¡Hola familia y amigos!
Our team has returned home safely after an exciting time of growth and service in Friajanes, Guatemala. While many of us could not wait to be reunited with our friends, families, and a good ole-fashioned American hamburger, we all left a part of our hearts with the children of Casa Bernabé.
After serving for two full days as substitute house parents, most of us were exhausted and welcomed our Saturday night despedida, or goodbye ceremony. Each house of kids, presented us with cards thanking our team for our service, and some of the houses such as Promesa and Ester performed dances to Christian music. The baby house even gave each of us little painted footprints from Susan’s favorite baby. While this was an emotional experience, it was not without plenty of laughs. Casa Nueva Esperanza (House of the New Hope) had Tomas and Josh come up onto the stage for a competition of strength. Each of the guys had two younger Guatemalan boys hanging from each arm and had to lift the boys into the air as many times as possible. While Tomas put forth a valiant effort, there was no doubt who won the match. After each house had an opportunity to say thank you, Edgar had our entire team come onto the stage for a time of prayer. He asked some of the kids to come up and stand by us as he prayed for God to bless our team and watch over us as we traveled back to the U.S. It was incredibly special.
As we hugged our newfound friends goodbye, some of us couldn’t hold back the tears. Who would have thought that in twelve short days, we would have come to love the children so much! The Lord was definitely at work in all of our hearts, filling us with His Holy Spirit and allowing us to see a small glimpse of what unconditional love really looks like. Some exchanged facebook information, others promised to write, and four of us decided to sponsor several of the kids.
Sunday around 5 AM, we packed our suitcases (quite the feat!) into two vehicles, said goodbye to Jill, and headed to the airport. It was mesmerizing admiring the Guatemalan City lights as we wound our way down the mountain into the city. We got through security without a hitch (although security didn’t know what to make of my Rembrandt whitening tooth paste and had to uncap and smell it before they would give it back to me!) and boarded our plane to Houston. Upon arrival in Houston, George (better known as Jorgé), was in quite a bit of pain. His lower back was spasming and he could barely walk. Thankfully, we were able to get him a wheelchair for navigating through the huge Houston airport. He is currently feeling much better after some r&r, praise the Lord! We all passed through customs and were readmitted to the U.S.!
On a sidenote, some of us (me for sure!) were not honest with the customs official. We were asked to declare any souvenirs and plant and animal products that we brought with us into the U.S. Well, Alyssa and I had a minor problem in Guatemala……we discovered pulgas in our beds!!!! Now, I can’t guarantee that I was carrying pulgas in my clothing, but I do know one thing for sure. Sometime during the plane ride to Houston, I was bitten twice on my hands by a mysterious, small bug. So I may have served as a coyote (one who illegally transports immigrants) for Guatemalan fleas!!! Ewww. I apologize to all members of my household (including my dog and cat) for this inconvenience.
In Houston we had another goodbye session for Susan as she took another flight to the Dallas Fort Worth airport. We can’t we wait to see her and the rest of the team for our picture sharing party on the 28th! We arrived in the desolate, snowless Detroit a little after 5pm and headed back to our families, schools, and jobs. BAM! Welcome back to real life.
While the culture shock in terms of re-entry is undeniable (especially after visiting Zona Tres this year! In Zona Tres, people literally crawl through trash trying to find things to resell and make a living off of.), we have a God who will never leave us or forsake us. In the U.S., Guatemala, or even Timbuktu, we have a friend who sticks closer than a brother and who has a plan for the children of Casa Bernabé, the people in Zona Tres, our mission team, and all those who seek Him. What a comfort this is! This experience has changed our lives and has taught each of us something we will never forget. Thank you for all of your prayers!!
Guatemala 2011-2012= SUCCESS!!!!!!!!
~Kristen
Please continue to pray for the Rumbarger family, as they are pursuing an educational visa for a young man, as Jill remains in Guatemala. Thank you!
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Friday, January 6, 2012
Day 10
Yesterday was the first day of the Staff Retreat here at Casa Bernabe! This day found every one in our group sent out to cover different houses, so that all the staff could attend the retreat and know that the children were in good hands. There are 8 homes for children here with anywhere from 12 - 20 kids in each house.
Judy did not feel well in the morning (yup - that yucky stomach bug) and Stacy has many bug bites that kept her itching all day. The other team that is here had 4 people down sick as well, so our team motto of "Flexibility" really came into play. Josh, Lindsey and Amy were all really great when throughout the day we had to move them into different houses to cover whenever our staffing was short. They all had amazing attitudes about switching houses mid day. Cornerstone donated many fun games and activities that we could do with the children - thank you all!
Alyssa and Susan had the baby house shift (babies ages 9 months to 3 years) , Stacey took Casa Promesa which is girls aged 11-18, Kristen and Pete had Casa Samuel, the co-ed house ages 6-9 (a VERY active group!), Josh and Amy both worked in Casa Lamar throughout the day. These girls are very good - ages range from 6 - 18. Casa Alabanza was covered by Lindsey. George and Judy (she is such a trooper - she got up late afternoon and went to work!) covered Casa Ester - another girls house age ranges from 8-18. Nuevo Esperanza, boys aged 9-12 (VERY active) was covered by Josh and Amy as well during different shifts. I worked in Nuevo Pacto part time as well as "floating" to every house and covering where needed so people could take breaks, along with Tom. Mike continued on the plumbing project so that it will be completed when the team leaves on Sunday, and then went to Lamar in the evening.
During our evening debriefing, we play the High/Low game and always share highlights of the day, as well as things that were difficult, so that we can pray for each other. We all decided that Mike won for the Low of the day. He shared that he had put signs on a couple of bathrooms not to use them, as he was working with the live sewer pipes... well.... he was sitting under a 4" sewer pipe when oh-no!!!! He got a shower of raw sewage!!!! YUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Everyone else admitted that while it was a very long day (7:30 AM - 10PM) it went amazingly well. All were exhausted and collapsed into bed, but it was an amazing time of really getting to know the precious children in their houses. This is how relationships are formed.
Oh yes, one more thing to share - a beautiful moment. Susan decided to 1/2 sponsor the son and daughter of the parents in the baby house. They have wanted a sponsor for a year now. I had actually prayed in the past with the daughter for the Lord to send her a special sponsor. When we shared that Susan was her new sponsor - the tears that ran down her beautifully smiling faces were so full of joy! It was a beautiful moment. I cannot tell you how happy it makes me to know that these kids are being covered in prayer and supported financially by people who love them. We only have a couple now that need sponsors. What a blessing!
Well - this morning all woke up smiling, ready to cover the houses for Day Two of the Retreat! Thank you for your prayers, and please continue to pray for us today, as it is another long day in the houses. God is so good!
-Jill
Judy did not feel well in the morning (yup - that yucky stomach bug) and Stacy has many bug bites that kept her itching all day. The other team that is here had 4 people down sick as well, so our team motto of "Flexibility" really came into play. Josh, Lindsey and Amy were all really great when throughout the day we had to move them into different houses to cover whenever our staffing was short. They all had amazing attitudes about switching houses mid day. Cornerstone donated many fun games and activities that we could do with the children - thank you all!
Alyssa and Susan had the baby house shift (babies ages 9 months to 3 years) , Stacey took Casa Promesa which is girls aged 11-18, Kristen and Pete had Casa Samuel, the co-ed house ages 6-9 (a VERY active group!), Josh and Amy both worked in Casa Lamar throughout the day. These girls are very good - ages range from 6 - 18. Casa Alabanza was covered by Lindsey. George and Judy (she is such a trooper - she got up late afternoon and went to work!) covered Casa Ester - another girls house age ranges from 8-18. Nuevo Esperanza, boys aged 9-12 (VERY active) was covered by Josh and Amy as well during different shifts. I worked in Nuevo Pacto part time as well as "floating" to every house and covering where needed so people could take breaks, along with Tom. Mike continued on the plumbing project so that it will be completed when the team leaves on Sunday, and then went to Lamar in the evening.
During our evening debriefing, we play the High/Low game and always share highlights of the day, as well as things that were difficult, so that we can pray for each other. We all decided that Mike won for the Low of the day. He shared that he had put signs on a couple of bathrooms not to use them, as he was working with the live sewer pipes... well.... he was sitting under a 4" sewer pipe when oh-no!!!! He got a shower of raw sewage!!!! YUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Everyone else admitted that while it was a very long day (7:30 AM - 10PM) it went amazingly well. All were exhausted and collapsed into bed, but it was an amazing time of really getting to know the precious children in their houses. This is how relationships are formed.
Oh yes, one more thing to share - a beautiful moment. Susan decided to 1/2 sponsor the son and daughter of the parents in the baby house. They have wanted a sponsor for a year now. I had actually prayed in the past with the daughter for the Lord to send her a special sponsor. When we shared that Susan was her new sponsor - the tears that ran down her beautifully smiling faces were so full of joy! It was a beautiful moment. I cannot tell you how happy it makes me to know that these kids are being covered in prayer and supported financially by people who love them. We only have a couple now that need sponsors. What a blessing!
Well - this morning all woke up smiling, ready to cover the houses for Day Two of the Retreat! Thank you for your prayers, and please continue to pray for us today, as it is another long day in the houses. God is so good!
-Jill
Thursday, January 5, 2012
Day 8 & 9
Greetings All From Guatemala!
We headed to Antigua on Tuesday all us in the van with our wonderful driver Tom. Here you have to drive using your race driver helmet. We toured the area seeing lots of old buildings, cobblestone roads and much poverty. Zone 3 is the name for an area that is so....bad. The poverty and corruptness runs rampant. The team prayed as we approached the area but it was an eye opening experience and one that we will not forget. The Basurera is the name for the garbage dump where many people make their living by scavenging anything they can sell or recycle. It is the largest dump in Central America, and many people live there.
We then went to the central market area to do some fun shopping. (our outing day away from the orphanage). Jill showed us the booths owned by Christians that she has bargained with in the past and we went crazy purchasing gifts for sponsors, family and friends. Some of the team took a while learning that you don't just take the price they want- you tell them what you will pay. We named Peter the shopper of the day! I would like to go back again and see how some of the vendors make the items.
Jill, Mike and Tom then took us to a Coffee plantation called Filadelphia for a nice lunch. The country side was just beautiful and they even do weddings there. (Of course that interested me). Amy went crazy when she saw an old fashioned wood teeter totter. Some of us played on them for a while and lots of pictures will be available for all to see when the team returns.
We then went back to do more shopping, but this time we saw the market where the Guatemalans actually shop, not the tourists. The meat is just hanging out with flies or bugs on it. There was lots of chickens and beef sitting out all day. There was a lot of produce, clothes and flowers, but it was very crowded and enclosed. I am not sure that I would like to shop for my meat that way. Mike took another group to do a tour of one of the old Catholic churches in Antigua. Then home to the orphanage for dinner, debriefing and rest for the next big day.
The guys continue with the plumbing project and it interesting to see the little helpers they have working with them. They really surprise me, one carried a big basket of clothes down to the clothes line for me, very heavy and many steps down. I wouldn't want to do my laundry that way!
~Judy
We headed to Antigua on Tuesday all us in the van with our wonderful driver Tom. Here you have to drive using your race driver helmet. We toured the area seeing lots of old buildings, cobblestone roads and much poverty. Zone 3 is the name for an area that is so....bad. The poverty and corruptness runs rampant. The team prayed as we approached the area but it was an eye opening experience and one that we will not forget. The Basurera is the name for the garbage dump where many people make their living by scavenging anything they can sell or recycle. It is the largest dump in Central America, and many people live there.
We then went to the central market area to do some fun shopping. (our outing day away from the orphanage). Jill showed us the booths owned by Christians that she has bargained with in the past and we went crazy purchasing gifts for sponsors, family and friends. Some of the team took a while learning that you don't just take the price they want- you tell them what you will pay. We named Peter the shopper of the day! I would like to go back again and see how some of the vendors make the items.
Jill, Mike and Tom then took us to a Coffee plantation called Filadelphia for a nice lunch. The country side was just beautiful and they even do weddings there. (Of course that interested me). Amy went crazy when she saw an old fashioned wood teeter totter. Some of us played on them for a while and lots of pictures will be available for all to see when the team returns.
We then went back to do more shopping, but this time we saw the market where the Guatemalans actually shop, not the tourists. The meat is just hanging out with flies or bugs on it. There was lots of chickens and beef sitting out all day. There was a lot of produce, clothes and flowers, but it was very crowded and enclosed. I am not sure that I would like to shop for my meat that way. Mike took another group to do a tour of one of the old Catholic churches in Antigua. Then home to the orphanage for dinner, debriefing and rest for the next big day.
The guys continue with the plumbing project and it interesting to see the little helpers they have working with them. They really surprise me, one carried a big basket of clothes down to the clothes line for me, very heavy and many steps down. I wouldn't want to do my laundry that way!
~Judy
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
Day 6 & 7
Hi all, it's Jill again. We are off to Antigua today and I wanted to get a little post in before we head off. Sunday was wonderful! It is a day of rest, and worship. Church at Casa Bernabe is always so energizing. Pete said it well: as the little ones dance joyfully for the Lord during the time of praise, they are dancing for the Lord and moved by the Spirit. It was a great day of fun with the kids after church as well.
I thought I would give you a glimpse into a day in the life at Casa de los Angelitos - the baby house, as all of the women are serving there at some point during this trip. The men are continuing on with the plumbing project (now both the men and women are not able to use the toilets in the dorms...but the say it is going well, haha!) They all have been working very hard, and the boys of Casa Nuevo Pacto have been trenching with our team each day. The men are really enjoying getting to know them.
We are so appreciative for the amazing house parents in the baby house - they are doing such a great job with the children! It is definitely a calling on their lives.
7AM - down the mountain. All is quiet. We enter the home and Russell leads the workers and missionaries in a time of Bible reading and prayer.
After that - 12 babies up! Diapers are changed, clothes put on, all are seated at high chairs and ready for breakfast. Breakfast yesterday was bread and bananas with atol, a milk and grain drink. The babies all get a bottle, and the older ones, a cup of juice after they finish all their food.
After breakfast, most of the children try to go on the little potties. Sara, the house mom, has done a great job of potty training them! They get a sticker if they go "po-po" on the potty. I am amazed to see two year olds doing this!
Then - play time! Sara splits the babies up into groups - the bigger boys, bigger girls, little girls and babies. One group yesterday did play-doh, while another other group did puzzles and coloring. Another group did Legos, and the little ones were in the house getting a time of physical therapy and exercise. All of these group activities are to be a time of learning. We were constantly counting, doing colors and speaking with the babies. Pete came down to visit Judy and Amy and I during the morning, and got some great photos.
Morning is fairly structured. Snack time found everyone sitting on the trampoline eating apples. The babies love the house dad, Russell, who is a very soft-spoken man, and they all want to be with him! "Papi,Papi," will be heard anytime Russell is around.
At 11:00 it is nap time, and the babies are ready! We change them and put them down with lots of kisses.
1:00 it is time for the afternoon shift. Again we get the babies out of their cribs, get them all settled in their high chairs and it is time for Almuerzo! This is the big meal of the day. It usually consists of rice and veggies and a stew-like main course. After they eat what is in their bowl, they get their tortilla - the staple of the children's diet. They love their tortilla! After this they get juice or a bottle.
The afternoon is more of free-time play. The babies ride big-wheels, and play outside on the Little Tykes playset. George came down and played hide and seek with the little ones - they loved him! It was wonderful in the afternoon when Susan, Alyssa, Kristen, Josh and Lindsey all came down play with us. (Stacey went to Walmart to get us some supplies in the afternoon). Russell led us on a fantastic hike - we went up the mountain behind the garden. The hike was very steep. Most American parents would never try this. We carefully trekked over roots, rocks, and logs. We ended up on the soccer field - the little ones were really troopers. It was really fun.
When dinner time rolled around, we were all feeding babies. Kristen and Alyssa stayed during the night time feeding. After the babies were fed, Sara led a time of Bible reading with the babies. The babies were so attentive as she shared the story of Noah with them. Then was the highlight of the day - a time of praise and singing! The babies loved to sing to Jesus! It was beautiful. I want to video this sweet time some time!
Then, jammies and sitting on the potties, then many hugs and kisses and off to bed! We finished the night by cleaning out the bathroom, potties, and all headed back up the mountain.
At debriefing in the evening our team shared a lot of high lights from the day. Susan has a special baby on her heart and in her prayers. (Susan here - I am head-over-heels in love with her and want to adopt her!!!!) Stacey also has a special little friend in Casa Lamar that she has grown close to as well. Mike and Josh are enjoying very much working closely with our guy in Casa Nuevo Pacto as well. It is so great to see the relationships that are being formed between our team and the children here.
I hope you enjoyed a glimpse into the day at the baby house!
I thought I would give you a glimpse into a day in the life at Casa de los Angelitos - the baby house, as all of the women are serving there at some point during this trip. The men are continuing on with the plumbing project (now both the men and women are not able to use the toilets in the dorms...but the say it is going well, haha!) They all have been working very hard, and the boys of Casa Nuevo Pacto have been trenching with our team each day. The men are really enjoying getting to know them.
We are so appreciative for the amazing house parents in the baby house - they are doing such a great job with the children! It is definitely a calling on their lives.
7AM - down the mountain. All is quiet. We enter the home and Russell leads the workers and missionaries in a time of Bible reading and prayer.
After that - 12 babies up! Diapers are changed, clothes put on, all are seated at high chairs and ready for breakfast. Breakfast yesterday was bread and bananas with atol, a milk and grain drink. The babies all get a bottle, and the older ones, a cup of juice after they finish all their food.
After breakfast, most of the children try to go on the little potties. Sara, the house mom, has done a great job of potty training them! They get a sticker if they go "po-po" on the potty. I am amazed to see two year olds doing this!
Then - play time! Sara splits the babies up into groups - the bigger boys, bigger girls, little girls and babies. One group yesterday did play-doh, while another other group did puzzles and coloring. Another group did Legos, and the little ones were in the house getting a time of physical therapy and exercise. All of these group activities are to be a time of learning. We were constantly counting, doing colors and speaking with the babies. Pete came down to visit Judy and Amy and I during the morning, and got some great photos.
Morning is fairly structured. Snack time found everyone sitting on the trampoline eating apples. The babies love the house dad, Russell, who is a very soft-spoken man, and they all want to be with him! "Papi,Papi," will be heard anytime Russell is around.
At 11:00 it is nap time, and the babies are ready! We change them and put them down with lots of kisses.
1:00 it is time for the afternoon shift. Again we get the babies out of their cribs, get them all settled in their high chairs and it is time for Almuerzo! This is the big meal of the day. It usually consists of rice and veggies and a stew-like main course. After they eat what is in their bowl, they get their tortilla - the staple of the children's diet. They love their tortilla! After this they get juice or a bottle.
The afternoon is more of free-time play. The babies ride big-wheels, and play outside on the Little Tykes playset. George came down and played hide and seek with the little ones - they loved him! It was wonderful in the afternoon when Susan, Alyssa, Kristen, Josh and Lindsey all came down play with us. (Stacey went to Walmart to get us some supplies in the afternoon). Russell led us on a fantastic hike - we went up the mountain behind the garden. The hike was very steep. Most American parents would never try this. We carefully trekked over roots, rocks, and logs. We ended up on the soccer field - the little ones were really troopers. It was really fun.
When dinner time rolled around, we were all feeding babies. Kristen and Alyssa stayed during the night time feeding. After the babies were fed, Sara led a time of Bible reading with the babies. The babies were so attentive as she shared the story of Noah with them. Then was the highlight of the day - a time of praise and singing! The babies loved to sing to Jesus! It was beautiful. I want to video this sweet time some time!
Then, jammies and sitting on the potties, then many hugs and kisses and off to bed! We finished the night by cleaning out the bathroom, potties, and all headed back up the mountain.
At debriefing in the evening our team shared a lot of high lights from the day. Susan has a special baby on her heart and in her prayers. (Susan here - I am head-over-heels in love with her and want to adopt her!!!!) Stacey also has a special little friend in Casa Lamar that she has grown close to as well. Mike and Josh are enjoying very much working closely with our guy in Casa Nuevo Pacto as well. It is so great to see the relationships that are being formed between our team and the children here.
I hope you enjoyed a glimpse into the day at the baby house!
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Day 4 & 5
Happy New Year! We know you haven't heard from us in a while, but we have been so busy with the planning and execution of the big New Year's Eve event. We'll bring you up to date on what has been happening in the last couple of days. Once again some of the group has not been feeling 100%, but never the less we have been able to pull off the big event successfully.
In regards to the plumbing project, George created an "Old Faithful" thru his accidental discovery of another unknown water line. The excitement continued when Tom out did George by hitting the unknown "Main" water line to the Central Building. Not all was in vain because at the end of the day the team was able to install new pipes and fittings. (Judy gave them a hard time because they turned off the water while she was doing laundry, dishes and cleaning for one of the homes) Ha, Ha
Picture this: a kitchen with about 20 people calling out to Tom & Alyssa for their duties. About 300 eggs being cracked and separated whites from yoke for the dessert, 6 pairs of hands peeling carrots the size
of a thumb which had been picked Saturday a.m. by Pete. Susan, Kristen, Alisa, George and Judy
peeling bags of onions with match sticks in 4 of their mouths.
A delicious New Years Eve dinner was served. The meal consisted of Beef Tips with Gravy, a vegetable medley fresh from CB garden, fruit salad, fresh baked bread and home made tiramisu.
The meal was delivered by both teams to 9 different homes. This meal was enjoyed by about 250 people.
After the meal, the rambunctious children and tired adults made their way upstairs to the fun and games. Three sections were prepared for the different age groups ranging from 3-13. They all laughed a lot and then enjoyed root beer floats and hot popcorn while watching a home video of themselves. This was very special because most of the children have never seen photos of themselves. The home video was prepared lovingly by Jill and several members of our team with photos accumulated by Jill over the last year. The young kids left, and the party was amped up with the Brigada (13-18 years) youth team and their balloon stompin'. Our fearless leader, Jill, and most of our team participated in this awesomeness.
Praise and Worship en espanol was very moving, the entire atmosphere was very uplifting. It was incredible seeing all of the children singing praise to Jesus, then move to pray at the campo (soccer field). The prayers of the orphanage workers carried all of us into the New Year, followed by fireworks lit by the children. Adios y Muchas Bendiciones. Pete, Judy, George and Alyssa <3
In regards to the plumbing project, George created an "Old Faithful" thru his accidental discovery of another unknown water line. The excitement continued when Tom out did George by hitting the unknown "Main" water line to the Central Building. Not all was in vain because at the end of the day the team was able to install new pipes and fittings. (Judy gave them a hard time because they turned off the water while she was doing laundry, dishes and cleaning for one of the homes) Ha, Ha
Picture this: a kitchen with about 20 people calling out to Tom & Alyssa for their duties. About 300 eggs being cracked and separated whites from yoke for the dessert, 6 pairs of hands peeling carrots the size
of a thumb which had been picked Saturday a.m. by Pete. Susan, Kristen, Alisa, George and Judy
peeling bags of onions with match sticks in 4 of their mouths.
A delicious New Years Eve dinner was served. The meal consisted of Beef Tips with Gravy, a vegetable medley fresh from CB garden, fruit salad, fresh baked bread and home made tiramisu.
The meal was delivered by both teams to 9 different homes. This meal was enjoyed by about 250 people.
After the meal, the rambunctious children and tired adults made their way upstairs to the fun and games. Three sections were prepared for the different age groups ranging from 3-13. They all laughed a lot and then enjoyed root beer floats and hot popcorn while watching a home video of themselves. This was very special because most of the children have never seen photos of themselves. The home video was prepared lovingly by Jill and several members of our team with photos accumulated by Jill over the last year. The young kids left, and the party was amped up with the Brigada (13-18 years) youth team and their balloon stompin'. Our fearless leader, Jill, and most of our team participated in this awesomeness.
Praise and Worship en espanol was very moving, the entire atmosphere was very uplifting. It was incredible seeing all of the children singing praise to Jesus, then move to pray at the campo (soccer field). The prayers of the orphanage workers carried all of us into the New Year, followed by fireworks lit by the children. Adios y Muchas Bendiciones. Pete, Judy, George and Alyssa <3
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