledge that God is with us is something we are very much appreciating this week in Guatemala. We all have felt His loving presence a number of times as we work together and serve. The deaths in San Marcos are tragic.  We are praying for the survivors.  We are praying that the presence of God aid them and help all who suffer today to be encouraged.

We ate dinner together at a restaurant in Panajachel. Our host told us we were planting seeds of hope in his countrymen.  We know that hope is like an anchor to the soul.  As the writer of Hebrews said, "Since we are receiving a Kingdom that is unshakable, let us be thankful and please God by worshiping him with holy fear and awe." (Heb 12:28)

Gracias A Dios! (Thanks be to God!)

Pastor Scott

Faith and Privilege

Maurya Wendling has encouraged the team to share a single word to describe our experience.  Each night after dinner we share our "word of the day." My word for Monday was "reunion." It felt like a homecoming of sorts as I reconnected with Guatemalans who work with Mission Guatemala.  Elmar, one of our drivers, remembered how much I love music and handed me a portable player that we used last year at work sites. With it I could connect my iPod.  It was a nice gesture. I felt appreciated, known and loved.  He chuckled knowingly as he handed the player to me.

Another of our team, Laura Espinoza, shared "open" as her word of the day.  She remarked on how open the children were with us.  The preschoolers ran easily into our arms for hugs and affection.  They lead us around by the hand to play.  Up the hill from the mission center lies Nueva Esperanza.  The children there are fed each day one balanced meal by the mission through a feeding center built by United Methodist donations. The children ran to embrace David Burns.  They quickly turned to us.  A little toddler named "Meme" (short for Manuel) wanted me to pick him up.  He gave me a hug and then felt my beard and tugged at the hairs on my chin. It was so cute.

Openness experienced from Guatemalan children
who have come to trust Mission Guatemala

 
On reflection about this openness I realize that God has established  trust; a sense of belonging, safety and love through the work of Mission Guatemala. God is making Mission Guatemala a part of the community. I sensed a change even from last year.  There is a greater affection and warmth from everyone we meet. I told the team during our sharing that, "This is what we call the kingdom of God." My heart stirred as I saw the recognition of this truth settle into the minds of the team. It was a faith filling moment.

Two years ago when Rev. Glenn Howell and I visited Mission Guatemala for the first time, "I asked Tom Heaton, the founder and executive director, how his mission was sharing the gospel with the people they served.  He answered,"by doing all the good we can; by doing what Jesus did." Mission Guatemala has no worship center or chapel.  There are no worship services offered. His message of good news about the kingdom of God is to "bring it."

I have grown in these three trips down here to Guatemala. I now see where I had not seen before. Jesus taught, "The kingdom of God is among you." I believe it. I see it in the smiles of little children being loved day in and day out. I see it in the Mayan people who extend their hands in friendship knowing we are people who are doing all the good we can...in Jesus' name.

This afternoon (Tuesday), I was privileged to install a stove in one family's modest home and complete another that had been begun by the morning crew.  At the second home I overheard the lady of the house say to her husband, while looking at their new stove, "Es bonito!" which means, "It's beautiful."  Their poverty compared to how we lived in America is significant.  Their gratitude was apparent.  Her words struck me profoundly.  My eyes misted with sudden realization of what this stove means to this family.  To me it's just a simple stove made of concrete, clay and a metal top.  To her it is the nicest possession she now owns.  I shared in her gratitude by uttering a prayer of thanks to God for the privilege of standing on that holy ground.

Installing another of the over 130 stoves placed in homes in the region

Words shared tonight by team members included full, fulfilled, satisfied, and purpose. It is obvious that the words of Jesus are being fulfilled in us.  "For when you do it for the least of these my brothers and sisters, you have done it for me."  We are being filled with faith in powerful and mysterious ways by serving these precious souls.  What a sacred privilege.

Lifting Lives and being Lifted,

Pastor Scott

Divertido Y Trabajo (Fun and Work)

Hello friends. It's Erika, checking in.

Today was our first day at the mission. We started out the day at the Panajachel fire station. Breakfast was served to us there. Then we drove to the mission building and Tom Heaton gave us the tour.

Renna Howell swarmed by happy preschoolers

We then had an opportunity to play with the preschool children there. They were very energetic and affectionate. It was a treat to watch how everyone was enraptured by the children. I, myself, have a low tolerance for young ones; even so, I was blessed through this encounter. To see their smiling faces and watch my team members enjoy themselves was what affected me most. I can say that this was the highlight of the day for several members of the team.

We finished with the children and went to do our work. Most went to a school to construct an office room for the staff there. Four went with David to install a stove in the home of a family who needed it. I was part of the group who went to the school. We mixed cement and started to place the cinderblocks for the walls. Megan, Marie, and I started by sifting some sand for the mixture. It was fun coming up with a rhythm and working with one another. By the end of the day we were all working on the wall in some way. It was rewarding, for me, to see how our work has progressed.

Jill Wilson, Brad Andries, Laura Espinoza and Jo Flynn
installed their high efficiency wood burning stove.

As for the quartet who installed the stove, they seemed to have had an experience that affected them. Brad said at dinner that the reaction from the family was what got to him. After they had finished the family gave each person a soda to drink. For them it must have been a sacrifice. It was a touching, personal encounter.

With many more moments like these ahead, I pray:
Lord, you are our guiding light. Help us to trust in your way, and grant us the peace that comes to those who follow the paths you have laid out for them. Bless the work of our hands this week, and the outpour of our hearts.
       Amen

Sunday Worship and Chichicastenengo

The Lifting Hearts Team overlooking beautiful Lake Atitlan

Many of us slept a short night with our bodies being used to two hours earlier back home.  Even though the clock moved back an hour in Indiana, I was awake at 3:45 a.m. and did not fall back to sleep.

Not to be discouraged I spent the time building a playlist on Spotify.  There are some comforts from home we can enjoy here.  The showers at Cacique Inn are nice, hot, powerful and spacious.

Breakfast was served at 7:30 a.m. and we enjoyed omelets, pancakes, fruit plates and eggs made to order. Michele and I offered the morning devotions that were from the mission book we studied in preparation for the trip. we were reminded to not behave like tourists, but as pilgrims.  We are going to try and be aware that God is ever present and in every conversation, every meeting.  We are to reflect on each encounter and be transformed by this reflective process.

ZUMC Worship on Skype

Our first encounter was with ZUMC!  We worshiped with our church family via Skype!  It was fun and meaningful.  Rev. Tom Heaton, executive director for Mission Guatemala was interviewed along with myself and Dr. Jill Wilson representing the team.  Tom prayed the pastoral prayer on this All Saints Sunday.  We were moved by the tolling of the bell as we each heard the names of loved ones who passed away this year. I was particularly moved as we sang "Above All."  I thought of our friend Doug Benge who had lead us in this song many times before he became ill.  Sweet memory filled me.  Pastor Glenn's sermon on "hope" was great.  We will face much suffering here. I will be expecting to see hope in the midst, even if it is our presence.

We spent the afternoon at the large outdoor market in Chichicastenengo. Merchants sold their colorful wares and shoe shine boys worked the streets.  Hard working people walk up and down the streets trying to entice passersby to purchase something they carry.  Many children support their families by trying to sell trinkets at the market.  All around families are working together, eating together, laughing and living.  It was a colorful place.

Market at Chichicastenengo

Chichi was difficult for many of us because of the constant approaches from vendors.  Words we used to describe this difficulty were "conflicted," "colorful contradictions," and "torn."  We felt for their need to sell and provide for themselves and their families, but there was no possible way to care for them all.  Not to mention, we didn't need what they were selling.  If was hard to connect at any personal level when there was the continual pitch.

We desire to greet each person with the knowledge that God is somehow a part of the encounter, that Christ is in them and in us as we speak. I found that i was often defensive and unable to connect at a human level.  But there were three occasions when we moved beyond an economic transaction to learning names and sharing smiles and a few words of kindness.  The most significant for me was hearing a vendor call, "Hey pastor!" I turned to him and he asked if I had been here before. He said he knew me.  I doubted that, but asked how he might know me. He said that he remembered me from installing a stove.  That was a year ago!  I was stunned. He said he was going to be meeting another team in his village in April 2013.  I wonder if it will be ZUMC's spring break team?

God is at work in Guatemala.  We support an excellent life changing mission with Tom Heaton.  I feel very good about this partnership.  Tonight Tom made us aware of the feeding programs they are starting at local schools.  Some students are not able to concentrate or stay awake for lack of proper nutrition.  Tom stated confidently that a church like ZUMC could easily feed 100 children a good meal every day in Guatemala. The cost would equate to around $14,000 per year.  People on this team are praying about this vision to care for 100 kids and their health.

Good thoughts.  LIFT lives!

Pastor Scott

Embarking

We set off on our pilgrimage today. We all met up at the airport by 4:20am and made our way through security. Despite the hour, everyone was in high spirits. There were only one or two minor hiccups.

With that being said I am in a prayerful mood. I remain focused on God and take comfort in His peace and goodness. I know that He is watching over us and your prayers send us off with love and courage.

We made it to Guatemala safely and have arrived in Panajachel, the town we'll be staying in. The team members are all getting settled in. A few of them went "downtown" while the rest of us stayed in the hotel, Hotel Cacique Inn. The landscape is gorgeous and the people have all been welcoming. I am eager to get started on our work, but I can also can appreciate this quiet time afforded us.

In reflecting upon my experience so far, I have realized just how blessed we truly are. I am grateful to have been given this opportunity to serve the community in Panajachel.

Lord,
Thank you for safe travels and bless the work of our hands. May our hearts glorify you and open to all of the opportunities you present to us.
Amen (So Let it Be)

~Erika