"It was the best of times....it was the worst of times." This describes how we are all feeling. Every day has been amazing and at the same time, emotionally difficult. We have developed these immediate connections with the children we are meeting. We want to hug and love on each and every one. But of course, for each of us, there have been those special few that have crept deep into our hearts and if it was possible, we would not be leaving them behind.
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This morning we visited a community center with boys and girls 4 to 7 years old. Oh my gosh, they were so full of fun and joy. After some of our planned activities, the children wanted to perform some dances for us. It was like they wanted to gift us back. We gave so very little compared to the way the kids lavished US with their love and affection. When we got ready to leave, every single child hugged and kissed each team member. I don't know if I have ever experienced a kiss as sweet as theirs. And then they waited outside to wave good-bye as we left. Thinking about them, I am both smiling and crying....happy that I am carrying them in my heart and deeply sad that our time together was so short.
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This afternoon, we went back to the Remar home to work with teen girls, age 13 to 18 years. The girls were typical teens, yet not so typical. Looking at their beautiful faces, all we could think about was what they have to cope with in their lives and what their futures may bring. Again, each of us developed bonds very quickly with the girls. One thing that we have seen consistently is that the kids love to have their pictures taken. They pose for the camera and then quickly want to see what the photo will look like. All of us left feeling like we wished we could have given more, done more. Have we made a difference to them? I know that they have stamped themselves forever into our hearts.
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Amy said, it is hard to find the words to express how we are feeling. Our hearts are so full, yet there is this ache that has no cure. We have given of ourselves, yet what we have given seems so little....we all want to do so much more. This has been very satisfying and very frustrating all at the same time. I know that there is so much I want to share with you all, yet things I am not done keeping between me and the Lord for now.
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We are all grateful for your continued prayers and love. I never knew how much we would really need to count on that while we are here. Thank you.
Thursday, July 9, 2009
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Day 2 - Visit to the baby/toddler home, and Remar Girls Home
I am not even sure how to put into words our experiences from today. Our day was filled with such amazing experiences of sharing God's love.
We left this morning for the baby/toddler home, I think everyone was pretty excited about that, who doesn't love babies. When we arrived we were informed some of the babies were sick so we were required to wear masks during our visit (in case you see the pictures and wonder why :) The home had about 8-9 baby babies, and a couple of us at a time were allowed to go up and hold and play with them. I'm sure you won't be surprised to hear that Vicki and Angie were the first to go :) No one loves babies like our Vicki.
The rest of us were invited out to a court yard where there were about 30-40 toddler age kids playing. They had a playset, a playhouse and some toys out there to play with. They were just the most precious children and we were more than happy to spend our time with them. There are 15 of us and we just dispersed and played and loved on these kids. It was amazing in such a relatively short time how you and them can bond. Many of the kids found immediate connections with some of us and wanted to stay attached to us the entire time. It was just such a joy to bring fun and affection to them, and what an honor to do it on God's behalf. I hope and pray that they were able to feel His love for them by spending some time with us.
We brought bubbles, sidewalk chalk, beach balls and various other things, which they flocked to everytime we brought out something new. We left them messy but they had a great time!!
When our time with them was over, we gave hugs good bye and gathered in the front lobby room to leave. There were many many tears shed, it was such an emotional experience, I'm sure I can't convey in writing!
We left and went to the local mall for lunch.
After lunch we visited the Remar Girls Home, this home is set up with many buildings on the property and this visit we were spending with the 7-13 year old girls. We were taken at first to the building where some of the older girls live (we will visit with them tomorrow afternoon), they showed us their room and talked to us for a bit, they also gave us some of their hand made jewlery which they were so proud of. Afterwards we went to a large rec type room to do our VBS with the younger girls. We had maybe 5-10 come in at first but as we began the room began to fill up quickly. We ended up with about 30 girls and about 10 boys (they came from somewhere else on the property). We shared with them the story of Esther and they learned a Bible verse. After that we made some crowns with them (like Queen Esther) and had a playtime. Again, another joyous experience. They were all so excited to have us there, they were so engaged by the story and listened intently. They had a blast making the crowns and playing the games with us. We were able to spend a good amount of time just playing and having fun with them at the end. Before we left each child was given a gift bag (the boys received soccer balls and some candy - as we weren't expecting them). The girls were given candy, necklaces, hair accessories, stickers and other fun stuff.
In the evening we were taken to a local restaurant for dinner, where some of us were able to make our own tortillas.
What a blessed day we all had! What an honor to serve these special special children in this way. I can't wait to see the blessings God has for us over the next three days!!
Thank you for your prayers for us and the children we are serving, it means so much!
We left this morning for the baby/toddler home, I think everyone was pretty excited about that, who doesn't love babies. When we arrived we were informed some of the babies were sick so we were required to wear masks during our visit (in case you see the pictures and wonder why :) The home had about 8-9 baby babies, and a couple of us at a time were allowed to go up and hold and play with them. I'm sure you won't be surprised to hear that Vicki and Angie were the first to go :) No one loves babies like our Vicki.
The rest of us were invited out to a court yard where there were about 30-40 toddler age kids playing. They had a playset, a playhouse and some toys out there to play with. They were just the most precious children and we were more than happy to spend our time with them. There are 15 of us and we just dispersed and played and loved on these kids. It was amazing in such a relatively short time how you and them can bond. Many of the kids found immediate connections with some of us and wanted to stay attached to us the entire time. It was just such a joy to bring fun and affection to them, and what an honor to do it on God's behalf. I hope and pray that they were able to feel His love for them by spending some time with us.
We brought bubbles, sidewalk chalk, beach balls and various other things, which they flocked to everytime we brought out something new. We left them messy but they had a great time!!
When our time with them was over, we gave hugs good bye and gathered in the front lobby room to leave. There were many many tears shed, it was such an emotional experience, I'm sure I can't convey in writing!
We left and went to the local mall for lunch.
After lunch we visited the Remar Girls Home, this home is set up with many buildings on the property and this visit we were spending with the 7-13 year old girls. We were taken at first to the building where some of the older girls live (we will visit with them tomorrow afternoon), they showed us their room and talked to us for a bit, they also gave us some of their hand made jewlery which they were so proud of. Afterwards we went to a large rec type room to do our VBS with the younger girls. We had maybe 5-10 come in at first but as we began the room began to fill up quickly. We ended up with about 30 girls and about 10 boys (they came from somewhere else on the property). We shared with them the story of Esther and they learned a Bible verse. After that we made some crowns with them (like Queen Esther) and had a playtime. Again, another joyous experience. They were all so excited to have us there, they were so engaged by the story and listened intently. They had a blast making the crowns and playing the games with us. We were able to spend a good amount of time just playing and having fun with them at the end. Before we left each child was given a gift bag (the boys received soccer balls and some candy - as we weren't expecting them). The girls were given candy, necklaces, hair accessories, stickers and other fun stuff.
In the evening we were taken to a local restaurant for dinner, where some of us were able to make our own tortillas.
What a blessed day we all had! What an honor to serve these special special children in this way. I can't wait to see the blessings God has for us over the next three days!!
Thank you for your prayers for us and the children we are serving, it means so much!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Day One - Day of Travel
Packing Party
Finally landing in Guatemala
Trying to keep my composure while dealing with getting us rebookedWell we finally arrived in Guatemala safe and sound (so did our luggage). After a VERY long day of travel, delays, and challenges. Our flight from Detroit to Houston was unable to land because of weather, so they wanted us to hold for an hour for it to clear, however our plane didn't have enough fuel. We ended up having to land in Shreveport and wait in the plane about an hour for the plane to refuel and gain permission to go to Houston. When we finally arrived there, we of course had missed our flight to Guatemala. When we tried to get rebooked we ran into some challenges. There was a flight at 1115am, and the next one at 730pm. Both were showing full :( So we were told we would have to split up. My fear of course were that some might make neither and then what??? So we got ourselves on standby and headed for the gate of the 1115 flight. We were told probably not, but he'd let us know once the plane was fully boarded. So we waited, stressed out a bit, and then we prayed. We so badly wanted to stay together, there were so many worries with splitting up.
So the plane was loaded, we went back to the counter, and we all made the flight. Yeah God!!
That hurdle was behind us, we were scattered on the plane but all on the same flight and hoped for the best for our luggage. When we arrived in Guatemala we were so excited to find everything made it with us! Then we walked out to look for our ride, but, no one was there with our sign. We waited a few minutes, talked about what to do, then a van arrived with our hotel written on the side. He seemed to know of us, and we decided to take the van.
We made it to our hotel, better late than never. We met the fantastic group of women we would be sharing this trip with and spend the next few hours going through all of the items we all brought with us and sorting them out by orphange we would visit. It was pretty crazy but so amazing and exciting too. Thinking about the next few days and how all those items will be used and will touch children's lives.
So we have been up since 3am, it's now 1030pm (our time, 830pm Guatemala time) and we are all pretty much exhausted.
Monday, July 6, 2009
THE NOT-SO SECRET SOCIETY
I have noticed an interesting phenomenon when I tell people about our trip. Those who have been on a missions trip themselves get this knowing look in their eyes and a radiant smile on their faces. "Oh, your life will never be the same. God will reveal Himself to you in a whole new way. I am SO happy for you!" Every person. Every time. Like members of a group who know something that I have not yet learned.
.
Interesting. Intriguing.
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In just a few hours, I will be joining that "Not So Secret" Society of Christ Followers who have been on one of these things we call a missions trip, with the sole purpose of glorifying God while serving others. Usually away from home. There are so many thoughts swirling through my mind and heart. I feel like I am entering the unknown. A country, a people, a team that I am unfamiliar with. The children...I cannot wait to see them...who does God have planned for us to meet? To love on?
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I hope my life will be changed. I hope that I will look more like Jesus on the other side of this trip. I hope that I will be more loving. More kind. More thankful. More caring. Less needy. Less pre-occupied with "mine".
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I will not be surprised to learn something new about God. After more than 30 years as a Christ Follower, He still takes my breath away. Still has me in awe.
.
Like Vicki voiced...thank you for getting us here. Thank you for promised prayers. Thanks for loving and believing in us!
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Love you! Kathy
.
Interesting. Intriguing.
.
In just a few hours, I will be joining that "Not So Secret" Society of Christ Followers who have been on one of these things we call a missions trip, with the sole purpose of glorifying God while serving others. Usually away from home. There are so many thoughts swirling through my mind and heart. I feel like I am entering the unknown. A country, a people, a team that I am unfamiliar with. The children...I cannot wait to see them...who does God have planned for us to meet? To love on?
.
I hope my life will be changed. I hope that I will look more like Jesus on the other side of this trip. I hope that I will be more loving. More kind. More thankful. More caring. Less needy. Less pre-occupied with "mine".
.
I will not be surprised to learn something new about God. After more than 30 years as a Christ Follower, He still takes my breath away. Still has me in awe.
.
Like Vicki voiced...thank you for getting us here. Thank you for promised prayers. Thanks for loving and believing in us!
.
Love you! Kathy
RACHEL'S THOUGHTS
This will be my first time out of the country (not counting Canada). I'm scared & nervous & excited & happy to be going with my mom. I hope to learn something about myself and about God.
The Network
Recently a dear friend said that she felt like she had the Verizon "Network" people supporting her.
I love that word picture! What a great feeling- to have a "network" of people not so much behind, but along side for whatever life brings our way.
I'm blessed to share that same Network. And now, God has shown me an even bigger picture- glimpses of His Network.
Preparing for this trip has been incredible. From the very first email: "Wanna go on a mission trip"
(My thought: what are you CRAZY? Who has money these days?) to all of the exciting, and sometimes challenging fundraising.... which includes Mary Kay party ( who knew? thanks to the most generous Mary Kay Lady who donated 100% of her profit) and almost 20 volunteers who worked a 5 band concert one night, and donated their pay for the evening to this trip - also collecting returnable bottles and cans - as well as the generosity of friends, family and coworkers who donated online out of their kind and generous hearts.
So many people have invested in this adventure. Last week all six of us sorted all of the donated items as we prepared to inventory and pack them. There was so much stuff, we thought we may have to leave some behind... but, it all fit!
While sorting through the items, I couldn't help but think about all of you who shopped from the list, and brought things in and left them on my desk, or on my porch. You guys are incredible! And you are part of His Network that goes along with us.
( We're just the ambassadors and delivery people now. ) I'll have to ask the translators to help describe to the children that so many people in Michigan ( and in Columbus OH, and in Florida ) all sent these gifts and money so that we could come and have some special time with them.
God's Network is amazing and beyond compare! Thanks for being willing to be used by Him to accomplish his mission for this adventure.
Special thanks for using your financial abilities and gifts to bless others.
Special thanks for the time you took to shop and donate.
Special thanks for your concerns about shots and sickness.
Special thanks for your concerns about kidnapping and overthrown governments.
Special thanks for your concerns about broken hearts when leaving these children.
Special thanks to Darryl for being supportive and loving, while hesitant.
Special thanks for being my friend, family, brother, sister and caring about what I care about.
Love, Vicki
Wow.... I'm so glad I decided to goof off while we took this picture. Who said the picture will be SMALL ? (And goofy faces won't be noticeable)
I love that word picture! What a great feeling- to have a "network" of people not so much behind, but along side for whatever life brings our way.
I'm blessed to share that same Network. And now, God has shown me an even bigger picture- glimpses of His Network.
Preparing for this trip has been incredible. From the very first email: "Wanna go on a mission trip"
(My thought: what are you CRAZY? Who has money these days?) to all of the exciting, and sometimes challenging fundraising.... which includes Mary Kay party ( who knew? thanks to the most generous Mary Kay Lady who donated 100% of her profit) and almost 20 volunteers who worked a 5 band concert one night, and donated their pay for the evening to this trip - also collecting returnable bottles and cans - as well as the generosity of friends, family and coworkers who donated online out of their kind and generous hearts.
So many people have invested in this adventure. Last week all six of us sorted all of the donated items as we prepared to inventory and pack them. There was so much stuff, we thought we may have to leave some behind... but, it all fit!
While sorting through the items, I couldn't help but think about all of you who shopped from the list, and brought things in and left them on my desk, or on my porch. You guys are incredible! And you are part of His Network that goes along with us.
( We're just the ambassadors and delivery people now. ) I'll have to ask the translators to help describe to the children that so many people in Michigan ( and in Columbus OH, and in Florida ) all sent these gifts and money so that we could come and have some special time with them.
God's Network is amazing and beyond compare! Thanks for being willing to be used by Him to accomplish his mission for this adventure.
Special thanks for using your financial abilities and gifts to bless others.
Special thanks for the time you took to shop and donate.
Special thanks for your concerns about shots and sickness.
Special thanks for your concerns about kidnapping and overthrown governments.
Special thanks for your concerns about broken hearts when leaving these children.
Special thanks to Darryl for being supportive and loving, while hesitant.
Special thanks for being my friend, family, brother, sister and caring about what I care about.
Love, Vicki
Wow.... I'm so glad I decided to goof off while we took this picture. Who said the picture will be SMALL ? (And goofy faces won't be noticeable)
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