The alarm went off at 5:15 am and we got ready to head to the airport. I wanted to leave in plenty of time so our guests wouldn't have to wait. We were ready to leave and Vernon couldn't find his passport. He was sure he had laid it on the dresser so he would have it. I felt the first twinge of panic, but chose to remain calm. I looked on the dresser, under the dresser, behind the dresser and in all the drawers. We widened the search and looked all over the room, in all the shirt and pants pockets, clean and dirty. Then one by one we began to panic. The dresser drawers were dug through and the top of the dresser looked like a tornado had swept over it. Still no passport. I felt more panic and wondered what I would say to Deb, Judy and Dorthy when I would have to call and say we couldn't get their children because we lost the passport! I think I sounded quite grim when I said "lets pray". It's hard to pray when there is this angry feeling simmering below the controlled panic. We widened the search and kept looking. I was even searching all the kitchen cupboards and much to my relief, I found it up on a cupboard shelf. Put there for 'safe keeping'. We did thank God for answered prayer:) And I am reminded once again that tests come when I least expect them!
How do I describe the wonderful feeling of seeing home folks and how do I express my appreciation to the parents for allowing their children to come visit? I guess one way can be by taking good care or their children:) Jody and Jeana took them to Antigua by bus. They ate lunch and then explored the city. Antigua was the Spanish capital years ago and so there are old, beautiful churches and buildings. There are a few Mayan ruins but the real ones are about 10 hours from here.
We are having a special meal tonight. Craig, a vser and Shawn, brother to Craig, who is visiting here with his wife and children are making the meal. They are guarding the kitchen so my curiosity will have to keep growing. I just saw Shawn out in the courtyard with something round in a dish towel and he was swinging it like he wanted to spin moisture out of whatever it is. Oh well, supper is in 20 minutes, I can be mature and wait!
Friday, October 28, 2011
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Cheetos and Games
My Wednesday ended in a wonderful way! I had spent some of the day with Vernon and then in the evening we had a family time! I had splurged and bought a bag of Cheetos and saved them for the evening when we could all sit down together and munch! After supper was over and cleaned up, and emails checked, we went over to the house and decided to play settlers. The only problem was that Sharon owns the game and it was stashed up in one of the kitchen cupboards. Jody and Jeana got a bright idea to sneak over to the kitchen and get the game. They included Jared and made a game out of it. I was watching from the roof and it was so funny to see them creeping through the shadows and into the kitchen to grab the game and I guess they decided to steal the candy jar as well. So we had a lively game of Settlers and crunched on our Cheetos and then they crept out the door, through the workshop, down the hall and past the rooms, into the kitchen to put the game back. The sneaking was a bit noisier than earlier. I kept hearing a loud shhhh! It was a good ending to our day. Today we woke up to the most beautiful clear morning and a breakfast of waffles and blackberries! Some of our guests headed up to El Chal and I kept busy doing laundry and cleaning and the day flew by. I made a stir fry for supper tonight and I was impressed with how good it was! :) There were lots of different veggies, guisquiel, broccoli, snow peas, carrots, celery, peppers,cabbage and steak( a tough missionary budget steak) and the sauce had lots of ginger and other good stuff in it.
Jared caught a live roach and fed it to 'the' spider and the boys came running to drag me over to watch! They were enthralled with the way the spider ran after the roach and then they were thrilled that they even heard a crunch when he ate it! I am grossing out just thinking about it. Today Jodys class played capture the flag and it was so amusing to watch. There was such tension and leaping and running and yelling and laughing. We are learning to keep an eye out for small people charging around corners. So far none of us have been run over, though there have been a few close calls. What did I learn today? Well, if you have a tile shower, and it has water marks and build up of whatever, take some Axion, a green scrubbie and a small piece of fine sandpaper. Combine that with some elbow grease and you will have a sparkling clean shower with glossy tiles! Now to use this on our shower that must be about 35 years old!.... tomorrow.....
Jared caught a live roach and fed it to 'the' spider and the boys came running to drag me over to watch! They were enthralled with the way the spider ran after the roach and then they were thrilled that they even heard a crunch when he ate it! I am grossing out just thinking about it. Today Jodys class played capture the flag and it was so amusing to watch. There was such tension and leaping and running and yelling and laughing. We are learning to keep an eye out for small people charging around corners. So far none of us have been run over, though there have been a few close calls. What did I learn today? Well, if you have a tile shower, and it has water marks and build up of whatever, take some Axion, a green scrubbie and a small piece of fine sandpaper. Combine that with some elbow grease and you will have a sparkling clean shower with glossy tiles! Now to use this on our shower that must be about 35 years old!.... tomorrow.....
Wednesday, October 26, 2011
Sun and Spiders
What a beautiful day and what a blue sky! There is not a cloud in the sky and the sun has such a comfortable warmth! Can you tell we have been quite chilly the last while? Today is Wednesday, my 'day off' and I spent the morning riding around the city with Vernon. The first thing we did was take one of the girls, who had bussed in on the overnight bus, to the University to do a final exam on Teaching English. I don't know what the formal title is. When she is finished she will have the option to teach in a lot of countries. When we got to the university she was told the test was switched to November. I can tell she has lived with adjustments because she chose to 'flow' with it instead of get all bent out of shape! While walking through the university halls, I thought of the states and what parents would be saying about their children learning in such full classrooms, crammed with desks and students. One thing I noticed when we walked past the open doors was the way the students seemed to be alert and focused on the teacher.
The next jaunt we went on was going to the market and getting fresh produce to last a few days. I am also trying out the idea of buying my meat at the market. It is fresh and the same price as the 'greasy' meat from Walmart!
We have guests here at headquarters and are excitedly looking forward to three more guests (special ones for us) coming on Friday morning. Hopefully we can keep them busy with a balance of work and play:)
One other 'guest' we have here is a tarantula!!! The family that Jeana lived with in Santa Rosita sent it to Jeana as a joke gift. I'm sure they had a lot of laughing over the idea of the shrieks that would be echoing off the compound walls. Much to my surprise and Jeana's surprise and horror, she had Vernon help her build a cage to keep the thing in!!!!! She has a real like, hate relationship with it, and Jody has to bear the brunt of having it in her classroom with six very excited boys. There are strict orders - no one is allowed to open the cage unless Jeana or Jody give permission, which won't happen! The boys have had some roach hunts and watched the spider eat a roach. "If only we had a scorpion" is the remark I keep hearing,"we could watch them fight"!
Is this what we need to liven up our days?
Guatemala City has huge Mega Paca Stores, (thrift stores) and I was told the stuff comes from the States! Does America really have such an excess? How do we teach our children to be content and have grateful hearts? We thought the forts our children built in the woods were so cute, how about if that fort of sticks and tin was our home? I think of that verse about 'to whom much is given, much is required' and I believe God will hold me accountable for how I have used what He has given and I think of the times I look at what I have as "mine" to use for me! May God help me to always look at what I have as His gift to me to be used for His glory! When I go Mega Paca shopping I think of how amazing and fun it would be to find a name that I recognized on some of the items! I am planning to go look for some warmer clothes like flannel shirts, leggings and sweaters. But for now, I am absorbing the warmth of the sun and the laundry drying quickly on the line. Farewell...........
The next jaunt we went on was going to the market and getting fresh produce to last a few days. I am also trying out the idea of buying my meat at the market. It is fresh and the same price as the 'greasy' meat from Walmart!
We have guests here at headquarters and are excitedly looking forward to three more guests (special ones for us) coming on Friday morning. Hopefully we can keep them busy with a balance of work and play:)
One other 'guest' we have here is a tarantula!!! The family that Jeana lived with in Santa Rosita sent it to Jeana as a joke gift. I'm sure they had a lot of laughing over the idea of the shrieks that would be echoing off the compound walls. Much to my surprise and Jeana's surprise and horror, she had Vernon help her build a cage to keep the thing in!!!!! She has a real like, hate relationship with it, and Jody has to bear the brunt of having it in her classroom with six very excited boys. There are strict orders - no one is allowed to open the cage unless Jeana or Jody give permission, which won't happen! The boys have had some roach hunts and watched the spider eat a roach. "If only we had a scorpion" is the remark I keep hearing,"we could watch them fight"!
Is this what we need to liven up our days?
Guatemala City has huge Mega Paca Stores, (thrift stores) and I was told the stuff comes from the States! Does America really have such an excess? How do we teach our children to be content and have grateful hearts? We thought the forts our children built in the woods were so cute, how about if that fort of sticks and tin was our home? I think of that verse about 'to whom much is given, much is required' and I believe God will hold me accountable for how I have used what He has given and I think of the times I look at what I have as "mine" to use for me! May God help me to always look at what I have as His gift to me to be used for His glory! When I go Mega Paca shopping I think of how amazing and fun it would be to find a name that I recognized on some of the items! I am planning to go look for some warmer clothes like flannel shirts, leggings and sweaters. But for now, I am absorbing the warmth of the sun and the laundry drying quickly on the line. Farewell...........
Sunday, October 23, 2011
Surprise!
We were eating Sunday lunch and Jared told me that today is a day of rest, and I was working when I cooked lunch! He decided it was necessary to work when I suggested we go hungry next week.
We have been rushing about getting ready for a surprise birthday party for Sharon. She was at Brian's for lunch today, that was very convenient for us! We have the conference room set up all pretty, and the menu is her favorite meal, fried chicken, mashed potatoes, corn, jello salad. and lemon delight for dessert. Sharon thinks we are having her special meal tomorrow night and she is making her own 'cake'. It is two different kinds of baked cheesecake. So we will have that tomorrow evening and laugh about the sunday surprise! Yesterday, Prisila, Jared and I walked to a roadside flower stand and got flowers for two beautiful centerpieces, made by Prisila. When we were walking back we had to walk past a blockade set up on one traffic lane. There were police and army guys with their fingers on the trigger. They were on the look out for someone. It felt funny to walk past and know the gun was pointed at our backs. One street down from there, we saw two men being handcuffed by some more police.
Today has been a beautiful sunny day and we revel in it even though the air has a chill that makes me long for a small wood stove!
We are getting company this week. One family from Pa. coming for 2 weeks to visit family here at headquarters, another family flying in and then heading up to El Chal. There is one special group that our family is all excited about, some home youth! Jeana has the days and hours counted and has made plans over and over; fortunately, she is aware of the Guatemala saying: " Go ahead and make plans but they are subject to change any moment". I made that up, but that is how it goes. Maybe I could say, "making plans is like the weather in Idaho, wait 10 minutes and it or they may change!" We are also getting a few workers coming in this week to help do concrete work on the new church floor. Sounds like the days will go by swiftly!
Today Brian preached about trying to take short cuts to heaven. I got the gist of what he said, God is our Creator and allows what comes into our lives, some by our own choices, but it is our responsibility to take what comes and use it to serve Him.
We have been rushing about getting ready for a surprise birthday party for Sharon. She was at Brian's for lunch today, that was very convenient for us! We have the conference room set up all pretty, and the menu is her favorite meal, fried chicken, mashed potatoes, corn, jello salad. and lemon delight for dessert. Sharon thinks we are having her special meal tomorrow night and she is making her own 'cake'. It is two different kinds of baked cheesecake. So we will have that tomorrow evening and laugh about the sunday surprise! Yesterday, Prisila, Jared and I walked to a roadside flower stand and got flowers for two beautiful centerpieces, made by Prisila. When we were walking back we had to walk past a blockade set up on one traffic lane. There were police and army guys with their fingers on the trigger. They were on the look out for someone. It felt funny to walk past and know the gun was pointed at our backs. One street down from there, we saw two men being handcuffed by some more police.
Today has been a beautiful sunny day and we revel in it even though the air has a chill that makes me long for a small wood stove!
We are getting company this week. One family from Pa. coming for 2 weeks to visit family here at headquarters, another family flying in and then heading up to El Chal. There is one special group that our family is all excited about, some home youth! Jeana has the days and hours counted and has made plans over and over; fortunately, she is aware of the Guatemala saying: " Go ahead and make plans but they are subject to change any moment". I made that up, but that is how it goes. Maybe I could say, "making plans is like the weather in Idaho, wait 10 minutes and it or they may change!" We are also getting a few workers coming in this week to help do concrete work on the new church floor. Sounds like the days will go by swiftly!
Today Brian preached about trying to take short cuts to heaven. I got the gist of what he said, God is our Creator and allows what comes into our lives, some by our own choices, but it is our responsibility to take what comes and use it to serve Him.
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
Coping with Change
Last night Vernon and I went on a date. We have very interesting dates:) This date took us to zone one at 10:00 pm. A family wanted to take the overnight bus up north and the bus stations are in the zone uno. We had a good time talking while we drove home. Zone one is considered a dangerous area, and some of the people I saw walking seemed to be on their guard. This morning we woke up to more rain! Our tropical depression is giving way to a low front that is moving in, so we should have more days of rain. Living in the city protects us from the reality of mud slides, floods and misery that people in the country are dealing with.
Linda, Miriam, Sharon and I went to Norma's house for an 'english' coffee break. We decided to get together once in a while to talk together and share heart talk that is impossible to do when you can't talk the language. Miriam asked me to share about how I cope with change. Interesting, how about throwing a temper tantrum?!
It made me look back over my life to some of the big changes. Our lives all have different stories, but I think we all have similar struggles.
These are some of the lessons I have recognized and am learning:
Isa.29:16, Jer. 18:4, Isa. 45:9 - Shall the clay say to Him that fashioneth it, what makest thou?
1. First is to have a correct view of God. If I don't view God in the right way, I will be looking through a distorted filter.
2. Allow myself to grieve the change
3. Lay it down before God, over and over and over and...
4. Look for something to be thankful for
5. Treasure what I have and hold it with an open hand
6. Choose to believe that God loves me
7. Choose to trust God
8. Tell God it's ok because I know He loves me and is with me in all life's changes
9. Do not listen to feelings!
These were some of the things we shared today, and I was refreshed and encouraged to keep on giving my whole heart to God. What a mighty God we serve!
Isa. 40:31 - They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.
Linda, Miriam, Sharon and I went to Norma's house for an 'english' coffee break. We decided to get together once in a while to talk together and share heart talk that is impossible to do when you can't talk the language. Miriam asked me to share about how I cope with change. Interesting, how about throwing a temper tantrum?!
It made me look back over my life to some of the big changes. Our lives all have different stories, but I think we all have similar struggles.
These are some of the lessons I have recognized and am learning:
Isa.29:16, Jer. 18:4, Isa. 45:9 - Shall the clay say to Him that fashioneth it, what makest thou?
1. First is to have a correct view of God. If I don't view God in the right way, I will be looking through a distorted filter.
2. Allow myself to grieve the change
3. Lay it down before God, over and over and over and...
4. Look for something to be thankful for
5. Treasure what I have and hold it with an open hand
6. Choose to believe that God loves me
7. Choose to trust God
8. Tell God it's ok because I know He loves me and is with me in all life's changes
9. Do not listen to feelings!
These were some of the things we shared today, and I was refreshed and encouraged to keep on giving my whole heart to God. What a mighty God we serve!
Isa. 40:31 - They that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.
Monday, October 17, 2011
Rain drops keep falling...
Rain has been our constant companion these past weeks. Yesterday we saw sunshine for the first time in a week and it lasted about 10 minutes. I never knew there were so many types of rain. There is the deluge, the downpour, the steady rain, the fine rain, the rain mist and the sudden rain! Our clothes are always damp, papers curl at the edges, and we have webbed feet! (not quite)
Today we canned tomato juice and tomorrow we will tackle 100 lbs of apples for apple pie filling. We don't do a lot of canning, but try to keep a few things on hand. Canning doesn't make a lot of sense when a person can get so much fresh produce; although, canned food does come in handy when we are in a crunch for time.
I was trying to think of the comedy for today. I would have to say it was my husband cracking a real funny joke at the supper table and every one was talking so loudly, I was the only one who heard it and got a good laugh from it! Next on the list was Jody laying in bed this morning and telling Jeana she needed to get up and help me with breakfast. Since teaching began to rule Jody's life, I don't get so much help as I used to, but I guess I get some kind of help yet! Note: both girls would like to insert a comment just now.
Thought for the day: ?
Today we canned tomato juice and tomorrow we will tackle 100 lbs of apples for apple pie filling. We don't do a lot of canning, but try to keep a few things on hand. Canning doesn't make a lot of sense when a person can get so much fresh produce; although, canned food does come in handy when we are in a crunch for time.
I was trying to think of the comedy for today. I would have to say it was my husband cracking a real funny joke at the supper table and every one was talking so loudly, I was the only one who heard it and got a good laugh from it! Next on the list was Jody laying in bed this morning and telling Jeana she needed to get up and help me with breakfast. Since teaching began to rule Jody's life, I don't get so much help as I used to, but I guess I get some kind of help yet! Note: both girls would like to insert a comment just now.
Thought for the day: ?
Thursday, October 13, 2011
Milestone
This weekend marked a time of conquering fear and emerging with victory!
July 1999, I went flying in a small airplane for the last time in 12 1/2 years! I had such a fear of flying and my flights were spent in praying and placing myself in Gods hand, but the knot of fear was big. September 1999, my husband died in a small airplane wreck. I had no desire to fly again and the thought of it was enough to say a hearty no!! Now I am in Guatemala and............ when we came down I did wonder what I would do if I had to fly in the mission plane...........................
This weekend, our family flew to Santa Rosita to pick up Jeana and bring her back home. We were planning this for a few weeks and I didn't talk about it, but did spend time praying. I didn't know what my feelings would be!
We headed for the airport at 6 am on Saturday. It was a lovely morning in the city, but cloudy up north where we were heading. Santa Rosita is a 1 1/2 hour flight or a 13 hour bus ride over rough, crooked roads. We took off and I didn't have a fearful, panic feeling at all. I know it was Gods answer to my prayer! I also think I have learned to trust God more over the years and I believe that God holds us in His hands!
We had a good flight and as the clouds got thicker we did pray for an opening. Just as we got close there was a hole and as we flew over it we saw the runway below. It had a horse, a tuk tuk, some people walking and a truck on it! By the time we circled to land, had to do a pretty tight spiral, the runway was clear.
We got picked up and headed to the river to finish the last 30 minutes of travel in a wooden Guatemala boat
that feels very tippy, but supposedly, doesn't tip.
The village of Santa Rosita is small and coming in by boat made it feel like we were in a different world. We enjoyed our short visit very much and it was fun to see another part of Guatemala. As we walked through the village with Jeana, we could see her love for the people and also realized how much she enjoyed her time there. On Sunday afternoon we drove out to El Naranjo and caught a bus to El Chal. We spent the night at mission headquarters in El Chal. The village there is much larger and the mission has a clinic and school for the village children. The freedom to walk around was extra sweet because we recognize how precious that freedom is! Monday night we took the over night bus back to the city. I would like to drive the road during the day sometime. I think we went through some very rough terrain! A few times it felt like we were right on the edge of the corner!
Now we are back within the walls :) It has been raining all week, and forecast is for lots more!! Where is the dry season?
Last night I planned a campfire supper. We had hobo meals with cake and strawberries and hot chocolate. It was so cold and rainy my plan for a campfire didn't work, so I took the 'campfire' indoors! I made a centerpiece with lots of candles and wood pieces and turned off the kitchen lights and we ate our hobo meal around a 'campfire'!! I think some of our group wondered about this strange Idahoan idea! Variety is the spice of life.
July 1999, I went flying in a small airplane for the last time in 12 1/2 years! I had such a fear of flying and my flights were spent in praying and placing myself in Gods hand, but the knot of fear was big. September 1999, my husband died in a small airplane wreck. I had no desire to fly again and the thought of it was enough to say a hearty no!! Now I am in Guatemala and............ when we came down I did wonder what I would do if I had to fly in the mission plane...........................
This weekend, our family flew to Santa Rosita to pick up Jeana and bring her back home. We were planning this for a few weeks and I didn't talk about it, but did spend time praying. I didn't know what my feelings would be!
We headed for the airport at 6 am on Saturday. It was a lovely morning in the city, but cloudy up north where we were heading. Santa Rosita is a 1 1/2 hour flight or a 13 hour bus ride over rough, crooked roads. We took off and I didn't have a fearful, panic feeling at all. I know it was Gods answer to my prayer! I also think I have learned to trust God more over the years and I believe that God holds us in His hands!
We had a good flight and as the clouds got thicker we did pray for an opening. Just as we got close there was a hole and as we flew over it we saw the runway below. It had a horse, a tuk tuk, some people walking and a truck on it! By the time we circled to land, had to do a pretty tight spiral, the runway was clear.
We got picked up and headed to the river to finish the last 30 minutes of travel in a wooden Guatemala boat
that feels very tippy, but supposedly, doesn't tip.
The village of Santa Rosita is small and coming in by boat made it feel like we were in a different world. We enjoyed our short visit very much and it was fun to see another part of Guatemala. As we walked through the village with Jeana, we could see her love for the people and also realized how much she enjoyed her time there. On Sunday afternoon we drove out to El Naranjo and caught a bus to El Chal. We spent the night at mission headquarters in El Chal. The village there is much larger and the mission has a clinic and school for the village children. The freedom to walk around was extra sweet because we recognize how precious that freedom is! Monday night we took the over night bus back to the city. I would like to drive the road during the day sometime. I think we went through some very rough terrain! A few times it felt like we were right on the edge of the corner!
Now we are back within the walls :) It has been raining all week, and forecast is for lots more!! Where is the dry season?
Last night I planned a campfire supper. We had hobo meals with cake and strawberries and hot chocolate. It was so cold and rainy my plan for a campfire didn't work, so I took the 'campfire' indoors! I made a centerpiece with lots of candles and wood pieces and turned off the kitchen lights and we ate our hobo meal around a 'campfire'!! I think some of our group wondered about this strange Idahoan idea! Variety is the spice of life.
Wednesday, October 5, 2011
Wednesday
Technically, Wednesday is my day off. This is how a day off can look..................
Woke up and slapped my alarm three times at 10 minute intervals.
Enjoyed breakfast made by Sharon.
Tried to hang laundry on the line, some is still drenched and hanging on the line.
Did flashcards with some of Jody's students.
Went to Clubco and the market with Vernon.
Got back late for lunch.
Enjoyed a wonderful lunch made by Marta. It was soft shell chicken tacos and salad.
Took time to read some chapters in Amos, not sure why I chose that book, but what I read made me think of America and the choices we have made as a nation.
Checked to make sure that the rooms are all ready for guests, of course they were!
Caught up on some paper work.
Went through all the photos we have taken so far, and ordered some so I can make the six scrapbook pages that Deb asked me to make.
It took a long time to look at all the pics! They were so much fun to see! :)
Helped Sharon finish getting supper on the table, had 6 extra guests.
Helped washed up piles of dishes.
Started to work on chicken marinade for tomorrow, ran out of seasoning so Vernon made a quick run to Walmart. Tomorrow is Pastors Meeting and Ruth is making lunch. She asked Vernon to grill chicken. We are looking forward to a real treat!!
Tomorrow is our Anniversary! Nine years of wedded bliss :) with a few grouchy times in between :)! God knew what I needed when He gave me Vernon for my husband! I am proud to be his wife!
Life is Good!
So ends my "day off"! ...................
I Love You
Woke up and slapped my alarm three times at 10 minute intervals.
Enjoyed breakfast made by Sharon.
Tried to hang laundry on the line, some is still drenched and hanging on the line.
Did flashcards with some of Jody's students.
Went to Clubco and the market with Vernon.
Got back late for lunch.
Enjoyed a wonderful lunch made by Marta. It was soft shell chicken tacos and salad.
Took time to read some chapters in Amos, not sure why I chose that book, but what I read made me think of America and the choices we have made as a nation.
Checked to make sure that the rooms are all ready for guests, of course they were!
Caught up on some paper work.
Went through all the photos we have taken so far, and ordered some so I can make the six scrapbook pages that Deb asked me to make.
It took a long time to look at all the pics! They were so much fun to see! :)
Helped Sharon finish getting supper on the table, had 6 extra guests.
Helped washed up piles of dishes.
Started to work on chicken marinade for tomorrow, ran out of seasoning so Vernon made a quick run to Walmart. Tomorrow is Pastors Meeting and Ruth is making lunch. She asked Vernon to grill chicken. We are looking forward to a real treat!!
Tomorrow is our Anniversary! Nine years of wedded bliss :) with a few grouchy times in between :)! God knew what I needed when He gave me Vernon for my husband! I am proud to be his wife!
Life is Good!
So ends my "day off"! ...................
Happy
Anniversary
Sweetheart!
Sunday, October 2, 2011
Passing out tracts
It is Sunday evening and we have just enjoyed a delicious meal of Baliatos and now I am listening to an active discussion about passing out tracts and somehow it morphed into submission! Why pass out tracts? Is it a good thing? Does it bring souls into the kingdom? Who is at fault - women who have a problem with submission, or, men who have a problem in godly leadership? Note: I am only a listener :).
Last night we got a phone call from Jody, she was busing back to the city from being in Santa Rosita for a few days. The first bus went from Naranjo to Santa Elena and then she planned to get a real nice bus with the ADN bus line. The first bus she was on broke down out in the middle of nowhere and what should have been a 3 hour bus ride turned into a 5 1/2 hour time. A micro bus (van)came along and everyone on the bus piled in. Jody figured there were about 30 - 40 people!! When they got to Santa Elena, her bus had left. There was a bus from another line ready to head out to the city, and so she hopped on and we went to zone 1 to pick her up at 6:30 this morning. I felt vulnerable, thinking of my daughter on a dark road, 10 hours from us, and bus breakdowns actually a reality! God used this to remind me that Jody is His child and as much as I love her, He loves her even more, and she is in His hand! I thank Him for answered prayer in watching over her. Now that it all turned out ok, she says it was a great adventure!
Last night we got a phone call from Jody, she was busing back to the city from being in Santa Rosita for a few days. The first bus went from Naranjo to Santa Elena and then she planned to get a real nice bus with the ADN bus line. The first bus she was on broke down out in the middle of nowhere and what should have been a 3 hour bus ride turned into a 5 1/2 hour time. A micro bus (van)came along and everyone on the bus piled in. Jody figured there were about 30 - 40 people!! When they got to Santa Elena, her bus had left. There was a bus from another line ready to head out to the city, and so she hopped on and we went to zone 1 to pick her up at 6:30 this morning. I felt vulnerable, thinking of my daughter on a dark road, 10 hours from us, and bus breakdowns actually a reality! God used this to remind me that Jody is His child and as much as I love her, He loves her even more, and she is in His hand! I thank Him for answered prayer in watching over her. Now that it all turned out ok, she says it was a great adventure!
Saturday........
Good health is such a blessing! We don’t realize how precious it is till we catch some sickness and ache all over and feel like we got run over by a motorbike! That’s how I felt today and I immediately thought of those strong folks who have constant pain and never let others know how they are hurting. I have a mother in law like that. Over the years, she was always busy, working and doing interesting activities, and any time I dropped in, she would welcome me and I would realize later on that she had been in great pain and just kept going anyways!
Saturdays here at headquarters are very busy. I have been here almost four months and still am not in the groove. It starts with the ‘pancake prayer breakfast’, then a quick run to the market for fresh produce, after which I rush into lunch prep while most of the others go to the park for Children’s Bible Club. Making sure supper is ready on time (5:00) because youth is always Sat. evening and starts early. Today Vernon went to market for me because I was making lunch for Cesar and Eva and their family. She finally had her baby girl and we are so excited for them! So most of Saturday is taken up with cooking and I am learning that it is the wrong day to try to have ‘family’ moments. Any day but Saturday! Today we had a family come in for the night and then they are heading to one of the outposts early in the morning for the service. The youth were here at 5:30 for youth night and I made their snack since Jody and Jeana are gone. I made caramel popcorn and finger jello. It’s easy to forget the humidity factor till soggy caramel popcorn reminds me! I had to retoast it in the oven.
I was reading in Joel for my devotions and found this verse that intrigued me. Joel 3:14 Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the Lord is near in the valley of decision. I don’t know what all the deep and profound meanings are here, but the thought of multitudes in the valley of decision, aren’t we all in the ‘valley of decisions’? And what a profound effect our decisions have on our lives! Those small decisions that we make every day on how we will react to tones in voices, unexpected circumstances, burnt food, feeling sick……….. They matter and they make a difference not only in our own lives but the lives of those around us. If only I would remember this when I need it!
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