Day 4 at VOH

Drum roll…

Okay, so Andy Senft here, otherwise known as Concierge Grande. Brandon and I both thought before we came that Village of Hope is only about the children. But in reality it is much more than that. VOH employs about 35 people, and as a result supports the community around them. Jobs are very hard to come by and the people are very grateful for a steady paycheck. I discussed that with Todd and the impact that VOH has had on the community. He hopes to continue building those relationships. That is why the people we visited in the community all care for each other. Todd is amazing, because he dreams big. He knows we serve a large God and anything is possible, it is reflected in the all the things that have been accomplished in a very short time. He looks for ways to do improvements to save money so they can do more than pay bills. He hopes to bring a team of men to install solar panels on the salon (meeting room) to cut down on electrical costs.

-Andy

Answer to Yesterday’s Riddle

Give 4 kids an apple and give the 5th kid the apple in the basket. 

Bonus Riddle Answer: The word “incorrectly”…

Today’s Riddle

An apple tree has apples on it. But after a strong wind blew, apples were not on the tree, and apples were not on the ground. How can that be?

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Thoughts from our day...

I have had the privilege of taking care of the four children in Casa 4 in the mornings while the nannies are at parenting classes. I have enjoyed getting to know them better. One of the sweet things that I have seen in the children is that they are willing to help one another. One of the boys from another casa started crying after his parents left. In the casa that I was in there was a three year old named Rubi who held the boy's hand until he stopped crying and continued to hold his hand as long as he wanted her to. She has taken care of him every day that he has cried, and it is so neat to see the spirit of helpfulness already taking root in this little girl’s life. ~Kelsey

Today was another amazing day at VOH. After a light breakfast, we headed to a nearby neighborhood to visit with a few families that have become dear friends of the Blocks and VOH. These families struggle in their poverty, to provide adequate food and health care for themselves and their children. Ronald was our driver today, so we all piled in the van and headed out to our first family: mom Paula and daughter Natalie. Amy and Addy Block informed us that this family was the newest addition to the group of several families in this impoverished neighborhood that VOH has come along side to regularly visit, to provide supplemental food and medicine. Paula accepted the lice medicine (a dollop of jelly medicine on a graham cracker) for her daughter, and then asked that we pray for their health and provision. We prayed for them, and then we walked down the hill to Yessica's house where we were greeted with her beautiful, contagious smile. Her mom, sisters, and nieces were there with her, and in fact, they were all smiling and very happy to see us. We were encouraged to hear that her father had just obtained a temporary job doing masonry work for their neighbor. We gave the jelly crackers to everyone. Amy showed us the concrete curb at the entrance of their small dirt floored home as this was installed by VOH to keep rain water from flooding their house during the frequent downpours. Amy also showed us a couple of other things that VOH has provided, a new masonry block wood cooking stove and the wheelchair for Yessica, who we think has cerebral palsy. Confined to a wheelchair and being non-verbal, she has spent almost all of her life in the dirt lot where she greeted us today. Her parents have loved her, and that is evident in spite of their limited resources. Her smile is big and beautiful and evidence of God's great love for her, and it was a privilege to visit with her today. Then we visited single dad Rolando who has sacrificed much for his children and mother, and after we prayed for him he expressed his gratitude for the groceries and medicine. The last family we met with was a mom with her young daughter who was quite sick. We prayed to our gracious Father for this little one, and Amy was going to check in later on the girl. Visiting these families really is humbling. To see the joy on the faces of these living in great poverty is a lesson in keeping priorities in order. In 2 Corinthians 12: 9,10 we hear how God encourages Paul in his trials, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” Paul goes on to say “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. That is why for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” Our strength is not in our paycheck, our health, “stability”, or our own abilities; our strength is in the Lord!

-Rafe

The team worked on various small projects around the campus: Some did some painting of an office room while others helped watch the children while Marcella taught the parenting classes. A few sanded the adirondack-style chairs in preparation of re-finishing. Brandon worked on some computer improvements. All in all it was a busy day of crossing off a lot of things on the to-do list.

After lunch it was time for the painting of the pillowcases started yesterday. The kids obviously enjoyed using their creativity as we see dozens of brightly colored pillowcases hanging from clotheslines, over chairs, and on the grass. The final unveiling will be tomorrow after the glue is washed away from the fabric.

Following the usual soccer game after the craft time, we had an excellent tamale dinner, some down time to relax, and time of devotions. It was actually a day of some planned activities and some unplanned, but at the end we are exhausted and looking forward to a good night’s sleep.

~Neil & Christine

Day 3 at VOH - Tuesday

Who is Concierge Grande (aka CG)?

Ok, so we did receive some guesses, but no correct ones yet. Not sure how many guesses you get. I think we will give others a chance to submit their guesses for maybe one more day, but no pressure to send us your guess...


Best caption for the photo of Suzanne thus far: "Hokey Pokey?" Any more?
Bonus easy riddle:

Yesterday’s riddle
For those who are anxiously waiting for the answer to yesterday’s riddle, the answer is "meat." Ha-

Today’s riddle (hopefully more difficult per Mark's request!)
A basket has 5 apples. How do you divide them among 5 kids so each kid has an apple and one stays in the basket?

What word in the dictionary is spelled incorrectly?

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This morning the teams divided up into groups and worked on many projects. Some of us took care of the little ones so the House Parents and nannies could once again attend Parenting Classes. Marcella taught today and we heard that she did a great job and that there was good discussion in the class.

Suzy and the young boys continued planting in the large planter boxes. Brandon joined Todd in the office to update the computers. And the guys were once again in the work shop.

Neil said he was glad to report that the guys completed 4 boxes (with no injuries). With a whole day's worth of experience under our belt, it was a bit easier today. Finished planters were driven up the hill on the top of the van and are waiting to see where they will be installed along the fence.

Brandon and Andy leading game time in the afternoon in the new sport court

Soccer game started at the end of game time

"Todd, Director of VOH, had our team and staff take on the VOH kids in soccer.  Christine turned out to be a rock on defense and Edd was an amazing goalie.  We actually did win, though the kids' footwork and team play far outshone us.  The game was called on account of a bloody nose and dinner.  We do have our priorities!

"We had an amazing lunch on our trip to Chituc today.  The Blocks work with these women so they can earn money by providing a delicious meal for the teams at VOH.  One gal has been able to use her experience there to qualify for a job at a cafe in San Lucas.  As we walked home, a woman called to us and asked us to pray for her as her foot is infected from a recent surgery.  She also was in need of a wheelchair, which VOH was able to supply for her.  It is a wonderful example to us how the Blocks to take every opportunity to minister in prayer and material needs.  Please keep her in prayer. -Suzy"

Addy and Julio taking an unauthorized selfie during our lunch in Chituc :-)

Wonderful chicken meal in Chituc

Neil showing the family in Chituc how to make braided bracelets

Someone seems to have eaten a generous portion of chicken?

"When I boarded a plane last Friday, I thought I knew most of what I needed to know about the country to which I was heading. Guatemala is a land of extraordinary contrasts and troubling contradictions: natural beauty shaped by natural disasters, grinding poverty set within abundant resources, the intersection of Mayan and Spanish culture riddled by a legacy of corruption and oppression, a people whose kind hospitality contradicts the devastating reality that Guatemala is one of the most dangerous places on the planet to be a child.

        What I didn't know is that Guatemala is also a place where hope abounds. The few days I've spent at Village of Hope have been some of the most rewarding  in my life.  The nearness of God's kingdom is palpable, transcending barriers of race, language, culture and even accent (this week we've teamed with some terrific brothers and sisters from Tennessee). For example, doing a wood working project with Antonio, the shop foreman at VOH, who speaks very little English, alongside Jimmy from Tennessee, a good ole' boy with a drawl as lazy as a coon dog in July, has been a great time of learning, laughing and thanking God for the privilege of serving him in such a vital ministry. Every day, children are rescued, sheltered, and shown the love of Christ by people who sacrificially live and work here. At Village of Hope, the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

Grace and peace,

Edd"

We appreciate your encouragement and prayers!

Neil & Christine

Day 2 at VOH - Monday

Who is Concierge Grande?

Like a fine hotel, we have a person on the team who has provided exceptional service. This person has helped in a variety of ways, and has been given the title of Concierge Grande. After a team member left their hat on the plane, the Concierge Grande provided a cap. Another time someone forgot to pack socks, so the Concierge Grande loaned some. Same thing for the person who forgot toothpaste (after donating a bag full) and the other person who misplaced their shampoo. Any guess as to who this generous person is?

The Guys Room

As you can imagine with modern conveniences, electrical power is rather important. The guys clearly need their cell phones and shaving devices. Just wanted to show how the guys are coping with living 8 to a room in 4 bunk beds. (So far so good…)

Answer to yesterday’s riddle

If you pass the person in 2nd place, you are in 2nd place. (Ok, not the greatest riddle, but hope you enjoy it anyway.)

Today’s Riddle

Aidan is 6-ft tall, is an assistant at a butcher shop, and wears size 11 shoes. What does he weigh?

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Now an update on our day...

"Spent the morning starting in the workshop on the planter bed project. It took 8 men from both teams (CA/AZ and TN) plus Antonio the shop foreman to take a bunch of slightly rough lumber, run it through the jointer, table saw, miter saw, and router to create the pieces, then glue them together to build the side and end panel. We made a lot of sawdust and wood chips, and avoided injuries! As of today we have enough side/end panels to build 4 planters, and hopefully will make about 4 more later this week. We (amazingly) were able to coordinate all this work and after a while really were churning out a steady stream of dressed lumber. It was great to see the guys cooperate so well to accomplish a significant amount of woodworking. Just another way to help create beauty at Village of Hope, and we are glad to be able to be part of it. Other projects included painting furniture and hauling dirt...

Rafe taking time to talk with one of the kids during a delivery

"Cutting the ends of the rebar that are sticking up above the wall on the new sports court."

-Andy

...Also went to Chituc where some of the young children in the area come to a community “park” for a bible lesson and craft. These kids are a bit reserved at first; they see different teams throughout the year and I wouldn’t expect them to want to be too open. But the time spent to visit them, to share with them about Jesus, read them the Bible, engage them in crafts and games is intended to show them that they matter to other people and are loved by the Lord. Their families may not attend church and if they wanted to, it would be a bit of a walk. So VOH sends teams to spend time with these children, and we pray the Lord would water the seeds of faith planted in them."

-Neil

Walking to Chituc (bonus photobomb by local pooch)

Rafe teaching about Jesus asking "why do you see the speck that is in your brother's eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye?" and about how easy it is to see sin in others but not yourself by telling the story about Nathan confronting King David.

Neil showing the kids how to braid the bracelets

Thomas helping one of the boys braid the bracelet

Aiden and Brandon helping the kids

Kelsey helping one of the older girls

Kids enjoyed the games led by Brandon

"I spent the morning filling large, VOH-made tubs with dirt and flowering plants. It is a joy to listen to children playing and laughing, while looking at the beautiful vistas. While working around the property, I came across these tubs of flowers that we planted 6 months ago. They are a perfect portrayal of what happens here -- life, beauty, growth -- on the physical, emotional and spiritual level. The moms and kids we saw 6 months ago have grown in the same ways. We also went to a local village to visit with the children. However the best part of the day was hearing Edd say he is ready to start planning his return visit -- and he may even bring me with him."

-Suzanne

Dinah and Marcella teaching parenting classes

Dinah and Marcella enjoying the rocking chairs

 Caption contest: send us your caption of Suzanne!

Brandon and Aiden spending time with the younger kids outside the casas while the moms and nannies attend the parenting classes

Varnishing the completed planter box

Altering dresses to be used for dancing during worship services

"Whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks through Him to God the Father." Colossians 3:17

Again, we'd love to hear from you! You can leave a comment on this post or send us an email. ~Neil and Christine

Day 1 at VOH - Sunday

Saturday morning everyone arrived at the airport bright and early. Some of us earlier that others because Andy said, “It’s easy to waste time, but it’s hard to make it up.”

We had a 3 hour layover so some of us ate at Friday’s while others found another restaurant that had “leafy greens.” Can you guess who ate where??

We also met up with our team members from AZ. Kelsey’s candy purchase at a familiar stop at the airport helped immediately bond the youth on our team.

As we boarded our plane to Guatemala, we stopped at the door for a quick picture only to be photo bombed not only by Suzanne but also by our flight attendants! I actually used the phrase “photo bomb” as we entered the plane then thought that was not the best choice of words. An airport employee asked my name, apparently, joking, but just to be safe I said my name was Neil. I thought he would fare better in jail than me. Of course, the flight attendants (see photo) themselves said they wanted to both photobomb and did a good job of it, so I guess it was no big deal.

The plane rides were uneventful. Neil shared many riddles with Andy so we thought we would share one with you now…

You’re in a car race. You pass the person in second place. What place are you in?

Lastly, yesterday was Thomas and Aiden's first plane ride. they made the most of it!

Praise God for a safe day of travel! ~Christine

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“Today was full at Village of Hope. After adjusting to the beauty and joy of being here, we began to get to know the other team which is here with us from Tennessee. (If we have a drawl when we return, you will understand.) We had a special time worshiping here, and also had our introductions and tours of the families’ homes. Our afternoon activities included making stamped leather bracelets for the older kids, decorated crosses for the younger ones, face painting, and creative ball and balloon toss games with all. We will have devotions tonight to share what God has been showing us. It is amazing what He can cram into us in 24 hours.”

-Suzy

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Photos from Sunday below:

Ready to Go

Many preparations, meetings, and much prayer have taken place even before we boarded the plane for Guatemala. And we have not done this alone! Friends and family have shared ideas; donated baby supplies, craft supplies, medical supplies for hospitals, sports equipment, clothes and more; bought baked goods, encouraged us, and made donations to help cover the costs of the trip; and prayed and then prayed some more. Thank you!!

We wanted to share one of the stories of God’s provision seen through the eyes of Thomas:

“A couple of days ago we saw an example of how God is working things for good. I had a doctor’s appointment that I did not want to go to. Earlier that day in school we had been studying how God works things for good from the life of Joseph. The day before the appointment my mom heard that some of Guatemala’s hospitals are shutting down because they do not have enough supplies. As we were at the doctors appointment my mom started telling our doctor about our trip to Guatemala. She shared about the needs of the hospitals. He offered to ask his medical supplier, who was coming that day, for some gauze pads, bandaids, ointments, and alcohol pads. I was encouraged to see God’s perfect timing.”

So to recap: Wednesday I heard about hospitals’ need for medical supplies in Guatemala. Thursday morning Thomas class learned about how the trials in Joseph’s life were used by God for good. Later that day Thomas had a doctor’s appointment that he did not want to go. We told the doctor about the need. The Dr said that his medical supplier was coming in late that day and would to ask for supplies. We received 2 large boxes of gauze, ointments, bandages, alcohol pads, iodine, scissors, and gloves. Thomas remembers the lesson from Joseph’s life. God knew the exact day we needed to be at the appointment way back when I scheduled the appointment. A day earlier and I would not have heard about the hospitals’ need. A day later and the medical supplier would have already been there. Tom still got a shot but we all saw God’s provision and plan. :-)

We have arrived safely at VOH late last night and will share more with you soon. ~Christine