Mission Completed!!

Mission completed!! Those are the words that were shouted by Edgar Rafael Osorio Salazar and his classmates on Sunday night. Kevin and I attended Edgar’s high school graduation this past Sunday evening, which is an honor in itself. However, when you know where Edgar comes from it jumps into the “this is beyond special” category.

Edgar and his five siblings live with their mom in an area too dangerous for Kevin and me to go into. They’ve even asked that we don’t come down there because any association with Americans would likely mean that gangs would begin to extort money from the family, making them pay to be allowed to get into their own home. For years, two of Edgar’s siblings, a sister and a brother, have had to live in an orphanage because their mother couldn’t care for them. They’ve since been released from the orphanage, because of their age. Oh, how proud Edgar's mom was this night! HER son, a high school graduate!

Earlier in the week, we attended the graduation of three other high schoolers, due to a gift from St. Luke Lutheran Church in Mesa AZ, which helped them with their unpaid tuition and end of the year expenses. Had it not been for this gift, they would have lost the entire school year. One of the girls walked in behind a special flag as she had been one of the best students in her class. How close she had come to not graduating! Thank you, St. Luke congregation, for this amazing gift of love!

In Guatemala, public education ends with grade six. Seventh grade through the end of high school is done in private schools; that is, when a family can afford it, which for the families we work with, is rare. Many of the young boys and girls simply must begin to work to help provide for their families, selling things on the streets or taking care of their younger siblings while their mom tries to find work.

As these great kids walked down the aisle in their caps and gowns, we knew that each step was one of victory over adversity, of success in a culture of failure. When they proudly held their diplomas, they about burst with the joy of accomplishing something really good in a place where life is really, really hard.

To God be the glory for bringing this gift of education to these fine young men and women through the donations of His people! Thank you for helping to open the doors of opportunity for these kids! We pray that each of them will use their education to better serve the Lord as they use the gifts and talents that He has given them. Woohoo!!! God is good!!!

Alex

Opportunities to help children seem to present themselves to this ministry on a daily basis. There are so many children that need help spiritually, physically, emotionally... We've been wondering where God would lead us in the coming months. How can we best influence these young kids of Guatemala and who needs the most help?

God lead us to Alex.

Alex exemplifies the urgency we feel. He feels it too.

He's a young boy who is of the ideal age of recruiting for gang leaders. It can happen so fast. Alex already has several of the qualifications that these gangs are looking for. An unstable father. A mother who wants the best for her children, but can barely feed them. Free time spent alone or with siblings. He is looking for love. He clings to you whenever you visit.

What can we do? Give thanks to God for bringing Alex to us just at the right time.

If you'd like to read more about Alex, visit the Groundwork Guatemala website at: www.groundworkguatemala.org/view/sponsor

A meeting of hearts

It was a special day on Tuesday. After emails to the state of Washington and yet more from a cruise ship heading towards the Panama Canal and eventually to Florida, it was all arranged. Rosa and Sahid were going to meet two very special people. They’d seen their pictures, gotten letters and cards from them, but they’d never seen them in person. John and Judy Hill are the sponsors of Rosa Tocay, and their daughter, Jessica is Sahid’s sponsor. It hadn’t been more than a few weeks ago when Rosa asked us, “When can I meet MY sponsors?” She had seen several of the children meet their sponsors throughout the year when they came down to serve with Groundwork Guatemala on short term mission trips, and she wondered if her sponsors would ever be coming down to see her.

Well, Tuesday was the day. The Hills had planned a day trip from their ship into Antigua just to see this child with whom they’d been communicating for three years. With Manuel driving, Oscar, Kevin and I, Rosa and Sahid travelled from Guatemala City to Antigua. We left early because everyone was so excited! We had arranged to meet John and Judy in the Central Park, a place to which we thought anyone could direct them. It was fun as we watched every gringo that walked through the park… “Is it them?” “How about them?” “What color hair do they have?” And finally, there they were. Such smiles and hugs at this great reunion! What a special blessing this was for everyone there.

As we waited for our tasty lunch at the local Pollo Campero, Sahid, who had brought his report card with him, proudly shared his great grades for the year with John and Judy. With Oscar’s help with translating, the kids also shared their favorite subjects in school, what they might want to do when they get older, their favorite food... The Hills told them about their three dogs and three cats and how they all get along so well together. It was just a great couple of hours together getting to know one another face to face.

As we looked out over the city of Antigua from Cerro de la Cruz, Rosa found out that John and Judy had to leave shortly to go back to their ship. She was so disappointed that they had to leave so soon. They all agreed that Rosa would learn more English and the Hills would learn more Spanish, so when they saw one another again, they could talk to each other more easily.
The gift of education that is given to these children by their sponsors is pretty indescribable. They learn so much more than math and reading. Most importantly, they learn how to live a life that is pleasing to God, to grow in faith and wisdom, and to have a much better chance at providing for their families. We thank the Hills for giving this gift to Rosa and Sahid. It’s a gift they cherish.

Follow this link to a new opportunity in The Alex Project! http://www.groundworkguatemala.org/view/sponsor

Dios tiene un proposito

God has a purpose. (literally, intention)

Today we went to visit the families of the three boys who were shot and killed last Sunday. We came to find out that we had connections to the other two boys, not just Luis. Gilmar, the 22 year old, was the cousin of Manuel, another high school student that worked with us at the ministry for the past two years. Daniel, the 13 year old, was Manuel's brother.

The first family we visited with was that of Daniel. There are just so few words to say to a mother and father who have just lost their thirteen year old son to such a tragic death. What we did share was God's Word with them and we prayed that those words would bring comfort and healing to their broken hearts. I told Daniel's mother that I was a mom, too, and couldn't imagine her pain, as we wept in each others arms. As his father wept such tears of sorrow, all we could do was hold him and try to share his burden of grief.

Just steps away, was the house of Luis' family. According to his mom, Luis and Manuel were always together. Ruth said that they'd grown up together and were best of friends. So Manuel has not only lost his younger brother and his cousin, but his best friend, as well. As we visited with Luis' mom, Manuel (from our ministry team) said that he didn't know if he was correct or not, but felt that there was something very different about these two homes, about how they were dealing with their losses. The things that Luis' mother was saying about everything that had happened were filled with such hope. She said that, of course, she is devistated and asks God "Why my son?" But she has such a trust in God's love and wisdom and she knows God has a purpose for allowing Luis to die. Luis knew his Savior and his mom knows for certain that he is enjoying heavenly perfection, free from pain and sadness and is forever with his heavenly Father. Several times she said she trusted in God's mercy and knows He has a purpose for this. Perhaps, she said, Luis' death was a sacrifice to bring others to Christ. What a living testament to God's neverending love and His desire that ALL would know Him as Lord and Savior! We prayed that Cristina would continue to be a witness to her daughter and to the family who lived so close to her, bringing the Light to their darkness.

Thank you for your prayers for these two families and for the many friends, many of them young adults, who knew and loved these boys. We pray that hearts will be softened and all will draw closer to their Savior through these deaths as there is only one hope for eternal life, Jesus Christ. It is with a renewed urgency that we tell everyone what He has done.

"I command you - be strong and courageous! Do not be afraid or discouraged. For the Lord your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9 Luis' favorite verse.

Luis

If you've been checking my wall on Facebook lately you would have read about an all too common occurance here in Guatemala. Luis Otoniel Bran, who was 19, was shot and killed two days ago, along with two other boys aged 13 and 22. As is often the case, we don't have many details. It is thought that there was a fourth boy who was taken by the shooters. Needless to say, there is no one left to tell us exactly what happened.

Luis was an exceptionally tall teenager by Guatemalan standards, and as Rachel said yesterday, he always smiled like the picture you see. He came to the ministry each day after school to help in the kitchen carrying bucketloads of dishes for the cooks, cleaning and working in the carpentry shop. Graduation from high school was in sight, leading Luis to possible employment as a mechanic. The word 'gentle' comes to mind when I think of this tall, but quiet young man.

The people of Guatemala are shaking their fists at the government and police for the escalating violence in this country. Drug trafficking, extortion, poverty, gangs...all lead to violent crimes, which all too often are against innocent victims who are simply in the wrong place at the wrong time. The government says it is working on changing this situation, but it's pretty hard to do when the police and lawmakers are corrupt and less than 3% of the over 6000 homicides per year are ever brought to justice. Villages throughout Guatemala are beginning to take the law into their own hands with vigilante groups seizing suspected wrong-doers and killing them on the spot. Unfortunately, with the level of corruption in the government and law enforcement, there is little chance of the situation improving any time soon.

Sounds pretty hopeless, doesn't it? But no matter where you live, your hope can't be placed in the government, in law enforcement, or in any human, for that matter. Reading the newspaper or hearing from someone we know that yet another relative or friend was murdered could make us never want to get out of bed in the morning. But we can't live in fear that something might happen to us sometime. I mean, is God in control of every single thing that happens in this universe or not?? If we really believe that, then we need to trust His eternal love and sovereign will. What happened to Luis and his two friends is tragic and seems to be senseless. Why so young? Why such a nice kid? But nothing is out of God's sight. He knew this was going to happen and He is even now surrounding Luis' family and friends with His loving arms of comfort and strength. We pray that everyone who was touched by this horrible event will draw closer to the only true hope which is found in the Lord who never changes, always loves, and has given us the absolute assurance of eternal life with Him through His Son, Jesus Christ.

And Luis? Why he is forever in the arms of his God and Savior! Can't get any better than that!!

Just when you think...

Many of you have met Beatriz whether in person or through stories we have told in the past. If you have visited where she and her family live, you will never forget it. The reason? Because you feel like you are literally in the garbage dump. There is broken glass, cans and old plastic bottles and junk everywhere. Her usually intoxicated father lives under a piece of tin, set at an angle leaving a space just large enough for him to fit. The lot is a long narrow area with a small shanty at the very far end. In the shanty live Beatriz, her two sons and her two daughters, and her husband. That is, until he was shot and murdered last week. We're not sure why, but he is gone, nonetheless.

Just when you think it couldn't get any harder for Beatriz, it does. Her children play in garbage. Her babies learned to walk on a path made of broken glass. It's dirty, disgusting...and oh man, does it smell in the rainy season. I have no idea what they eat. I've never seen a stove or food anywhere. But, while Beatriz has talked from time to time about praying that God would provide food and maybe a larger place for them to live because they are just squeezed into this shanty, she is usually a house visit that we make where WE are the ones prayed for and uplifted by the faith and spirit of this child of God. (She prayed for the people in the United States and the bad economy when last we visited...) I know that Beatriz will turn to the Lord for the strength she needs to face the challenges ahead. Her husband wasn't a very great character, but he did at least provide for the family in some way. But God is the great Provider and we know He will supply all her needs.

For those of you who know Rosa, there is news about her, as well. Kevin began treating Rosa's ridiculously high, over the maximum number on the glucometer blood sugar count (500!) last year. She continues to come to Groundwork every 1-2 weeks to be checked and to receive much needed medication along with lots of hugs and love. When we returned in January, we found out that Rosa was pregnant. Of course, this brings it's own set of challenges for someone with diabetes, so getting her count lowered was even more important. Rosa's husband has a history of abusive behavior and leaves her and her son and daughter frequently, then returns forcefully. It's a pretty tough situation, to say the least. Sadly, Rosa lost her baby in April. Our hearts break for her loss, knowing that God's wisdom is beyond ours and His comfort beyond measure. We are grateful for the time we can spend being His arms of love on Sunday afternoons when she comes.

These are just two of the thousands of mothers in Guatemala that are handling such a difficult life by themselves. They have no support, no government welfare program. They have no family to help out. We just pray that, as a ministry and their brothers and sisters in Christ, we can be available and obedient to God's call to remember them, pray for them, to relieve some of their pain, to share the burden, to feed and clothe. To love.

Marshmallows

Until moving to Guatemala, I had always thought that marshmallows were for eating. There are lots tasty ways I've used them. Melted with some butter and added to Rice Krispies...mmm, Rice Krispie treats! Sprinkle a few on your hot chocolate...that special touch mommy used to add just for fun...but be careful you don't end up with a marshmallow mustache! In the midwest, we've all had tiny marshmallows in red jello, right? Then, almost everyone's favorite...SMORES!! Oh yeah, now we're talkin'!! A little graham cracker action, a nice big square of Hershey's chocolate and an evenly browned roasted marshmallow all squished together...gotta love it!!!

Well, in Guatemala, marshmallows have taken on a whole new form. First of all, they're not white. They come in a lovely array of pastel colors. The unique thing about them is that there is a ring of one color around the outside, with a different color in the center! Now I'm sure that people here must eat these marshmallows, but I've never seen them do it. What I have seen is Marshmallow Art! That's right. People make things out of these cute 2-colored puffs. Last week for his birthday, Kevin received three little marshmallow animals on sticks. And Monday, I received a cute marshmallow flower on a stick from Sandra for Mother's Day. Birthdays and Mother's Day are very important days in Guatemala and marshmallow penguins and bears and flowers are very inexpensive ways to let someone special know that they are loved. But they're so cute you hate to eat them!!

Step back in time...

The thing about Buena Vista is that you've just come from a large city with its streets crammed with cars and buses, driven past miles of storefronts, markets, and signs, and now you find yourself in a place where there is no running water, no electricity, no pollution and the "main road" is made of fine dirt and is probably less than 12 feet wide where the railroad used to come through.

Can you imagine a place where there is no television and there never has been? No one is reading fashion magazines or the Wall Street Journal to keep up on the latest news. There isn't any traffic because no one has a car. The only motorcycle I remember seeing in the past two months was that of the guy selling chicken out of a box on the back. This is a place unaffected by the loud voices of commercialism that so dictate our American society.

Each Wednesday we travel two hours to this secluded village of probably several hundred people (impossible to know how many live here) and set up our teaching areas under the banana and mango trees. It's a bit of a surreal feeling as it's so quiet compared to Guatemala City where we live. Shortly after we arrive the ladies and even a couple men begin to stroll "in" and the children look to see if Oscar, Ruth and Julian will have something special for them today, which, of course, they do. The adults sit on a six to eight inch slice of tree that's resting on two tree stumps, while some have the luxury of sitting on one of the few plastic chairs that we borrow from the lady next door. Manuel and Sandra lead them in a time of worship with songs and prayers and hearing the Word of God. The children gather on pieces of cardboard or the drop cloths that Wausau left behind and enjoy a time of singing songs, hearing a Bible story and doing a craft. There is one school, public, where approximately 170 children attend. Their morning break comes midway during our activity, and typically a dozen or two kids come running down to try and get in on at least part of what we're doing. It's a sweet time of learning and growing in the truth of God's Word.

The shanties in Buena Vista are spread out, each person having quite a bit of land to live on by Guatemalan standards. But these shanties are much like the ones in Guatemala City and Amatitlan, being made of tin with trees of maybe four inch diameter used to hold up the walls and roofs. Of course, without running water, there are no bathrooms...only a hole in the ground. Isn't God funny to send this "me no likey camping chick" to a place such as this?!?! But He seems to have done just that! We've seen life in the dry season, with moms and children standing at the pilas (wash tubs) doing their laundry, sweeping the dirt, playing outside. But I'm curious how life will change in the rainy season when the dirt turns to mud, the wash takes days to dry, and children spend days inside their dark shanties because it's raining.

Oh, this is only the surface of life in Buena Vista. I haven't yet introduced you to the many people whom we have met there at our Bible studies or on house visits. It will be a pleasure to tell you some of their stories!

The drive to Buena Vista

Kevin has been talking about the village of Buena Vista since he first went there with Manuel and the rest of the ministry team in December. "You'll love it there!" "It's like nothing you've ever seen." My third day back in Guatemala found the seven of us piling into little Rodrigo, Manuel and I in the front and the rest in the back. We'd gotten a late start because Rodrigo needed his usual tune up after a hard day's work the previous day. The five in the back of the truck were bundled in sweatshirts, hats, sunglasses and anything padded that they could sit on for the long drive.

First stop after almost an hour's drive was Amatitlan to pick up Chochis...and her suitcase full of dishes and candy for the kids and who knows what else, as well as two little coolers that contained lunch for everyone. This seventy year old woman, who LOVES to talk non-stop, most definitely has the gift of hospitality. She is always providing food or little treats for the ministry team or for the children that come to our activities. Chochis lives in Amatitlan, but grew up in Buena Vista. It is her sister's house at which we hold our ministry activities every Wednesday. Now we're up to 8 in poor little Rodrigo! (He's going to need some time off after this, I think.)

On we drive...and what a drive it is! At times you can see six volcanoes at once. It's a clear day, so it's quite a view. Volcan Fuego (meaning 'fire') exploded, blowing a huge puff of gray into the sky. Pretty amazing to be so close to these huge volcanoes, especially the active ones. As we drive around from the north side of Volcan Agua ('water') to the south, the temperature makes a sudden turn to the warmer. We pass field after field of sugar cane, which appears to be the main crop. The drive from Guatemala City to Buena Vista is about two hours with mild traffic, so you can imagine the six sitting in the back of the pickup truck are beyond ready to get out, especially after the last ten or fifteen minutes of rocky road...and we're not talking about ice cream! Clouds of dust rise as they brush off their sweatshirts and pants...just like Pigpen! Buena Vista is in the middle of nowhere...find the big tree and you know you've arrived!

I'll tell you more about what God is doing in Buena Vista through Groundwork Guatemala in the next blog. It's like taking a step back in time in this village with no electricity or running water.

Back in Guatemala

It's after 10:30 PM on Tuesday and I can't believe I'm riding back from the airport in Rodrigo, the little red pickup truck that has died at least fifty times in the past two years since we arrived here. Kevin is in the back with my two duffels filled with pillows, canned chicken and, among other things, Spanish books, which I keep taking back and forth with the hope that I'll actually be able to speak this crazy language one day. Julian bought Rodrigo and has diligently worked on raising him from the dead on numerous occasions. Tonight is a good night for him!!

I enter the new house in the dark, not knowing where any light switches are, or remembering where the room is that Kevin's been sleeping in the past month that he was already here. One thing I must try to remember is to never arrive in Guatemala at night, especially when you've had such an emotional couple of months as we all have had. It's one thing coming into a sunny house, looking out the windows and seeing Volcan Agua and the surrounding mountains. It's quite another looking at the dirty walls and cold, empty, echoey rooms. I can't find my jammies which are somewhere in one of the black plastic garbage bags Kevin used to empty the apartment in December. I immediately burst into tears and long for the soft furniture, warm lights and clean house and family I'd left behind just hours before. I knew where everything was and I had more than I needed. It's a beast that I have to beat back every single time I come here. The beast of comfort.

I get so used to having personal space (we are living with the seven members of Manuel's family), comfortable furniture, freedom to go where I want, being able to communicate my thoughts and feelings in my own language. I come back to Guatemala and pray that God changes my heart, yet again, to be content with where He's placed me; that His grace is sufficient and I don't need anything but that to be at peace. "Though the darkness may last for the night, His joy comes in the morning!" And it does...I wake up and see Oscar, Sandra, Julian and Ruth for the first time in two months. We read God's Word and pray together. We talk excitedly about the mission team coming in just a few weeks. We eat lunch together sitting on 5 gallon buckets. The work, the ministry has begun! It pushes everything of little or no consequence into the background, and what really matters, spreading the love of Christ, comes blazing to the front. Now I am ready.