A Week of Ministry

Here is what our normal week of ministry looks like: 

Monday- Ronald McDonald House

Tuesday-Luz de Maria Orphanage

Tuesday Afternoon: Teen Challenge-

Wednesday- Street Ministry

Thursday- El Refugio Women's Home

We love what we do!!!

Thanks for reading!

Nicaragua Conference

On Wednesday the 16^th of May we left the beautiful Guatemala City and began our trip toward Nicaragua where the Mexico and Central American YWAM conference would be from the 17^th through the 21^st.

At first I was worried about the trip.  Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE road trips, but when it is a road trip through really hot countries in a 15 passenger van without air, plus a 3 year old, a 7 year old and a 10 year old, one begins to wonder if they will actually make it to the location alive.  Well make it we did!  We left Guatemala City around 11, a little later than we had expected due to one of our traveling buddies realizing their passport was expired at the last minute.  It was really God showing us His faithfulness because they realized the passport was expired the night before and not the morning of as we were trying to leave the country.  So 11:00 it was and off we went.  There were the Garcias (the family with the three kids), the Martinez (us) and Adela, a girl from another base here in Guatemala.  It was nice in the van because there was lots of space to spread out.  Mario and Carlos Garcia were our official drivers and they did a great job of getting us out of Guatemala and into El Salvador, where we stayed the night.  There were a few times that we had to stop in the middle of the highway for the cows to pass by- only in Central America!!  We couldn’t have a trip through El Salvador without eating their famous papusas for dinner.  It was crazy to me because they use the US dollar in El Salvador but the value of things is definitely different than in the US.  Each papusa was 45 cents and the coke cost “two quatas” or fifty cents.  

Papusas to El Salvador are like tacos to Mexico.  After dinner we looked for a place to stay that was close to the El Salvador/Honduras border.  We found a hotel on the side of the road and decided to check it out.  The first and most important feature was the air conditioner.  It worked wonderfully and we slept wonderfully on a surprisingly comfortable bed.  We didn’t sleep as much as we would have liked to, though, because we were out the door and in the van at 4:30 the next morning. 

We made it through the border without any problems and quickly discovered that Honduras has some of THE worst roads that we have ever traveled.  It felt like a video game as Mario navigated the van in a zigzag pattern so that we wouldn’t hit any of the huge holes that were all over the road.  It didn’t make for very good sleeping conditions, either, so most of us were tired by the end of the day when we got to Nicaragua. 

filling out forms at the Honduras border

just a small example of the potholes in Honduras

We got to the Nicaraguan border just as the heat began and we got through as quickly as we could.  A few hours later and we were arriving in Dyriamba, the city where the YWAM base and conference were.  We were pretty hungry so we got some lunch before going to the base to see everyone.  I am bummed that I didn’t take pictures like I should have, but since we were tired and trying to get ready for the conference I just didn’t think about it.  It was nice to see the base, though.  It even has an elementary school right on the property where some of the staff are teachers to the children of the neighborhood. 

We had just a little bit of time to run to our hotel and get ready for the opening night of the conference.  I took a quick shower, because no one feels glamorous much less ready to face the general public after two days straight in a van.  We had dinner and an opening ceremony that night and I am pretty sure I fell asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow.

The next few days were filled with sessions, getting to know new people, and best of all being encouraged and refreshed.   The typical food of Nicaragua is rice and beans, known there as Gallo Pinto.  We had Gallo Pinto almost every meal- not even exaggerating.  They have it for breakfast, lunch and dinner!  The meals that didn’t include Gallo Pinto included rice, and there was only one meal the whole time we were there that did not include rice in some way, shape or form.  Mario loved it since rice is one of his favorite foods, but I on the other hand, will be just fine if I don’t eat any rice for the next year. 

We left on Monday morning around 7:00 to head back to Guatemala.  We decided to wait until we got to El Salvador to eat lunch/dinner so that we wouldn’t have to exchange money into lempiras (the currency of Honduras) and ended up eating around 4:00.  At that point we made the decision that we were going to make a straight shot back to Guatemala without stopping to stay the night in El Salvador.  Mario and Carlos did a great job of getting us home safely through the blazing hot sun and pouring down rain that we experienced that day. We finally got home around 1:00AM.  We were definitely tired, but it was good to sleep in our own beds instead of having to stay in another hotel.  

Here are some of the views we got during the trip:

Overall we are really glad that we got to be a part of the conference.  We really feel that God opened the door to meet lots of new people who are doing what we are doing.  It is always a good feeling to know that you are not the only one who thinks and acts the way you do.  We look forward to seeing how God is going to use these new connections in the future, but for now we are glad to be back in our beautiful Guatemala!!!

The Last of the Bakersfield Posts

So this post wraps up our wonderful time in Bakersfield. I know that it has been over a month since we were there, but better late than never, right?!?

On our last weekend in town we got to watch my brother Willie play football in the Army Arena Bowl.  We got to the venue before the doors opened, but outside they had a rock wall/recruiting station for the army.  Mario volunteered to climb the wall and had a blast doing it. 

  Afterwards he got recruited to be in the army.  I think it was his climbing skills and overall athletic body that intrigued the officer.  Mario kindly declined and soon after the doors opened and we were in.  It was actually a pretty boring game for the first part.  Then, all of a sudden Willie was in the end zone catching a touchdown pass. What in the world?!?  He barely ever touched the football his whole high school career and there he was, making a touchdown!  We were super excited and when they announced his name over the loud speaker you better believe we were screaming!  It turned out to be a fun night after all! 

Our last week in Bakersfield was spent with my beautiful niece and nephew.  My brother-in-law, Tim, had back surgery and it just happened to fall during the time we were there.  Okay, it didn’t just happen to fall at that time but God’s timing is perfect and it worked out perfectly!  We loved being “parents” for a few days.  The kids are so well behaved that it was really such an easy job.  It also gave Nathan and Mario more bonding time, which I thought was completely adorable.  Here are some pictures of Nate and Mario. 

Like any good aunt, I let the kids talk me into letting them stay up for 10 minutes past their bedtime for a tradeoff of them playing with my hair.  Supposedly it is what their mom does so who was I to turn them down? 

We also got to go to AWANAS at Rosedale Bible with the kids on what happened to be the great Rain Gutter Regatta.  Mario helped Elisabeth with her boat, which one 3^rd place for craftsmanship!  Mario and I also got to share with the kids about missions so it was a great night had by all! 

Nathan drew these pictures of us on one of our last days in Bakersfield.  If that little boy doesn’t know how to bring a tear to my eye and put a smile on my face at the same time I don’t know who does!

Thanks for reading! 

One Week Back

We have been back in Guatemala for over a week now.  It is a weird sensation to go on a trip that you are looking forward to for so much time and then, wham, just like that be back into the routine of life as you know it.  It probably won't come as a shock to any of you that this was an emotional week for me.  I missed the familiarities of home, my friends and family, my independence... ahhh, the list could go on and on.  Thankfully God has given me just the right husband for times like these.  Mario hugged me, encouraged me, and supported me as I walked through the emotional roller coaster of being back in Guatemala.  It didn't last too long- I am definitely still missing people, but it is something that I have come to peace with again. 

This weekend has also been a welcome back to Guatemala party for my stomach.  For some reason I have been a stomach bug magnet lately and I am not too fond of it.  I jokingly call it my weight loss program because, without giving too many details, anything I put in comes out the other end within the hour.  It is definitely not a recommended plan, though, as the cramps and pain are not really worth it.  Yes, that is right, I would rather do EXERCISE than to feel this way, which says a lot since I despise exercise. 

I know I still owe you all a final post on Bakersfield and I hope to get it done this week.  I just wanted to put a little something on here so that I keep up my rhythm of posting.  Oh, I almost forgot that I have some readers who do not like posts without pictures, so this is for you.  It is a book that my mom gave me while I was home and it has come in quite handy this weekend.  Sorry in advance if you are offended, but if you know me, you know this is a topic that is right up my alley!

Thanks for reading!!!

Bakersfield Part 3

While in Bakersfield we also got to watch some good basketball games.  First of all, we got to experience the wonders of 1^st and 2^nd grade basketball when we went to watch Elisabeth play.  I forgot how fun those games can be, especially since my two older sisters are the coaches.  We also got to go to a Bakersfield Jam game with my sister Becky and brother-in-law Zach.  It turned out to be one of Mario’s favorite things, since basketball is his favorite sport.  The seats were right on the court so we definitely got a good show and we even got to take pictures with some of the players after the game. 

My mom told us about a car show that was happening on a Saturday morning and of course this topic lit up Mario’s eyes.  We ended up being kind of short on time that morning because it was the same day that we were going to have a meet and greet event, so my mom and I went to get ready for the meet and greet and my brother-in-law, Zach, and Mario went to the car show.  I think it worked out perfectly and I know that Mario enjoyed his time there because the fifty plus pictures of cars and engines on our camera tell me so. 

Then on Sunday we got to speak during the Sunday School hour at our church.  It was great to see so many faces that I have been missing and to give an update on what is going on here in Guatemala.  It was also great to see all the love and hugs people had not only for me, but for Mario too!  I know he felt at home as person after person came up and introduced themselves and welcomed him. 

Monday was D day.  DISNEYLAND DAY!!!  I had been looking forward to going to Disneyland with Mario ever since I knew we would be making this trip to California and our time at Disneyland did not disappoint.   I mean, honestly, how could the happiest place on earth disappoint?  Anyway, we ended up going with Tim, Leann, Elisabeth, Nathan and Becky and we had so much fun.  I am definitely thankful for church family because through Connie and Karen Fleishauer we got free tickets to not only get into Disneyland for the day, but also to visit California Adventures. 

When we got into the park we quickly discovered that Becky had a plan.  We power walked to get fast passes for Star Tours and then got in line for Space Mountain. 

After Space Mountain we went on the Buzz Lightyear ride and then onto use our fast passes for Star Tours.  We had only been in the park an hour and already had 3 rides down, thanks to Becky’s plan.  Thankfully the park wasn’t too crowded and we got to go on almost all of the rides that we wanted too.  Mario and I got to ride together most of the time, but Nathan (Mario’s newest BFF) insisted on riding with us on every single ride.  

Around 4:00 Mario, Becky, and I went over to California Adventures so that we could catch a few rides before the parade at 6:00.  Becky and Mario went on Tower of Terror (I, being the baby that I am when it comes to drops on rides, opted to hold their things and wait for them at the exit).  Then we went on Soaring Over California.  The line was really long but we really wanted to go on it, so we waited for a little over an hour.  By the time we got done with those two rides, it was time for the Parade so we made our way back over to Disneyland and met up with Tim, Leann and the kids.  We got a good spot right along the sidewalk and watched, in my opinion, one of the best and most simple Disneyland parades.  Elisabeth even got to greet a few of the characters as they passed by.  Then it was time to go home.  We had a car full of tired people and besides a stop at In and Out for dinner, it was a straight shot home. 

A great day had by all!!!

One more blog and I should be done with the Bakersfield recap.  Thanks for reading! 

Bakersfield Part 2

Mario loves anything with a motor, so when my brother-in-law, Tim, told him he could ride the quad that had been sitting in his garage, Mario was beyond excited.  He fired it up right away and was off.  The good part about living in the country is that there are lots of dirt roads to explore.  My Aunt Lynnie joined in with her quad and we all had a turn going for a ride.  Elisabeth was the bravest one, going with Mario first.  After I saw that she came back alive, I decided it was my turn.  While I rode with Mario, Elisabeth and Nate decided to go for a round with Aunt Lynnie.  We all had fun!

After the quad rides, we introduced Mario to the American tradition of dying eggs.  Seeing it through his eyes was definitely interesting.  His first question was, “what do you do with the eggs afterward?”  When I thought about it and told him that most get thrown away, I was almost embarrassed by the waste that happens every Easter.  We only dyed a few eggs, but we definitely had fun doing it!

That night we went out to dinner with all of my mom’s brothers and their wives.  It was really fun to see my aunts and uncles that I haven’t seen for a long time.  We had one aunt and uncle come down from San Jose, CA and another aunt and uncle come from Montana.  Mario got to experience a Chinese food buffet and we all walked away stuffed full! 

Next came Easter Sunday! After being in Bakersfield for only one week we felt like we had done so many things and the pace continued!  We got up to see my mom had made us a basket with some of my Easter favorites.

Then we went to Rosedale Bible Church to celebrate with them.  After church we took a family picture with all of my mom’s family.  It was really fun to have everyone together and Michelle (the photographer and family friend) did such a good job capturing the moment.  After pictures we headed to Grandma Irene’s house for Easter lunch.  It was delicious!  Then my sister, Leann, put on an egg hunt for the older kids.  I forgot how much fun it is hunting for eggs and Mario enjoyed his first egg hunt, too! 

After lunch at Grandma’s, we went to the other side of the family and played at my Aunt Linda’s house.  Mario made friends with some of our relatives who happen to be 5 year old triplets and ended up jumping on the trampoline with the three of them, Nathan and Elisabeth all afternoon. 

I think I will need at least two more posts to finish Bakersfield!!!  More to come, but for now, thanks for reading!