End of year giving.

Today I washed some blankets that I bought for the kids beds. I know it is not a big thing, but to me it was a physical reminder that soon I will have little kids snuggling under these blankets knowing that they are safe, warm, fed and loved. My heart aches to have these little people already living with me. Even though it means early morning rising, which for me will be hard! ;)

Right now God has been providing donations through many different people that have allowed me to buy the beds, mattresses, etc. I am so thankful for all of you who have given special gifts towards this.

As the end of the year comes flying in (how is it the end of Dec. already??) I just wanted to remind you that any donation made from Canada or the U.S. is tax deductible. This helps to buy things for the kids who will come live in the home, but also helps you at tax time! Any donation made online by the end of Dec. 31st will be eligible for this years taxes.

If you are donating from Canada please click here.

If you are donating from the U.S. please click here.

I appreciate each and every gift that is given to the children's home. I would like to remind you that I am still in need of monthly sponsors. Rent on the house, etc. have so far been covered by special gifts, but I need to keep renting the house while I wait for paperwork to be finished and get it completely set up for the kids.

Please prayerfully consider what you can give. Thank you!

God bless.

My town ambulance.

 Today I followed an ambulance out of town. I was interested to see what was inside.

And since there was no back to the truck, I had a good look inside.

A stretcher and a bench. And there was nothing tucked under the bench. I sure hope the guy had some supplies in the front of the truck. And how does the stretcher stay in the truck with someone in it? I couldn't figure that one out. 

When I was taking Spanish classes over 3 years ago, I remember my teacher telling me that her husband was a volunteer paramedic. She told me that he had to buy all of his own supplies. Gloves, mask, BP cuff, etc. Things you would think are basic supplies for paramedics. 

                                  

This is also a common sight. Paramedics stand at different speed bumps along the road to ask for donations for supplies at the stations.

There is no common number for ambulances or rescue here. You often see the phone number for the local station painted onto certain walls along the road. Usually where accidents are more common.

Just one more reason I ask for prayer for safety down here.

My church.

I have attended the Kamloops Vineyard Church since 2000 (when I was living in Kamloops. I was in and out a lot) and it feels like home to me.

Last summer my pastors retired and a new couple who I had never met took over the leadership. I looked forward to meeting them, but I was also nervous. By the time I left Canada, I felt comfortable with them, loved and supported. What an answer to prayer! Over the last few months we have been working out details and I am officially a proud missionary of the Kamloops Vineyard Church. Even though I really always have been, we wanted to make it official. :)

I also developed a support team while I was in Canada in the summer whose primary functions are to pray for me and the Home, to spread the word (fundraising, etc.) as well as accountability for me. They have been a blessing to me as I work through these times of transition.

Bonnie, Jim & Danielle and Carol

The church leadership team decided to make Treasures of God Children's Home the fundraiser recipient at their pancake breakfast in December. The support team made little houses for families to put change in and bring back on the day of the breakfast. 20 were made and given out, and more were needed!

I was excited to hear of the church's excitement and willingness to become involved. Because of the humidity here in my new town, I found very quickly that I would need a de-humidifier in the house to help combat the mold growing on all the walls. I will also need a clothes dryer for the days when the sun doesn't shine. This is the goal of the fundraising at the breakfast.

I am thankful for all the support and friendships at my home church in Canada. 

Visit to a village.

While I have managed to keep pretty busy since I arrived, I have also had time to do a few other fun things. Last week I was able to go with another ministry (ASOSAP) on one of their village ministries. Since they all spoke Pokomchi in that village, I spent most of my time taking pictures of cute kids until my battery died. :(

They visit these villages on a regular basis teaching them about God's love for us as well as hygiene and other skills.

Cute baby. Her mom is the 16 year old in the green top to the right.

 These guys were listening to the message. As long as I wasn't distracting them with pictures! :)

 Consuelo giving the lesson. 

 This baby was so cute! But her little bare feet made me sad. It is cold there, and I saw many babies and mothers without shoes.

 Watching the Jesus movie in Pokomchi.

 This little girl was so cute with her monkey!

 After the lesson and movie, we all shared lunch together. Then the ladies from the ministry cut hair and did hairdo's as well as painting nails. It was so fun to watch their excitement at it all.

 Big monkey!

 These girls were pretty shy, but warmed up quickly. They had the most beautiful eyes, like their mother.

 This lady sat with her hand over her mouth the whole time they were cutting and styling her hair. This was obviously a treat for her and she was enjoying it!

 I love all the colours.

Curious George's mom getting her nails painted. :)

I really enjoyed spending time with another ministry in a small village. It was hard not being able to speak to them, but I enjoyed communicating in different ways. I hope to do it again soon!

No (wo)man is an island.

I would love to admit that I know that line of poetry because I read great poetry, but I actually got it from watching the movie About a Boy. :)

Anyway, the point is, I am not in this project alone. First and foremost, God is with me always, no matter how well or poorly I am doing. But He knows that some help on the ground is necessary too. 

Here in San Cristobal I have met many wonderful people and families. One of them is from the Southern U.S. and they were so helpful to me the first week.

The Thomas family. They have been a great help and such an encouragement to me. And I love Karen's cooking too! :) At one point I called (again!) about something and told them I am normally not that needy. Now we are in the fun part of just being friends. I have an invite for lunch tomorrow. ;)

Jeff has been sharing my vision with others in the town and there is a lawyer now very interested in helping with whatever he can. We meet with him on Monday. I am so thankful for all the help offered to me.

My pastoral care team from CTEN let me know that their son Ryan could help me out. He travels to different ministries and helps out with things that people don't have the time for, or (like me) don't have the skill for. I am so thankful he will spend a few weeks here. There is a guy in town who lives alone and has graciously allowed Ryan to stay with him, no charge! The people here really are very friendly. 

Ryan is helping with little things like hanging curtains,
 fixing some plumbing, and changing a lot of light bulbs! He quickly worked through the list of nit-picky things in the first few days.

 This wood is going to be a gate to block the kids access to the pool. Surprisingly, this is not a certification requirement, this is the lifeguard and nurse in me requirement!

Ryan will also be building me some bunk beds and cribs and a changing table. I want all of these to be built very sturdy so the kids can use them as supports, etc. We sat down and I gave him a rough idea of what I needed, and I am excited to see them take shape in the next couple of weeks!

Things are going well since moving in. I am working on getting caught up on "computer things". Some days I am so cold sitting at the desk, I just want to curl up on my couch and read a book! So far I have resisted.

This is me trying to stay warm and keep my arms free! Now I know why the snuggie was invented. Too bad I don't have one. :) The camera is sitting on my computer desk to take the picture. I envisioned this area as an office, except then it turned into a closet as well!

Take care and have a great weekend!

Small town living.

I have lived in a small town for the last 2 1/2 years. And that town was even smaller than this town but for some reason I have already immersed myself more into this town than I did the last.

Each person I meet has been more helpful than I had ever expected. And it leads me to more and more people who want to help out even more.

Today I was greeted with the traditional kiss and hug at the bank by a teller (female) that I have met once. Later I met a mechanic who had heard about me the day before and knew about the electricity problem I am having at my house. I was walking with a friend today and we saw a guy who delivers purified water and I now have my water delivery set up for Mondays. Last night I met another guy who had already heard about me from a couple of people. Tonight I was driving in town and saw a friend and later the Mother Superior from a Catholic orphanage I had visited earlier. I have met the caretaker of the property in town and the guy who drove all my stuff out from Parramos waved at me yesterday as I drove by. I saw another friend in the bank the day before yesterday. I can't go into town without meeting someone I know!

I love it here. :)

Moving day.

I'm all moved in! That of course doesn't mean I am all unpacked. :)

Friday was a long day but it was full of helpful people and God's grace and strength for me.

Four of the men from the Rehab came over to help load the truck, one guy from the Children's Home, and 3 guys came with the truck. So we loaded up fairly quickly and we were able to be on the road at 10:30.

 First I had to say goodbye to my landlords. Adele, my landlady cried. I lived in the apartment above them for 2 1/2 years! That is the longest consecutive stay in one place since I was 19 years old. I will miss living there.

This was my view for the next 6 hours and 15 minutes. I don't like to drive that distance alone in case something happens to my car. Which is funny because I have driven for days and days throughout Canada and the U.S. and never been worried. Things are different here. The truck moved pretty slow. It gave me a nice opportunity to sing at the top of my lungs for a while. :)

 This country is beautiful.

 A little construction on the way. This was one of the many parts of the road that has been washed away. Construction has been ongoing for years.

Once we arrived, a new friend of mine had brought about 8 or 9 teens to help with unloading. They sure had a lot of energy! But they got the job done quickly and gave me a good welcome, applause included!

 My first visitors! 

Ruth has been a very good friend of mine since we were both in grade 6. I am so excited to be living only 1/2 hour away from her now! Their family came back the next morning and brought help to get things in order, gas stove and washer hooked up, etc. I was thankful for their help! 

My first morning, a missionary family I had met on my previous trip called to see what they could do to help. I invited myself over for dinner. :) I had a great time visiting with them that night and she made a cherry pie! If only I had taken a picture of the size of the piece of pie she gave me! I can just say, we will be very good friends. ;) 

They told me of a lawyer that now wants to help out with whatever I need. He also talked to some other people and they would like to give some donations. More local support! I am so thankful.

The house is definitely big for one person to be living in. I can't wait to have some kids running and wheeling around and keeping me company. Until then, there is a lot to do to get the place ready for them! 

The Guatemalan Board

Today we went to the lawyers office to sign the association (or board of directors) paperwork.

Meet 5/7ths of the Guatemalan Board of Directors for Treasures of God Children's Home!

It is a blessing for me to be able to work with these people and I also treasure their friendships. I look forward to hearing their ideas and advice, and having them come visit the house soon!

In other news, the moving truck is booked for 7:30 a.m. on Friday! I have some men coming over from the Rehab Center to help me load up. I am so thankful for their help! 

This week has been a difficult and emotional week. I have said goodbye to many friends who I have become very close to. I have said goodbye to the boys that I spent 2 1/2 years of my life with. I will see them all again but it won't be the same. 

I look forward to the new place, and I know that this is a big step towards having my "own" kids one day. But all the same, I think I will just be sad for a little while longer. 

The local church

When I came down to work in Guatemala I asked people from my church and my family and friends in Canada to support me financially.

Now that I am starting the Children's Home, I once again started asking people in Canada and the U.S. to support me financially. Because that is where all the money is, right?

There may be more money up there, but I am finding that people here should be given the opportunity to join in as well. Last week in church my pastor surprised me by saying that this week they would be taking up a special offering for the Home. This is a church full of abandoned and abused children, drug and alcohol addicts, some Guatemalan families and a couple of missionary families. I would have never dreamed of asking them for money. Don't they need every penny they have?

And then I think of the poor widow. "Jesus sat down opposite the place where the offerings were put and watched the crowd putting their money into the temple treasury. Many rich people threw in large amounts. But a poor widow came and put in two very small copper coins, worth only a few cents. Calling his disciples to him, Jesus said, "Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put more into the treasury than all the others. They all gave out of their wealth; but she, out of her poverty, put in everything-all she had to live on." Mark 12:41-44

The amount that is given doesn't matter. And the money isn't being given because I make a good speech or show some sad pictures. The money isn't even being given to me. It is being given to God. I am just helping Him spend it. :)

Today I found out that some new friends of mine (missionaries in San Cristobal, Alta Verapaz) received a donation and they are going to tithe to the ministry. I am so excited! Their vision is to get the local church involved. They want to go over the list of things I need in order to get the Home furnished and up and running, and present it to local churches. I am excited about getting the word out and getting people involved.

I am learning more and more to humble myself and accept help. This is not my children's home. This is not my ministry. It comes from God. And He wants others to get involved. I need to allow them and encourage them. A hard job for me, but one I am learning.

I don't think I was able to articulate all I am feeling and thinking about right now. But this is a little glance into what I am learning.

Utility poles. Who needs 'em?

I was going for a walk near the lake in a woodsy part outside of the town. A friend of mine directed me to look up and this is what I saw.

Who needs a utility pole when there are trees and green rope to hold up the power line?

Come on in!

Here are the long awaited pictures of the house. Keep in mind they will be taking all of their furniture out. It is a very nice house and I see it as such a blessing. When I was talking to a missionary friend about it she said "what a blessing for the children. They will feel so special living in such nice house like that." My sentiments exactly! What a great way to show the children how special they are, by giving them a beautiful place to live.

 They started building the second level but haven't finished it. They have no use for it right now.

 Front yard for the kids to play in. I want to thicken up the grass a little!

 The living room has a fireplace for which I am thankful. It gets very cold here at night.

 Sorry the picture is so dark. I didn't notice at the time. I love all the windows and room for a nice big table full of children!  

 I am so excited about the kitchen! It has cupboards and a sink. :) I can't wait to bake treats in there with the kids.

 The smallest bedroom. Room for the nanny. 

 The pool! I am so excited about this. It has been a dream of mine to have a pool to do therapy with the kids. On the days that it warms up enough, we will have kids doing stretches and exercises in here. Anyone want to come down and help us? ;)

 The bathroom has a bathtub, which is rare. 

 Another bedroom for the kids. There are 2 this size. 2 sets of bunk beds and a crib will fit in each one. 

This will be the playroom for the kids. Can't you just see the toys all over?! I want to buy some of those soft foamie mats to lay down because it could get uncomfortable for the children. I will also have therapies at one end of this area, since it is so big. 

And this is the contract that says the house in mine as of November 1st!

I hope you enjoyed the tour! I have to start renting the house now in order to get it ready for the government to come complete the inspection. I don't have enough money pledged to rent this house. I am stepping out in faith on this one. God brought me to this house, and I trust Him. By talking with others, and from what I saw from my own search, this house is a miracle. It doesn't need a bunch of renovations to get it to a point where it would be certified by the government. The house is all enclosed (important because of the cold. For the kids to travel from room to room via an outside corridor would be difficult. Children with disabilities have a harder time with temperature control). It is safe. There is a family that lives on a lower part of the property who serve as the guardians. And it came available just when I needed it.

If you feel led to help out, please click on the link on the left hand side to "donate from Canada" or "donate from the USA". All of your donations are tax deductible. You are able to sign up for monthly pledges which are so important and necessary. I need $560. a month for rent. If you feel led to give a special donation towards the start up costs of the home, you can also donate through these links and receive a tax receipt.

Thank you so much. God bless.