A Couple more Reflections...

bubbles

“The last night at VOH was emotional. We had said our goodbyes to the children and watched them run up the zig-zagged hill up to their homes. Since our team had met for devotions and had sharing time every night of the week, it was now time for our last meeting. Before our meeting started, two of the girls who lived at VOH happened to stay behind in the staff kitchen. They expressed wanting to share some last words before they scurried back up to their homes. We had a special privilege to hear them share their last thoughts with us.They were timid at first, giggling as they attempted to communicate with us in English. After they had managed to thank us for coming and spending time with them, they asked us not to forget about them. Their eyes became glossy, and tears streamed down their faces. Not many more words were exchanged. The warm and cozy dining hall was filled with silence as our team lined up to give them our last goodbye hugs. When my turn came, it felt like time stood still; those long tight hugs spoke volumes and left an imprint on my heart that I can't ignore.

last night

I remember when we first arrived at VOH Amy, the director urged us to pray that we would be attentive to what God would have for us that week. I was definitely on my knees because even when preparing for the trip, I realized how unequipped I was. I didn't feel like I had much to offer God or the kids. I was doubting my ability to interact with the kids, and I was fearful of the unknown in the days ahead. This week reminded me that it isn't about me and what I can or can not do, but what GOD can do. I am grateful to have been part of such a prayerful team who shared the heart for special needs children and the orphan. It was a revival in my soul to witness God answering specific prayer requests. It felt liberating to feel the chains of self- doubt and anxiety begin to break as my mind slowly became occupied with how I could continue serving the orphan and support this amazing ministry at VOH- Guatemala. Through this trip, I believe God broke my heart so he could begin working on it. He pursued me through my doubt and replaced those doubts with new desires. He loved me through my anxiety and gave me a renewed hope. It is exciting to see what God is capable of doing in your heart when gain enough courage to step out in faith and trust Him with everything.

I left for this trip with minimal expectations, and I am now home; waiting, in expectation, for how God will work to accomplish His plans.

For I am confident in this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.

Philippians 1:6”

games with Shelly 

egg relay

Hokey-Pokey

“Thanks for sharing this journey-by-blog.  We so appreciate your prayers and support.  Because I have now seen God's face and work in faces and places so different from how and where I have always lived, my heart is bigger, my prayers are bigger, the church is bigger, and most importantly the God I love and serve is bigger.  Each aspect of VOH exemplifies a picture of God's redemptive plan.  Enter at the gate; find grace, a family, and a purpose; share with others what you have found.  The work of redemption is complete on the cross, yet each smile, prayer and hug is a step of sanctification in which the new nature heals the pain and scars of these children's pasts so they have a hope and a future.  

Through God's amazing Spirit, we can continue to be a part of that through our consistent prayer for the Blocks, families, and staff at VOH.  We can minister in tangible ways by going to help on the upcoming trips. And we can support a child on an ongoing basis for about a dollar a day: http://www.villageofhopeguatemala.com/meet-our-kids  

I will do all three... what will you do?

-Suzanne”

Easter Egg Hunt

on your mark, get set...

GO!

Another Reflection...

Each of us continue to reminisce, pray and process all that transpired this past week. Here is another reflection…

"The car ride from Village of Hope to the airport was quiet. A few parting questions and a bit of laughter, but blank for the most part. A partial mix of still waking up and being at a loss for words, I suppose. I always thought car rides felt longer with the absence of conversation, so I was content in the silence. I felt like my words were minutes, so the more time I spent on speaking the less time I’d have left in Guatemala. At the airport we said goodbye to the brothers-in-Christ we had come to love in the same way we arrived, as a family ready for whatever God had in-store for us. Upon our arrival, our smaller team of nine (one member having taken an earlier flight home and three flying back to the east coast) exchanged hugs, kind words, and valedictions. And just like that, we were home…

Oliver Wendell Holmes, Jr. once said, “A mind that is stretched by a new experience can never go back to it’s old dimensions.” After coming home from a week spent at Village of Hope, I’m learning just how precise of an assessment this is.

Full disclosure, I was scared to come home. I was scared of what I was going to feel, once I left what had quickly become my new comfort zone. I knew I was coming back to a place of abundance, prosperity, and personally speaking, belonging. But, as Holmes so accurately observed, I would be coming back with “a mind [stretched] by a new experience.” How should I interpret the world I grew up in through the lens of the world I just left? How could I pick up where I left off after having just put on a newfound burden? Most of all, how would I maintain a tight grip on what I now hold dear without letting the normality of life slowly pry my hands loose? I am frightened at the thought my heart having been broken for what breaks God’s, then having it be passively put back together by the hands of everyday spoils and common conversations. On the other hand, I want to humbly enjoy God’s blessings. I want to taste and see and take pleasure in the community around me. I want to live and laugh and love with those around me without it feeling like a guilty pleasure. I suppose the more common phrase of wanting to be “in the world, but not of it,” most accurately depicts where my mind is right now. I’m sure I’ll have a lot of wrestling to do over the next few days, probably weeks. But I’m thankful for the light of God’s Word to brighten this dimly lit world and the stories of His Body that testify to God’s faithfulness through the struggle.  

It’s been said that, “home is where the heart is,” and I’ve always adhered to that definition. But this assessment of where home is has now been blurred by the families at Village of Hope and every child who has yet to find their “heart.” My heart is with Christ and Christ’s heart is with the fatherless, so it only stands to reason that my heart be given over to the orphans of this world (James 1.27). I don’t quite know what that looks like, but I know it starts with understanding that we were all adopted by our Heavenly Father. 

There is still some processing I have to do - Where do we go from here? What do I do with the brokenness I’ve been introduced to? How do I use my voice for those whom “the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to?” (Matt. 19.14) As with most of the answers I’ve been given this past week, I don’t know. I am grateful, however, that God has now given me a heart and mind to ask these urgent, faithful questions. I’m even more grateful that God in His great majesty, will answer these questions as only a perfect, loving, heavenly Father can.”

I am grateful for each team member who has openly shared their hearts with you. More posts to come… ~C

Day 6 at VOH

Our final night with our awesome team leaders in the front.

Reflections from our last day…

“Some of the kids had never had an Easter egg hunt or dyed Easter eggs until last year when a team from our church arrived at VOH. We did the American Easter traditions (dyeing hard-boiled eggs, hunting stuffed plastic ones), and the kids were thrilled. This year we repeated the activities, and many of the kids told us they remembered dyeing and hunting for the Easter eggs last year. Our morning was spent dyeing eggs, painting plastic eggs, and other crafts. Then it was on to game time. The little kids’ group played several games, such as duck duck goose, and the Hokey-Pokey. After lunch in San Lucas, we did some shopping for about half an hour, and headed back to VOH. We then began hiding stuffed plastic eggs for the little kids. As the hunt progressed, each child was smiling as they discovered a surprise in each egg. The older kids’ egg hunt was a little bigger. We spent a long time hiding eggs all over the upper part of the campus. As the countdown ended, the kids sprinted off in all directions in anticipation of the hunt. Once the egg hunt was finished, we had craft time. It took a little while for us all to learn how to make macramé bracelets (hemp and beads), but soon we were all working away, talking together through translators, broken Spanish, or hand signs. One special event for me was when one of the teenage moms brought out her baby’s photo book, and showed me her pictures. It was really sweet to look through it with her. Tonight we are having a movie night with the kids, and will say our goodbyes afterward. It will be a hard evening, especially after all the time we have spent with them, and the relationships that have grown over this trip. Tomorrow morning we will be leaving VOH at 4 AM. -Alle”

“Friday has come.
And altogether too quickly, I find myself mentally and emotionally preparing for our nearing departure. In a matter of hours, the lives we all put on pause will resume. How can it be time to leave already? I walk into a silent, unlit room surrounded by leftover miscellaneous pieces of evidence from the activities of the last 6 days. Luggage bags lay open. The sound of a dozen barking dogs across the street and the musty night air set the mood perfectly. I take in a deep breath after our full week allowing myself to feel the mingled sense of longing to stay and longing to return home. A feeling of suspension between remarkably different worlds. Unzipping my bags, I reorganize their contents while my mind begins to do the same. The moments I’m reflecting on the most are those that happened perfectly only because each of us decided to say “yes” to this trip. I’m talking about the moments born unpredictably amid our planning, our lists, and our packing. Moments when it felt like God showed us “THIS is why you are here”. Those moments when love was expressed spontaneously and leave you changed: a word of kindness spoken to you in a language you don’t understand, a child gifting you a photograph so you will remember their smile, a hearty laugh from a girl thrilled to be playing a game with new friends, the cheeky dimple-grin of a boy who know’s he’s loved, and hearing the song of a beaming little girl being pushed in the swings. Must we go? These kids’ lives have been touched by God’s love and it’s incredible to see it. So, when we do go, I know there is a part of our hearts that will stay behind. And these are the iconic moments we will hold onto until we get to see their faces again.”

We will have more pictures as well as more reflections to share in the upcoming days.

He has risen, just as He said! Hope you have a blessed Easter.

Day 4 part 2 & Day 5 at VOH

Reflections from the team...

“The second part of yesterday [Tuesday] was spent doing a Bible story, crafts and games with the kids of the local village Chituc. When we started, there were just a handful of children. However, as we were getting started, more and more kids appeared, until there were about 20. As we started with the song “I’ve Got the Joy” in Spanish, Mrs Palarca handed one of the boys a sign with a sun on it to represent joy. Everyone got really confused and started singing “Yo tengo sol, sol, sol” (I’ve got the sun, sun, sun). It was a quite comical scene when we realized that our song wasn't quite right. We all laughed together. Then the Palarcas told the story of the resurrection eggs, and the book of gospel colors. Our craft was bracelets made with leather and colorful beads. Instead of a formal game, we threw around a football (American :-)) and kicked a soccer ball. Soon one of the little girls, Ashley, started a game of hot potato, and literally dragged most of the team into the game. After two hours of time spent in these activities, we drove back to Village of Hope, ate dinner, and got ready to go to Antigua to feed the homeless. -Alle”

“Last night [Tuesday] we experienced an incredible divine appointment. God by His great faithfulness brings about divine appointments for a specific purpose. Before I share our divine appointment I need to share some background information. Last year here at VOH, I met a teenage boy (name purposefully left out), who, like most here, has gone through many hard challenges in his young life. God gave me a wonderful connection with him. He struggled with certain things in his life. This summer he needed to move on to another place where He could receive more help with his struggles. This past year, God caused me to pray fervently for this teenage boy. For this trip, I expressed I would really like to see him again, tell him I'm praying for him. Now for divine appointment.

Last night we pulled up to the dump on our last stop to pass out soup, tortillas and Christ's love. Trash was overflowing from the entrance and I was trying to get over the stench. As I was waiting for my cup of soup to hand out, there he walked right in front of me, the teenage boy that I was longing to see this year. Our divine appointment. I quietly exclaimed to Christine, "Christine, it's ...." and exclaimed it again. We ran over and gave huge hugs. For the next several minutes we all were able to talk about last year, see how he was, point him to Christ, and to pray for him. During the prayer time, he was sobbing. He told us that he was living at the dump now. Our time was over and we needed to get going, we all hugged again and said our goodbyes. Unbelievable divine appointment. God had this appointment as part of his incredible plan. This teenage boy still needs to yield his life fully to God, not by His terms but by God's. He needs to go and get the help he needs.  The great Shepherd is after him. If you are lead, please pray for him. God brought this divine appointment for him and for me. Matthew 18:10-14 ~Shelly”

“As I reflect on the past few days here in Guatemala, two words come to mind…

Amazing

I have come to realize that my qualifications for amazing have been far too weak. Prior to coming to Guatemala, fried chicken was amazing… A really comfortable pair of shoes were amazing… Leaving work a little early felt amazing… Buying a shirt that’s on sale and finding out there’s an extra 50% off when I go to pay for it was amazing… While these are all reasons to smile and be thankful, I can’t help but admit how insignificant they are in the light of God’s idea of amazement.

Seeing a 16-day-old baby girl come home after brain surgery, that is amazing. Hearing children from a tiny village sing songs about the joy of Jesus in their heart, that is amazing. Listening to a young man recall stories of his time spent with some of our team members from a trip that took place last year, that is amazing. Hearing God being praised in a different nation from different people in a different tongue, that is amazing. 

After sharing this with a fellow team member, she submitted, “It’s because we don’t pray enough that God would do amazing things.” - I agree because I know I’m guilty of only asking small things of a big God. I ask for daily strength, patience, and sustenance - again, all good things. I sometimes don’t have enough faith to ask that God would move mountains. I’m too timid to ask God to do something amazing with my life. So unless I start seeing God as something bigger than the prayer requests I’m too scared to lift up, I will always be amazed by mere meals and good deals. 

Tension

There are certain points of tension that God places us in. Places where we know polar opposites exist, but are somehow reconciled in the vastness of God’s wisdom. God’s sovereignty and man’s responsibility. God’s wrath and God’s love. Christ’s sacrifice for the World and the soundness of predestination. Today I found myself seated in the uncomfortable position between Spiritual Truth and physical reality. 

We arrived at a local dumpster - a square, cinder block structure that stood about 30 feet high and 45 feet wide on all sides. Within these stone walls, covering about half of the floor were piles of trash almost as tall as the walls. Parked outside of the walls, I sat inside a 15-passenger van with my eyes fixed on two boys digging through the abyss of garbage. As I watch them rummage through discarded food, old styrofoam containers and an assortment of rotten fruits and vegetables, I try to remind myself that God has purpose for their sifting. Though it may not be discovered, I have to believe that God’s goodness is underneath the garbage heap. 

I walked through a dark alley with nothing but a cup of soup and a desire to pray for whoever is hungry enough to accept this small meal. I meet Luis - a middle-aged man in a tattered army jacket and jeans full of holes. He lives under a makeshift canopy made up of six, four foot wooden posts and garbage bags. We prayed for his son Adres, the pain he’s been feeling in his stomach, and his desire to rid himself of alcoholism. After our prayer, Luis insists I give it to one of his ‘neighbors.’ As the words coming out of my mouth reflected desperation and a plea for hope, my heart couldn’t help but wonder where Luis fits in God’s perfect plan. 

This trip, so far, hasn’t provided any concrete answers or practical applications on how to live in the tension and that’s ok. I know God holds both ends of the spectrum and every square inch in between. Now, it’s just a matter of becoming comfortable with the mystery. 

Of course, there is the beautiful possibility of these two words and ideas working in perfect harmony. The hope of God’s faithfulness ringing true, so long as I rest in His promises amidst the outworking of his plan. The hope of God’s love being found among the rubble. The hope of God’s mercy healing and saving a homeless alcoholic. And in the grand scheme of His sovereignty, the hope of God doing something utterly amazing in the tension.”

And this is our day in Antigua...

Tomorrow [Thursday] is our last day at Village of Hope. We get to spend the day with the kids and have lunch in San Lucas.

We are thankful for your prayers as always. Please feel free to leave a comment or send us a message at pureundefiledreligionexpressed@gmail.com.

~Christine and team

Day 4 at VOH - Part 1

“We headed into a small village area this morning to visit some families.  First, when we say village, it is hard to define where one ends and the next begins.  Perhaps ‘neighborhood’ is a more appropriate word to explain it in US terms since the area of the village seems rather small.  The Blocks have established relationships with several families who live in this neighborhood about two miles from VOH.  Once a week they visit and bring a bag of groceries to help them get by, though most have parents or siblings who are working.  Small children came running when they heard that everyone was also getting a small candy. Since it is a school holiday, we got to visit with two sisters who were home and they told us about their studies and aspirations for the future.  We were able to find out how the family members were doing and pray with them regarding any needs they had.  

The pictures will have to suffice for the two thousand words I lack to describe the conditions in these neighborhoods.  There are dogs and cats, small fowl up to ducks loose everywhere.  You move from dirt roads that run through the area into 3 foot wide paths that lead to, and sometimes through, the yards to get to each home.  Some have doors; most do not.  Most have outdoor wash and cooking areas.  Many have flower gardens and the home we entered was very clean and neat and tidy, despite the small size. Somehow there is water and electricity.  Most importantly, the families we met know the salvation, joy and the provision of the Lord.”

“So happy that precious little Lizzy got to go home from the hospital today!! To quote Amy Block “her future is still unknown to us, but not to God”.  Thank you Lord for Addisyn - what an amazing advocate she is for little Lizzy  ~Connie”

“Our team shared a short walk out to a small neighboring village called Chituk for lunch today. This was our second excursion out into the community surrounding VOH and gave us a chance to observe more of the Guatemalan countryside. We followed dirt roads lined with the lush and green vegetation, passing clusters of small homesteads built from sheet metal and wood, and colorful lines of dripping laundry on our way to our destination. As I have noticed, VOH seems to have touched lives not only within but outside its walls, and the place we had lunch was no exception. The ladies who served our meal started their small cooking business from their home thanks to the training, investment, and guidance of Amy and Todd. And now, whenever a team of volunteers comes through VOH they make a stop for some of the best fried chicken and rice in Guatemala. It was cool to know that we were eating a meal prepared by hands that initially came looking for work at VOH but who now have their own self-sustaining business thanks to the kind friendship of the Blocks.”

To be continued…

Prayer for Today

This morning we go to deliver food and pray with families in the community that VOH has created relationships with. This afternoon we go to a local village and share the Gospel,  make bracelets and play some games with whoever shows up. Finally, this evening we go into Antigua to serve soup and tortillas to those who are on the street and pray with them.

Would you please pray that we would glorify God through our time and activity today, that we would be Jesus' hands and feet, and that He would give us hearts of discernment and compassion, voices of love and hope.

Day 3 at VOH

Monday

7:30 Breakfast

8:30 Work Project

12:00 Lunch

1:00 Time with kids

5:00 Dinner

6:30 Devotions

Please note flower behind Justin's ear

“Today was a very busy day. We finally started our work project, which was planting flowers around the campus. We had our breakfast and headed off to a nursery to pick out whatever gorgeous, exotic, or stunning flowers we liked. Once we got home, we proceeded to plant the flowers (which involves quite a bit of digging, mixing soil, and hauling water to where the hose won't reach). We then ate lunch. We were supposed to have time with the kids at 1:30, so we spent most of the time between lunch and then preparing crafts. Soon all the kids from the three houses (casas) were eagerly awaiting craft time. Today our craft was painting little houses, weaving potholders, and making headbands and bracelets.The next 2 hours were full of laughter as we tried to explain each craft in Spanish, and helping each kid finish up their projects. Then it was cleanup time while Miss Shelly started a game of sharks and minnows, with a fun twist— everyone had a soccer ball they had to dribble to the end, and if it was kicked out of bounds, they were out! Awhile into the games, the little kids had their Bible story time with Julio, Justin and Chris. This evening, we had devotions and now we are playing games. -Alle”

“So what happens when you start wondering what to do with all the extra crafts supplies that you brought despite all that careful planning time and money spent preparing?  Well, God provides extra time with the families that needs to be filled with activities that will allow parents and siblings to work together.  Yay, God!  Those of you who prayed for flexibility and unity on our ministry team, that prayer has been answered with amazing abundance.  Someone is always nearby and offering to jump in and help, change plans on a dime, or laugh along with our attempts to communicate.  I looked at the translator today while I was trying to explain how to paint little wooden houses and asked if he would help.  He said I was doing fine.  So sweet to have this young man’s vote of confidence, but I did need to know how to say “roof” … again. 

It was great fun to speak to the man, Rolando, who takes care of the grounds here and talk about all the beautiful plants.  His whole family knows the Lord and his wife and daughter also work here.  We are looking forward to God’s stretching us in new ways tomorrow as we minister by delivering food in a nearby village and soup to the homeless in the evening in Antigua.”

“I probably haven’t met most of you reading this, but I’ve certainly heard about your prayers and commitment to making this trip a continuation of sharing the love of God. I find myself smack-dab in the middle of a team of prayer warriors and brother (sorry Justin! glad you came though!) and sisters in Christ, and for this I’m so thankful. I’ve been on several different teams ranging from medical and construction teams from Haiti to Zambia, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic. This is my first team though where I knew only one person at the start. I guess that’s what’s really great about this trip. I get to meet so many new people. And they talk about you and their love for Christ and how he’s working in lives everywhere. I’m glad to be a tiny part. 

If I could help you picture what I’ve seen in the time since I’ve come I’d describe browned skin and soccer balls of every color. Cement block buildings with rainbows of clean laundry twisted into ropes blowing in the breezes. Cool mornings with good coffee (grown locally) and afternoons where the sun blazes onto the concrete as kids race and roll and tumble in play. Exclamations in a language where I catch a few phrases at a time, but where smiles and laughter and wrinkled brows are universal. Dogs barking (apparently there’s a nearby kennel) at all hours, and sirens waking you from sleep. Rain falling on a tin roof. Beaded bracelets, wrought iron bars, rough but thick blankets. Green-as-can-be guacamole and fresh mango and pineapple in bowls on colorfully woven blankets. 

Describing the good things here doesn’t change the fact that people here are still people. And their struggles day to day may not always be exactly the same as mine, but Satan is still the Enemy. And I pray that as you look at our photographs and read our thoughts and time goes on that you don’t forget to pray for our brothers and sisters here. For their children, for their marriages, for their example to the community here. That lives will be changed and healed and redeemed.  -Audrey”

“Today was encouraging for me. I was honestly feeling a little discouraged last night. I was thinking about the kids before falling asleep. I know they are accepted and loved here. I know they have an abundance of food, a family, shelter, and a chance to hear about Jesus. 

But, I couldn’t help but think, surely there must be times they feel lonely. They must feel the sting of abandonment over and over, and hear the screams of past abuse. I wondered if they felt trapped in this safe shelter? I wondered if they ever felt cabin fever, wanting to leave and search for something more.

But, maybe they know there is no where else but here. They know there is no where else most of their physical needs can be met. They know there is no one else who will care enough…  SO maybe this IS their best; GOD’S best for them. 

My heart still broke for them as I fell asleep. 

But, after today, GOD encouraged my heart and reminded me of his faithfulness in their lives through the ministry at Village of Hope. The activities of today and the motivation the children had to complete the crafts proved the joy they feel from those who come and take time to sit, laugh, listen, and attempt to communicate in broken Spanish. Their simple smiles and laughter comforted my soul knowing that everyone who serves and supports this ministry, allows them to experience something different than the mundane. Each cheerful soul who knows the love of Christ and chooses to spend time here, or even those who consistently pray from a million of miles away, play a part in igniting a light of hope into their hearts… especially on those days where they must struggle to fight through raw and human emotions. -Chris” 

“Watching a former orphan, now team leader and translator's eyes sparkle and face light up as his silly faces and goofy sounds elicit raucous peals of laughter from an otherwise quiet 6 month old, God's immense love is clearly visible and almost palpable here. A 14-year-old teenage boy passes by a stroller and can't help but tickle his baby sister's chubby cheeks, hoping to turn her anxious expression into a smile. They are siblings by God's redemptive purpose, not by birth. A two week old baby, whose mother rejected her because her head was deformed by excess fluid around her brain, received life-saving surgery, has been given constant and tender loving care by a 19 year old saint, and changed the lives of an untold number of people lifting her up before their Father who helps the helpless. It was His design that this precious little one would break hearts and testify to the inestimable value of each life He creates; she is no "mistake". All of this we witnessed in twelve short hours today at Village of Hope; what a mighty and Faithful God we serve!”

Thank you for your encouragement and prayers! I leave you with the following selfie taken on an unattended phone... ~C