Share the Love!

"Let us not become weary in doing good for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."  Gal 6:9

I just want to welcome our newest blog followers.  It has been so encouraging receiving notes and messages from you.  I feel inspired to write more knowing that people actually care enough to take time to read about our lives here in Guatemala, and what God is doing in and through us.


I want to share a little about a student who Matt taught three years ago.  His name is Will.  After returning back to Canada after our first trip to Guatemala, it set our family on a different path.  One that I couldn't nor wouldn't of dreamt of.   Matt took his passion for the people of Guatemala to his class of grade seven students at Port Weller Public School.  His enthusiasm sparked the interest of Will Leone.  Will was in grade 5 when he first learned of Guatemala.  When he heard that his grandfather was heading on a missions trip to Guatemala, Will was not missing out.  

Matt and Will continued to share their excitement and interest which developed into a cool relationship.  Will and his family have been so encouraging and supportive leading up to and while being here thus far.  When we share something we are so passionate about, you never know who is inspired and interested.  Matt had a captive audience in his class and I believe many  seeds have been planted.  God may plant a seed that we may never see harvested.  And some, we have the opportunity to marvel at their growth.  

This past christmas, top of the list, was a ticket to Guatemala.  The last week before the break, Will decided to organize a benefit concert to raise money for a flight and donations toward our work at Casa Hogar. At the age of 13, he has taken initiative to put together a battle of the bands, and invite a community to "share the love".

I spoke with Will's mom and learned that if he feels strongly about something, he goes for it!  Nothing can stand in the way of God's work through His children.  At the age of 9, Will started a "Christian Club" at school and got involved with "Kids Help Phone".  

On Sunday, February 12th, Will is calling out a for a harvest.  He is stepping out in faith that God will provide and that people can come together to see greater things be done. And as his  mom says..."sometimes you can't stand in the way of God's plans and have to move to the side and just support your son."


Please check out his Facebook page for more information!   


Battle of the Bands

Sunday, February 12 at 6:30pm

   

What hasn't been said....

It was funny the other day when I received a Facebook message implying that they would like to hear my (Matt's) perception, so here it is.  I guess for me it is refreshing to read Mandy's heart and mind as it spills on the web.  Often one can be extremely intimate with someone and never understand or completely perceive what they see and how it is effecting their life experience.  It seems strange that a computer can be used as a tool to get to know your soulmate better.  However I give this credit to God as I can't begin to explain how He uses the things and experiences in our lives to find a deeper sense of our being and relation to one another.

An example of this is our camera.  Before we came down I asked Mandy to purchase a camera that could be dropped, frozen, immersed in water and go through dust storms unharmed.  The purpose of these qualities had less to do with the climate of Guatemala and more to do with the expected punishment my children and the girls at Casa Hogar would inflict on it.  Sure enough these attributes were worth having when we recently went to the town of Monjas (pronounced: Moan-hahs) three and a half weeks ago.

In Monjas there is a series of spring fed of pools in which we took the girls swimming for the afternoon.  At first there was an awkwardness in being at the pools due to the girls lacking the resources of a bathing suit (bra, t-shirt and shorts were used instead), and even more so by the presence of many teenage boys swimming and looking at the new girls in town.  Knowing that swimming was a special treat Mandy and I were a bit surprised that they did not embrace the chance immediately to get in the water.  This didn't inhibit Max, Gabe and Mercedes to say the least as they stripped down and were in the water before we knew it.

As time passed the girls began to come out of their shells and began to splash in the water, which lead to water fights and finally to jumping into the water.  In watching this progression we were able to get involved in the action with our camera.  The girls watched in shock as hopped into the mayhem with camera in hand.  However as soon as I immersed the camera and asked for their photo, any girl that had reservations about being underwater quickly got over it.  The only eyes they seemed to notice now were not of the boys but of the camera.  It was fun watching the girls become more creative with their poses and groupings, as well as, getting over their anxieties of being under the water.  We were even fortunate to capture Gabby getting over her fears of swimming and jumping off of the diving board to Mandy and I as we treaded below.  This small capability within the camera inspired girls to coordinate for photos, encourage each other to get over a fear, communicate with us more and to express themselves in a new way.  This was an unexpected use when we thought of the purchase but was a great tool to help us experience that day.

Enjoying ice cream after swimming.

Another great development in the last month has been my new relationship with two groups that support Casa Hogar.  The one group is named EMAUS and are based out of Guatemala City.  It is comprised of business professionals, engineers, and contractors, all of which are Guatemalan, that desire to volunteer their professional advice and resources to aid in the management of Casa Hogar.  The other is the HEAR Foundation out of the Chicago area in the United States.  This group is a small organization of a few employees that aggressively fund raises and supports Casa Hogar, in addition to completing building projects at the girls home.  Even though we may have communication barriers and great distances separating us from each other, the use of cell phones and computer translation has brought our ideas, hopes, plans, and hearts to a common understanding.

As it stands, HEAR, EMAUS and the Wilson's are coming together to create a plan to generate a single organized plan for Casa Hogar that will be the guide and structure to not only our efforts but to the many other groups that support Casa Hogar as well.  The goal is to unite through a website, in English and Spanish, to be transparent about what we see as needs and what we are united in developing together.  Our immediate plans that we are codeveloping is renovations to the kitchen and replacing the driveway that causes tremendous problems in the rainy season.

Me with EMAUS, Mother Claudia, Mother Rutilia,
the Agricultural Minister of Jalapa (in yellow),
and HEAR (the cell phone on the table)

 It has been an exciting time here seeing how God has pulled so many people together for a common cause and making great relationships with those who desire more for people that have been neglected.  Going through the process of "doing missions" has gave me insight that it is not the actions of one person that makes things great but the influence of a great team that sacrifices together.  I'm sure as Martin Luther King Jr. and Ghandi brought about change in the USA and India it had little to do with their single action but the willingness of the many to believe and stand together to make that change.





Here is a great video that sums up the blog! 

Exposure

The past couple days I have been feeling really anxious and am having a hard time processing so many feelings.  It's tough being here for so many reasons and on so many levels.  It is really tough just staying focussed and not getting sidetracked or distracted. .  I look around at so much disparity and need and want to "fix" it all.  Matt graciously reminds me to stay focussed on our mission at Casa Hogar.  It's not that I don't want to be open to the Lord's leading, and if there is a need and a calling for us in other areas, I don't want to turn a blind eye.  I just need to focus.  I question why we do the things we do, and wonder if it will ever make a difference.  I see a great need and know what needs to be done, but will things be carried out while and even after I am gone?  Hygiene practices just seem like common knowledge.  Often I find myself having to scale back everything I know and would do, and try putting myself in their shoes.

I feel myself almost becoming desensitized to the poverty surroundings.  Or maybe it's a realization of what most of the world lives like.  As we drive to the orphanage everyday, we pass shack after shack and I realize how fortunate the girls of Casa Hogar actually are.  However, I am learning quickly that many of these girls are coming from such homes, thus lacking education and resources.
My constant struggle of feeling accomplished and productive creeps up on me often.  God has been stretching me to say the least.  Quite often I don't feel like I am using my gifts and strengths.  I beat  myself up and feel guilty that certain things don't just come naturally.  I want to experience new things and try but it's hard doing the things you aren't always good at and sometimes like.  I have been burying my head in my bible and reading lots.  I came across this yesterday morning. "God surpasses our dreams when we reach past our personal plans and agendas to grab the hand of Christ and walk the path He chose for us.  He is obligated to keep us dissatisfied until we come to Him and His plans for complete satisfaction."  It's in the  times when I've been totally broken that I have felt the Holy Spirit's presence.  I know it's in such times as these that God is doing some profound work.  I just don't always see it.  My mom called me yesterday and spoke some amazing truths.  Moms are so wise.  I hope that I can be as wise and strong as her someday.  You see, moms know when their kids are struggling. Its like God gives them that intuition.  She could sense my frustrations and reminded me that God gives us all different strengths and gifts and to not feel bad about trying to "fit" into a mould I'm not supposed to "fit" in.  I have been on the sideline watching my husband use the gifts God has blessed him with and  see him shine.  I am so proud of him.  I am so blessed to stand beside him on this journey.  We talked about different seasons in our lives and I think this is one that maybe I am supposed to just support him and cheer him on.   However, along the way I am growing and developing in my own journey.  I guess  I feel almost afraid to "be" here because if I allowed it, it may require more of me.  More than I feel good at and more than I can handle.  There, I said it.  It makes me think of that quote, "to much is given, much is required".

One thing I do know is that God gives us all unique gifts and callings for many different reasons,  purposes we don't always understand but that allow us to grow and serve!

"Hands"

I don't always stop to think about the sacrifice it is for our kids to be here.  Not only are they missing the comforts and familiarities from home, but the value and importance in friendship.  As I tucked my oldest in bed last night he shared with me about his excitement in starting school.  He told me how excited he was to make friends.  It has been a harder transition for the boys as we are working at an all girls home.  I realize the impact having a friend here has been for me.  It has been a breath of fresh air.  Someone to share similar interests, someone to laugh and act crazy with.
I stood in the street, whispered a silent prayer, and waved goodbye until the bus was out of sight.  It was hard for me to let go and send them off.  Another test of my faith, entrusting our kids into the hands who gave them to me in the first place.  

Faithfulness

This past month has been a roller coaster of emotion, and I feel exhausted.  We had a busy holiday, visiting local friends, hanging out at the orphanage and having meetings on end to plan out this next school year.   Matt has been busy meeting with other organizations co-ordinating a plan for the facility.  After visiting three local schools, we narrowed it down to a private spanish school located about 4km outside Jalapa.  The kids will be bussed in at 7am and will be dropped off in front of our house at 1pm.  The only downfall of this school is that it is JK-GR 4.  We talked with Max about this and he struggled with the idea of going into grade 4 again.  We felt that this school had the best education and programming, and we explained to Max that it was really important for him to learn the language and we would focus on grade 5 math and english at home.  After taking a trip to all the schools with the kids, he agreed with our decision. The kids are starting school on Monday and are a little nervous. If you think of them please pray for this difficult transition.

getting a little silly at "House and Green"

As the kids are transitioning into a new schedule, so are Matt and I.  We will be spending more time working at Casa Hogar.  I am running three afternoon programs with the nuns, and three morning classes teaching hairstyling to the girls.  Aside from working at Casa Hogar, I am currently working on translating some curriculum for running a weekly bible study at the women's prison.  Matt will be running a tutoring program as well as meeting with the head nun regarding budgeting and planning.

We have been in touch with a group from Guatemala city, who have been bringing aid to Casa Hogar by means of food and other consumables.  With their expertise and knowledge, they are helping us research the best quality paint for the renovations we will be making on the kitchen.  Mother Claudia created a wish list for items so Matt and I spent some time researching good quality, industrial kitchen ware, in Guatemala city.

A few short weeks ago we said goodbye to our dear friend Kait.  Little did we know the adventure she would be on, upon arriving home.  God was up to something....big!  Sitting on the rooftop, sipping coffee, allowed  time for Kait and I to share about what God has been up to in our lives. We spent a lot of time talking and following a daily devotional.  It was a time when I really needed a friend to share my thoughts, frustrations and fears. It was a time of reflection on what amazing things God has done.  Just a few days before Kait left, she approached me with some more of her thoughts.  She was processing a lot and was thinking of coming back.  And after a lot of prayer and patience, God opened doors for Kait to join the ministry here in Guatemala for the next three months.  I think at one point Kait skyped with us and told  us it would really take a miracle for this to happen.  Once the decision was made, God opened door after door  just like He did for us not too long ago.  I really encourage you to check out her story at  Should I Stay, Or Should I Go?  Needless to say, we were thrilled!  We welcomed Kait back this past week and love having the extra company!  It will be a full house for the next little while as Matt's parents arrive in a week.  There is a lighter mood in the kids and I know that they welcome friends and family from back home.  It is an amazing feeling being able to share what we are so passionate about and for people to come and see for themselves.

Making 250 oliebollen

There are times I look around and question so much and wonder why.....and there are many days I feel like I am spinning my wheels.  There are so many more times of feeling frustrated  but all it takes is one good moment.... a hug from one of the girls, a conversation, helping someone, and it goes away just like that.  One of those moments happened just yesterday.  It is not uncommon for people to come to our door and ask for money.  We have been very careful not to just hand out money to anyone, for many reasons.  This past week, as I was doing my devotions, I felt the Lord speak to my spirit.  He asked me that when the next person came needing money that I was suppose to give.  That was it...just give.  So sure enough, a man came knocking and was looking for money. Matt went out to talk to him. His baby boy needed a shunt in his head and he had documentation from a doctor as evidence.  Without my knowing, Matt gave what he felt he should.  I later shared what I felt God was impressing on my heart.  Sometimes walking in obedience doesn't make sense to us.  Sometimes we don't always understand or agree on the things that are needed.  I knew what God had asked me and without knowing, Matt gave.  Praise God!

Oliebollen

Girls helping make the New Year Eve treats!

Meet Max

Max with Eddie's son Oscar

Max posing with Louis and Eddie with their new hens

     Max is the oldest of our three children.  I love watching him develop into a independent, responsible young man.  His love for people and kindness is shown in every relationship he makes.  He is a gentle and sensitive soul.  Upon arriving here in Guatemala, Max decided he wanted to  raise chickens.  Farming is of great interest and Max's curiosity in raising animals has been a passion for awhile.  He is currently reading "Organic Farming" as a bed-time story. I think that says enough:) 

    Once we got settled into our home here,  the boys started planning and constructing a chicken coop.  Max decided he was going to raise meat chickens and once they were ready for butchering, we would donate the birds to Casa Hogar, thus providing some additional meat for their diet.  Leading up to Christmas, Max decided to package up two boxes containing 10 laying hens each for the two employees of Casa Hogar, Eddie and Louis.  Eddie and his wife and their four children live across the road from the orphanage (as seen in the photos below).  Loius and his new wife of just a month live down the road.  We were excited to be able to bless these families with what seems so small and insignificant in our minds yet so huge for them.

    Every 3 weeks, Max purchases a new batch of chicks and raises them until its time to butcher them.   The first round was a tough one for Max as he got attached to his "pets".  We reminded him of the great importance of his job  and that he could chose one out of the batch for a pet.  A couple days before Christmas, Matt, Max and Gabe, killed and de-feathered 16 chickens along with the girls at Casa Hogar that would be later used for their traditional tamales.  Without any reminders, Max is outside first thing in the morning taking his job seriously.  We are very proud of you Max!  Keep up the great work!

Happy 2012!

Happy New Year to all our family and dear friends!  Grab a coffee!  It's been awhile! We are thrilled to be starting this new year here in Guatemala.  And what an experience it was.  The display of fireworks and firecrackers was unimaginable.   It puts any "Victoria Day" or "Canada Day" to shame.  It all started on Christmas eve.  We had the privilede of joining the girls of Casa Hogar at the Hermana's Casa  (nuns house) for a night of celebration.  As midnight struck, the nuns and girls cheerfully grasped each other and wished a Feliz Navidad.  There was a lot of commotion and through all the laughter and joy, there were some tears.  I crept up the stairs toward the rooftop, in hopes to find Matt.  I passed a little 9 year old girl named Fernanda. She was in the corner softly crying.  I noticed the tears and knelt in front of her.  She shamefully whisked the tears off her face in embarrassment.  I held her face in my hands and asked her why she was crying.  She looked around and didn't want to tell me.  I proceeded to hug her and as she buried her face in my shoulders, she sobbed tears for her mommy.  I cried with her.... and as I held her, I quietly thanked God for this privilege.
On Christmas day, we were invited by our friends "the Ortiz" family to serve a special meal to the girls.  It was a good opportunity to hand out some gifts that people back home had generously donated.  One family put together little gift bags full of candies, stickers, socks and other treats. Another three families got together and hand made beautiful bracelets for christmas gifts.  The girls were so grateful!   We had permission to have "our" four girls over for christmas on boxing day.  We had a really special day filled with playing games, watching movies and a meal.
We kicked off the new year with a meeting planned with the head nun of Casa Hogar.  We discussed health and hygiene issues as well as the launching of a "new" english program.  I will be undertaking the kitchen project later this week and next.  My goal is to thoroughly clean, repaint and provide a hygienic protocol.  I am hoping to train the nuns and let them try out new methods for a month.  Matt has been busily helping Walter (the english teacher) establish a new and improved program that will be both interactive and innovative.
It has been three months here, and we are learning new things everyday.  We are cautious not to push our agenda but adapt to the cultural and social differences.  God is teaching us patience!  We are learning  to live fully in His presence each new day.  It is a walk of faith, one step, one day at a time, depending on our Lord.

We surprised the girls each with a present under the tree!

Our traditional sleep under the tree night!

Thank you Wub's family for remembering our family this christmas!

Handing out gift bags donated by the Dycks.

Sweet Fernanda

Handing out bracelets made by the Thompsons, Schroeders and Ropps

  Thank you Ropps, Thompsons and Schroeders for remembering us this christmas!