It's Christmas Time!

It’s Christmas time! This is truly the most special time of the year; I love every part about it. The lights, the music, and the foods that are only traditional to Christmas, the parades, the idea of having family and friends together. I try my hardest to be as honest and open as possible in these blogs when I’m speaking from my heart, and so that’s why I have to admit that it is especially hard for me to be so far from home this month. I just recently Skyped with my family and they showed me the tree and decorations that they’ve put up, and it made me sentimental to think about it. Through these past few months, through the most challenging times involving my friends and the accident, I do feel as though I have a family here that is close and that I can rely on. But with that being said, there is no one like family. I am going to take advantage of every opportunity here to soak up the traditions and customs...including the "grandmothers" dancing in the streets (women who dress up as grandmothers and dance to typical music!)  I’ve had many invitations to visit homes and celebrate Christmas Eve and Christmas with; I am thankful for that!

This is one of the busiest months for me, as the school year begins in January. Half of them can register and gather materials this month, and the other half in January. It is also the most difficult months for the poorest of families. Sometimes the only reason the children cannot attend school is because they cannot afford the materials required for classes, as basic as they may be. God is amazing and smallchangeforbigchange received a $4,000 donation for whatever projects we see fit! We will be using a part of that donation to provide students in the project with what they need to attend school. We will have a distribution of these supplies at the end of this month. I am confident in the students for the coming year! We will have 3 students studying at Maximo Nivel, the intensive English language program, 2 students beginning at the University, 5 in high school, and a family of 3 in elementary/middle school. (As of right now!) I do pray, and it is from the bottom of my heart, that God uses education and the relationship between the sponsors and students to change the course of history in these children, teenager, and adult’s lives.  Thank you all for your prayers and support, I can never say that enough.

Making a Video!

Last week we were fortunate enough to have two volunteers with us in the community for the day. They are students at a University in Seattle and have been here for three months studying English. Both of them radiate God’s love and love for the people here. We had seen a video that they had put together about their volunteer work with the University here in Guatemala, and were very impressed. They then informed us that they wanted to also do one for us! Having a video is something we’ve thought of doing for a while, but have not had the chance. The girls had all of the equipment, and we spent all day Monday traveling from project to project, home to home to record what smallchangeforbigchange is all about, as well as to interview. The entire day was special because normally we don’t have the chance to be with all of our most special families and students at once! We were reminded, once again, how

important these people are to us. It is such a privilege to be used by God in this way. I most of the time feel so very inadequate and that I don’t know what it is that He has me doing here. But I am certain this is where He wants me.

Last Friday there was also a ceremony given by the municipality of the community we work in, Santa Catarina Barahona, to give a thank you to the organization and donor for providing the 50 stoves in the area. It was a humbling experience and so kind of them do it. The mayor had a small ceremony, spoke some words, and then had us speak some words as well. They gave both Lisa and I a painting and a letter of gratitude.

My friends that were involved in the stabbing have recuperated quickly, thank the Lord. Unfortunately, Daniel is still waiting for his vision back in his left eye. The doctors have not told him whether or not it is certain he will regain sight, but as of right now he has none. I believe that only a miracle from God can heal him. It is almost frustrating to know that the Lord has the power to do it, but has not done it yet. I trust His plan, but it is still painful. Please continue praying for Daniel.

Stove Installations and Luis' English Training

Well the first 25 stoves from the donation for 50 have been installed! There were 25 incredibly special families, who were blown away by the goodness of God in giving them a stove. They first all met to pick up their own blocks (12 are needed for each stove) and they took them to their homes so that they would take a part in the process. Then through the following week the rest of the stoves were installed in their homes. The purpose is not only to meet the basic needs of the people, but to also let them know that God has not forgotten about them. He meets their needs. I wish there was a way to have a daily relationship with each of these people, but since there are so many you have to cherish the time with them. It is also special to be able to spend time with each family, and learn their history and get to know each person. The next 25 are scheduled to begin within the next few weeks; starting with home visits next week.

On a different note, these past few days have been somewhat painful. Without giving a lot of details, a couple friends of mine were involved in an unwarranted accident where one was stabbed in the back, and the other was in serious condition in the hospital because of stab wounds in his stomach and to his eye. Up until today, they thought they were going to have to remove his eye. It was devastating, as you can imagine, to these families and to these young men. Life can be very cruel here, as anywhere, and truly the only answer is Christ. People will do evil things without any remorse. Please keep these two in your prayers, that God would give them healing of their bodies but also of their spirits, and not re-live these memories in their heads.

Luis Pedro, who is the teenager that takes care the aquaponic garden, has begun his English training at the school called Máximo Nivel. It is a two year intensive program, and I cannot imagine a better student for this opportunity! Not only is Luis smart, but picks up English quickly. He wants to learn English more than any other student I met. I am very grateful, as is he, to his sponsor!

Thank you always for prayers of support and of protection.

A Fall October

October was my month to be home-and I thank God for every minute of it! I came home first foremost for my cousin Alyson’s wedding. I was the maid of honor and my sister the matron of honor. It was a huge blessing to be asked to be a part of her special day, and a wonderful day full of excitement and visiting with my Dad’s side of the family. The weekend after, another friend of mine got married and I was able to attend her wedding. Her wedding was attended by some of my close friends and my sister and brother-in-law, and it made for a great night J I love weddings-they are days full of hope, and so much joy.

Apart from that, I had the chance to get some important dental work done. As I said, I was thankful to God for the opportunity to be home, and that includes even the dental work! I’m thankful that I have the chance to take care of my health; a luxury that not everyone has. Needless to say, I am very glad it’s over!

The rest of my time was spent mostly visiting with immediate family. I appreciate them. I love being able to watch my younger niece and nephew and see how much they are changing and developing. I love being with Eli, my brother, even though he doesn’t play as “normal” children do. Haley, my sister, is 13 and I can honestly say that I even love hanging out with her! She has the most genuine heart and I love watching her growing up as well. It is always special to reconnect with my parents, and my sister and brother-in-law who are four of the most important people in my life.

I had the chance to meet with a bible study from CUMC, and also to speak with sponsors. Letters were given to two families who sponsor students to go to school; expressing their gratitude. Letters are also being brought back to one of these students, encouraging him to continue on in his studies. My church has been supportive to not only me and meeting my financial needs, but also for smallchangeforbigchange. The only words I can say to these people are thank you, and I cannot thank them enough.

As I look back at these 2 ½ weeks, I can’t help but say that it hurts my heart to know that I’ll be so far from them again for so long. But I cherish these memories and no that no matter what, wherever I am, they are still my family and a part of me. I thank God for my time! God bless you all.

 

Monday Morning Blessings

It is a beautiful ritual to sit in the morning when the world is waking up with a cup of coffee and start my day. I think most people have morning rituals that help us start the day of well, especially on a day like today, which is Monday! God is good.

Smallchangeforbigchange received a large donation to install 50 stoves! Every stove and family counts, and it is not about large amounts of donations or projects. But what blows us away is the fact that someone believes in the project to send that amount, and want to help that many people and be a part of Guatemala this way. It is also perfect timing, God’s perfect timing, as the donations for these projects have been low. It is yet another confirmation that God’s hand is here and working alongside us. What a privilege.

The stove donation was supposed to start last week, but we were disappointed when we found out that the road to the stove factory is under construction, and there is no way to get through to pick up the materials. Again, we just have to trust God’s perfect timing.

On Saturday, Ana, one of our University students who will begin in January and one of my English students had me over to her house for lunch with her family to meet her Mom. It was a special afternoon; full of stories, seeing photos and the things that she owns that she is proud of. It is another privilege to build relationships with incredible people like Ana and her family, and encourage one another in faith.

Last weekend, September 15, was Guatemala’s Independence Day. The streets, in all towns of the country, were full of parades, street vendors, games, typical outfits, concerts, bombas, also known as firecrackers. Families spend the day together participating in the activities and spending time together with friends, much like our 4^th of July. I love holidays, and enjoyed being able to experience this one here along with its many traditions.

Santa Catarina Barahona 10K

I hope this new month finds you all well, and everyone enjoyed their summer. I can’t really believe it’s already September and that summer (at least at home) is over. Time goes by so quickly. As all of the students in the states are beginning their new school year, the ones here are in their last two. They finish at the end of October. Many of them are preparing for September 15, Independence Day, where they will participate in parades and activities in the communities with their schools. As I mentioned before, our two University students are now taking exams and registering for the 2014 school year. It is a very exciting time!

I have been participating in various 10K and 12K’s around the area, and ran one in Santa Catarina Barahona on Sunday. This specific race was special because it was in the community where SCFBC works. So all throughout the race, I saw the families that we’ve worked with, and those children that go to Paso a Paso project. It was also special because there was a team from smallchangeforbigchange that participated as well! We made jerseys and were able to give them to our friends who raced, and they wore them proudly. It was a difficult route, called “The Ascent” but everyone had a great time and finished!

It was an encouraging day, mainly because it was an incredible thing to be able to see everyone in the community I love all in one day. I feel blessed all of the time to be able to know such amazing people, and build relationships with them that are like no other. Our one employee, Enoc, (on left in photo) began an intensive 3 month English program at a school called Maximo Nivel. I have been teaching him English and practicing with him, but this will be every day. He will be sponsored as a student, and it will benefit him greatly in the work because he will be able to communicate more with teams and volunteers.

As always, I am grateful for the financial help that the members of CUMC have provided me. Without that support, I would not be here and am continually thankful!

Romans 8:37-39

God is amazing. Just as donations have been slower than in the past few months, a few different people have sent money for stove and chicken coop projects. It never gets old that God always comes through! I am very excited for our very first two University students. They have been waiting to study for a long time now, one of which I have mentioned before. (Ana). Both already have sponsors who are ready to begin with funds in September. One begins taking exams then, and the other will register. All of which have some costs. But their school year begins in January. I am so proud of these girls and looking forward to how God provides for each of them! Their programs are 6 years long, and I know there is a long journey ahead. But I know God has a plan and will stay with them through these years. I have extremely high hopes for their future.

At the same time, it has been a challenging day. There are two students that will no longer be in the education program for various reasons. It is difficult to tell these families this news, but after MUCH thought and prayer, I know this is what God wants. (But it doesn’t make it any easier!)

Romans 8:37-39
“No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Those are powerful words. I am astounded that even despite my weaknesses and most awful mistakes, Jesus Christ still loves me. How is that even so? It is literally unfathomable to me. But He does. I get so distressed when I feel far from Him, and know that I am the one that is distancing myself. And yet He will continue to love and forgive me, until my last day on earth. He is full of a grace that I cannot understand. It is not only my prayer to accept that grace and love and forgiveness, but to share to everyone I come in contact with.

Iowa Mission Team

This past week we had a team of four volunteers down to work with smallchangeforbigchange for 7 days. This team included Bill Shirbourn, our third board member who lives and works for us in Iowa, his daughter, and another father and son. Unfortunately the father and son had to leave early due to a death in the family, but we able to meet an incredible family that we have begun working with.

We began in Chichicastenango visiting another project for two days, then returned to work in San Antonio and the surrounding areas. They sponsored a distribution at Hermano Pedro Albergue (an orphanage for children through adults that have severe disabilities and their families

cannot take care of them. The next three days after that we installed three stoves, and constructed two chicken coops. One of the families that we were working with this week has a beautiful story. The father, nicknamed Chaps Chaps, who is 24 and never learned to read, is now putting himself through school in the evenings. He wants to gain an education to support his family better. He has a wife, and two children. Both of the children are studying. The family lives in a remote area of San Antonio, called Alta Verapaz, in a small community of family members. This family clearly loves each other very much and enjoys each other’s company. The women took the opportunity to dress me in my first typical outfit! (Called guipil and corte). This is the clothing that the women wear daily. They typically have one or two pairs only, because they are expensive outfits. They thought it was extremely entertaining!

This particular family connected with Chaps Chaps’ family so much that he will begin our sponsorship program to be supported to continue with his education. This sponsorship will encourage him to keep going and we hope provide the extra support that this family needs; and they will know that people and God care about them!

It was an excellent week, and gave us a chance to talk in person with Bill and spend time with him. He had the opportunity to meet these special people that we serve, and see the projects and how they function a little more.

Summer Home Visit

I spent the last two weeks at home with my family. I must say that it was one of the best trips home I’ve had; I was able to spend all of my time with them, with Will and Erin too. My sister, close friend and I took a two day trip to the beach, and the rest of the time was spent with the rest of the family at home. (Not to mention Catonsville’s 4^th of July celebrations, which are unbeatable!)

Each time I am with them and the time between visiting home gets longer, I realize how much more I love them. Each person has a special place in my heart, and each relationship with every member is different. I am thankful for the new relationship I feel I have with my sister, Haley. She is 13 years old, and we are able to talk in a different way than we ever have before. What is the most difficult, is seeing her, Eli (my brother), and my niece and

nephew grow up. I was able to be home for Eli’s 11^th birthday party. I know I am missing a large part of their lives, and it is painful. That is the word that most describes it. I don’t doubt that this is where God wants me now, and where He wants us always requires sacrifice, but why does it have to be so challenging? I believe that God, through all these years, has wanted most that I lean only on Him and His strength; not the strength or support of my family. That’s not to say that He doesn’t agree with them supporting me, but rather He is the ultimate strength I need.

I took the past 2 days being back in Guatemala to “readjust” and get myself in order, and today begin working again. There is a group, Bill’s group, (our third board member) coming on Saturday. They will be here for a week, and we will be working on stoves, chicken coops, and taking some of the kids from Hermano Pedro out to lunch. We are looking forward to having them here, and spending time with Bill. He is wonderful to be around because he is extremely passionate about smallchangeforbigchange! God is good.

Please continue to pray for me and the work here; especially for wisdom and peace in my heart. I thank you all always for your support!

Joy and Contentment

I want to say thank you to my church family for being so supportive and loving to my family through the 15 years that we have been at Catonsville United Methodist Church! I heard it was a beautiful party last week, my parents and siblings were overwhelmed. You all are a blessing to our lives and we are thankful that we’ve been able to spend so many years growing with you all! 

I am in the process (already) of making a list of students for the year 2014. I have been feeling the Lord pressing on my heart to work with University students, and have scholarships for those desiring to study in college. So far there are 3 students in mind, two of them have to pass exams to enter and the other I am going to meet with next week to see if she is a potential candidate. College in Guatemala is relatively expensive and for many teens who graduate, they don’t have the opportunity to go. I am praying that God leads in this direction if it is what He wants, and I know He will certainly provide the students! For those who are interested in sponsoring, we will have the option of half sponsorships, since it will be around double what a monthly sponsorship costs. Ana Garcia, (on left in the photo), is one of my English students and hoping to be in the program. She already has her sponsors lined up, and is in the process of studying for exams! She has been saving for about 4 years working at a local coffee shop to enroll and was going to continue saving money for many years to come. Say a prayer for her.

I will be coming home for 2 weeks in July! My visa expires in August and I was planning on taking a trip somewhere, and after some thought decided it would be very worth to be home and visit with family. My heart has been missing my family so very much; it always does but more recently since here has become my permanent home for the time being. I don’t have to mention again how much I love and appreciate my family; I’ve mentioned it many times before! I’ll admit, there times, especially when I see photos and videos of the younger ones, that I wonder if I am doing the right thing? In missing part of their childhoods, have I been making a mistake? After thought and prayer, I know that this is where God has me, and almost all of the time does He require some kind of sacrifice. He knows what He’s doing when He calls us to something. But He gives us JOY and CONTENTMENT through it all, and a peace in our heart that allows us to continue on, even though it may be painful. There is always reason to be thank HIM!

Obedience and Submission

I have been feeling very convicted lately. I continually find myself trying to take the control and be the one to make the decisions in my life. I know this is human nature, but I also know better; that God has the final say. 

John 15:1-5 “I am the true vine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch in me that bears no fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit, while every branch that does bear fruit He prunes so that it will be even more fruitful…No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me….apart from me, you can do NOTHING.”

Is it a question of obedience or submission? In my life, I think it’s both. Sometimes it takes everything in me to be obedient and submit to the things that the Lord wants, instead of what I think I want. According to this scripture, it is clear. Apart from Christ, we cannot do anything. He is the reason that everything works out according to His will. We must be humble in our journey because we know that it is only the Lord who is directing the steps. I am saying this as a truth I need to remember in my own life.

It is a beautiful thing when a person can hand themselves over to the Lord, and watch Him move; watch Him use that person and allow them to grow. Everything works according to His will, so why do we try so desperately to make things go our way? Whatever He does, it’s because it’s for our good and the good of His people. I commit to letting go this week and striving to give God the ultimate control, and be submissive to what He wants from me.

May Already?

I cannot believe that it is already May. Time goes by so quickly. Smallchangeforbigchange has been going through some changes, all in a positive direction. We have been analyzing which direction some of the projects are going, and really seeking the Lord and His guidance. He is faithful! In April we celebrated our year anniversary, PRAISE GOD! Lisa and I are in awe in how He has been such a part of this project and how He has confirmed His hand in it.  We also feel so unworthy to know such amazing families and be a part of this. Everything that is done here is what God allows to happen. The donations, the families we come in contact with, we truly believe are in God’s plan. Thank you to all of you, who are a part of this with us. To see the support we have on our webpage (the new one is http://smallchangeforbigchangeguatemala.com/) and on facebook blows us away! We constantly think of you all who are connected. Our only wish is that you could meet these incredible people.

I just finished an English class with Luis Pedro, who is also the one who is taking care of the Aquaponic garden. He is 17 years old and works with his father who has a furniture business. He is very dynamic, and loves being the one in charge of this project. As of right now, there are 20 tilapia in the pond part of the garden, and planted (and growing!) are spinach, celery, lettuce, and are going to plant tomatoes. As this is the prototype, we are still learning more and more about what works and doesn’t work. (In the beginning we had used unfiltered water and the fish died). We started with a small amount to see how it would go. The tank can hold up to 200 tilapia! It is an exciting project, and we are interested to see how it continues to grow.

 

 

 

God Is In Control

It has been a very up and down past couple weeks, but mostly up. One of my closest friends, Gabie, came down to visit me; having her here was a piece of home! She brought us some dark chocolate with sea salt, vanilla flavored coffee, and a coffee grinder that my parents sent down for us….my Mom and I have a thing about freshly ground coffee J  I was so thankful to be able to spend time with her to show her the projects and all of the wonderful people and places that make my life so incredibly blessed! It makes me thankful once again also to know that I have such great relationships even still from home.

I have been spending more time teaching English. Since my focus here and with smallchange4bigchange is education, I have also begun a couple more English classes. One is with one of our contact families in Santa Catarina Barahona. Two students are sponsored by members of my home church, Samuel and Joselyn, and the others are part of the family we work with. I was also able to reserve a classroom in the Municipality building in a town called San Antonio where I hope to begin with some of the teens from the families we work with and possibly some workers in Municipality. The idea of providing someone more opportunity through English is exciting!

I also had my first English class with the kids from Paso A Paso project. The boys and girls (ages 10-13) have separate classrooms. I started on Monday and had them at the same time, so I went back and forth between rooms. This Monday I will have the girls first then the boys at different times. This project is special and these kids and teens feel that it is a place to come to where it is safe and they have a good time and are cared for. We also have the resources to help with their lunch program, which was at risk of being discontinued because of lack of funds. We are thankful to the sponsors who are giving money to support them so that they can provide these children lunch each day!

This past week has also been filled with some personal trials, and through it all I am reminded that God has control and I have to let go and allow Him to be the one who moves. If His hand is at work, there is nothing that can stop Him!

First CUMC Mission Team!

I can’t believe how quickly once again time goes. The CUMC mission team was here for 8 days, and just left yesterday morning. It was such a blessing to have people that I know and care about here to learn more about smallchange4bigchange and what projects and work we are involved in. They arrived Sunday afternoon, the 17^th, and since the processions for holy week were starting spent an hour to get from just one end of town to the next! During their time here the sponsored and helped install two stoves, and a chicken coop. We attended a birthday party for a project we have just recently found called Paso A Paso. Paso A Paso (Step by Step) is an after school program for children ages 3 to 12. They come for lunch and stay for 2 hours to play, learn, and have a place to go. They have bible lessons, the girls have cooking lessons and the boys are being taught vocational skills such as carpentry. It is the project of the stove factory that we use (Marco Tulio) and his wife (Ana Luisa). There are only two woman who are in charge, one is a hired teacher and the other, Ana Luisa, who is a volunteer. There are now 74 children who attend. Smallchange4bigchange will be more involved in this project, details to come! The CUMC team did a “healthy” activity with the children, making ants on a log with peanut butter, raisins, and celery and gave them apples and yogurt with sprinkles. We explained to them the importance of eating healthy foods.

They were able to meet two of our sponsored children, those two who have sponsored back at church! One of them had sent a package of hair supplies, nailpolish, markers and other items for her and her sisters. It was very special!

They also spent the day visiting gardens; one in Alotenango, a community garden with 60 women who are learning how to take care of plants and more about agriculture, and the prototype aquaponic garden that one of my English students is taking care of. That garden is a work in progress, and we have just put a set of tilapia to start.

It was hard to see them go, I told them to give my Dad a hug for me! I look forward to having another team from our church possibly in the fall.

Costa Rica and Great News!

Good morning!

It feels good to be home back in Guatemala, and getting back into a routine. The trip to Costa Rica went very well. It was a group of almost 50 people, amazing people, mostly all from Catonsville United Methodist Church. It was really nice to see all of the familiar faces that I hadn’t seen in a year and had such friendships with. There were construction projects at two different peoples’ homes, one to paint their inside walls and make cupboards and the other to mix and pour a cement floor for their home. There were various projects around the camp, as they are always hosting teams and groups for trips and retreats. We had Vacation Bible School in three different locations, but were very thankful to be able to return back to El Mirador! We have been doing projects and VBS there for 12 consecutive years now, and have watched many of the kids grow up. Some of the children are now teenagers, and some of the teenagers are now young adults. It has been an interesting process to watch because some of them have stayed with the church and continued growing in their faith, and others do not want anything to do with God or the local church. Some have found themselves in problems. But it has become a beautiful relationship with the ticos and the group from CUMC in El Mirador.

In other good news: smallchange4bigchange officially has a car! A few people were gracious enough to donate money specifically for a car. We have been looking for a couple weeks and found one that we just felt right about. The owner and his father had taken very good care of it for years, and it is in great condition. It is a 2002 Mazda. Lisa picked it up yesterday. It will be a huge blessing to be able to haul all of our materials to the sites and homes, as well as drive to the places that are either far or difficult to get to instead of taking a bus and tuk-tuks (smaller forms of taxis). God has showered us with blessings and we can’t hardly believe that we now have this pick-up in our possession! Incredible! All praise to God because He is the ONLY one that provides us with these gifts.

The CUMC mission team is official for March 17-25! I was stunned to hear they had bought tickets and a team of 5 came together so quickly. I am looking forward to it! Within the next couple weeks we’ll be making plans for them, making accommodations and working back and forth with the leader to make sure everything will fall into place.

God has blown my mind in the way He has been providing and working in this year of 2013, and I am filled with gratitude when I think on the fact that He lets me be a part of HIS work.

February Update

Hola!

I hope this blog finds you all well. God has been hard at work here, and helping Lisa and I as we continue to find out which direction He wants us to go with smallchange4bigchange. I am in charge of education (student sponsorships and English classes) and Lisa is heading up garden projects, sustainable stoves, and chicken coops. This month, Mateo officially resigned as a board of director. He made this decision because his heart is using his hands to build and work more in that way instead of being part of the administration. It is incredible because each of us is passionate about the areas we are in in charge of; really we believe the Lord put those things on all of our hearts so that we can function this way. Our first chicken coop was built and put in with a team from Iowa and Mateo. They now have 4 chickens that are laying eggs, and the family is extremely excited. We are anticipating success with this program, since the families can either sell the eggs or eat them. When a project is economically beneficial or provides families with more food, it is usually successful.

January was a rush to get them all registered as all classes started classes began then. If the student is not registered and starting by February, they do not have the opportunity to begin until the following year. I am proud of the students that are in the program; all of them are eager to study and are taking the initiative to do their part. A few of the students are older, ages 18, 19, and 23. They never graduated, but understand that in order to have more opportunities in their future they must finish. It is also exciting because they are figuring out what their interests are, and what subjects they are good at. I am so proud of these students, and I'm grateful to all of the groups and families who have chosen to sponsor them.

This Friday I will be leaving for CUMC’s annual trip to Costa Rica! I’m looking forward to visiting with all of the amazing team that is a part of this experience, and of course to see my Dad and sister, Haley, and my cousins. We never know what types of projects will be planned or what God has in store, but He never ceases to amaze. Pray for all of our safety in travels and in work, and that the Lord’s will be done!

First Mission Team

It has certainly been a very exciting past couple of weeks, as our work is back into full-swing. I have almost finished with school visits with the parents of the students we have in the sponsorship program. Each visit has gone very with, with directors and teachers who are willing to collaborate and work together with us to make sure that each student and their families are doing their part. We also have a new addition, his name is Berni. He is 23 years old but never finished school. Through other sponsors, he had studied for one year to become an electrician, and now works during the day. He has been eager to study again and finish regular schooling, and got in touch with me to see if we had the resources to help him. He is one of our most excited students and will be studying on the weekends. He says that this is a true answer to prayer and that he knows it is a gift from God.

We also had the opportunity to host our very first mission team for smallchange4bigchange! It was a group of 4 that came from Salt Lake City, Utah, where Lisa is from. They are four Christians who in different stages of life left the Mormon church. Their stories are fascinating, and each of them has truly come to the realization of the Truth and of who Christ is. For some of them, they almost or already have lost their relationships with their family members due to their new beliefs, but they understand it is for the sake of the Lord. Their faith and strength was inspiring and it was a huge blessing to have them here with us! They paid for and installed 3 stoves, and were able to visit Hermano Pedro Orphanage and take the children out to lunch. They made some real connections with some of the members of these families, and hope to come back to continue that relationship. God moved their hearts this week and they saw the needs of people here in Guatemala, and want to continue to provide resources. God is so much bigger than we realize, we forget that everything, like money, is His in the first place.

Catonsville United Methodist Church (my home church) is planning a trip to work here for a week in March. If you are from that area and interested in this trip, please let me know and I will pass your information along to the team leader. God is good and if it is in His plan, this team will be able to work during that time. Praise Him!

Happy New Year!

There is something  new years that are exciting. I’m sure I said the same thing last year, but it really is a special time. I’m always ready to begin again, after so many mistakes and lessons, after so much grace from God. I like to make new decisions and plans for the year, as well as look back on the past one and everything  that happened. I truly cannot believe how God has worked, and there is no greater place than knowing that God has me right where He wants me. He confirms that to me every day. I am unworthy in every way, especially to be used by Him. It blows my mind that the Lord takes such good care of me when I don’t go His way. He still works out my paths. Sometimes my heart wells up with joy and delight  when I think about everything He has planned and what He is doing here!

I could not have had a better time with my family over the holidays. It was wonderful to not have a schedule and be able to simply spend time with the ones I love. I love seeing my niece and nephew and how they’ve changed; my nephew now in kindergarten and writing letters and my niece using sentences and being able to communicate her needs; how my brother has new quirks along with the old ones! My sister, Haley, is almost a teenager but has the most beautiful spirit. Some of my most special times are when I can sit down with my parents and talk to them face to face, about everything going on in all of our lives. Without their support, I wouldn’t have the strength to do this and be away from them. Knowing they are always there backing up my life choices makes all of the difference. My sister, Julie, is my best friend. There is no relationship with anyone like I have with her. When we’re together after so many months of being apart, it’s as though I had never been away! I love spending time with her husband, who I can safely say is one of my best friends too. I could go on and on talking about them and how much they all mean to me. I am so grateful that someone paid for my ticket home to be with them. 

We have had various donations since the beginning of 2013, and it looks as though it will be enough for many projects and student sponsorships. Matt comes back today, and we will have a meeting on Sunday to plan out the work. At this point, there is much to do and we 3 will be in charge of separate projects. It took a couple days to get back into the swing of things, but we began this week by visiting some homes and contacts. The most important for the beginning of this month is making sure all of the students are inscripted in classes and will have uniforms and materials for the beginning of the school year.


Thank you all always for your support, I will continue to keep you updated on what is happening!