This next video is also at the Mission. The first one is from the construction site at the new hospital. Sorry for the old school music but it is such an appropriate song for the video.
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Monday, February 15, 2010
Here are two other short videos that were not shown on Sunday. The first one is a little segment on the Senior Center at Hope of Life. A slight word of caution however - The Huggy Man is alive and well in Guatemala!!
This second one is probably my favorite. It takes place at the Nutrition Center and then up at the orphanage at Hope of Life.
Additional Videos
As promised, I split the entire video into smaller ones that focus on certain aspects of the trip. The entire 18 minute video is kinda long for one sitting but I'll post it soon as well. This one is one that didn't get shown on Sunday. It focuses more on the people of the trip rather than the work. Brenna picked out the song and I think it fits pretty well. This one covers the Feeding at the Dump, The Catholic Nutrition Center, the trip back to El Modelo, and Team G Ma's adventures.
Sunday, February 14, 2010
Intro Video for Team Guatemala 2010
Today we had our "debriefing" during service. I was asked to create a video about our trip. It was requested/suggested that the video be around 5 - 10 minutes long. Of course, after searching through all the pictures and video from our trip, I ended up with a "little" video that lasted over 18 minutes. OOOOPS. But how do you squeeze a week long trip in 10 minutes?? Needless to say that most of the video that I created never was actually seen by anyone besides myself. SOOOOOO - I have broken the video into several smaller videos and will be posting them here on the blog. Here is the first one that actually did get played this morning. It is some footage of our flight and the donations that our church sent down to the mission.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Two Weeks
Dear Team Guatemala 2010,
I just wanted to encourage everyone after two weeks at home. First I'd like to say that I've never been a member of a more positive and supportive team! From the moment we assembled, you each assumed your God-given roles and lavished your gifts upon everyone you came in contact with!
It's a tough climb down from that "high" mountain in Guatemala which is filled with 24/7 plus "purpose". I would like to encourage everyone wherever you are in those emotions. Back in "civilian" life, being snowed in, etc. can take its toll on everyone, especially after "more purpose than we may have EVER felt squashed into one week in Guatemala". My thoughts are this:
1. Read your Bible or other uplifting reads.
Phillipians 4:8 "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."
2. Find a new purpose in your community (if you don't already have too many). Ideas include:
Wicomico Mentor Program: 1 hour a week (during school hours) in a county school with an at-risk kid, Henri Parker at hparker@wcboe.org...tell her I recommended you.
Big Brothers Big Sisters: anytime once a week hanging out with your little, http://www.biglittle.org/.
STARS after school programs (in most schools) always in need of volunteers for homework help: 3:30-5:30 Salisbury Middle contact-Sarah Rushing srushing@wcboe.org...tell her I recommended you.
Kidmo or Youth (Soul Discovery, Sundays 10am, Brenna or Ken, brennacjohnson@gmail.com)
Saturday soup kitchens (Grace UMC, 326 Barclay St. Salisbury) Just show up any Saturday around 10:30-11 and help serve.
God is totally incredible! LOVE YOU ALL!
Mel
I just wanted to encourage everyone after two weeks at home. First I'd like to say that I've never been a member of a more positive and supportive team! From the moment we assembled, you each assumed your God-given roles and lavished your gifts upon everyone you came in contact with!
It's a tough climb down from that "high" mountain in Guatemala which is filled with 24/7 plus "purpose". I would like to encourage everyone wherever you are in those emotions. Back in "civilian" life, being snowed in, etc. can take its toll on everyone, especially after "more purpose than we may have EVER felt squashed into one week in Guatemala". My thoughts are this:
1. Read your Bible or other uplifting reads.
Phillipians 4:8 "Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."
2. Find a new purpose in your community (if you don't already have too many). Ideas include:
Wicomico Mentor Program: 1 hour a week (during school hours) in a county school with an at-risk kid, Henri Parker at hparker@wcboe.org...tell her I recommended you.
Big Brothers Big Sisters: anytime once a week hanging out with your little, http://www.biglittle.org/.
STARS after school programs (in most schools) always in need of volunteers for homework help: 3:30-5:30 Salisbury Middle contact-Sarah Rushing srushing@wcboe.org...tell her I recommended you.
Kidmo or Youth (Soul Discovery, Sundays 10am, Brenna or Ken, brennacjohnson@gmail.com)
Saturday soup kitchens (Grace UMC, 326 Barclay St. Salisbury) Just show up any Saturday around 10:30-11 and help serve.
God is totally incredible! LOVE YOU ALL!
Mel
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Journal entry 1/20/10
Team Guatemala is made up of an incredible group of people! Today I was with the planting crew in the morning. We had an easy planting day minus watering at the top of a hill, but Nicole and I conquered that mountain...and found an easier way down; we climbed UP to a walkway!
After lunch, our whole team traveled to El Modelo. On the way I saw a sign which said "Disponible." I had been singing "I am available" to myself in preparation for our next assignment. I knew it would be difficult because I had heard the stories of this village. Singing always helps me communicate with God.
Later along the journey, after seeing more signs, I realized the billboard which said "Disponible" was "Available" in English. Duh! I had been thinking how close the word looked to disposable. This realization kept me humble and was a gentle reminder that God didn't need ME to help these people....rather He was giving me the privilege to love them. What a privilege it was!
El Modelo was just as I imagined from the many pictures, but it was much vaster. The people began crowding around the bus spying the food bags on top. The pastor of the town aided us in identifying mothers of each family so we could evenly disperse the food bags. Sadly, we were told some children had been taught to lie for more food and it was hard to deny them.
Joanne, our trip leader, took Chrys, Tom, Alexis and I to see Alba, a mentally and physically challenged, young girl. We arrived at the house to find Alba maneuvering to us as quickly as she could on her knees and then her FEET! We neared the house and heard a baby crying. Entering the house, we found a baby lying on a twin bed. No one was in the house.
After holding the baby and getting him to sleep, we investigated. We deduced that the baby belonged to Alba's younger sister. The mother was finally found and returned declaring that she had gone to play cards with the boys. The floor was dirty with a knife, screwdriver and assorted trash items scattered across it. No extra diapers could be found, and the only available water was out in the Guatemalan sun. We bathed Alba with baby wipes and found some clean, cooler clothes for her to wear. The bus had been waiting for us so we left iced water bottles and a couple bags of food. We alerted the mission and the pastor of the village to the situation.
Before leaving we visited the two houses Soul Discovery had built last year. One mother had pictures of the team members on her wall along with large gold letters spelling “Jesus” painted beside them. She encouraged us sharing that she prays daily for the team who built her home.
Back at the mission, Jim closed the day with a talk on humility: "Your attitude should be that of Christ."
(Readers, please know that I do not mean to belittle the way the people of El Modelo live. Guatemala has poverty that is incomprehensible to us as Americans. This poverty can create unimaginable desperation. We must try to imagine how it feels to walk a day in their shoes....)
JK1 (a.k.a. Jim Keitt) After a week back home
Like last year, this trip presented many challenges and experiences that will certainly affect my life, the lives of my fellow Team Guatemala members, and the lives of the people of Guatemala that we worked with and ministered to. I have a new respect for the characteristic of being "flexible"! In some of my correspondence with people since my return I shared with them that I believe that God appoints people to be in specific places at specific times to do His specific will. I believe that about Team Guatemala. Some of us began the week as long time friends, but some of us began it as mere aquaintances. Before long we had all become a very close "family" and I am so blessed to be part of this family. We range in age from 13 to 64, but there was no evidence of "generation gap". We all went on the trip because we were all called by God for His purpose, and even though the things we did may seem insignificant in the large scheme of things, they were nevertheless important because God sent us. This may sound like I'm tooting our horns, but I'm not. I give all praise, thanks, glory, and credit to God, and pray that through our efforts His will was accomplished.
I learned so much about the hearts of my fellow team members while there. I witnessed hard physical work and I witnessed BIG LOVING hearts! "Agape" love is perfect love. It's the kind of love that God has for us, a love that expects nothing in return, a love that is given period! If we were all honest, we would admit that we don't always offer this kind of love. How easy is it to love someone who is lovable and loves you back, but how hard is it to love someone who is unlovely or can't or won't love you back? The love that I witnessed my team giving to the people of Guatemala was definitely agape love, from Alicia comforting a young hurting boy to the "G-unit" bringing dignity and compassion to a near 90 year old ailing grandmother and a dozen or so grandchildren or to the Team Guatemala Choir led by Melany attempting to lead the residents of the Senior Home into worship (or even me entertaining a young Mayan boy with my lame "magic" tricks. . . well, he did laugh!).
Leaving was a mixed bag of emotions. We were all ready to get back to our families and loved ones, but we were sad to leave, as well. I'm already praying and looking forward to our next trip! Anyone reading this who has never been on a mission trip, I respectfully ask you to search your heart and see if God is calling you to be a part of this ministry that Soul Discovery Church offers.
I learned so much about the hearts of my fellow team members while there. I witnessed hard physical work and I witnessed BIG LOVING hearts! "Agape" love is perfect love. It's the kind of love that God has for us, a love that expects nothing in return, a love that is given period! If we were all honest, we would admit that we don't always offer this kind of love. How easy is it to love someone who is lovable and loves you back, but how hard is it to love someone who is unlovely or can't or won't love you back? The love that I witnessed my team giving to the people of Guatemala was definitely agape love, from Alicia comforting a young hurting boy to the "G-unit" bringing dignity and compassion to a near 90 year old ailing grandmother and a dozen or so grandchildren or to the Team Guatemala Choir led by Melany attempting to lead the residents of the Senior Home into worship (or even me entertaining a young Mayan boy with my lame "magic" tricks. . . well, he did laugh!).
Leaving was a mixed bag of emotions. We were all ready to get back to our families and loved ones, but we were sad to leave, as well. I'm already praying and looking forward to our next trip! Anyone reading this who has never been on a mission trip, I respectfully ask you to search your heart and see if God is calling you to be a part of this ministry that Soul Discovery Church offers.
Monday, February 1, 2010
Day Eight (January 23) - Travel and Reminisce Day
What happens in Guatemala - Stays in Guatemala (Or does it?)
The "Land of Not" Game (Nicole - not fun, epic fail)
Gravity is stronger here because we are closer to the equator (right, Jess?)
Excavators make great carnival rides. "Six Flags over Guatemala"
To speak Spanish, just add an "o" to the end of every word, i.e. correcto (Ken)
It IS okay to paint your fingernails and wear a cover-up, even if you are a guy.
Trees WILL roll down the mountain if you let them, right Jim K? (As you wish!)
Peanut Butter!
Beware of the "huggy man"!
Nicole has a thing for old men and the sea.
Check your bed the first night or you might find a tarantula the next.
"Uno" (the card game) is called "One" in Spanish.
Devotions are always better in a hot tub.
The singing ketchup man.
Ken is always willing to help - unless a bug crawls up your shirt - right Angie?
Don't get on the bus last - you'll get a "jump seat".
The proper way to say hello in Guatemala is aloha.
The "WOW" factor
If you send an old man out for ketchup on Tuesday he may return with it by Friday.
Never give a Guatemalan child "After-bite." You may go deaf from his screaming!
If you have a bag of candy & gum & stickers, the word "alto" does not mean "stop"!
Team Grandma, aka Grandma Crew, aka G-ma Team, aka "G-unit"
You can't take Nicole anywhere without her tending to delayer.
One must always remember to climb the trees with Angie to collect parasites.
If you offer to buy Shaggy Jimbo icecream, be sure that you have money.
Nine women can live in and sleep in one room and share one bathroom for a whole week.
If you tie rebar in Guatemala, don't expect it to STILL be standing even when you are finished.
Bring brown/tan socks to work in so they stay the same basic color by the time you leave.
Room 10 is the scorpion room. BEWARE!
Great zapato at the warehouse! Better mice (raton) than a snake :)
You know your bug bites are bad when the seniors go back to their room to offer you medicine :(
If your eyes are bigger than your stomach, don't worry. Josh or Sam will eat it.
Doing dishes is bad for your back. Just ask Rick.
You need to be in shape to worship at a Guatemalan church.
Never give an orphan a drink packet (Kenny) or a jerky package - they'll eat the preservative (Rick).
"Santo, santo, santo, yo quiero verte" OR "Bano, bano, bano, yo necesito"
Never give a guitar to a former senior rockstar.
It is gun to watch the guards faces when given sour mints.
Put bug spray on you as soon as you land in Guatemala.
It's okay to work contruction in $400 Dolce sunglasses but don't set them down at the orphanage!
Shop around before buying hot sauce, especially if the bottles are covered in dust.
It is okay to lookout the window of the bus but don't stick your face out the window... Talula.
It takes many Gringos to get keys out of a locked room.
Planting can be "dam" fun!
You may think you're going to Guatemala but you are really "going to the moon".
If you EVER need ANYTHING ANYTIME ANYWHERE, ask Lori. She's got a spare.
Guatemala Rule #1: Memorize the weekly itinerary and follow it exactly as written.
Guatemala Rule #2: Ignore rule #1.
How do you say "wow" in Spanish?
Don't rely on mini "Spanish Phrases for Dummies" books for communication purposes. You won't get far.
If you're trying to speak Spanglish to Guatemalan children and they start talking really fast and laughing, yes, the are making fun of you.
Some people's bedrooms are spicy!
Be sure to ask Sam where the Mississippi River is located and Jessie where the North Pole is.
Morning mountain yoga.
"Blogging" daily without internet access.
Do you this the tarantula is still hiding behind the nightstand?
Thank you for your daily prayers while we were gone. They were strongly felt. Please continue to pray as we process everything we saw, did and felt while on the trip. We will continue blogging as we process through and post pictures. Please clink the link on the right (photos of current and previous trips) to see photos from various team members. And continue praying that God will be working in the hearts of the people we touched and interacted with. And for you - is God leading YOU to Guatemala?
Gravity is stronger here because we are closer to the equator (right, Jess?)
Excavators make great carnival rides. "Six Flags over Guatemala"
To speak Spanish, just add an "o" to the end of every word, i.e. correcto (Ken)
It IS okay to paint your fingernails and wear a cover-up, even if you are a guy.
Trees WILL roll down the mountain if you let them, right Jim K? (As you wish!)
Peanut Butter!
Beware of the "huggy man"!
Nicole has a thing for old men and the sea.
Check your bed the first night or you might find a tarantula the next.
"Uno" (the card game) is called "One" in Spanish.
Devotions are always better in a hot tub.
The singing ketchup man.
Ken is always willing to help - unless a bug crawls up your shirt - right Angie?
Don't get on the bus last - you'll get a "jump seat".
The proper way to say hello in Guatemala is aloha.
The "WOW" factor
If you send an old man out for ketchup on Tuesday he may return with it by Friday.
Never give a Guatemalan child "After-bite." You may go deaf from his screaming!
If you have a bag of candy & gum & stickers, the word "alto" does not mean "stop"!
Team Grandma, aka Grandma Crew, aka G-ma Team, aka "G-unit"
You can't take Nicole anywhere without her tending to delayer.
One must always remember to climb the trees with Angie to collect parasites.
If you offer to buy Shaggy Jimbo icecream, be sure that you have money.
Nine women can live in and sleep in one room and share one bathroom for a whole week.
If you tie rebar in Guatemala, don't expect it to STILL be standing even when you are finished.
Bring brown/tan socks to work in so they stay the same basic color by the time you leave.
Room 10 is the scorpion room. BEWARE!
Great zapato at the warehouse! Better mice (raton) than a snake :)
You know your bug bites are bad when the seniors go back to their room to offer you medicine :(
If your eyes are bigger than your stomach, don't worry. Josh or Sam will eat it.
Doing dishes is bad for your back. Just ask Rick.
You need to be in shape to worship at a Guatemalan church.
Never give an orphan a drink packet (Kenny) or a jerky package - they'll eat the preservative (Rick).
"Santo, santo, santo, yo quiero verte" OR "Bano, bano, bano, yo necesito"
Never give a guitar to a former senior rockstar.
It is gun to watch the guards faces when given sour mints.
Put bug spray on you as soon as you land in Guatemala.
It's okay to work contruction in $400 Dolce sunglasses but don't set them down at the orphanage!
Shop around before buying hot sauce, especially if the bottles are covered in dust.
It is okay to lookout the window of the bus but don't stick your face out the window... Talula.
It takes many Gringos to get keys out of a locked room.
Planting can be "dam" fun!
You may think you're going to Guatemala but you are really "going to the moon".
If you EVER need ANYTHING ANYTIME ANYWHERE, ask Lori. She's got a spare.
Guatemala Rule #1: Memorize the weekly itinerary and follow it exactly as written.
Guatemala Rule #2: Ignore rule #1.
How do you say "wow" in Spanish?
Don't rely on mini "Spanish Phrases for Dummies" books for communication purposes. You won't get far.
If you're trying to speak Spanglish to Guatemalan children and they start talking really fast and laughing, yes, the are making fun of you.
Some people's bedrooms are spicy!
Be sure to ask Sam where the Mississippi River is located and Jessie where the North Pole is.
Morning mountain yoga.
"Blogging" daily without internet access.
Do you this the tarantula is still hiding behind the nightstand?
Thank you for your daily prayers while we were gone. They were strongly felt. Please continue to pray as we process everything we saw, did and felt while on the trip. We will continue blogging as we process through and post pictures. Please clink the link on the right (photos of current and previous trips) to see photos from various team members. And continue praying that God will be working in the hearts of the people we touched and interacted with. And for you - is God leading YOU to Guatemala?
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