After I got back from Mexico, I was asked "Why go?" It seems like a fair question. OK, so you go spend a week in Mexico, go to the beach with a bunch of kids, do a little construction,3 nights of VBS. Wouldn't it be much more cost-effective to send money? You are not bringing any of the kids back. Can spending a few hours a day with them even make any difference at all?
The short answer: If the Lord puts going (anywhere) on your heart, GO!!!!!!!
God created us for relationship; we NEED to be in relationship with Him, we need to be in relationship with other people. We are His hands and feet. James 1:27 - "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by this world."
It's easy to think, "I can't do that, it would be too hard on me emotionally." It often requires sacrifice to answer God's call. It may be hard. We may have to feel pain or sadness. We may have to miss our family for a week, two weeks or more.
I'm not suggesting that the Lord is calling everyone to care for orphans, but if you feel that He is calling you, I challenge you to say, "Here I am, send me".
I've also been struck by the realization that I could have been an orphan. My children could one day be orphaned...."do unto others, the way that you would have them do unto you"
We can not rescue the world. We may not even be able to take in one child. But we are to do what we can. Our team spent only 1 week at the orphanage. We all hope to return in January or February. Maybe our calling is to be like special aunts and uncles who visit, give love and attention.... then look forward to returning to visit again.
These particular children would probably be better off in their own culture. They have been raised in a culture that values relationships and people above performance and production. Although is was hard to leave them, we knew that they were getting good care, love and attention.
They had various heart-breaking backgrounds. But were not defined by what they came from. We live in a fallen world. Many of us have dysfunctional families, pasts and upbringings... but God is so gracious to His people!
One young man was found chained to a tree. He did not have a name or know how to speak. He came to Casa Hogar, was given a name, much care and teaching, and hope. Many of the children have lost one parent and the living parent either could not care for them, or chose to abandon them. A set of brothers is there because their father and other siblings died of AIDS and their mother is currently dying of AIDS.
These children have hope. They need for God's people to encourage them and show them love and compassion in Jesus' name. I challenge you to do what you can for the children that the Lord lays on your heart.
Thursday, June 28, 2007
Tuesday, June 26, 2007
It's A Miracle!
EmmaKate went in for her surgery this morning. When the doctors got in there, they found that the work was already done! The Lord had gone before them and performed the bypass! The surgeon could not find any constriction. Her blood pressure was great on both sides of the aorta. They went ahead and closed the flap (PDA - common occurance when the bypass to the mother's circulation system does not close.)
She did great! Her 5-7 day hospital stay looks like it will now be 2 days. Plus, she was able to have a specialist perform the PDA surgery, which is normally done by a non-specialist.... and she had the PDA surgery much younger than she normally would have if the bypass did not seem to be needed. So she should start to grow now!
Thanks be to the God who can do more than we could ever ask for or even imagine!
She did great! Her 5-7 day hospital stay looks like it will now be 2 days. Plus, she was able to have a specialist perform the PDA surgery, which is normally done by a non-specialist.... and she had the PDA surgery much younger than she normally would have if the bypass did not seem to be needed. So she should start to grow now!
Thanks be to the God who can do more than we could ever ask for or even imagine!
Monday, June 25, 2007
Surgery Tomorrow
EmmaKate will have a bypass of her aorta, and a flap on her heart stitched closed.
Prayer requests:
1. That the Lord would guide the hands of the surgeon.
2. That the Lord would continue to supply Amy & Joel with the Peace that Passes understanding. (Amy is usally terrified of hospitals and sickness)
3. There is a concern that when they clamp the blood flow to the spinal column,she could be at risk for paralysis. Please pray that her spine will remain healthy.
4. Please pray for a speedy recovery and that she will begin to grow.
Thank you for your concern!
Thursday, June 14, 2007
An Update on EmmaKate's heart
Plagiarized from my sister, Erica's blog:
UPDATE: The doctor has decided to go ahead with EmmaKate's heart surgery. She has lost weight since her last visit 2 weeks ago. The surgery will be Thursday at the earliest(unless an emergent situation occurs, which she will go to Vanderbilt for). I believe the latest will be one week from Monday. Please pray for EmmaKate, Joel, Amy, and Colin. This is a scary time for all involved, but we are trusting the promise that God loves his children more than we ever can. WE LOVE YOU EMMAKATE!!! Get well soon so you can beat up on all of your cousins!
And I'd add: EmmaKate had gotten up to 8 lbs 12 1/2 oz... but in 2 weeks has lost down to 8#5 - she is 13 weeks. Also they could use prayer because they have a lot to get done before the end of the month, and want to do it in the next couple of days. They have been married for only 4 days now. Amy needs to get a new drivers licence, ss card, get paperwork signed by doctors to transfer insurance to Joel's co. policy - please pray that EmmaKate is not rejected for having a pre-existing condition. - and Joel needs to move his stuff from his apt. to storage, Amy's and the dump, as well as clean his apt... which is apparently messy from not spending much time there the past few months, while his cats have taken over. He is hoping to get a lot of that done on Sat. (they canceled their party).
If EmmaKate experiences shortness of breath, or refuses to eat, she will need to go to Vanderbilt. They really hope that she will be ok until their Chattanooga surgeon gets back on Thursday.
This is a lot of stress for brand-newly weds! Please pray that they will cast all of their cares on the Lord!
UPDATE: The doctor has decided to go ahead with EmmaKate's heart surgery. She has lost weight since her last visit 2 weeks ago. The surgery will be Thursday at the earliest(unless an emergent situation occurs, which she will go to Vanderbilt for). I believe the latest will be one week from Monday. Please pray for EmmaKate, Joel, Amy, and Colin. This is a scary time for all involved, but we are trusting the promise that God loves his children more than we ever can. WE LOVE YOU EMMAKATE!!! Get well soon so you can beat up on all of your cousins!
And I'd add: EmmaKate had gotten up to 8 lbs 12 1/2 oz... but in 2 weeks has lost down to 8#5 - she is 13 weeks. Also they could use prayer because they have a lot to get done before the end of the month, and want to do it in the next couple of days. They have been married for only 4 days now. Amy needs to get a new drivers licence, ss card, get paperwork signed by doctors to transfer insurance to Joel's co. policy - please pray that EmmaKate is not rejected for having a pre-existing condition. - and Joel needs to move his stuff from his apt. to storage, Amy's and the dump, as well as clean his apt... which is apparently messy from not spending much time there the past few months, while his cats have taken over. He is hoping to get a lot of that done on Sat. (they canceled their party).
If EmmaKate experiences shortness of breath, or refuses to eat, she will need to go to Vanderbilt. They really hope that she will be ok until their Chattanooga surgeon gets back on Thursday.
This is a lot of stress for brand-newly weds! Please pray that they will cast all of their cares on the Lord!
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
More neighborhood fun!
Last night, the neighborhood kids camped out in Ms. Marsha's backyard. There was a boy tent and a girl tent. Another neighbor invited them over for late-night swimming - supervised. They had a great time. Joseph and I walked down to find them awake this morning. Not sure if they ever went to sleep.
My baby sister: the Bride!
Amy is now a wife!!! to an adoring husband.
If you had told me a year ago, that with in a year Amy would be a baptized member of our church, Mommy to a new baby girl and a wife (we did not know about Joel this time last year), I never would have believed it. She has grown and changed soooo much this year.... and life for her has changed very quickly!
A few weeks ago, I had the honor of helping her choose a wedding dress. It was so sweet. My eyes were wet a lot of that shopping trip! She and Joel had a private wedding at a lake in the Smokies. Colin was to give her away. We were all sad to miss out on it, but my mother is having a party for them this Saturday.
If you had told me a year ago, that with in a year Amy would be a baptized member of our church, Mommy to a new baby girl and a wife (we did not know about Joel this time last year), I never would have believed it. She has grown and changed soooo much this year.... and life for her has changed very quickly!
A few weeks ago, I had the honor of helping her choose a wedding dress. It was so sweet. My eyes were wet a lot of that shopping trip! She and Joel had a private wedding at a lake in the Smokies. Colin was to give her away. We were all sad to miss out on it, but my mother is having a party for them this Saturday.
Sunday, June 10, 2007
Saturday, June 9, 2007
Friday, June 8, 2007
La Iglesia en Mexico
Notice the paint colors and the "pews"
It was not too much different from our Worship services, except for the 10 minutes of greeting each other during the middle of the service, and the drums in the praise band: )
I did get a lesson in the story of Jesus overturning the tables of the money-changers. I was perplexed to see book tables with merchandise for sale after the service. Elder John later explained that Jesus became angry because the men were crooks and selling animals for sacrifice at inflated prices at the temple, but these people were not looking to turn a profit, but to provide resources for the growth of the people attending church.
So, I missed my opportunity to buy a Santa Biblia (spanish Bible).... so our fellow team member, Barbara (former Missionary in Puebla) gave me hers. She is dear...but more about our team later.
Debriefing: Parte Dos
I've been so concerned with shuttling my kids back and forth between Cheerleading Camp and Tennis Camp and working on Music Camp, that I haven't had much of a chance to process.
On a fun note: Jack has been begging his Uncle Aaron to take him to a Braves game. Aaron scored 2 extra seats in the Pepsi suite for a catered party at the game. Adam and Jack are on their way. Jack thinks that they are meeting Aaron & Hilary at Burger King in Atlanta to drop off some papers and eat dinner.
Missionairies in the field: I guess the biggest thing that I took away from them was that building relationships is key. (at least in Mexico - which is also characteristic of their culture) They don't worry about marketing programs, using amusements and gimicks to get the attention of people. They keep things really simple. They work hard. Live more simply, less materialistically, don't need a nice big home. They are normal people. They are humble people. We work and feel as though we earn our money. They may do similar jobs, but must ask their friends, family and churches to provide for their physical needs, trusting in the Lord that he will give these people the desire to give.
Their perspective just seems to be different. They do not seem to be as distracted by the world, but more burdened for the lost in the world. But regular, nice, fun people.
I think that we could learn a lot from them. American churches may be missing the mark, by trying to "get the attention of young people". People do not need to be entertained, amused, wowed by facilities or programs, but reached out to in love. Also, we must not only concern ourselves with the people who seem to be just like us economically or socially. That is not the example that Jesus gave!
I needed the reality check!
On a fun note: Jack has been begging his Uncle Aaron to take him to a Braves game. Aaron scored 2 extra seats in the Pepsi suite for a catered party at the game. Adam and Jack are on their way. Jack thinks that they are meeting Aaron & Hilary at Burger King in Atlanta to drop off some papers and eat dinner.
Missionairies in the field: I guess the biggest thing that I took away from them was that building relationships is key. (at least in Mexico - which is also characteristic of their culture) They don't worry about marketing programs, using amusements and gimicks to get the attention of people. They keep things really simple. They work hard. Live more simply, less materialistically, don't need a nice big home. They are normal people. They are humble people. We work and feel as though we earn our money. They may do similar jobs, but must ask their friends, family and churches to provide for their physical needs, trusting in the Lord that he will give these people the desire to give.
Their perspective just seems to be different. They do not seem to be as distracted by the world, but more burdened for the lost in the world. But regular, nice, fun people.
I think that we could learn a lot from them. American churches may be missing the mark, by trying to "get the attention of young people". People do not need to be entertained, amused, wowed by facilities or programs, but reached out to in love. Also, we must not only concern ourselves with the people who seem to be just like us economically or socially. That is not the example that Jesus gave!
I needed the reality check!
Thursday, June 7, 2007
Would you pray for these children?
First of all, my niece, EmmaKate is awaiting heart surgery. She has a condition that is curable with surgery. She is 11 and a half weeks old and still only 8lbs12oz, please pray that she will grow before her surgery. My sister, Amy is getting married this Sunday in Gatlinburg, and has been told to know where the hospitals are, just in case.
Also, a friend of mine from highschool, Kristy has 4-yr-old twin girls. One with spina bifida. Amelia will have surgery next week. Here is Amelia's story.
Also, a friend of mine from highschool, Kristy has 4-yr-old twin girls. One with spina bifida. Amelia will have surgery next week. Here is Amelia's story.
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
A Funny Story
My family jokes about me running into someone I know everywhere I go. On Saturday, we were walking through the Acapulco airport. I saw this lady who looked familiar. Then I realized that she looked just like the aunt of one of my highschool friends. I went up to her and said, "you are going to think that I'm crazy, but are you Aunt Doe?" She said "yes". I actually had seen her a few months earlier at her sister's funeral (my friend's mother)... so she remembered who I was too... (I usually remember everyone, but most don't remember me).
She ended up on our flight. When we got to Atlanta, there were no international gates available, so we had to sit on the runway for quite a while. She missed her shuttle to Chattanooga and hitched a ride with us. It's such a small world!
She ended up on our flight. When we got to Atlanta, there were no international gates available, so we had to sit on the runway for quite a while. She missed her shuttle to Chattanooga and hitched a ride with us. It's such a small world!
Letter to our church missions committee from its chairman
We had a fantastic week in Acapulco. Please ask any of us about it. When you do, however, be prepared to 1) be talked to for a while; and, 2) it is better to come prepared with tissues.
Since only about half of us were present at Robin's house for the meeting with Robert Carr, I thought I would catch everyone up on what went on.
Howard Memorial Money: We considered several options. The one we decided on was to update/repair the computers the kids use for homework, etc. Aaron Moore, an MTW missionary who was there when Mike went last year, is in charge of the home's computers. He is arranging the repairs.
Street Child Money: As you will recall, we have $3,000 in the budget for Street Child work. At the last meeting, we decided to wait and see how funds came in before sending it out. I took on more authority than I actually have and allocated about $1,000 to Sobre El Puente (the Acapulco street child ministry). They have been burglarized recently, losing (among other things) their TV, DVD player, boom box, microwave oven, and 2 computers. While not absolutely crucial to the ministry, the lack of these items is severely hampering the ability of Sobre El Puente to attract kids. Replacements for the TV and the DVD player had already been promised. We bought a boom box, microwave, computer, and printer. The need was immediate and I felt (hopefully, correctly) that there would not be opposition to doing this.
Return Trip: We are looking the possibility of returning to Acapulco in January or February. The weather will not be so hot then, and no teams come during the winter. I will keep you informed as matters develop.
Grace and peace,
John
Since only about half of us were present at Robin's house for the meeting with Robert Carr, I thought I would catch everyone up on what went on.
Howard Memorial Money: We considered several options. The one we decided on was to update/repair the computers the kids use for homework, etc. Aaron Moore, an MTW missionary who was there when Mike went last year, is in charge of the home's computers. He is arranging the repairs.
Street Child Money: As you will recall, we have $3,000 in the budget for Street Child work. At the last meeting, we decided to wait and see how funds came in before sending it out. I took on more authority than I actually have and allocated about $1,000 to Sobre El Puente (the Acapulco street child ministry). They have been burglarized recently, losing (among other things) their TV, DVD player, boom box, microwave oven, and 2 computers. While not absolutely crucial to the ministry, the lack of these items is severely hampering the ability of Sobre El Puente to attract kids. Replacements for the TV and the DVD player had already been promised. We bought a boom box, microwave, computer, and printer. The need was immediate and I felt (hopefully, correctly) that there would not be opposition to doing this.
Return Trip: We are looking the possibility of returning to Acapulco in January or February. The weather will not be so hot then, and no teams come during the winter. I will keep you informed as matters develop.
Grace and peace,
John
Debriefing: part uno
First of all, an update.... poison ivy: still there!
I am a pretty emotional person, so I am going to pace myself and start today with non-emotionally charged info and work up to talking about the kids (self-protection :)
So far, I can think of 4 categories: cultural differences in general between Mexico and the States, observances of missionaries in the field, our team, and finally the kids and Casa Hogar.
Cultural Differences:
In the training, we were told again and again: the Mexican way of living is not better or worse than the American way, just different.
The biggest thing that stood out to me was that they are a very hospitable nation. I expected 2 things: 1) to see a lot of US tourists - not the case! It is no longer a US vacation destination, but a Mexican vacation spot. Our county has issued a warning about visiting Acapulco due to gang violence and government corruption. We saw very few Americans! Maybe 10 or 20. 2) I expected to be treated like a minority - but we were treated with honor; the exact opposite of the way we treat Hispanics in the US. We need to show more honor and respect to them!!!!
The streets: I prayed the whole 45 min. van trip to Casa Hogar, that we would make it alive. I had the misfortune of sitting in the front seat with the driver, and an intern missionary. (their vans seat more - with 3 in the front) The drivers go soooooo fast, and dart around cars, weave in and out of traffic and lay on the horn to warn others to stay out of their way. The streets have a music of hums, sputters and horns.
Most people opt for public transportation. Bus rides are 4.5 pesos - almost 45 cents- and you can go anywhere in town. Taxis are everywhere and are VW Beetles and Nissan Sentras. I hear they are only a few dollars. I'm sure that they don't play "Punch Bug, Don't Punch Back" in order to play there, you'd basically beat the person sitting next to you until you arrived at your destination.
Shopping: As you sit on the beach, vendors stream by. Do not attempt to buy anything unless you are good at bartering. The price may start at $45, and go down every time you say "no", until they give up around $10. Some of the items offered to us on the beach: Shells, jewelry, clothing, hats, cheap sunglasses (he wasn't going to lie, they were barato in price and quality), sarongs, fruit with chili sauce, candy, popcorn, beer, massages, purses, shoes, get your hair braided, watches, pails and shovels, etc. etc. Who needed to go to the market? Where by the way, I was talking to a vendor in Spanish. He very perceptively asked, "?De donde es usted?" - my accent gave it away. I told him that I was from the US. He said in Spanish "Oh, you mean Los Angeles?" - they have stereotypes of us too!
Security: As we were walking down the street I noticed a guard with a machine gun. He was guarding a Coke truck. A machine gun to be sure that no one stole soda???!!!! We passed by a car dealership - guys with machine guns, almost every delivery truck had guys with machine guns. In front of the large Mexican flag at the beach - a guy with a machine gun. We were told not to look any of them in the eye.... so I definitely did not take a picture!
Safety: They do not seem to worry about their personal safety or that of their children. We saw many a baby sitting in an adult's lap in the front seat of a car. Minivans speeding down the street with the sliding door open so that more people could fit inside. We rode to church in a small bus (for about 20 passengers) they insisted that the Americans sat in the seats, and the children stood in the aisle and by the open door at the front. Unsafe buildings, no right of way for pedestrians, even children, If you cross the street, be ready to run, and every man for himself.
Beauty: I did not know that mountains and ocean could meet!
The first picture is our view from about a block from the orphanage. The second is on our way to the airport, our driver pulled over for us to take pictures. The water to the right is the Acapulco Bay the water to the left is the Pacific Ocean. Did you know that you can be on the Pacific Coast and in the Central Time Zone?
More info to come.... but our whole team wants to go back!!!!!you'll understand better as you learn more about our trip!
I am a pretty emotional person, so I am going to pace myself and start today with non-emotionally charged info and work up to talking about the kids (self-protection :)
So far, I can think of 4 categories: cultural differences in general between Mexico and the States, observances of missionaries in the field, our team, and finally the kids and Casa Hogar.
Cultural Differences:
In the training, we were told again and again: the Mexican way of living is not better or worse than the American way, just different.
The biggest thing that stood out to me was that they are a very hospitable nation. I expected 2 things: 1) to see a lot of US tourists - not the case! It is no longer a US vacation destination, but a Mexican vacation spot. Our county has issued a warning about visiting Acapulco due to gang violence and government corruption. We saw very few Americans! Maybe 10 or 20. 2) I expected to be treated like a minority - but we were treated with honor; the exact opposite of the way we treat Hispanics in the US. We need to show more honor and respect to them!!!!
The streets: I prayed the whole 45 min. van trip to Casa Hogar, that we would make it alive. I had the misfortune of sitting in the front seat with the driver, and an intern missionary. (their vans seat more - with 3 in the front) The drivers go soooooo fast, and dart around cars, weave in and out of traffic and lay on the horn to warn others to stay out of their way. The streets have a music of hums, sputters and horns.
Most people opt for public transportation. Bus rides are 4.5 pesos - almost 45 cents- and you can go anywhere in town. Taxis are everywhere and are VW Beetles and Nissan Sentras. I hear they are only a few dollars. I'm sure that they don't play "Punch Bug, Don't Punch Back" in order to play there, you'd basically beat the person sitting next to you until you arrived at your destination.
Shopping: As you sit on the beach, vendors stream by. Do not attempt to buy anything unless you are good at bartering. The price may start at $45, and go down every time you say "no", until they give up around $10. Some of the items offered to us on the beach: Shells, jewelry, clothing, hats, cheap sunglasses (he wasn't going to lie, they were barato in price and quality), sarongs, fruit with chili sauce, candy, popcorn, beer, massages, purses, shoes, get your hair braided, watches, pails and shovels, etc. etc. Who needed to go to the market? Where by the way, I was talking to a vendor in Spanish. He very perceptively asked, "?De donde es usted?" - my accent gave it away. I told him that I was from the US. He said in Spanish "Oh, you mean Los Angeles?" - they have stereotypes of us too!
Security: As we were walking down the street I noticed a guard with a machine gun. He was guarding a Coke truck. A machine gun to be sure that no one stole soda???!!!! We passed by a car dealership - guys with machine guns, almost every delivery truck had guys with machine guns. In front of the large Mexican flag at the beach - a guy with a machine gun. We were told not to look any of them in the eye.... so I definitely did not take a picture!
Safety: They do not seem to worry about their personal safety or that of their children. We saw many a baby sitting in an adult's lap in the front seat of a car. Minivans speeding down the street with the sliding door open so that more people could fit inside. We rode to church in a small bus (for about 20 passengers) they insisted that the Americans sat in the seats, and the children stood in the aisle and by the open door at the front. Unsafe buildings, no right of way for pedestrians, even children, If you cross the street, be ready to run, and every man for himself.
Beauty: I did not know that mountains and ocean could meet!
The first picture is our view from about a block from the orphanage. The second is on our way to the airport, our driver pulled over for us to take pictures. The water to the right is the Acapulco Bay the water to the left is the Pacific Ocean. Did you know that you can be on the Pacific Coast and in the Central Time Zone?
More info to come.... but our whole team wants to go back!!!!!you'll understand better as you learn more about our trip!
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