Guatemala October 2009

10.14.09
Today in the village we had a tremendous amount of rain so we could not get the entire project done that were scheduled. We had the opportunity to visit with another 10 homes today and it was a blessing to meet the families and pray with them. A few families had sick family members and sought us out to join them in asking the lord for healing. One father had a full blown case of the chicken pox and in the midst of his misery sat up and spoke with us. Living in such close proximity as they do, the rest of the family may have it soon. We did see the medical clinic in operation today. Many mothers and children (yes a few fathers too) were in a long line to have vaccinations and to have the babies weighed to confirm their health status. After we had lunch Rob was called to a medical emergency, thankfully he is a full time EMT! A man had cut himself severely and Rob managed to clean the wound out the best he could and bandage him up. This took precedence over our scheduled work activity of helping build latrines. The women were learning what it takes to work a loom and got a chance to try their hand at it. Our medical emergency left the men with time enough to see the looms in action too. The truth be known, Rob may have a future in the business!
The rains returned just as we were getting into the trucks to head back. This provided an added layer of excitement on the drive home. We made our way back to the training center to take care of some business then back to the hotel in Nabaj. All in all it was another great day. We continue to appreciate your prayers and look forward to telling tomorrow's stories.
THE GUATEMALA TEAM

10.13.09
To the Chapel Hill Presbyterian Church and all of our friends following our journey; we are so blessed to be here in Villa Hortencia with AGROS! We wish you all could be here to see the mighty hand of God at work. We were unable to get internet access until just tonight and it is a challenge to sort out which days contained which blessings…but we will try.
We did have a bit of a rough start: the first day (Saturday) we lost a camera and despite our best inspections, one of the three SUVs developed a nasty habit of LOUD squealing. (Normally this would not be a bother but in Guatemala the roads resemble Giant Slalom courses, this was definitely an issue.) The second day another camera died and the market at Chichicastenango claimed a wallet. Another SUV had to be delivered from Guatemala City and the four wheel drive needed a bit of a roadside mechanic to make it work. In spite of all this blessings abounded all the more. We have yet to drive in heavy rain and all are healthy. I can not begin to do justice to the wonderful food, home cooked with loving hands. Hospitality is out of this world, warm smiles are worn by all.
Yesterday (Sunday) soon after we arrived to our hotel and finished unpacking the vehicles the rain came down. It started at 6 PM and by 6:30 the power had gone out for the entire region. Candles were lit, a small, loud generator was heard in the background and our hosts continued cooking dinner for us. Stephanie enjoyed a very romantic candle-lit birthday dinner and surprise birthday cake with nine of her newest AGROS friends. Actually the birthday celebrations started with lunch in the hotel St Thomas when the marimba band played Happy Birthday…even the waiter joined in for a spirited rendition in Spanish!
Today is Monday and I don’t know where to start. It was our first day in Villa Hortencia. The landscapes are straight out of tour books, post cards and lush tropical gardens. This is punctuated by steep roads and every type of animal known to the region. We entered the village to an audience of perhaps a hundred of our brothers and sisters in Christ. All but a few of the elected officials (both the current ones and those who will assume their new posts next week) were present and took turns being introduced and expressing their extreme gratitude to God for all that AGROS had done for them. We then did the same. This can be a bit of a slow process because it is translated from English to Spanish and then to Kiche (key chay) or the reverse.
Then finally we split into two groups and walked through the nearby homes to visit the families and continue the work of taking images of the families. We ended by praying for each family. For those who don’t know, to pray Guatemalan style is to gather in a circle and all pray at once, out loud. Sometimes people sing or hum too. It is indeed a joyful noise to The Lord. We continually hear the villagers praise God for his mighty provision in their lives. They freely admit their many needs of enough food and health and ask for our continued prayers and support but it doesn’t seem to weigh them down.
We have much more to tell and words are insufficient. Our days are long and full of smiles, laughter and tears. Language isn’t too big of a barrier that it can’t be broken with a smile or a game. Children and adults alike want to be the first to see the image on the digital camera screens and laughter abounds afterward. But right now sleep calls us all so we bid you ¨Hasta la proxima vez¨ (until next time). We love you all, we are healthy and safe and we still need your prayers. THE GUATEMALA TEAM.

Romania 2009

7.4.09
Greetings from Romania!The team has arrived safe and sound with all of our things in tact. I am so proud of our team! Everyone had such great attitudes despite long hours and a lack of sleep!We had 2 vans pick us up from the airport, Florin and Vasile drove us. We made a quick stop in Bucharest for snacks and water and also visited a local music shop to give “the band” (Mark, Dave and Tony) an opportunity to pick up a small amplifier for one of the guitars. I know the kids’ ears will be tired after being with us for a week! The long drive (6 hours) after our long flight was uneventful and we arrived safely at camp around 7pm. Debbie was here to greet us and gave us a quick tour. I couldn’t believe it, but the team stayed up for a while to look around, hang out with Florin and have a sandwich. I thought for sure everyone would be heading straight to bed. We have a team of troopers! “The band” had a chance to play some songs…the kids are going to have a FABULOUS time with the music!Well, I must be off to bed myself. Tomorrow (Sunday) we work to get the camp ready for the kids (They will arrive Monday). Thank you again for all of your prayers and support!
With Great Joy,
Jennifer

7.6.09
What a great start to camp! Because we arrived on Saturday, we were able to have a relaxed beginning, with plenty of time to prepare our craft and games, unpack, and recover from the long journey. We spent Sunday resting, making beds and cleaning cabins, sorting craft materials and in quiet time; preparing our hearts and minds to work with the kids. It was great having the extra time.Today (Monday) the children arrived by carload, often after traveling several hours to get here. Once they were all here, we jumped right in to craft, games dinner and evening worship. The kids are warm and inviting. They are so excited to be here at camp! Once cabin assignments had been given, I walked a cabin group down to their cabin and introduced myself along the way. Two of the boys were brothers. They were 10 and 11 years old, both being no bigger than Will, my 8 year old. Small in stature and dressed in their sisters’ hand me downs (a flower and ruffle blouse with sparkly gold shoes), they were thrilled to be there. They could hardly contain themselves long enough to tell me their names!“The Band” was great (Tony, Dave and Mark). The kids clapped and sang along with the music and clearly our “band” was a success. Of course we don’t have a set of drums for Tony, but the 3 men put their heads together and created a drum set out of a 5 gallon bucket, cowbell, tambourine and cymbal. I can’t even believe Tony can play the thing let alone play it well! Once Florin (camp staff) got a hold of what these guys were doing, he too went to work building a bass drum. “The Band” didn’t even know it, but Florin was using 2x4’s, bongo drums, and levers to create this contraption. We are ALL amazed that the drums are so good and even more grateful for Florin’s thought fullness and willingness to give.We did, however, have to do lice checks and unfortunately there were 8 girls (with long hair) who had severe lice. One of the girls I was helping had the lice so bad that it extended clear out to the ends of the strands of hair and live bugs were hopping off of her. WOW! It was intense helping her de-louse. She required 2 lice kits, shampoos and we cut her hair. (She requested the haircut). As you can imagine, I am sitting here typing in the evening, just before bed with the sense that things are crawling all over me. I’m hoping for a good night’s sleep!! It is a shame to know that she will go home and end up with the same problem within a few weeks.The children we are working with this week are living at the extreme poverty level, experiencing 3rd world living conditions. Camp is THE BEST part of the year!I’m looking forward to telling you more stories!
With Joy,
Jennifer

7.9.09

Things are going so well here at camp. Everyone has fallen in love with the kids. The activities are fun and the Romanian volunteers are a joy to work with. I thought it might be nice to hear a little about how each team member is doing.Jennifer’s beauty shop is open. Not only has she given a haircut earlier in the week, but now has the reputation for braiding hair among all of the girls. Her popularity has soared and long lists have developed for this new fashionable hairstyle.The doctor is in. Dr Kirsten delivers medical aid daily in the form of band aids, anti-biotic ointment and Tylenol. On a more serious note, there is a boy here with 3rd degree burns all over his leg. I’m not kidding…the whole top layer of skin is gone. His accident was 2 weeks ago and he is still in a lot of pain. On the one hand I can’t believe he is even here. The risk for infection is enormous! But on the other hand, knowing the community he comes from, perhaps it is better that he is here, where he can be watched. Kirsten’s tender touch definitely found its purpose here.Crystal shared her testimony the other night which was AMAZING. She was brutally honest and her audience soaked her in. As it turns out, some of the adult Romanian leaders were dealing with some of the same issues in their youth and Crystal’s testimony had a powerful impact on that community. She has even been invited to “speak” during one of the Romanian small group sessions. Crystal is obviously well-loved here…she even received a proposal!Heather is craft queen! She has a gift for the organization and implementation. You should have seen her out there with the masks, and it is no small project. She is our team anchor. She has such a good attitude and has the ability to draw ALL of us in. Heather has been a particular blessing to me for her insight and support.Mark has been playing the guitar and leading music in the evenings, but what we are all so taken back with is his ability to play soccer. He dives for balls! The Romanian team leader, Petri, told us in our team meeting that Mark doesn’t play like an American!! He is seriously good at the game and incredible with the ball. Who knew!Dave also leads music in the evenings as well as a multitude of other fun activities with the kids. The games have been a huge success. Dave has such energy that the kids just gravitate to him. Rarely do you see him with out the kids around.Kim is our support dynamo. She is in on everything – always helping out. For me, I got to see a new side of Kim. I’ve always been with Kim in formal settings like classes or meetings where she is quiet and reserved. Not so now! I see that Kim is funny, energetic and just SO MUCH fun! Crystal, Kim and I stay up late every night laughing hysterically. Rob, I will be tired when I get home!Tony has achieved stardom here in Romania. Although he is now a movie star, he hasn’t let it go to his head…too much! We’ll keep you posted on where to find his latest film. He did give his testimony tonight and did a great job. Again, brutally honest. It is amazing how quiet the room gets when someone shares from the heart. I have such respect for Tony being willing to get up there and speak it. He did a great job.Here are some of the highlights of our activities:

• Walking up to the “store” for ice-cream.


• Having a sunny day on the day we did masks!


• Our testimonies


• Seeing Mark play soccer


• Watching Tony play a home-spun drum set


• Playing human foos ball


• Crafts have been fun this year


• Playing in the river (Crystal and Tony got dunked!)

Here’s an interesting side note, a Moldovan girl is here at camp this year. Heart of hope never takes children outside of its program (let alone from another country) but she is here because she has family here. As you can see, the team is happy and healthy and we are so thankful for your prayers.

Many Blessings,

Jennifer

7.13.09

We have had a couple of exciting days around here at camp. With the last set of kids gone and in preparation for the next, we have had the opportunity for some sight seeing and a chance to take a breath and relax to prepare for the older boys from placement centers….or so we thought!What really happened is rain, and lots of it. It is true that we were able to get out. We had a wonderful evening in Sibiu, enjoying the sights and exquisite dining. It was the quintessential European experience – quaint and charming. I think I can safely say for us all that it was a lovely evening. And then it rained. We have had rain off and on through out the week, but I think the building up of water over time took its toll so that by the time big rain storms rolled through on Saturday night, the water had no place to go. On Sunday morning we left the camp for church, but we surely noticed how high the river was and how fast it was running.I’ll insert here a little bit about church. It was so wonderful to worship with our Romanian brothers and sisters in Christ. Florin took us to his church, which is very small…about 25 members. It was so much fun to see Mark get up and play the guitar with the Romanian worship team. He is an amazing musician. The American team was introduced and Tony spoke a greeting to the church. It was a great experience for the team and I’m sure each of us will have a lot to say about it when we return. You should have heard the choir! Amazing!Back to camp- when we return from our afternoon out on Sunday, the river was raging. The gentlemen, Tony, Mark and Dave came back early to help fill sand backs and pump water. The river was so high it almost breached the walls. It took out several trees along the banks and washed out most of the road. In fact, the boys when they come will have to be dropped off down the road and walk the rest of the way up. (This will be interesting when it is time for us to leave with all of our luggage!) I was actually a little worried, and I knew if it got any higher we would have to cancel camp for the boys or at least delay it. It was quite powerful to watch the torrent of raging water.On a lighter note, while the men returned to camp early to help with the flooding problem, the ladies remained in town with Debbie. We stopped for lunch and a few groceries to prepare dinner for the men. We (the ladies) we thinking that the men were working so hard, getting cold, wet and muddy. Digging trenches and filling sand bags…. We knew they would be exhausted! So we pull into camp, prepared to make them a meal and give them a break – and there they are – all huddled around the BBQ! Iulian had decided to have a BBQ for us – Romanian style. He set up a giant umbrella to keep us out of the rain and executed a feast of monumental proportions. How American of us, to think, “Hurry back, they will be stressed out over this big problem that we must fix.” And how Romanian of them, “The river is bigger than me, there’s nothing I can do, so let’s enjoy the moment.” Surely we learned a lesson from this…The water is receding. It is still very dangerous because it is like having rapids in your back yard. We will have to make sure the boys stay out. Now we have to deal with the aftermath. For example, one of the outhouses was full and needed to be “drained” yuck! And the well has been contaminated so we can’t drink the water until it can be tested. (For all of you who worry about us, have no fear! Debbie is bringing bottled water.) And then there are smaller issues like a muddy, wet play field. But…it is sunshine today! We checked the weather and the forecast has predicted sun for the next week. Our spirits are up and we are really looking forward to our week ahead with the boys. The new Romanian volunteers have come and we are enjoying the opportunity to make new friends.Please continue to keep us in your prayers. Our team is doing great. Everyone is happy, healthy and helpful. We would be grateful if you would pray for the weather, water and for the incoming children.

Thank you again for your prayers,

Jennifer

7.18.09

I am sorry it took me a few days to get back in the saddle of updates. Although we have internet at camp, it is slower than slow and when days are long, using the internet fell to the bottom of the list. Now that we have safely arrived in Bucharest, I am spoiled by free time and fast internet – not to mention the peace and quiet to think! Of course having the older boys from the placement centers is for me, the highlight of the trip each and every year. They are a part of my heart and soul. The week with them is hectic and crazy. With such high energy all around coupled with their intense needs, they keep us running! The crafts and games were a complete success (I can’t even begin to tell you how many pieces of embroidery thread I cut!) and once again testimonies were solid, transparent, humbling and even raw. I am so proud of the team for their willingness to remain open and share even the painful things with these kids.We managed to get the kids out and walked up the road to a nearby bed and breakfast for ice cream. What a fun treat! One of the things that amazed us was the boys’ sincere sense of hospitality. It was difficult to accept gifts of candy and drinks from boys who had nothing. What little money they had they worked for themselves and shared with us. It is a tender thing to have little Ionut purchase a bottle of fruit punch and ask for cups from the attendant. He wanted to share his drink with his friends from the States. Romanians are extremely hospitable by nature and that hospitality is even revealed in their youngest.Crystal was amazing to watch. Her ability to get right out there and connect with the boys…and in deep ways! She spent quality time with them and invested herself. She was honest and sincere and the boys loved her for it. God has graciously gifted her with a pastors’ heart; it will be fun to watch her gift grow in the future.For those of you who know Dave, you also know of his ability to take command of the kids and get them rolling with laughter. Not only did he bless us with his music, but with his humor too. He was sick with a bad cold for the last part of the week and thank goodness for the miraculous healing for our weekend in Bucharest. I’m sure he is thankful too!Heather is an amazingly consistent friend and partner. I cannot express enough how she graciously handled each of us (and our idiosyncrasies!) She has the patience of a saint. She also managed the crafts and kept us organized. Calling her a hard-worker is an understatement and I fear it wouldn’t bring her the proper credit she deserves. She literally kept us running smoothly as a team. Can you believe she managed to do this even while under the weather with a bad cold? She had an unfortunate 24 hours or so with a tough cold…she felt guilty for going to bed! But she had us so organized that “relieving her of duty” for a time so she could rest was no problem. What a champ!Well…it’s tough to write about myself, but I did find that I was able to connect with the boys in a way I hadn’t done before. Several of the older boys have been at camp with me for the last 4 years and now face the truth that they will soon be moving on. With that in both of our minds, I think we were willing to say more. I am sad to say goodbye. I am heart broken to know the truth about what the very near future brings them. They are all so bright, full of energy and life…it is such a waste to send them out into nothing. Pray for their employability and for hope.Kim brings us fun and laughter. We all so much enjoy the fun she brings to our team! I don’t think I ever saw her this week without holding hands with at least one boy. Her gift to help was ever present and we all knew we could count on her. She was solid in her ministry to the team and warm and caring to all of the boys.Kirsten was an incredible minister to the boys. Even when the rest of the team was taking a break, I knew I could find Kirsten either a) outside playing (or cuddling) with the boys or b) working hard in camp cleaning and organizing. She is a power dynamo who does not stop…but do not question her priorities because she would drop everything on a dime to spend time with a boy in need of her attention. I personally did not know Kirsten well before this trip; truthfully, she surprised me in how much she offered of herself to the boys. I feel like I should take lessons!Mark did a fabulous job with his testimony. He was willing to get up and speak his mind and heart in all humility. I am proud of Mark for this giant leap of faith. If you do not know Mark well, I encourage you to take the time. He is a spiritual giant walking among us. He is a man of encouragement and the boys learned that about him too.Tony – All I can say is please come back to Romania! He is the perfect roll model for these boys. Again he gave his testimony, but this time he took it even further, revealing parts of him self I didn’t expect and demonstrated true transparency to these boys. I love the fact that all of the boys look up to him. Many of them shared very personal things with Tony and he spent hours in deep conversation with several of them. I know for a fact that the boys he spoke with feel ministered to. It has been an honor to be a part of his journey.So, friends and families of this team, we are coming to the end of our trip. We will enjoy the day in Bucharest tomorrow, first with prayer, debriefing and quiet time, then with sightseeing and fun. I will be sending the team home to you as I prepare myself to head toward Moldova. It has been pure joy to lead this team and I am excited to hear about their homecomings. Receive them with open arms and open ears; I am sure that each one of them have many stories to share about their experience here in Romania with orphans and the community poor. This will be my final e-mail regarding the Romania trip since it is only hours before we begin to pack for home (or elsewhere…)Thank you for your prayers and support, it is true that things like this cannot be done without a home team!

With Joy and Peace,

Jennifer

Guatemala April 2009

4.20.09
We are in Nabaj, after a wonderful drive up and down and around many corners. Our accommodations are wonderful in a new hotel (hotel Boxbolandia), complete with outdoor pool and slides. The weather has been wonderful with clear blue skies and temperatures in the 70´s. Team members are doing very well with many good laughs and great interactions with the local people. Today we are excited about our signing ceremony with the village. It will be our first visit to the village and anticipation is high. We will report to you this evening of the various events.We are surrounded by beautiful wooded hills, a lady is herding her two cows down a hillside in back of our hotel, she has to pull hard on the neck of one, they are white with black spots. The air is clear, fresh, and cool, temps. in the day have been in 70´s at night in low 50´s. We now have clear blue skies, better than the smoke filled valleys from our drive, caused by farmers burning corn stalks. Many farmers are now planting because spring rains will come in May. We have been blessed so far with only one minor delay by an overheated transmission which was cured by a short rest stop after many miles on an uphill climb. God is good.
Peace / blessings,
Dave / Team


4.21.09
WOW, triple wow is how to describe our first meeting with the village of Hortencia Uno (Hortencia means hydrangia, the same flowers growing on the edges of the village). We began the day with devotions and singing, a great breakfast, then on to the village, a 1 and 1/2 hour drive over the roughest road you can imagine. When we arrived at the village many were there to meet us show us the way to the community hall and in a short time we were surrounded by many children. We spent the rest of the morning going to individual houses to meet families, pray with them, and take a photo so that we may know who´s who. Some families are as large as 10. Most have a kitchen building with a smoldering fire, a bed room house, and a sweat house. Except for the sweat house made of adobe brick, the other two buildings are made of flat boards nailed to a rough framework, covered by a corrugated tin roof. There are many slits for air to pass through the walls, which make it a cool evening at this elevation of 7050 feet.All the families were so gracious to us, sharing the names of their children who were often smiling and giggling. We will visit more homes this morning and do some work on the water supply this afternoon. Our team ladies will receive a lesson in weaving. Both men and women weave in this village. The textiles are absolutely beautiful. Some homes have looms in them for the weaving.In the afternoon we experienced a 3 hour ceremony for the signing of the agreement between the village and Chapel Hill that commits us to a five year sponsorship. The ceremony began with a singing of the national anthem (all five or more verses were sung) and a pledge of allegiance to the flag held by two beautiful young girls. About 170 were in attendance many sitting on the grass of the soccer field next to the school. Many speeches were given by various committee leaders, after a welcoming by the mayor and the president of the Agros committee. We sang several praise songs to them in Spanish, and with Jeremy´s guitar, they wanted more, so we extended our song list to great applause. It took us about 30 minutes to complete the signing of 5 sets of papers, many of the people did not write so they put their inked thumb print on the signature line.After a presentation of the banner from us to the village, all who wished were asked to sign on the 10 foot banner which is written in three languages indicating the partnership between sponsors ¨¨Working & Walking Together¨´ We were then invited to a wonderful dinner of marinated steak, rice, black beans, and sodas, with the village leaders and three school teachers. It was a wonderful moment to remember...great fellowship and sharing of common interests. The village is very hilly, with two churches, and tall hills surrounding the area. We are experiencing a light rain this morning, and will now make our long trek up, up, up to the village.

Peace and blessings, & thanks for your prayers,

Dave & VH1 Team