COOKIES! (and more)

I'm writing this late on the 23rd and I think we're ready for tomorrow!

It's been busy, but here we go!

Yesterday, we had a bus and we took over 30 people from the children's home to church with us for a Christmas service with lunch afterwards. It was great and I think everyone had a good time. 

Music, as always, was fantastic at our church!

Sonia & Rafael working on the first batch

 Then, this morning I went and picked up some of our youth to help bake cookies and make decorations for tomorrows big event. We were hoping to make around 800 cookies.

Making decorations for Casita Benjamin

 We had a great group and all worked really hard. Sandi says it was the best cookie crew we have had yet!

The decorations get better every year, for the second year in a row, Erika was in charge of decorations and she had some great ones. They made 9 snowmen that will be centerpieces on tables and at the end of the dinner we will draw numbers to give them away to guests!

LUNCH!

Of course we have to eat, so mid-day I ran out for pizzas! Lots of pizzas!

During lunch the kids watched the first "Left Behind" movie and really enjoyed it.

Frosting more cookies!

After lunch with a movie, a second big batch of cookies and finish all of the decorations. 

Then, they helped clean up the house and we called it a day!

Tomorrow we will have a bus arrive about noon, load up everything, go pick up the youth team, swing by our church to pick up a few people with music equipment and off to Casita Benjamin!

Please be praying for a good turnout and even more for lots of receptive hearts.

Pray for us and our team that we can just be hands and feet of Jesus loving these precious people right where and as they are.

GETTING READY FOR NOCHEBUENA

Last Monday we had a dozen of our youth at the house all day getting
started with the preparations for Nochebuena.
It started with wrapping gifts.
TWO HUNDRED gifts!

Good group wrapping gifts

 At the same time gifts were being wrapped there were a few of the kids helping me package up goods for the "Canastas de Víveres" a basket full of basic goods.

We bought several things in bulk and had to package ourselves into one pound bags. 

There was rice, frijoles, pasta and oatmeal.

Enough to make seventy baskets!

200 gifts were wrapped!

 It took until lunch time to finish all of that, so I went out and picked up 30 dobladas and we all ate and watched a movie for our break.

After the movie ended we set up an assembly line and made 70 baskets each with 11 different items in it.

We literally had baskets spread all though the house!

Wrapping and putting bows on the baskets

 But the making of the baskets actually goes pretty quick, what takes a long time is wrapping each basket with cellophane and topping each with a hand-made bow!

But the kids worked hard all day until it was done!

70 Baskets made and wrapped

The gifts are all wrapped and the baskets look great!

What a blessing for all the kids and each family on Nochebuena to receive a gift and a basket!

We will give 55 baskets to families and the staff of Casita Benjamín on Nochebuena and the other 15 will be given one to each house at Las Aldeas Children's Home.

Coming up next...Monday, another all day at our house making decorations and baking 800 - 1,000

Christmas cookies!

Then Tuesday is the big day! NOCHEBUENA!

Please keep praying for a big turnout and receptive hearts to hear the 'reason for the season' as they will hear a clear Gospel presentation.

FÚTBOL, GLASSES AND THE SAME PRICE (and more)

More random happenings!

So, after faithfully standing alongside our Seattle Seahawks for 37 years, it appears we could be on the verge of something special! We have been let down before, and the competition in the NFL is too tough to have anything handed to you, but WOW has it been exciting so far! Only frustrating thing is that we don't get all the games here. We did switch TV companies last year and we actually get more games than we used to, but...they didn't carry the Seattle / SF game....what is that? We found an internet feed, wasn't great but we saw it, more or less.

IF, they make it all the way to the Super Bowl, I will miss being able to watch it with a bunch of fellow fanaticos, but.....GO SEAHAWKS!

Been faithfully waiting 37 years! Is this the year?

 We have asked prayer that Evelyn could find a job, and we want to thank you and say YES, she has found a job!

It is a temporary Christmas job, but that's a start. She will work at least until Jan. 5 at a store called "Mismo Precio" (same price). It is supposed to be like a dollar store except that things are NOT the same price. It is a very confusing store to shop st.

Please keep praying for Evelyn, she works EVERY day until the 25th, 10 hours per day. Pray that it may turn into a full-time job after Christmas as well.

We also asked prayer for Martina, she is only working part-time, and needs to work more. Please keep praying for that.

Evelyn

 David finished his fútbol league yesterday and I was able to make it to every game! He did very well, the team was pretty good, only lacked a good goalie. But, David is very good and played every minute, they never substituted for him.

I am now having David and Luis both help with some needed chores around our house, so they can earn some money for Christmas. Plus they are bored with no school and looking for something to do. They will clean the roof, which will be a several day job probably, clean the outside wall by the street and do some painting, etc.

David & Luís

 Erika has been having lots of headaches, every day pretty much. We took her in this past week to have her eyes examined and she does need glasses. So they have been ordered, she should get them in a few days and hopefully that will take care of the headache problems.

Erika

Please keep praying for La Luz Brilla. Support continues low, but praise the Lord He always provides. Just after our account hit '0' for the first time, Sandi & I were praying about it and the next day we received an e-mail telling us that just that morning a check for $1,000 was sent in for La Luz Brilla!

Praise God!

This past week we also bought 200 christmas presents, all of the supplies for Nochebuena, all of the basic goods to make "baskets" of basic goods for families on Nochebuena. We will make 70 baskets!

This coming Monday will be an all day event at our house with our youth to wrap gifts and make the baskets.

Tuesday evening we will take the youth to sing carols at Kairos House.

Next week will be another all day event to make decorations and Sandi's Christmas cookies!

Then Nochebuena!

Please keep praying for all these things, and check back here as I will update with events leading up to Niochebuena!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Nearing the end of a month full of birthdays, we finally arrived at my birthday!

To be honest, my birthday is usually not one of my favorite days. Probably for my own expectations etc. but usually it is not a real fun day. Adding to that this would be my first birthday without any of our kids here, and I wasn't sure what to expect.

Preparing to slay Tigger!

I had asked Sandi for just a few people for dinner, not a lot, to just keep it low key.

What has become somewhat of a new tradition for us (5 years worth), is after dinner on my birthday to decorate our Christmas tree! No, it's not early...I love Christmas decorations, tree, everything!

So, we were just going to have  a few of our "kids" over for dinner and then decorate.

Now that´s some good piñata form!

 But, they surprised me with a bit more! While Sandi and I were out in the afternoon, Susana, Evelyn and Luis decorated the entire house!
There were streamers and balloons all over! 

Then Luis helped me 'assemble' our Christmas tree. One thing we do miss from back in Washington are natural Christmas trees.

Then around 5, Erika, Elizabeth and Sonia, along with David and Martina arrived and had a big piñata for me!

A Tigger piñata! 

Elizabeth and her grandma waiting for candy!

 They blindfolded me and I got first crack at the piñata. Sadly for the others I gave it a couple of good whacks and it exploded! There was candy all over the yard! So, no one else got a chance to whack the Tigger!

Then we went in for a great lasagna dinner Sandi had prepared, although our 'small' dinner had grown to 15 people.

Birthday dinner!

After dinner, some of the kids played cards while a few others decorated the tree. Now the whole house is decorated, a combination birthday / Christmas! 

It was a great evening, I enjoyed it very much, even though our kids were not here with us. Sandi did a lot of work to make it a special evening for me, I was blessed with our "kids" from here with us, and they all played a part of making it a very nice birthday for me.

I truly am blessed to have so many great people in my life. It is a privilege God has given me to love so many people here.

 And to be loved in return by them is an honor I am humbled by.

Thanks to all!

UPDATE ON OFFY

Quick update.

Please be praying for both Wendy & Offy. 

Offy has been undergoing transfusions this week to receive blood platelets from a donor.

I don't understand it all, but has to do with her blood being able to coagulate and also fight off infections?

Anyway, she will continue with more transfusions for at least a few more days.

She has been bleeding some, from her nose etc. and I think it is somewhat to be expected for this situation, but I still don't like it.

Offy with Mike

And, just to make a hard week even harder, a brother of Wendy's was killed on Monday.

Wendy wasn't sure of details, thinks he was being robbed, but he leaves behind at least a wife.

Please keep them all lifted up in prayer.

I am thankful that Wendy shares with me and she expressed again tonight her gratitude for all of you as I told her I would share with our prayer team and supporters and they would pray for her and Offy.

I too give thanks to God for all of you, it is such an encouragement for us knowing we have so great a team right alongside of us through all of this.

We pray for strength for Wendy, she is dealing with a lot emotionally. 

We are thankful for a good donor for Offy and pray these platelets with take and build in her little body to strengthen her in this battle.

We give thanks for Kairos and the care Wendy and Offy receive there.

We give thanks for the doctors and nurses, and all that help provide medical services for Offy.

We thank God for his love for Wendy & Offy shown through the love and prayers of so many.

Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good,

his love endures forever.

Psalm 107:1

Random observations

A few random mid-November ramblings as we quickly approach the end of another year!

November, as anyone of you that has followed our news knows, is full of birthdays, and today is Juliana's birthday! So, I had to get up early and go down to La Luz Brilla to light firecrackers outside of Juliana's window! 

FELIZ CUMPLEAÑOS JULIANA!

I would like to encourage you to pray for La Luz Brilla. There are always many needs for the girls, one is we are hoping for jobs for the girls. Juliana recently started a new job. Martina has been working just part-time, but will move to full-time starting Dec.1. Erika is hoping for a temporary job over the Christmas season, and Evelyn needs to find a job. Please pray for their work situations.

La Luz Brilla overall is in great need of more monthly financial support. We average receiving under $300 monthly and our average monthly costs to operate La Luz Brilla are between $1,100 to $1,500.

God has been so faithful to provide, often sending one time gifts at the last moment! But, would you please pray for the financial needs of La Luz Brilla and if led to be a part, ask us how!

There are always things that come up, this month it is the glass on the front of the oven door shattered! I have not yet been able to find somewhere that can get me a new one...keep looking. 

Elizabeth with grandma

Another prayer request at La Luz Brilla is for Elizabeth. We will take her in today for some X-rays and exams because we have noticed that when she walks her feet are twisted inward quite a bit. She actually trips over her own feet occasionally. Please pray that it is nothing really serious and that we can treat it  simply, hopefully with not too much expense, as we cover all of Elizabeth's needs.

Elizabeth is an absolute joy, she is becoming the best teacher of unconditional love for all of the girls at La Luz Brilla! She is very bright and is quickly becoming, and will be, completely bi-lingual!

Wearing a tie again!

 I was asked to be the speaker at an "acción de gracias" service (thanksgiving) at Iglesia Biblia Abierta, to give thanks for 6 graduates from that congregation. One of the graduates was our Susana, so it was a great honor for me to do that. It also saw me wearing a tie again! Every November is my "wear a tie" month with so many graduations!

We are really gearing up now for Nochebuena! And, we have great news!

Mid-November and we are FULLY FUNDED ALREADY for Nochebuena!

Praise the Lord! 

We are over 100% already and anything over what we need for Nochebuena will be used toward our FAMILY EXCURSIÓN we host in June for the families from around the dump!

What a blessing to have a head start on that already too!

Also please keep praying for Offy and Wendy. More exams this week and they are planning to start her on some new medicines to hopefully help her keep her sight as the cancer continues to grow.

Please pray for us too as we support them the best we can.

Muchas Gracias for your prayers for all of these things, as well as your prayers and support for us. 

We humbly thank God for the amazing team he has surrounded us with!

May He receive glory and honor through the small part we play!

BIRTHDAYS, LOTS OF BIRTHDAYS

As mentioned in a previous post, November is a month FULL of birthdays!

Last night we celebrated one with a dinner at McDonalds!

It was David's 15th birthday. 

Our kids are all far away, but there is another family that almost feels like our very own, we are so close to these 5 kids they are, in our hearts anyway, just like our own children.

Birthday dinner at McD (David front r)

 They are, in order by age, Erika, who lives at La Luz Brilla with her daughter (our nieta) Elizabeth. Oscar, who lives with their dad in a not so great situation. Sonia who lives at Las Aldeas childrens home. Luis, who lives with us, David who lives with Sonia at Las Aldeas.

So, it is always a special treat when we can get them all together for anything.

(l-r) Oscar, Sonia, Luis, Elizabeth, David y Erika

They have always managed to remain very close, basically each other are all they have ever had before, and now they have incredibly accepted us as their "family".

After McD's we went back to our house for some of Sandi's cupcakes and a lot of laughter!

A fun evening and we are so thankful for all of the kids in our lives, it fills the space left by our kids being so far away, and actually for me, makes me feel closer to our kids even through the distance!

OFFY!

We would first like to pass on our thanks and also from Wendy our gratitude for the prayers of so many of you for little Offy and her mom Wendy.

It is a tough deal, but our God is bigger than any of it, so we trust in Him for His will to be done.

We don't understand so much, but know in all things that He is faithful and will not allow more than anyone can handle.We spent the entire day with Wendy and Offy yesterday and it was needed for them to relax a little.

It was a long week for them with tests and treatments everyday, which always involves a lot of waiting as much as anything else.

The chemo has been hard on Offy and they will be cutting it back I believe to try and maintain more than anything.

Offy has been having a lot of pain in her eyes, and it appears that is a progression of the cancer.

She is going today for exams for her eyes to see if they can help some with that, but it is a progression of this type of cancer in her brain, and will most likely lead to her losing her sight.

Offy & me watching a movie after church!

The problems she had with her heart seem to be better, her pressure has stabilized and the doctors are pleased with that.

However, the 'mancha' on her brain as Wendy calls it, actually it is the tumor, is growing and there will not be a lot more the doctors can do, so we pray for a miracle if God so chooses.

Please continue praying for them. It is very hard to watch, Wendy has watched so many other children over the past few years, and been with their moms, comforting them etc. But, now that it is her turn, she almost seems to be in a bit of denial and talks like it is just continuing treatment.

Please pray for us also as we try to minister to Wendy through this.

They may get a 10 day break from treatments after this week.

We have been trying to help with some of the costs, most of the treatments in the public hospital are covered, but some medicines and many of the tests they need at other clinics and labs are not covered.

I imagine as the cancer progresses there may be some more costs involved, but we don't know at this point.

If there is anyone that feels led to possibly help later on if needed, just let me know and I will keep you informed if it is needed.

Rejoice in the Lord always, I will say it again: Rejoice! 

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and petition, 

with thanksgiving,

present your requests to God.

And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, 

will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

                                                                                                   Philippians 4:4-7

We are so thankful for the privilege to love Wendy & Offy, and we are extremely thankful for all of you reading this and standing alongside us in prayer for them. 

May God bless you in return for the way you bless us here.

BIRTHDAYS AND LOTS MORE!

It is November and that always brings lots for us to do!

First, November is definitely our heaviest birthday month. In November alone on my calendar I have 15 birthdays of family and close people we like to celebrate!

We like to acknowledge our youth especially as for many of them our celebration may be their only celebration! 

Lots of cakes in November!

 Obviously with 15 birthdays in a month of 30 days we need to do some combining sometimes, but we always try to have fun!

And, of course, some of the birthdays are for people not here in Guatemala so we are not actually having a celebration every other day, although sometimes it feels like it!

Christmas carols in the street!

 Also in November, among all or our 'normal' stuff going on, we begin the process of planning our annual Noche Buena outreach activity.

Noche Buena means Christmas Eve and every year we host a big outreach activity in Zona 3 very near the largest land-fill dump in Central America! 

This is a very densely populated neighborhood, one of the very poorest and most dangerous parts of Guatemala.

Most people here cannot afford gifts for their children or even the traditional Guatemalan dinner of tamales and ponche.

Many have never even heard the Gospel of Jesus Christ told to them before.

Starting the party in the street!

 Each year we go with many of our youth to serve alongside of us, and most of all, we try to just love on the people and give them an afternoon of hope and joy.

We begin by decorating Casita Benjamin where we hold the event. Casita Benjamin is a christian daycare.

As the people begin to arrive we gather them out in the street and we sing Christmas carols, many of the people have never heard them before!

Some of the kids activities before dinner!

 After singing in the street we then give an evangelical message still out in the street, because by this time we have attracted more neighbors that had not received tickets but came when they heard the music.

After the message and an invitation to accept the Lord, we welcome those with tickets to come inside.

We began giving tickets a few years ago as the event grew because we have limited space and need to plan for dinner, gifts for kids, baskets for families etc.

After the people come in we have two areas, one for children and one for adults. Our youth lead a program for the kids, with a message for them including songs, skits etc.

Meanwhile the adults receive a short message to encourage them in a very difficult life and to explain to them where true hope lies.

Some of the adults at Noche Buena!

After dinner and a dessert with Sandi's famous Christmas cookies, we give each family a "Canasta de víveres" which is a basket filled with basic goods. Rice, beans, pasta, sugar, oil, soups, etc etc. There are around a dozen or more things in each basket.

Each child also receives a wrapped Christmas gift, for many it is literally the only gift they will receive.

We will plan for between 200 and 250 people!

It is a day filled with love and joy, but takes a ton of work to bring it all together.

We have many all day activities with our youth in December to get things ready. Making decorations, wrapping 200 gifts, putting 75 baskets together making cookies etc.

All of this after many days going out to gather all of the stuff needed to do all of that!

But, it is so much fun to see the faces when they hear the gospel, when they get a tamale, when they are given a gift!

Obviously, this takes funds to make happen. This is an opportunity for you to be a part of this amazing outreach event. Will you consider helping to make this happen?

The Lord has already provided at this date well over half of what is needed, so we know He will provide the remainder as well.

If you would like to help, you can send a tax deductible gift to:

Camino Global

8625 La Prada Drive

Dallas, TX 75228

Please make sure you include a note that it is for the

Casita Outreach Event account # 062877

Thank you and may God bless you!

GRADUATION TIME!

It is that time of year again for graduations here in Guatemala!

Every year we get invited to quite a few graduations and at many I am asked to be "Dad".

This year we had some very special graduations.

It began earlier this year as I have already reported with our daughter Felicita graduating from Berea College, and then following that with our youngest daughter, Maria, graduating from High School!

Duguer graduating 

Now is the Guatemala season and we were so happy to watch Duguer graduate! 

Duguer is the middle son of Ernesto & Susana that live with us! 

We are very proud of Duguer and excited for him to continue on in básicos next year.

Sharol graduating básicos

 Another graduation was for Sharol Escobar. Sharol has been one of our dearest youth involved with our youth groups from the beginning.

Sharol was graduating from básicos and I am so very proud of her for working hard to finish!

While at her graduation I was surprised when they called her name to be asked up on stage for the photo with the parents! I hadn't been informed beforehand, but I had arrived a little bit late so that is why!

Susana with her family

 Another graduation we were so proud to attend was for our Susana! 

Susana is 33 and graduated from 6th grade! Many adults that grow up out in rural areas, especially women, never finish the basic education. Most are either never sent to school, or pulled out at an early age to work in the home etc. Susana has wanted for years to complete the basic education, so when her kids were big enough for her to leave some evenings and weekends, she enrolled in a course for adults to complete the basic education requirements.

Susana with extended family & friends

 It was not easy for Susana, with a family and job, and even with lots of homework, she stuck with it and successfully completed the program!

Many of her extended family and many friends came to honor her at her graduation!

We love you and are so very proud of you Susana!

Rony presenting a diploma to Andrew

 Another graduation we were asked to attend was for Colegio Evangélico Génesis, in Puerto San José on the Pacific coast of Guatemala.

This is a school we have helped for several years and become very close to Rony Montepeque, the Director, and his family.

We even placed an intern, Andrew, with them for a month.

Edwin graduating básicos

 Andrew did some help around the school, painting and repairing desks etc.

So, at the graduation they even presented Andrew with a diploma for his help!

We also were there to see Edwin graduate, he is the kid that saved some friends of ours from drowning in the ocean several years ago. He had not been in school for over a year at the time, so after he saved some of the Conner family, they and some of their supporters have put Edwin through school and we were able to watch him graduate!

Colegio Evangélico Génesis 2013 Básico graduates!

There were also a couple of graduations I was invited to that I was unable to attend, and a couple that I did not go to the ceremony but was able to go to a celebration dinner.

I think I am done with graduations now for 2013!

Congratulations to all of the graduates! 

We are proud of you!

May God bless you for your accomplishments and continue to lead and guide you to the next goal ahead of you!

OFFY

Just a quick update on Offy.

Since the last report we have just been waiting on a few more tests to be done.

The doctors are wanting to try to build her defenses up a little more so she and Wendy can go home to Chiantla, Huehuetenango for a while.

Offy has had some problems with her heart the past few weeks with her pressure going up and down and her heart beating too fast or slow. They also are saying there is some air in her heart?

Anyway, they were hoping to have been able to go home a couple of weeks ago but are still here.

Today they received back word that her heart situation seems improved and she will have another test tomorrow and tentatively will be able to go home on Thursday afternoon or Friday morning.

We will take them in our car so they don't have to go by bus because that would still be hard on Offy's condition. It will be about 5 hours by car, more by bus.

So, please keep praying for Wendy and Offy.

Wendy continues expressing her gratitude for all the prayers and knows God is listening.

Thank you.

Pray for Offy

We have an update to share with you about Offy.

My last few updates were optimistic after the last surgery although we had not heard what the 'mysterious' mancha, or stain, was. 

We have spent a fair amount of time with Wendy and Offy over the past several weeks and Offy seemed to be regaining some strength and energy. 

Last Sunday we spent the day together and Wendy told me that the results from the biopsy had finally come in but she didn't know what they were yet. The doctors were to meet the first part of this week and then they would meet with Wendy and let her know what was the deal.

Wendy & Offy

Wendy called me this evening and let me know that the 'mancha' is more cancer.

At this point there is no new plan. The doctor said to pray to God because it doesn't look like there is more the doctors can do.

They plan to finish the round of medicine she is in this week, then do some blood work perhaps Thursday. 

There is a possibility that if she is strong enough they may make a trip home to Chiantla, Huehuetenango after that. 

There is a possibility they may decide to do another biopsy to confirm, but that is just a possibility at this point.

Please, please pray for Wendy & Offy. I hate cancer. 

Wendy is leaning on the Lord, giving Him praise and accepting that He is in control and His timing is perfect.

Please keep them lifted before the throne and ask for strength for us that we also could help comfort Wendy and that we may be available to help as needed.

As for God, his way is perfect;

the word of the Lord is flawless.

He is a shield

for all who take refuge in him.

                                         Psalm 18:30

More on Offy!

We have some really exciting news to share about Offy!

As of the last tests and reports, they could not find the tumor, so our hope is that it is gone!

Offy still has a little swelling on her brain from the surgery a couple of weeks ago and we should know more soon, as she is having some additional tests done today and tomorrow.

However, I can report that Offy has a lot of her energy back and certainly has a good appetite!

Ready to go to church!

We had Offy and Wendy spend the week-end in our home with us, to give them a little break and relax away from their accustomed surroundings at Kairos house. We had fun playing games and watching movies.

Sunday they went to our church with us, then out for tacos with several of our youth like always, then they stayed for the youth group gathering at our house in the afternoon.

But the big news, during church we sent Offy in with the children for their children's church and near the end of the service, Marleny, the pastors wife who helps with the kids came over to us and asked Wendy if Offy had ever accepted the Lord. Wendy told her no. Marleny then told us that when they were talking about Jesus in the class Offy said she wanted to pray to him and she then prayed to accept Jesus as her Lord and Savior! 

They have asked us to bring Wendy and Offy back to church next week so we can give her a little something to commemorate the occasion!

So, join with us in praising God for His amazing way of orchestrating things to draw Offy to himself!

Offy update 3

Received word from Wendy that Offy's tests yesterday came back mostly okay.

There is still some swelling on her brain and they are giving her some new medicines to try and relieve the swelling.

She will return for more tests next Friday to see if the swelling has gone down.

Good news is Offy is eating well and got up today and wanted to play!

That's our Offy!

Please keep Offy and Wendy in your prayers, and that the swelling will go away and for healing.

Praise God that they have Kairos house and some good doctors looking over them

Offy Update 2

Sandi & I went and visited with Wendy and Offy this afternoon and were greatly encouraged!

They were sent back to casa Kairos this afternoon.

So, basically the 'tests' she had on Monday when she didn't wake up was actually a procedure where they opened the top of her skull! They wanted to see if the tumor was still there and there was an additional 'stain' or 'mark' they didn't know what was causing it and were hoping it wasn't another tumor.

Anyway, they did not find any tumor! 

Wendy & Offy

I never really learned what they said about the 'stain'.

In addition, after she woke up yesterday morning the doctors wanted to send her to another lab for some tests to see why she had convulsions and what damage may have been done.

They found some swelling of her brain, although not excessive and are treating with medicine. They now believe the convulsions were caused by the anesthesia. 

She is a pretty wiped out little girl, and Wendy also. Wendy hasn't had much sleep for a few days having to be with Offy round the clock. They should be able to rest for a couple days as long as Offy doesn't develop headaches or any other symptoms that would require returning to the hospital immediately. 

They will go back to the lab on Friday and check on the brain swelling.

This is all good news, but please keep praying for them. 

Pray for healing and that the swelling goes down.

Pray that no more complications would come up.

Pray they both could rest and be refreshed and restrengthened.

Wendy is overwhelmed to hear how many are praying and is praising God for all of you with a heart overflowing with gratitude.

Thank you.

OFFY Update

Thank you all for your prayers and please keep praying for little Offy.

I just received a call from Wendy, Offy's mom, to tell me that Offy began waking up last night around 11 PM. This morning she is alert, and talking normally and is eating well!

Gracias a Dios!

OFFY

They are taking her to some other clinics in another part of the city this morning to run some more tests to try and know why she had convulsions yesterday and to see if it caused any damage.

Then they need to decide the next step whether to continue with plans for surgery to remove the tumor, or to wait more.

Wendy expressed her deep deep gratitude to all for your prayers and love.

Please continue praying for Wendy and Offy.

OFFY - Prayer Request

I have a very urgent prayer request, please pray for Offy and her mom Wendy as you read this.

I have included a few pictures from a day we spent at the zoo with them last month.

Offy is 6 yrs. old and we have known her for 3 years now. Offy and her mom Wendy are from Chiantla in Huehuetenango. Three years ago Offy was diagnosed with cancer and they have lived at Casa Kairos pretty much for the past three years while she has undergone treatment at the public Roosevelt Hospital here in Guatemala City.

Offy & Maria

There have been many ups and downs over the past three years, times where she hasn't been doing well and it didn't look good, then times where she has rebounded and has gotten much better.

Through it all, we have been amazed by her mom Wendy. Whether Offy is not doing well, or is doing very well, Wendy is always positive and trusting in God to carry them both through anything. Wendy also is there at Kairos helping all of the other parents with their kids, being positive and sharing her trust and faith in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Offy riding while Wendy walks!

 Offy had been doing better lately enough so that the doctors were planning to do a surgery on her head this week to hopefully remove the rest of a tumor there. Wendy had told me she would greatly appreciate our accompanying her during the surgery. We have been waiting word when they had an opening to do it.

A couple of hours ago Wendy called me and was pretty upset, and told me that they had gone to the hospital this morning at 7 AM for a test needed before they could do the surgery. They put Offy under and as of 5:30 PM she had still not woken up. Wendy is obviously very worried.

Always smiling is Offy

 The Doctors are concerned and said she had a convulsion during the test and that may be the cause for not waking up. They are now administering medicine to her in hopes she will wake up. We are still awaiting word. There is a possibility now if she wakes up that they may go ahead with the surgery tonight.

Offy, Maria and Wendy

Offy is an amazing little girl, normally full of energy and always in charge! Talks non-stop and always has a smile on her face. We have grown close to Wendy & Offy over the past three years and humbly ask for your prayers for them now.

Please pray that the Lord's will be done and for strength, comfort and peace for Wendy. 

Pray for strength for Offy, that her little body can stand up to what is being done to her and pray the Lord would touch her if He desires and heal her.

Pray that Offy would wake up and not have more damage from whatever is happening to her now.

Pray that she will wake up and that they will be able to continue with plans to remove the tumor sometime soon, hopefully this week, and that would also go well.

Pray for wisdom and skill for the doctors attending to Offy, that operating rooms, equipment, medicines and whatever is needed would be available when needed.

Pray for the financial needs to be met, it is the public hospital but there are always some costs incurred.

Pray for those that work at Kairos and are closest to them for strength and courage as they minister to all the folks there.

Pray that we will be able to provide Wendy and Offy the comfort and assistance they need from us.

On behalf of Wendy, Offy, those at Kairos and ourselves, thank you with all of our hearts.

May the Lord bless you richly for your prayers.

SURPRISE!

So, where was I last week?

Most everyone knows that life in Guatemala can tend to be somewhat random, and I seem to fit into that fairly easily, but last week was extra random, even for me.

Okay, back up to the beginning. Late July Sandi, Maria & I flew to Dallas with our summer interns for a week in Texas. Then, I returned home to Guatemala and Sandi traveled with Maria to Washington to help her get settled into her new life there where she will begin college next month. They were staying with our daughter Kimberly and her husband Sergey.

Needless to say, it was awfully quiet here at home without them, and knowing Maria wouldn't be coming back made me miss her even more.

Then Thursday the 8th I received word that our son Jacob was, unexpectedly, flying up from San Diego to spend a few days with them Thursday and Friday I received a couple of messages that worried me a little bit, and Saturday morning I had a little bit of a meltdown, missing my kids, feeling like I had been an absent father for too long. I took a long walk to pray and think, and felt I needed to be with them. 

Then I had to go in the afternoon to Antigua to pick up a friend, Seth Thomas.

Seth had been studying Spanish for the week in Antigua and was returning home (to Bellingham) on Sunday, so was going to stay with me Saturday and I would take him to the airport Sunday morning.

I took Luis and David with me to get Seth, and then driving home with Seth in the car I shared with him how I was feeling and he asked "what can you do about it?" I said, ""well, I could get on a plane and go."

He said, "why don't you?"

We got back to the house, talked it over some more then took David home and visited with several of our youth at the children's home for awhile.

Finally, just before dinner we looked on the internet and I found a ticket on the same flights as Seth had, and I bought it! How much was it at the last minute? Let's just say PRICELESS.

Jacob, Sandi, Mike, Maria & Kimberly - 12-August-2013
Bellingham Bay

Then, as is life here, we ended up having 7 people for dinner unexpectedly which was great to keep my mind off of things.

Sunday morning I spent a few hours making sure some details were covered for me to be gone, a couple of errands, notified some people and then spent 5 minutes packing and we left for the airport!

After a delay in Houston we arrived in Seattle at almost 11 PM. Seth had his car at the airport and he gave me a ride to Kimberly's house in Ferndale where we arrived at 1 AM!

Did I mention I arrived unannounced? They had no clue.

I rang the doorbell and knocked. Rang some more....more....more.

Finally Sergey opened the door, thankfully without a gun, looking a little stunned.

I asked to come in, Kimberly was at the top of the stairs and was just a tad bit surprised

okay maybe SHOCKED is a better word

Maria came upstairs and then they woke up Sandi and Jacob

 and we talked until 3 AM!

Monday was a wonderful day just hanging out all together.

Jacob left Tuesday and we spent the rest of the week helping Maria a little to get some things done.

The only thing missing was Felicita, it just wasn't complete but 3 of the 4 were there and we had visited Felicita in May when she graduated from college.

I returned home Friday night arriving Saturday.

Never done a last minute trip of this magnitude before, but I must say what a blessing it was!

My soul was refreshed and comforted more than I could have imagined.

I am now back home, and it is still waaaaay too quiet without Maria, but I am at peace knowing she is going to be okay. I feel so blessed to have spent time with Jacob, and Kimber and Sergey. To see their new home and feel so proud of them for their marriage and all they have done in just a few years.

Thanks God....you're awesome!

C B C 2 0 1 3

We did so much the past 10 days I'm not sure how to keep this reasonably short...well, there will be lots of pics to look at!

June 28th a team of 19 from CBC in Baton Rouge, LA arrived. Now, CBC does not really stand for "Crazy Bunch o' Christians", but it is actually "Community Bible Church"! A church that has quickly become like family for us!

We started with an orientation time then on Saturday we did a short tour of the city, dump, cemetery, etc. before heading to Las Aldeas Children's home for a fun filled afternoon.

Ms. Liz sharing a devotional with some of the Tia's

 Las Aldeas is where a team from CBC worked primarily last year. This year we were just there for an afternoon but had a great time. We had a large turnout of kids and most of the Tia's (house moms) also came to the activity.

Ms. Liz had a great devotional to share with the Tia's, to encourage them to continue their selfless service to the kids even when they don't receive much recognition for it. They also has some nice gifts for the Tia's.

Playing with some kids at Las Aldeas

 We broke the kids up into groups and had games, a bible story with some testimonies, and a great craft for them! Even the Tia's wanted to do the craft project!

Even the Tia's wanted to do the craft project!

 Sunday we let them share our 'typical' Sunday. We gathered several of our youth we take to church with us each week, put them on the bus with the team and headed to our church "Iglesia Cristiana ´Heme Aquí Señor'".

The church service started a little after 10AM and ended about 1:15PM although I would have enjoyed more! We worshiped in song for about 2 hours! The group led us in several songs also. The pastor interviewed some of the youth from the team, then we had a guest preacher who was bi-lingual and preached in both English and Spanish so the team could enjoy it!

Games to combine the team and our youth group in our yard

 After church finally ended we went out for tacos! No...not Taco Bell, but real tacos from a little taco stand!

(little secret, we take our youth there for lunch almost every Sunday, we kinda like it)

After tacos, we went to our house for our weekly youth group meeting. More youth came and combined we must have had about 40 people!

Games that got both groups interacting together!

 We started outside with some games that really got the two groups to mix and interact in spite of some language barriers. Plus the games were a lot of fun!

Then we went inside and had some songs and then a couple of youth from our group gave testimonies, and a few of our CBC youth also gave testimonies!

Worshiping and sharing testimonies together

 Monday morning before heading to the coast and Puerto San José for several days we made a stop at Casita Benjamín. The Casita is a day care / preschool located a couple of blocks from the largest land-fill dump in Central America. We have 3 interns serving there for a month or more and introduced the team to them to learn more about the ministry at Casita Benjamín.

A visit to Casita Benjamín

 We left Casita Benjamín and loaded the team back on the bus and headed for Puerto San José! It is about 1 1/2 hours to the Puerto. We had snacks and some lively entertainment on the bus!

 Ms. Tiffany dancing on the bus!

 We arrived to a great lunch waiting for us at the home of Rony y Duña Montepequez where we would stay while in Puerto San José. We went to the school, Colegio Evangélico Génesis, where we would work.

The team jumped in and started painting lots and lots of desks!

Painting LOTS of desks at Colegio Evangélico Génesis

 They also painted lots of steel that will be used for the roof being put up over the roof top patio.

They also painted some interior walls of the school. Tuesday morning the team led a devotion for the students of the school. They led some singing, gave testimonies, shared their "human video" (a drama of the life and death of Jesus Christ) Pastor Josh had a message and they gave each student a beautiful cross necklace the team made. They did all of this twice, to two groups of about 120 each!

Maria painting steel for the roof (and herself)

 We had a surprise for them and took them to a finca not too far away and let them all have the chance to ride a horse for a little while!

An afternoon trip for some horseback riding!

 Wednesday brought some surprises also! Mr. Stephen Punkay arrived from Baton Rouge in the afternoon, unknown by all except for Pastor Josh and myself! His daughter Rachel had no clue her dad was coming. The team thought they were stopping for a break with bread and cokes when Mr. Stephen brought out the bread!

A mid-week surprise for Rachel and the rest of the team too!

 Mr. Stephen also brought some sad news for the team. A young woman that had been part of the church growing up and even served a short time as church secretary before moving away had tragically died a few days before. Many of the team had known her and been friends with her. We had a very moving time of prayer and worship after sharing the news and talking about it as a team.

Later in the evening, I had previously rented the local fútbol (soccer) field for an hour starting at 10PM. Most of the team decided to go get their emotions etc out with a little physical activity. It was perfect. Mid game the heavens opened up and poured down rain! It rained so hard it was difficult to see across the field, and these are small  fields. What a blast they had! A perfect release for all of the pent up emotions. The Lord is good.

Nothing quite like a game of fútbol in a torrential rainstorm!

 4th of July.

What better way to start the 4th of July than with a lot of FIRECRACKERS!

Then at Breakfast Mr. Eddie gave a short talk on what made our country great and what it will take to keep it great.

Then, we went to the beach! Beautiful black sand beaches with 4 volcanoes visible inland!

You can't work at the coast without visiting the black sand beach!

 We made the drive back to Guatemala City after lunch and then in the evening we visited Casa Kairos.

Casa Kairos, or Kairos House, is a home a few blocks from the largest public hospital and they house primarily children undergoing treatment for cancer, and their families that are with them. These are all poor people from far away that need to stay near the hospital for treatments and cannot be at home and work etc.

We shared about how the Lord started the ministry and how it operates. Then we had a time of worship with Nate leading, heard some testimonies from a couple of moms at Kairos, and a couple of the team. Then we had a sweet time of prayer with folks at Kairos. Amazing place.

Nate led some worship at Casa Kairos

 Friday was our day for "cultural experience" (aka sightseeing)! We stopped at Cerro de la Cruz, overlooking La Antigua, Guatemala. Then we went into Antigua for most of the day, exploring, shopping etc. Later in the afternoon we stopped at San Francisco, a catholic church still in use with the ruins of a monastery alongside of it.

A trip to La Antigua is a must

 Saturday we took the bus back over to Casa Kairos, picked up several kids and moms, and then we all went to the ZOO! It is a beautiful zoo and the weather was great. We split into groups with some of the Kairos kids and wandered around the zoo. Then we all had lunch together there before exploring more of the zoo!

An outing to the ZOO with some kids from Casa Kairos

 At least for most of a day, these kids and moms were able to forget their troubles and worries for a little while and really enjoy a day. Several moms remarked they had never been to a zoo before. 

Truly was a blessed day.

The kids adored Ms. Liz

 Then we got to share our wonderful church with the team a second time!

Incredible time of worship and the team also sang for the church.

Then Rachel and Cecile sang a duet that captivated our church! After they finished our Pastor asked them both to tell the church their complete names, then said he asked so that when they record CDs we can say that they sang in our church before!

Rachel & Cecile absolutely AMAZED our church!

 The team also performed the drama again for our church and it was fantastic.

Pastor Josh led  our church for Santa Cena (Communion) and 4 of the young people of the team served the bread and cup to the congregation.

We were so impressed with the preparation and leadership of this team. The young people were great, boldly sharing their testimonies, smiles and joy with all they came into contact with. Leading worship and loving on people!

Very impacting drama of Christ's life and death

 After church we went out for Pupusas! Traditional Salvadoran food. Then we went back to our house where the team watched a documentary called Reparando about some of the recent history of Guatemala to understand better the root of many problems we face here today.

After the film we walked down to show the team La Luz Brilla, our home for señoritas making the transition from institutional living (orphanages, children's homes) to living independently.

We followed that with a great dinner at our house to thank the team and share our gratitude for the way this team encouraged us, and blessed us.

Lots of great food all week, here we're having pupusas

We had a very special time at the guest house to wrap up the trip with the "Web of Encouragement". It was a very special time with very special people.

Thank you CBC for sharing these folks with us, for making us really truly feel a part of your family.

We love you guys and are already counting the months until you return!