An Amazing Start

     Many of you are aware that I am (was) a school teacher and that I was working with the great staff and student body at Grapeview Public School.  Like any job, you connect with fellow staff and students by discussing your comings and goings to have a better sense of each other.  As the year progressed, many coworkers were intrigued with the work our family had done in Guatemala last year and they asked more about our journey.  It's flattering when  someone takes an interest in what you do.  Little did I know that after my  announcement to return to Guatemala, the school would start scheming ways to help.

Freezie sales for mission support.

     During the last month of school a group of girls in grades 4 and 5 devised a plan to use duct tape and fold it into all sorts of crazy assortments to make pencil flowers, hair bows, wallets, purses, and other items.  They sold these items around the school and directed all funds to the mission in Guatemala.  Additionally, two teachers started to sell freezies at school with their class and social justice club to direct all funds to the needs of the orphanage.  Another teacher  formed a drum group and performed at the local Home Hardware raising both awareness and financial support for the  mission.  I was blown away by all the support and that a group of people were sympathetic toward the same cause.

     The following week we had an assembly for volunteers that support our school community.  During the assembly they called me up and were making mention of the work my family and I have done and will be doing.  I prayed that God would give me the right words to say to the young audience as I can't go into the details about the harsh realities many children around the world experience and why they need so much help.  After I delivered a short speech (which I honestly thank God for because I am far from being that articulate!) the staff announced how much was raised and estimated how much more may be raised.  A large cheque of $2300 was unrolled.  My lower lip started to quiver and then the staff did something even more incredible.  They said  that more was being done.  A lump in my throat formed. Two retiring teachers  this year,  gave up their retirement gifts and directed the monies to the mission. As if that wasn't enough,  another teacher stated that the school had drafted a letter in honour of these retiring teachers that a donation from the Grapeview community could be made to our mission.  Tears filled my eyes.

Bucket Drumming at Home Hardware

     After dropping these bombs of amazing support they then asked me to pose with students and the cheque for a photo op.  I mustered up the words 'thank you' and 'wow' before I quickly turned away from the crowd and looked at my supportive staff and students and began to sob.  Crying is not a common event for me but has become more a part of how I express myself when God breaks me.  God broke me at that moment as I saw how much capacity of love exists in my school community.  I hugged each staff and student down the line that stood behind me not only during that presentation but in support for the work that was going to happen in Guatemala.  It is a rare moment to feel that loved by so many people at once and know that they too mourn over the unmet needs of others that we care deeply about.

     Needless to say the outpouring of support at Grapeview was an amazing start as we continue to find people to partner with us in the mission.  We pray that our support letters find you well and that you can be a part of a ministry.

Jeremiah 29:11

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