The Last Days

God has showed himself to me in many ways the past 7 weeks. As now I travel home it is a bittersweet feeling. My heart longs to be back in Guatemala but I have work to do in Michigan; also a girlfriend to see in California. J It is my prayer that I may return to the mission field. Weather it is Guatemala or another country. I need to realize that wherever I am at is my mission field. It's not a foreign country or even a place. It's who you come in contact with. If they can see the love of Christ in your life then you are witnessing. Dan uses a lot of quotes in Guatemala and they seem to stick with me so here is one. "You can share the love of Christ and if necessary use words" We often think of words we have to say to others but what is more important? What you say to them or what you do in front of them so that they can see Christ is active in your life. I have looked at my life from the past 6 months and before that. Have I been witnessing for Christ the whole time? How disappointed is he in me for the time I have wasted? Or are those moments of learning and separation that bring us even closer to our maker.

Another Dan quote that I have written in my bible "Everyone will come out to watch you burn but if you're cold and dead, who cares?" If you look at the world who are the people that others follow? Are the shy, quiet, people who don't claim Christ for their own or those like Jesus who are radicals who make people stop and think? I'd rather be hated by the world and loved by God than anything else. It is my prayer that every day I will be used in some way and that I can be in His plan and His will. There is no fear when you are in his will. There is nothing to be afraid of. You have something greater that will take you further and push you more than you ever though you could do.

One Last Week!

It's hard to believe that i only have 7 more days left here. It seems like the time flew by. But in all reality time does fly when your having fun! But the last 2 days have been a little slow due to the fact that i think im coming down with something!  Just a little sickness so i can be stronger for the next team! B/c what doesn't kill me will make me stronger!   Don't worry mom, I'm on all kinds of pills and antibiotics to keep me healthy!

So for right now team Vriesland is gone and tonight dan and i will pick up team allendale from the capital!  they fly in at 10 p.m and will get to work right away in the morning at the village we are working at! So all that means is for me is an even earlier start to make breakfast with naomi for the team!

Last weeks clinics were amazing as well.  The first with team Vriesland was up by San Martin, in village called Las Minas!  It was the smallest space we had to work with yet.  But it turned out to be a great evening with the people there.  the close corridors kind of force everyone to be close and really get to know each other! the 2nd clinic day was out near the coast in an old a plantation.  We were the first North Americans to come and do a medical clinic there.  it was so neat walking in b/c on our way in everyone was waiting with eager anticipation, and joy.  When we entered the school area everyone was welcomed with an applause! which was awesome.  everyone felt like a celebrity!   But like almost all clinics it went off with out a hitch! God seems to provide for us in that way!  I probably could sit here and type all my stories but what would i have to tell you when i got back?  

But for now im off to get some work done.  

Ready?

Are you ready? B/c i never am. So much goes on here. Even on a slow weekend i had much to do but,
I had a relaxing weekend in Pastores, La Bendecion, and St. Lucia.  I feel like my relaxing weekend turned into a weekend of much of travel.  It started off eating dinner with Johanna and Paulina 2 girls that work at the mission at Johanna's house.  Then after a lot of cards with Johanna's family it was time to hit hay b/c we had a 2 hour drive to la bendecion. We picked up hermano Jesus on the way and we ministered to the people and played some games with the kids. After that I retuned to St. Lucia with Hermano Jesus and stayed at his house b/c i went to church with him in the morning! Church was a lot of fun. Not the usual ivanrest expierence but a full out celebration. Church was about 3.5 hours long! Good thing they had a delish lunch waiting for us.  After that i headed off to pricemart to buy things for the next week

Now the next team is here and we are ready for an exciting week of construction, ministry, and
 travel through out the beautiful guatemala.
I feel as though this is my home, my place, and it feels right being here right now. I know my time here is coming up fast. and that soon i will be home again.  I just hope to return soon some day.

But for now prayers for the upcoming week as we have had much trouble with vehicles please pray for a smooth week with that.  Also for the hearts of the Guatemalans we encounter and also the hearts of the team members.


nate

Days of Relaxation

How am i so lucky to see the run rise every morning? To see the sun set. To see the spirit move and be and have it's way here in Guatemala. My time here is just over halfway completed. I feel as though i have just started, that my mission will never be done. From the joy in the kids voices as they cry for dulce, to the prayers of the older kids and adults as they cry out to Jesus to forgive them of their sins.  The passionate spirituality that I have encountered in the villages is astounding. Week after week i have seen miracles.  We are full aware that some one doesn't like it.  Car troubles have been our weakness.  From transmissions, to broken fuel pumps, to windows, it is apparent that someone doesn't like the work we are doing. But I am also certain that someone else does. At the end of the day we know full well who are creator is and that he moves and works in our hearts and in the hearts of the Guatemalans.

I am so thankful for the prayers I have received and the thoughtful gifts from my mother that she sent with the construction teams.  This place for me has felt like a 2nd home.  I fell comfortable and I feel as though i have family here.  It doesn't matter what language you speak or what you ware or how you look or how old you are.  I have much family down here.  

But now it is lunch time and i don't want to miss out on the tortillas!  they are my favorite down here. I will end  with a few pictures from some time in antigua, xachanun, and la joaha!