The Unpleasant Blessing of Understanding Christ

For those who follow our blog and journey within missions in Jalapa, know that there have been many trials.  I wouldn't deny the fact that we have been under spiritual attack since we started in November 2013.  Wave upon wave of attacks.  We have endured crushing blows that feel unbearable.   Although feeling at times like we were cast in a pit of despair   we have managed to climb out and learned how to take blows and press forward in the name of Jesus. 

Through each attack we have learned to lean on Christ and His community.  When times are tough we turn to people to pray for us and gain a better understanding of how to live through it.   Coming to God in utter dependency during these times has taught us humility that we can't always fix problems (not temptations - those we can handle) but that we need to leave that to Him. 

Satan really does have an impressive arsenal in which he lays his attacks.  He can twist people's perceptions so they can be the weapon for his war.  The damage that is doled out is so diabolical that not only does it hurt the victim but the attacker as well.  Furthermore, the damage dealt can transform the victim to be the attacker and for the attacker to become a bigger and better weapon to inflict more pain.  Like a virus, sin grows and infects its host.  Those who want to be a beacon for God's kingdom are a prime target.

Here in Guatemala we see the sin of 'survive at all cost'.  Many people here live difficult lives and really struggle to get by.  Theft of food, money, things, and even people to be trafficked or enslaved occur so a family can have enough resources to 'live a better life'.  Even when aid is given it isn't enough and they wait and demand for more.  Investing in some people here can be difficult because they have let this entitled attitude to fester in their soul.  These takers become frustrated when you don't dole out cash or food, because advice (spiritual, personal, relational or financial) carries little value.  Sometimes I feel that the expression, 'You can feed a man to fish and he will eat for a day, but if you teach him to fish he will eat for a lifetime.' should have included 'However some people just want to be fed and could care less to have a net or pole because there is plenty of fish in the sea and there are others willing to fish.' 
 
This is our latest battle that we are experiencing in the transition program.  It may be hard to believe that kids rescued from bad situations and raised in loving support would turn on those who helped them.  Unfortunately it is a common story and one that hurts a lot.  Through our past pains I have learned not to worry about it but to give it to God (Matthew 6: 25-34 - Thanks pastor Steve).  To find the blessing in the struggle is become more like Christ.  We can recognize the pain is of this world and its problems but the goodness of God's provision and strength is what gets us to our end game in glory.  Even though my hair is getting whiter by the second, my body is falling into fatigue, and my hands tremble from the stress of life, I can appreciate the thorn that is in my side (2 Corinthians 12: 5-10) because it forces me to be dependent on Him to fight the infection of sin. 

Unconventional Missionary

Having the time to sit and write has been weighing in on me for quite some time now.  I just realized it has been a month since my last post.  I have attempted to write a couple times and the words left me as soon as I started to type.   My cup feels empty with only a few remainder drops left.  I have had no time for myself and relunctantly God has been getting my last bits of time at the end of a very exhausting day.  I thought that maybe if I start my day with Him things would  better.  I struggle to stay awake during my early morning prayer and often roll out of bed to the demanding noise and clutter of the day.   I think you can relate. We have all been there.  Burnout is lingering around the next corner and I need to pull out all stops.  


If someone told me a few years ago that I would one day be a "missionary"serving in Guatemala, I would have laughed and thought..."ya, right"!  I pictured french braided hair and long denim skirts.  If that were the case I would be the worst missionary ever!  I struggle with not doing enough, being enough, making enough, having enough. I know in my heart that just being should be enough but the world screams otherwise.   I look around and there are so many insurmountable needs I can't possibly address or "fix" them all but I know I can start by helping where I can one at a time.  

We are currently looking to re-locate our safe house.  The house is full and we are at our max.  Water access is only available for short segments very early in the morning and at night.  You can imagine this makes cleaning and hygiene an issue for a house full of 16 people.   Reasonable rent is hard to come by here in Jalapa especially for us "gringos".  With the help of local friends, we are continually looking.   The cost of a rental that was suitable was exceeding our current budget and so I prayed a bold prayer that God would make up the difference.  In asking God, with faith we can be sure He can move any mountain.  My faith seemingly has felt defeated.  I struggle with not becoming the mission.  It's easy to make things about ourselves, isn't it?  Sometimes it is just easier doing than asking.  My knees have found the floor many times in the last couple of weeks.  I put out a request on Facebook for prayer over our housing situation.  I was blown away.  God worked through the heart of a donor who had money waiting to be used.  We can now look for a house with a potential yard for the kids to play in and clean water.

With eight kids in the house, there isn't a lot of  quiet time.  Not to mention Guatemalans LOVE loud noise.  I find my head spinning and just want to turn down the volume some days.  Matt and I were blessed with a day away thanks to Nana and Papa holding down the fort.  I loved walking hand in hand without competing with the girls, for my husbands grip.  We were able to sit and enjoy a meal from start to finish without any interruptions.  Coming from a family of five kids, the hustle and bustle of a busy house is not foreign and I do love it.  I wouldn't trade it for anything.  I wake up everyday to a beautiful family that only God could bring together.  The mission field is where ever you are.  It's a lifestyle.  Everyday is different.  Some days, my expectations are way to high as far as what I want to accomplish.  Then I have to remind myself that we are doing life here.  Whether its stopping to chat with our neighbour or having a conversation about faith with the store owner next door on a egg and water run.  We are just ordinary people being used by an extraordinary God!

“Would you Rather...?”

There's this game my kids love playing on long road trips. It goes something like this.... “mom, would you rather eat a sandwich covered in glue or jello with pickles in it?” I try and try to get out of making a choice but ultimately I need to choose one.. or the other. This games goes on and on and gets grosser each “would you rather” question. My kids giggle and squirm until they challenge each family member. I was reminded of this silly little game the other night as I was drifting off to sleep. It was in that moment I felt God nudge me.... Mandy..would you rather stay here comfortable or be obedient in what I am asking you..... not such an obvious and easy answer.

I used to walk down our county road in Jordan night after summer night, exactly twenty years ago. It was a painful walk as I was processing our familys' upcoming move. I would never have expected what was to come. I never imagined finding a church that would challenge my faith and influence my walk at such a pivotal point in my youth. I never imagined meeting my best friend and husband that would one day father our three children. I never imagined that after getting baptized in my early twenties that shortly later I would experience one of the most painful times in my life. I never imagined at how a God so rich in mercy and grace would pick up the brokenness in my life and turn it around for His glory and goodness. I never imagined that my heart could love so much as when we stepped foot in an orphanage in Guatemala. I never imagined falling in love with four vibrant, beautiful girls who would later call us mom and dad. And most recently, I never imagined even entertaining the thought of fully surrendering to a call that has tugged on my heart for years; a call in pursuing a life in ministry, serving the people of Guatemala.

As I reflect on God's leading in my life, I am reminded to trust Him with my whole being. Stepping out of our comfort is never an easy transition. Mother Teresa was quoted once saying,”don't ever hold onto something so tightly that God has to rip it from the grip of your hand”. My life is not my own. I was created in the image of God, made specifically for a purpose. If God is calling, I am answering. What would you rather for your life?

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

every now and then it's good to let it out

Well today made for an interesting one.  I woke up this morning and busied myself in the kitchen preparing chocolate cake for 30 inmates.  Our prison 
bible study invited our family in for lunch. We felt honoured knowing how difficult it is for them to afford such a gesture.  They went all out and made chicken ( feet included) with potatoes and rice.  At one point Mercedes needed to use their facilities.  I was apprehensive but they insisted on showing us the bathroom.  The toilet was next to the stove top burner.  I think I threw up a little in my mouth seeing where the food had been prepared.  Sometimes it is better NOT to know.  Since the area is very small and at times it feels like the walls are closing in, they set up tables  in the only open available area.  Directly over the sewage drain.  Sweet little Mercedes, leaned in and whispered, "mom, something smells funny".   I reminded her to be a little gracious and told her that not many 6 year olds get the opportunity to eat lunch in a prison in a developing country, so just go with it.  Needless to say the kids did their best at the meal and looked very happy when I pulled out the chocolate cake.  For one lady, I know our visit means the world to her as she has had no one come to see her.  She hugged me and told me she loved me.  The very first bible study morning I brought in soaps/shampoo and t-shirts.  This particular lady makes sure she has that t-shirt on every Tuesday.  So precious!

The kids needed some down time with mom, so we hung out at home and the boys worked on their school project while Matt and Jay went out shooting film in Los Pinos.   Just as they were finishing up interviewing a handful of girls, a mom with her five kids showed up at the gate.  The youngest, being four months but looking like a two month, was very dehydrated and needed medical care urgently.  Leaving the other four behind, the mom (along with a nun)  got a ride into town with Matt.  He drove them straight to the hospital.   Just a couple hours later we received a call from Mother Claudia, asking us to pick them up and return them to Casa Hogar.  Since Matt is constantly bombing back and forth, I offered to do the drive.  When I arrived at the hospital, only the nun holding the baby hopped in the truck.  She shut the truck door and left the mother standing on the street corner.  I felt confused and waited  for her.  The nun looked at me and said she can't look after her children.  Of course I knew where this was heading but I still had so many questions.  I had a very hard time driving away.  I can't imagine what the mom was feeling.  This particular situation is sadly far too common here.  The father left his wife and their 5 children and she had no more to give.  Not enough food or resources to provide for her children. Out of desperation, she landed at the gates of Casa Hogar for help.  I have been exposed to so many difficulties and seen a lot of poverty.  In some ways it becomes 'normal" to see kids picking through the garbage every morning, or an 80 year old woman hauling wood or water, or kids my daughters age selling candy in the streets to help make a living for their families.  I don't want to become de-sensitized and accept it but I guess I already have.  Some things I will never understand.  I sometimes am disconnected or maybe guard my emotions, because if I didn't I would be weeping all the time.  Every now and then it's good to let it out. Tonight in the truck, the tears streamed down my cheeks.  I felt such a sadness and emptiness for this mom.  I know that this decision probably was not an easy one and that it is in the children's best interest, but it I couldn't imagine the pain.

a full house

 Quietness! I am soaking up these few minutes.  We have a house full this weekend and I love it! Our house has always had a revolving door and things are the same here in Guatemala.  The days are a surprise and we just don't know who will drop by.

Facility at Global Shores

This past month has brought about a lot of excitement.  We welcomed back our friend Kait who will be spending three months working with us at Casa Hogar.  A week later, we picked up mom and dad Wilson who will be joining us for the next two months.  Aside from the already full house, we have our four girls here every weekend visiting.  I am thankful for the extra helping hands to keep up with the house work and cooking.  I has been a joy watching mom and dad experience new things here.  I think they too are quickly learning how inconvenient life is here at times and how many luxuries we take for granted back home.  Our first stop upon Matt's parents' arrival was in the town of Antigua.  We spent a couple of days easing them into culture shock and exposure of the poverty in the country.  It gave us time as a family to catch up and relax.  A little disappointing for me, that the hotel we stayed at had no hot water and I was diagnosed with scabies.  It was actually an uncomfortable stay on so many levels, however I was happy to step out of Jalapa for a few days and have a much needed break.  On our way back home we stopped in to visit friends at another mission just outside of Antigua.  I have never in my life travelled up such a steep road.  I didn't dare look back as the truck chugged its way higher and higher up the mountain.  It was quite the adventure as it over heated and everyone had to get out and walk.  I was the lucky one who was in charge of getting it up the hill.  I felt like the little engine that could.  Matt and I were blown away by not only the structure of the facility but the staff and concept behind it.  It was another reason to get back in that truck and drive to Jalapa and do the work we so humbly do.  Instead of feeling defeated, it gave us hope.  We felt encouraged and inspired.  What I really loved the most was seeing a group of Canadians from a small town in Ontario coming together with a vision and working with the communtity in Guatemala to see BIG change.  It started with years of  building trust and relationship that has blossomed into something beautiful.  For more information, check out Global Shores in Guatemala.

We have started our kitchen renovations at Casa Hogar.  The first thing to come out was the drop ceiling. I was amazed to see the nuns and even the girls roll up their sleeves to get the job done.  It was literally "raining" cockroaches.  We hired a local friend who has worked at the orphanage before  and Eddie's brother in law to cement the ceiling.  As we have been praying, God is working.  Connections we made with people two years ago are surfacing every time we are here and we are thankful for all the help.  The tiles are coming tomorrow and the walls are being started.  Kait is busy working on kitchen hygiene protocol and we are developing a checklist to get things rolling once the kitchen is done.  My prison visits lately have been few and far between as others things are occupying my time.  However, I am going there tomorrow morning to cut hair again.  I am working on translating material for  a bible study that I hope to get up and running the beginning of March.

Matt had the opportunity to visit another missionary who flys into remote areas in Guatemala.  I think he was a little taken back when he showed up at the airport and had to help put the plane back together.
Apparently the brakes didn't work and after much thought, the winds were not worth the risk.  They ended up driving, which made for an adventure in itself. I am thankful for the opportunities to meet other missions and encourage each other in our journeys.  We can learn a lot from each other.

Dad has been busily learning spanish and tries to communicate every chance he gets.  We get a kick out of him trying to say "quetzal".  Mom is a HUGE help around the house, taking care of meals and laundry.  It frees up a lot of my time so I can focus on homeschooling and mission planning.  We have established more of a routine with the kids school and homeschool as well as the classes I teach at the orphanage.

Cleaning out the cupboards

Please continue to pray for strength and better health.  We have all been under the weather with a cold/virus that brought mom to the doctors.  She had quite a reaction to this bug and is on the mend now.  However, it has taken it's tole on all of us and we are tired.  Thank you!

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! 

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!