Happy New Year!

Happy New Year! As I mentioned before, I LOVE the Christmas season…and tend to get a little down when everything comes to an end after New Year’s. But I also think the idea of a new start; a new beginning is a beautiful thing. It is the chance for new goals, mending and working on relationships, new starts with God.

It was my first Christmas without my family. I was a little worried because I knew I would be missing them, and everything about Christmas at home. (Including the snow!) The tradition here is that families get together on Christmas Eve in the evening, and at midnight head out to the streets to light off fireworks and firecrackers. After that, the families head inside for a typical dinner; usually tamales and ponche. Ponche is a famous drink around the holidays made of various fruits. The family stays up until the early hours of the morning, talking, celebrating, dancing. It is a beautiful tradition, even without any gifts. Christmas morning is quiet, since everyone has slept in from the night before! That night, there is a procession of Mary in the street, and more fireworks and street vendors selling children’s toys and typical Guatemalan food. I went with friends that evening as well.

 

I was able to talk to my family on the 25^th, and was thinking of them each moment wondering what they were all doing! From what I heard, it was a nice day for them as well. Today I officially start back working, after taking the week and a half to relax a little. I am thankful for all of these friends and their families in my life, who have become like a family to me here and made being away from home bearable around times like the holidays. God has provided me the people that I need…..as He always provides. I hope you all had a wonderful holiday and having a great start to this new year.

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!