Feliz Navidad: Christ is come

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,
 “Glory to God in the highest heaven,
  and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”
Luke 2:8-14

Feliz Navidad a todos!

En esa misma región había unos pastores que pasaban la noche en el campo, turnándose para cuidar sus rebaños. Sucedió que un ángel del Señor se les apareció. La gloria del Señor los envolvió en su luz, y se llenaron de temor. Pero el ángel les dijo: No tengan miedo. Miren que les traigo buenas noticias que serán motivo de mucha alegría para todo el pueblo. Hoy les ha nacido en la ciudad de David un Salvador, que es Cristo el Señor. Esto les servirá de señal: Encontrarán a un niño envuelto en pañales y acostado en un pesebre.

 De repente apareció una multitud de ángeles del cielo, que alababan a Dios y decían:

  "Gloria a Dios en las alturas, 

   y en la tierra paz a los que gozan de su buena voluntad."

Lucas 2:8-14

Merry Christmas to you and yours!

http://youtu.be/MyRzsX6c8V8
You Are The Light

A visit and an event

I had 2 visitors at the beginning of the month and I was quite excited to see them! PCBC's Missions Minister, Brandon Boyd, and the leader of the Guatemala committee, Randy Perry, came to visit me and to consult with ministry partners. It was so nice to see familiar faces! They had a lot to do in 2 days. They picked me up early the first day with some members of the staff of Buckner International and we drove through Antigua to Jocotenango to visit the Community Transformation Center that we partner with there. It has medical care, social workers, computer classes, and job skills training, with the goal being to strengthen the family unit as a whole. Next we drove up the mountain to Alotenango to see the satellite site where they are offering care to even more people from the community. We returned to Antigua for a great lunch and then drove back to the city and discussed plans for the following day. On that day we visited various ministry sites in the city and also ate lunch with the Glicks, my CAM missionary contacts. I enjoyed the fact that people on both sides of my mission were getting to meet each other and discuss the needs in Guatemala.

Another happy part of their visit was that they brought 2 bags with them that I packed before I left! I only brought 2 suitcases when I first arrived and it sure didn't seem like much when I unpacked them in my apartment. I am thankful to have more clothes and shoes and toiletries that are expensive to buy here. And my mom threw in some goodies like a can of pumpkin and Hershey's cocoa! It's the little things that make it feel like home, right?

The following Friday I participated in a large event with a ministry here called The Potter's House, or Casa del Alfarero. My good friend Berta works there and invited me to participate.Their office is right next to the city dump here, which is about the size of 12 football fields, and hundreds of people sift through the trash to find items to sell and to recycle, making about $2 per day. The goal of their programs is to remind the people that they are not trash, they are God's treasures, and to holistically help them towards a better future. This was one of 2 big events they are having during the Christmas season and took about 3 months of planning and donations. I arrived at 7:30am and was promptly placed in the back of a pick up truck and driven into the dump. I had visited nearby before, but Potter's House is one of few organizations granted permission to enter. We were dropped off in the canyon-like pit next to stacks and stacks of old cars and a huge mound of presidential campaign signs. Ironic how important those were just a month ago, and now they lie there in a torn-up heap. The organization had set up hundreds of folding chairs, a make-shift stage, and an area of tables for food.

My first task was to help unload 1200 bags of 'vivires', or food staples, from vans and pick ups. They were wrapped in brightly colored red and green bags and tied with string. Inside were beans, rice, sugar, etc. Next we counted and organized the snack for the day - a sandwich, pastry, and juicebox. There were just under 100 volunteers; I believe I was the only norteamericana. Soon the workers began to come and sit in the plastic chairs as the CDA staff ran around finishing the details. A preacher from a nearby church gave the message for the day - like I said, that they are treasures in God's eyes, not trash, and that he loves them no matter where they are. As I counted sandwiches, I wondered when the last time was that many of them had heard that message. He reminded them of the real meaning of Christmas, that we have a savior that came to earth to die for all of us, before we were even born. Afterwards he invited them to the front to pray. Many came forward and many cried as the CDA staff surrounded them. It was our turn next. The workers made two lines with the help of the staff and we handed each person a snack and a bag of goods, saying "Dios te bendiga y feliz navidad" - God bless you and merry Christmas. And they hurried over the hill back to their jobs - many afraid to miss an hour of work because time is money in the dump as it is everywhere else. When all was said and done, over 1100 people were served that day, just under the number that they had prepared for. I'm grateful to the Lord for His provisions.

I stayed afterwards for lunch with my friend and her co-workers. It was a blessing to listen to them discuss the fruit of their labor and how each one was impacted differently by the events of the day, whether in front or behind the scenes. For me, it was such a reminder of how we are called to love our neighbor and of the hope that comes only through Christ. Without CDA, those families wouldn't have that bag of food. They wouldn't have been reminded that God loves them and that the people of CDA do too. And they certainly wouldn't have heard the message that they are valued in the eyes of Christ, even if often they are not in the eyes of the world. I pray that you and I remember, in the Christmas season and beyond, that "God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us"(Romans 5:8). All of us. That's the message of the season, that kind of love. And I pray that we all take the time to pass it on.

Cristo ha venido! Christ has come!

John 13:34-35

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

(Photos compliments of Casa del Alfarero)

Escuelita Biblica

I have been attending a CAM church here in nearby Mixco, called Camino de Vida (the way of life). The people that I have met there are so genuine and were so welcoming from the start. And yes, the whole service is in Spanish. So great that I can attend and understand now, I am very thankful for that.

A couple of weeks ago they held their annual Escuelita Biblica, or Vacation Bible School, because school vacations here are in November and December, with the new school year beginning in January. I was grateful to be asked to participate, and the timing was perfect, as it began in the afternoon after my Spanish classes were over. The church is in the middle of a neighborhood, and I loved the idea that the children who lived in the surrounding area could attend even if they weren't church members.

The church had such a great curriculum that they were using - each day was a letter of the word "Jesus" and stood for a word that describes the character of Jesus, such as justice, friendship, service, etc. Each day also had a memory verse and a Bible story about Jesus that were the focus of the day. It was so great to watch the church staff pour into the kids and be a small part of what they were doing. Mostly I was the teacher's aide for the class of 4-7 year olds. They were all super cute (and energetic) and I enjoyed getting to know them and encouraging them daily.

On Saturday the church had an activity where they invited all of the families of the children to come and see a performance and hear what the children had been learning throughout the week. Then we took the children downstairs for a mini-celebration while the gospel was presented to the parents upstairs. A friend of mine's mom accepted Christ as her savior for the first time! It is amazing to me that the Lord can use VBS to call even parents to himself. What a great week. I pray that the seeds that were planted will continue to grow and that the children will continue to have people in their lives who remind them of God's great love for them.

I loved spending the week loving on God's children and am praying for continued opportunities to do so here. There are so many people who need to hear the message of a love that's unconditional. Please pray that I am able to continue to bring that message and for hearts to be receptive to receiving it.

John 15:15-17
I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other.

Día de Acción de Gracias...a little late

First let me say sorry for being that girl that asks you to read her blog and then doesn't update it when she actually begins to have stuff going on. I never liked that girl and I'm sure you don't either. I will try not to be her anymore....

That to say, I spent my first Thanksgiving Day in a Latin country a couple of weeks ago. I really was thankful that the other CAM missionaries in the area had planned a potluck lunch, so that maybe I wouldn't miss my mom's dressing and my sister's sweet potatoes too much.

I made my traditional green chile corn casserole, only I could only find canned roasted red chiles here. My Spanish teacher asked why I didn't just roast and dice the green ones myself. I laughed as I lined up the cans of chiles and corn on the counter. The only other ingredients are a LOT of cream cheese and butter....mmmm. Of course I ran out of gas for the stove the night before Thanksgiving, so I made a 7 am phone call to the truck that brings it. It turned out well, but I had made a large portion and it took quite awhile to cook in the gas oven.

We went to the Henriques' home - they have been missionaries in Guate for over 40 years and live near the Glicks. They have a beautiful home, perfect for a large gathering.

I was excited because a few CAM families who live outside of the city came in for the meal, and I got to meet some more people serving down here. And, as a bonus, they all have really cute kids!

There was plenty of turkey and sides to go around and even more dessert. We had a time of prayer and they even sang some hymns of thanks. What a great day to remember how blessed we are and the One who has given us more than we could ever deserve. That was even more obvious to me this year than usual - here I am reminded daily, almost hourly, that I have been given so much, and therefore have more than enough to share...

I finished the day by Skyping with my family who was gathered at my parents' house for dinner. I am very thankful for all of them and for their love and support while I'm away.

The idea of Thanksgiving Day actually seems to be catching on down here - I heard from a lot of people that schools and families here are starting to choose to celebrate the day as one of service and gratefulness. Not a bad idea.

Psalm 118:1
Give thanks to the LORD, for he is good; his love endures forever. 

Let me check my calendar...

That's a joke that I've been making here when someone asks what my plans are or if I can do something, "Let me check my calendar...". It's a joke because my calendar is blank, which probably hasn't happened since I was 4. I have tried to explain to a couple of people here about the North Dallas way of life - if you aren't overbooked, you aren't living. I know Dr. Denison used to preach on that subject often since it was so prevalent in our church. It has been quite a learning experience to just slow down and enjoy each moment as it comes. It hasn't been the easiest adjustment not having a schedule of activities or a list of friends to call, but the Lord is already providing. And I know the idea is to actually "Be Still" once and while...I'm learning.

Last week I was invited to a ballet recital by the Stewarts, other CAM missionaries here. I didn't know the girls in it or where it was, but who am I to turn down an invitation these days, and I had taken years of dance, so I was sure that I would enjoy it. I met up with them to carpool and it turned out it was being held at the National Theater in the center of the capital! It was a story ballet with characters and songs from various popular ballets. I was very glad that I went!

Outside of theater

Theater lobby

I had my first meeting at CAG, the school for missionary children, and was invited to a Bible study for ladies who work there. I attended on Monday night and they are studying the book of Esther. It was great to meet some of the people that I will be working with and fellowship with them too. That night I was invited to a dinner that happens every Wednesday night with some of the younger teachers and is given by a missionary wife here in her beautiful home. We had salad, enchiladas, and chocolate chip cake, and I got to meet some more girls from CAG. I was even more thankful that I attended that one! Now I know why the girls said they look forward to Wednesdays so much...I am very grateful for people trying to make my adjustment here an easier one.

I actually had an uninvited guest when I returned home Saturday night - a scorpion crawled out from behind my armoire. I may or may not have screamed, the only witness is no longer living. I sprayed it with roach spray and then hit it with my dust pan and threw it out into the garden. Funny now, yes... It is for sure the first one I've ever seen alive, even after 10+ years of summer camp, and I was not impressed. I talked to my landlord the next day and 24 hours later there was an exterminator at my door. I had to leave for the afternoon, but hopefully I have returned to a scorpion- and freakishly large spider-free home for the next two months.

yo lo maté!

Sunday held the final round of elections for the next president of Guatemala. Things were calm overall, which is a blessing for this country. Otto Pérez Molina, a retired military general, came out on top. It remains to be seen what will happen; I heard him called "el menos peor"- literally "the least worst" - multiple times. Please pray for the future of Guatemala as it changes hands next year.

And lastly, my parents bought plane tickets to visit me in January!! I'm so excited and I know that I will be so ready to see them after missing them over the holidays!! :)

"Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.” Jeremiah 29:7

Español todo el día

"Repite: imprimido" "Imprimido" "No, repite: IMprimido" "Imprimido" "No, eschuche: imprimido" .... there is a 30 second glimpse into the Spanish lessons that I've been having for almost 4 weeks now. I'm *pretty* sure that I repeat exactly what my teacher says, but she doesn't always seem to agree... We've made a lot of progress in these weeks and I'm happy to be able to express myself more clearly - in the past I knew that I was saying things incorrectly, but I didn't know how to phrase them. I still have a long way to go, especially with vocabulary, but I am pleased with the progress we're making and thankful for the opportunity to study so intensely - if it makes ministry here at all easier, it will have been well worth it. I have Spanish tutoring at my house from 8-12, then I usually go for a walk or run, eat lunch, then study again. Lately I've been going to a nearby coffee shop, Cafe San Lucas, to study - it has a bright, open space and a great, cheap latte - which clearly makes studying easier, and more productive. And I just like getting out of my little casita after being cooped up all morning.

Speaking of getting out of the house, I've been trying to drive more places than the Glick's house (a few blocks up the main road) and the grocery store down the block. I drove to Oscar's church, which is about 15 minutes away in Mixco, and then to the nearby mall, Eskala, which also connects to Wal-mart. It is kind of an ordeal because you have to park in a parking garage and pay to get your parking pass stamped, but since I had been before, it went smoothly, and I felt a sense of accomplishment when I returned home with my purchases. I had been in the mood to cook but am not a fan of my gas stove, so I was thinking of a recipe that you don't have to bake, and I came up with Oreo Balls! I was glad to find actual Baker's Chocolate at the Walmart. They came out perfectly and I was happy to share them with the Glicks and with my teacher, none of whom had tried them before!

Oscar, Maria, and I at church

Yum!

Tuesday, November 1st, Guatemalans celebrated All Saints Day. The night before, many spend the night in the cemeteries to pay tribute to family that has passed on, then on the holiday they eat a traditional dish called fiambre and fly kites. I got to try some of the fiambre from a friend of Oscar's - it was good, but interesting...it is kind of a big salad full of TONS of vegetables and meats....and too many beets for my taste. Here is a photo from the internet:

I got to experience a little of the kite-flying too when Oscar helped the neighbor kids make some the next day. They are called 'barriletes' here and are so pretty and fun to fly! There is also a huge kite festival nearby that I found out about too late but wish I could have seen - they make giant kites from tissue paper to represent their heritage. Here is a cool video I found of what goes on there: http://youtu.be/yRjep86xmic . 

Neighbor kids on the roof with barriletes

Oscar took this one. I stayed on the ground.

Each day is a new experience and I'm trying to maximize it all. 

Psalm 118:24

This is the day the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.

Feliz cumpleaños a mí!

Saturday I had my first Guatemalan birthday!! It was pretty strange not being at home with Dallas friends and family, but my friends here made the day memorable.

My good friend Berta, who I met through my trips with Buckner International, picked me up for lunch. We went to Los Cebollines - a Guatemalan version of Mexican food. Lots of people like to go there for birthdays for the following reason:

They sing and make you wear a sombrero. Yep. We had a really nice time and it was so great to catch up with my sweet friend - she really helped to make it a special day.

That afternoon was a big Harvest Festival at Maria's school and she was working there at the cafe. So I met up with Sandi and we took her friend/housekeeper Susana and her boys over to the school. It was pirate-themed and they had gone all out with the decorations. I saw some other CAM people there including the Selfs - their kids were an Auburn football player and a ladybug - too cute. We wandered around and watched the kids play games and had some great outdoor-grilled hamburgers, not too common around here. Maria continued to work hard and we returned home.

Sandi made a carrot cake with sprinkles for my birthday! Oscar sang happy birthday with his guitar - so fun - and then we all had cake (delicious!) and watched a movie. When Maria came home, I opened the presents that they had gotten for me. It was all so thoughtful!!

I am so grateful for everyone who wished me happy birthday in a message or an email - it means a lot when spending it so far from home. It was a great day and I am thankful for everyone who took the time to make it so.

Psalm 9:1-2
I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart;
I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. 
I will be glad and rejoice in you;
I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High. 

The day to day

So I am slowly figuring out my routine here. Spanish in the mornings, spanish homework and errands in the afternoon, and, recently, after that, Rangers games at night. Oh and some cleaning, cooking, and Skype in there too. Here is some of what I've been up to lately...

Last Friday Maria got out of school early after a half-day, so she, Sandi, and I walked to the nearby shopping center to eat at our favorite taco stand, get at few things at the supermarket, and have some ice cream at Sarita. It was a gorgeous day and so nice to just sit and chat and enjoy the afternoon without a schedule. Especially after 4-hours of spanish tutoring....That evening we played some games (Maria's favorite activity) then I went home early to Skype with my parents and head to bed because it had been an eventful week.

Saturday I caught up with my sister Whitney in Skype; it is so great to be able to keep up that way. I miss my family and friends from home a lot these days! Then I cleaned and studied some spanish. After that I got ready to go with Mike to a quinceañera at the children's home where he often ministers. The 'tias', or caretakers, help put it on. It was fun to see such a cute girl in her beautiful dress - she danced and then we ate dinner and then everyone danced and they had cake. It was also nice to spend a little time with some of the youth that Mike works with regularly. They are very sweet!

Violeta

New friends

Maria y yo

I went to church with Oscar again on Sunday, this time trying to remember the route so that I can drive myself sometime soon. The music was wonderful again - I love when they sing spanish versions of praise songs that I know from church at home. The congregation had a special time of prayer for a family who had not been there the week before due to the loss of their home during the terrible rains. The pastor prayed that the Lord would open doors for a new home for them - please pray for that too. It is already hard enough to make a living here and there are not many resources for those who lose everything. Pray for their peace and provision.

On Monday, Jordan and Hannah Self invited me to their home to watch the Rangers game. It was so fun to eat with them and their 2 precious kiddos. And really nice when you only know about 10 people in this city! It was encouraging to hear about their heart for the city and specifically Jordan's heart for youth. And that night was a win for the Rangers so all the more to celebrate...since I couldn't have known what was coming :(. I am still proud of my team!!

On Tuesday, I attended Sandi's Bible study again with the housekeepers from the area. Only this time one of them brought her baby! She was so, so adorable and I must say quite the distraction from the spanish sermon going on in the living room. I did not mind watching her. Que linda!!!

K the last image that I will leave you with is from Thursday. It doesn't need much explanation, except that this is the corner of my casa by my desk, and it has in no manner been altered. Oh Guatemala.

Psalm 4:8
In peace I will lie down and sleep, 
for you alone, LORD,
make me dwell in safety. 

Poco a poco

Poco a poco. I think this has been said to me about 50 times since I arrived. It means "little by little" and it is everyone's response (especially my spanish teacher) when I say I can't do something or don't understand something here. I think I better get used to "poco a poco" sooner than later.

So I'm also a little behind on this blog. Last week I moved into my 'casita' - it is a little backhouse behind some teachers who work at the school Maria attends, CAG.

 It's very nice and has everything I need - it's just all in one room ;) New things for me: tin roof, gas stove/oven, no a/c or heat, buying purified water in 5 gallon jugs, using said water for coffee, lemonade, brushing teeth, etc., washing dishes without a machine or disposal, hang drying my clothes, showering with a mechanism that heats as it pours (kinda), fruit falling on my roof from the trees above. Making Snickerdoodles in a gas oven at this altitude proved interesting....Don't get me wrong, I am for sure thankful for such a nice place, I know full well that it's a blessing just to have a roof... It's just that this north Dallas girl has some learning to do. I also really missed my family and friends the first couple of nights living alone here, but that was to be expected. I'm becoming more used to it each day, and it is for sure a comfort to know that I am never actually alone.

View from the roof

The owners like plants

Alot

 I began my Spanish lessons last week. A friend of Mike and Sandi's comes to my house 4 hours a day, 5 days a week. Goodness. It's interesting how this type of intensive studying just shows you how much you are lacking. But I am enjoying it and feeling more comfortable talking to people I don't know, so I know that it is already helping. I know it is just the means to an end - vale la pena, it will be worth it. I also have homework each night that I may or may not always complete as assigned...especially if the Rangers are playing.

Last week was also great because the rain stopped and the sun came out - gracias a Dios! So many families were affected by the storms and more rain would only impede those who are helping. It is also the beginning of a time of cold weather here for a couple months - I know the 50s doesn't sound bad, but when no one has heaters, you feel it! Very thankful for my fleece pajamas these days.

I also have been going to the Glicks to watch the Rangers games or listening to them on ESPN radio on my computer - I am so proud! Can't wait for that final win!!

So, definitely a week of firsts, and I am still learning. And I am becoming ever more thankful for divine comfort and patience. Poco a poco.

Hebrews 4
15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.