Tuesday, November 29, 2011

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas ...

I have to admit, the holidays this year are a little harder. I have been a little down, wishing for a peppermint mocha as I stroll through Target, humming "Walking in a Winter Wonderland." Last year everything was so new and different, so I didn't miss home too much. This year I just want normal - traditional - familiar. Last year, we bought an artificial tree but we didn't have any ornaments. So, we made our own. I loved it. This year, we have all our old ornaments from home. What a treat to unwrap each one and remember all the great stories, vacations and memories attached to each one. The Lord knew that would bless my heart this year.



It was a little weird listening to "Let it Snow" while decorating the tree in 75 degree weather and blazing sunshine. But I loved listening to the kids belt out a kickin' version of "Little Drummer Boy" by Matt and Rachel Solik. It seems this year is a mixture of old and new. We are creating new memories with some of our old and new traditions. We have our old Advent wreath but a new Advent devotional. (BTW - I had NO trouble finding four purple candles for Q4 - 50 cents!! Back in the States, I have to buy two packs of Advent candles in order to get 4 purples because they always include a pink one.)

The newest addition to our holiday season is a precious little PUPPY! The kids have been wanting a dog for ages, but honestly, I am not a dog-person! I don't enjoy being licked or jumped on. I don't like noisy, barky dogs or smelly dogs. I have a few friends with great dogs, but in general, I'm not a fan. Actually, I really enjoy cats. They are quiet, independent and CLEAN! Alas - both our kids are allergic to cats and dogs. So, I thought I was in the clear - no messy, smelly dog.

Alegria (Ali)

A few months ago, we visited our friends in Antigua that have the world's greatest Labrador ever. She never barks, she's very laid back, friendly. She thinks she is a hundred pound lap dog. Anna Kate spent the entire trip next to that dog - petting, loving, dreaming. (She has to take Claritin in order to visit our friends.) When we got home, she went into research mode - is there such a thing as a hypo-allergenic dog? Of course there are specialty breeds, but they are expensive. I thought my husband would come to the rescue - "I'm not paying THAT for a DOG!!!" His reply was, "Everybody should have a dog to grow up with - so let's get one." WHAT??? Who are you and what did you do with my husband?

Parker, Anna Kate & Ali - Happy family!!

So, we decided this would be a family Christmas gift. Then I thought, "there's no way we will find one of these dogs in Guatemala." We read about different breeds, we asked where one could be acquired in Guatemala. We decided which breed we thought would work for our family and then ... I prayed. "Lord, if you want us to have a dog, please let it be available at the petstore in Guatemala City (3 hours away), let it be a female, let it be a Shih Tzu, and let it be brown/white/black color." (I figure if I have to live with a dog, I might as well be specific about what I want, right?)

So, Thanksgiving weekend we drive to visit our wonderful friends in Antigua and their amazing dog too. We had a really wonderful feast with friends who are like family. So THANKFUL for the Erickson's. Then on Friday, we drove to the city and guess what we found ... a female Shih Tzu, brown/white/black with papers to prove she is full breed. (Lee says the receipt is the proof enough of her breed!) At least we won't have to live with sneezing, bloody noses or daily doses of Claritin.

Princess Ali - slept all the way home on the armrest!

Needless to say, we are all completely SMITTEN with our little bundle of joy. (except Lupe the rabbit who gets harassed by the puppy) The puppy's name is Alegria, which means joyful in Spanish. We call her Ali and her name is perfectly suited since she is bringing much joy to our family this season.

There isn't a happier girl in the world.
(Berets by American Girl)

What is the point to my rambling on and on about this new pup? Apparently, the Lord knows better than I  how to bless our lives. Whether it's new experiences, warm December days, beloved ornaments old and new or cherished traditions; He knows exactly what I need this Christmas season ... and everyday. Sometimes, I'm the last to know what's good for me. Good thing He's got it all in his hand!

Feliz Navidad!

Thursday, November 17, 2011

The Word and Water ....

the Well-spring of life.

Katarina with Deborah & Giovanni
(Photo by Zac Benson)

Katarina is a single mom of three kids. It's a challenge to work and care for these little ones on her own. She doesn't have any family in the area to help. We have had the privilege of serving her sweet family of the last few weeks. We have helped with some basic food items like: beans, rice, veggies and fruit. In addition, we have helped with some cleaning and maintenance in her home and yard. We are becoming quite attached to this precious family.

Anna Kate playing with Deborah!

Last week she invited us to attend a church service held at her home. We were so excited and honored to be invited. Yet, when it was time to leave for her house, I was a little nervous. I didn't know what to expect. I was very nervous about food and what I might have to eat. Well, to my delight, the service was only about 20-25 minutes late in starting. We sang some songs and then the teacher stood up to share his "reflection" from the Bible. We had been told to expect an hour of teaching, but it really was a devotion. He taught for about 30 minutes or so. I didn't understand all of it, but there were many words I recognized. As I reflected, I was happy to be sitting outside in the cool evening, listening to the Word. The Word comes in power, even when I don't understand all of what is being said. People had the opportunity to be transformed and life renewed just by hearing the Word.

The well with a few inches of water.

Yesterday, we went back to Katarina's house. She has an open well on her property. During the rainy season it had about 4-5 feet of water in it. Now it was down to about 6 inches. This has bothered us from the first day we met this family. You see, Katarina works during the day. She often leaves the children home alone. Their ages are 12, 7, and 4. Sometimes the 12 year old works too, so the 7 year old is in charge of the 4 year old. Everytime, we leave their house we pray, "Lord, please protect those kids and keep them out of the well."

Lee digging deeper for more water.

As we have continued to build relationship, we have offered to build a cover for the well for the protection and safety of the children. She asked for and received permission from her landlord this week. So, yesterday Lee and a few others went to work. She asked them to dig the well a little deeper so she would have more water in the dry season. She does not have running water or electricity at her house, so she uses the water to wash dishes and laundry. When the guys jumped down in the hole and began digging, they realized her latrine (about 20 - 25 feet away) must be leaking into the well. The smell was awful. How can anything get clean when all you have is filthy water?

After digging deeper, they set to work on a cover for the well. They built a platform to cover the well and a door, so she can still get water. It is the most sturdy, well-built, over-engineered structure on her property. What joy to know, that little Deborah can continue to run and play with reckless abandon - and she will not fall in the well. Her mother can leave with a little less anxiety about the safety of her home and her little ones.

Framing the cover

All the kids wanted to help - Lee helped them use the drill.

AK, Parker, Lee, Angel, Steven (from CTEN) and Giovanni.

Job well done!!

Now - what to do about the unclean water..... Lord, we need your wisdom.

Wednesday, November 9, 2011

Las Ventanas ... windows

What an amazing week this has been. It began with a campo por el lago, (or a picnic by the lake). After church on Sunday, we joined our friends at the lakeshore for a lovely afternoon of talking in three languages (English, Spanish, and Spanglish,) singing, eating, playing soccer, and of course COFFEE!


Adele and Irma - singing and playing guitar.

Our church and Casimero's family. 

 We invited Casimero and Maria's family to meet us at the lake. They packed a picnic (which she carried on her head) and joined in the festivities. I think it was a nice respite for them to enjoy food, friends and fellowship. It's funny how that transcends all languages and cultures. We all love to break bread and commune with one another. On Monday, Lee went to visit Casimero to talk about how Redeemer's House might be able to serve their needs. We know they need help buying food, but we may also be able to help them make some improvements to their house for increased safety and security. They don't feel comfortable straying too far from home, because their belongings are not secure without a door and windows. Last week they were able to buy some wood and build a door, but they still had chicken wire for windows. Lee went with Casimero to the carpenter shop and bought more wood, a couple of hinges and slide locks. By that evening, they had two new windows installed. It's amazing that freedom can come from a couple planks of wood, a few nails and a lock. Now, they can sleep in peace, knowing their family and home are safe and secure.

Two new window/shutters with a view of the river beyond.


Some may wonder why we would try to improve such a humble abode. Some may say it's not worth fixing - build something new. All I can say is - it's complicated. We want to help people without doing more damage. We have to help people think beyond right now. What are the unintended consequences of the help we might offer. If we build something bigger or better, they might not be able to afford the rent or maintenance of it. We also want to be careful that we do not pass on a North American tendency for discontentment or dissatisfaction in what the Lord has provided. Casimero and Maria are not asking for a new home. They are very content with what the Lord has provided. They are rejoicing that their family is together and healthy. They are teaching me so much more than I could ever imagine teaching or helping them.

A new door!


The walls are covered with pieces of T-shirt fabric. 
These pockets make clever places for storing toothbrushes and more. 

 Thank you to our many supporters that make it possible for us to be here and make it possible to build windows for Casimero's family. Dios Bendiga!

Tuesday, November 1, 2011

Down by the river....

This weekend our friends introduced us to a family living in the riverbed. Maria and her husband Cosimero had a cinderblock house built on the wrong side of the river wall. Under normal circumstances, say 98% of the year, the river is a hundred yards away from their house. Cosimero works in the river - he harvests and sells rock and sand. A couple weeks ago, the rains came down and the floods came up. The raging water washed all the sand from under the house and it came crashing down.

You can see the crumbles of old house in the foreground.
The new house is just wood, lamina, chicken wire and fabric.

A blessing: the family had evacuated and no one was injured. They have built a temporary home out of lamina (corrugated metal) and wooden boards. The one window is covered with chicken wire and there is no door, only a blanket to keep out the cold. There are three beds for their family of six, in a room that measures about 10 x 12 feet. I remember hearing a statistic one time that said most of the world lives in less square footage that most Americans have in their SUV cars. I believe in this case, it might be true. So what would it be like to live as a family of 6 in my Toyota Land Cruiser. (I'm pretty sure someone might die, not saying who, but someone would.)

This is why Redeemer's House exists. We are compelled to come alongside this family, bearing the light and the hope of Christ. A few of us had the opportunity to sit with Maria in her home, drinking coffee and listening to her life story. I was humbled beyond measure. Before we left, we prayed together. She thanked God for sending us to visit, it increased her faith to know that He hasn't forgotten her. Now my faith is increased - to see exactly why God has called us to this work among the poor.

Climbing a tree at the edge of the river.

We visited Maria again the next day to bring a few needed items - not much - just some beans, rice and apples. We also brought some used but still very good shoes for one of her girls. There have been times when I have asked the Lord, "Why did you choose me to come here and do this?" Now I wonder why I get to do this. What did I do to deserve the privilege of serving here? But that is the paradox... I didn't do anything. I didn't earn this privilege, I simply said yes when He asked. What is He asking you? Are you reluctant to say yes? 

After we visited Maria, we found some kids playing in the river. We went and played for about 2 hours with some of the cutest and sweetest kiddos. I watched them climb trees, play soccer, jump on an old mattress spring, pick flowers and jump rope. My kids were reluctant to leave. What joy and blessing to be used by the Lord. Seriously, if the Lord is asking you to do something you aren't sure about, JUST DO IT! The prize is blessing and glory and honor to the one and only true King!

Irma the monkey!


I went home with loads of fresh picked flowers. So precious!

Mis amigos!