4000 Water Filters

4000 water filters.

Last week Jack and the guys unloaded 4000 water filters to distribute.  The average Guatemalan woman will birth 5 children.  If 4000 women receive a water filter for their family, that equates to 24,0000 people receiving water from the filters which arrived last week.  Astounding.

Thank you for making this possible.  Thank you.  Thank you.

Campos de Suenos

We made the decision to take the children out of school every other Wednesday to serve at Campos de Suenos.  This is a feeding center in the heart of Santa Maria de Jesus, which is an extremely poor community on the top of a mountain. 

Every Wednesday and Friday, 500-700 children receive a meal, a Bible lesson and a lot of hugs.  They are loved.  I don't want to romanticize mission work in any way, but I also can not sugar coat the reality.  So here it is, these children come from extreme poverty.  They are dirty.  They are malnourished.  They have lice infested hair.  They have smiles.  They have tears.  They are children just like yours and mine.  They need a healthy meal.  They need to hear about the love of Jesus.  

Campos de Suenos is the real deal.  Mario, the director, is incredible with a super big heart with a team of super incredible people doing a super amazing mission.

It is such an honor to be here.

Families are teams, too!

Three years ago we were planning a trip to Guatemala as a family.  We knew we wanted the kids to experience the Guatemalan culture, as well as learn the language and fall in love with the people.  Jack and I wanted to look into different volunteer openings and established missions.  Though there are some amazing short term mission opportunities, there aren't many for families. 

When we knew we were coming down to stay long term, we wanted to create an environment that would allow families to come and stay and do work AS A FAMILY.  From the moment we arrived, God made a clear path for this opportunity.  After prayerful consideration and His divine way, we were blessed with a home that could easily house another family short term.  We live in town which makes access to the bus and different missions easily accessible.  This week we purchased a car which will allow us to transport families to and from the airport.

After settling in the past 6 months, we now have three families coming!  Though this was the desire of our hearts, I confess I didn't think it would really happen.  God has made it happen.  Luke 18:27, "And he said, 'The things that are impossible with men are possible with God.'"  Why, of course, He made this happen!

We are excited to welcome the Rhodes Family, arriving on March 3!  After using their tax refund to pay for their airfare and fees, they are now raising money to build homes with Jack.  Within two weeks they have the funds for one home raised ($3000) and $720 towards the second.  Jack has made two visits to the families to prepare them and the Rhodes have actively prayed for them and raised funds.  Astrid and her family (pictures to follow) will have a new home on March 5.  JUST LIKE THAT.  All because people have chosen to donate money and the Rhodes family decided to pray and act.  Now we need to help fund the second family.  If you would consider a donation, please use the GoFundMe link here.  Time is running out!  Only two weeks to go.


 Prayer Requests:

1.  Pray for Marty, Mandy, Eli and Julie.  They are leaving the comforts of their home for two weeks. Pray for their health, that no stomach issues or illnesses will kick them down.  We have a very busy schedule planned for them so they will need strength.  In addition to building homes, they will be visiting a special needs ward in a hospital, helping out at Campos de Suenos feeding center and working with a short term mission team here. 

2.  Pray for their three younger children staying at home with Grandma and friends.  Sam, Klemi and Vaylo have special needs so it takes special family and friends to volunteer to watch them for two weeks!

3.  Pray for the families receiving homes.  Since Jack and Luis have begun making home visits, over 1/3 of the men and women have been saved through the blood of Jesus.  People, this is staggering!  It's amazing and awesome.  Please pray the families will see Christ as we work alongside them and show them His love. 

It will be a pleasure to post pictures and updates of their journey so please check back in often during the first two weeks of March!

Christmas 2014

Hello friends!  WOW!  I didn't realize it has been so long since our last post.  For our millions of followers, forgive us!  ;)

Christmas in Guatemala was very low key.  The kids have never celebrated a holiday without their cousins and grandparents so we anticipated it might be difficult for them but they were champs and found joy in the season!  Thankfully we made new traditions and enjoyed celebrating His wonderful birth as a family of 8. 


Most of us went to church on Christmas Eve (not the one that vomited in the street on our walk to the service) and spent a memorable evening worshiping.  The music was absolutely extraordinary and the kids did a wonderful job with the nativity story.  Singing praises in both English and Spanish always makes my heart rejoice.  Singing them on Christmas Eve, thinking about the Christ child born in a manger, was just awe-inspiring. 





After the service we came home and watched 'It's a Wonderful Life' and ate Christmas cookies.  We stayed up until midnight because we heard so much about the Antigua firework display.  Guatemalans do not need an excuse to have fireworks or boombas (firecrackers) but Christmas is not like any other day.  It is more like July 4...to the extreme.  At midnight we were able to enjoy a spectacular display from our rooftop.  And the next day.  And the next.  And the next.  Guatemalans LOVE their fireworks.  :)

Here are a few pictures of Christmas in Guatemala:

Aren't these stockings gorgeous?  They are made from the typical Mayan huipil (blouse).  Guatemalan women spend hours at the weave working on their beautiful blouses.  It can take up to 6 months to create one blouse. 

The corn stalk lamb is popular in Guatemala.  We thought it was adorable so Grandma bought us one when she visited in November.  :)

We love decorating for Christmas and this year we made a lot of our own decorations.  "Alegria a el Mundo," translates to "Joy to the World," in English.  

Our beautiful Guatemalan Advent candle.  We enjoyed lighting it each Sunday to prepare our hearts for Christ's birth!

This is a popular Christmas decoration in Guatemala.  Isn't it adorably tacky?!

Grandma and Pop-Pop gave each girl a game.  We had a lot of fun playing cards over the break!

 Ava was an angel in the nativity program on Christmas Eve.  

Annabelle played Mary's cousin, Elizabeth, and Pearl was also an angel.  

We did a lot of baking!  Jude and Pearl especially enjoy helping in the kitchen. 

 Each of the girls received an umbrella for Christmas.  We are prepared for rainy season this time!  Bring it on!

Sadly, we didn't get too many pictures of Joseph this Christmas!  He was under the weather but what a big boy he was for the annual picture on the steps Christmas morning! 

Working with My Dad (By Annabelle Joy Townsend)

              Yesterday I went to work with my dad.  We took the van to a village called Pastores.  My dad and I were going to do a check up with some of the people for whom he built houses.                      

 

Along this road were some of the homes which

 we were following up on.

These are some of the kids I met while in Pastores.

The niña (girl) in blue is Kati and in pink, Sophia.

Though I didn't get the little niño's (boy's) name.

In August I was able to be a part of a team building a house and now I was able to go with my dad on the follow up visit.  It's a great experience and I enjoy meeting new Guatemalans and talking to them in Spanish.  I can't wait to go back again soon.

End of Year Update

Merry Christmas friends and family!  Since Susie does a great job keeping everyone up to date on our family here in Guatemala, I decided our year end video newsletter will update you on the building mission work.  

We have had an incredible five months serving with Iglesia del Camino and look forward to updating you soon on some changes we will be making on the building process in the new year.  Very exciting!  This really is a fantastic ministry to partner with.  We are not just another NGO, we are a ministry dedicated to being the hands and feet of Jesus and sharing his Glory with others.  Lives for many generations are being changed because of clean water, a safe home and most importantly, God's love.

As I mentioned at the end of the video, we really need $8000 to sustain us in Guatemala for the full two years.  I think it's incredible that this is ALL we need!  God is amazing!  Would you consider partnering with us?  $5, $10, $20, $50 a month?  Or would you consider an end of the year one time financial gift?  We would be honored to join together in sharing His love in Guatemala!

We love you all and hope you have a wondrous Christmas.

Love,
Jack

A Month of Thanksgiving (A little late)

It's easier to jump right into Christmas in a land that doesn't celebrate American Thanksgiving.  :)  We are making it a point to enjoy a typical Thanksgiving and remember to be grateful.

Many people are daily posting what they are thankful for on Facebook throughout the month of November.  I have decided on November 1 to write what I am thankful for and add to it each day and then post it at the end of the month. 

NOVEMBER 1:  God's grace.  Some days I lie in bed thinking of all the stupid decisions I have made in the past.  I know, I know, I shouldn't harp on them but ugh, it bothers me to think I made such horrid choices!  Thankfully I am reminded of God's amazing mercy and grace.  Oh, His love is amazing!

NOVEMBER 2:  If God is first, Jack is definitely the next one to be thankful for!  Readers, I do not know how it's possible but Jack is an even better husband in a foreign land than he was in the comforts of the US.  He is just so extremely kind.  I remember when we were first married I would tell people I knew God loved me because He gave me Jack.  I still feel this way, 16 years later. 

NOVEMBER 3:  My parents are coming in just two days.  I am so stinking excited to see them!  When I feel lonely, it is simply because they are not near.  It has been such a blessing to live near them in NC over the past few years and my children adore them.

NOVEMBER 4:  I am thankful for Ava's never ending chatter today.  She just cracks me up.  We went to the market today and I do not believe she stopped talking the entire time.  Love her to pieces.

NOVEMBER 5:  Today I am thankful the church allowed us to borrow a vehicle to pick my parents up from the airport!  This is just a wonderful day.  Thank You, Lord, for giving my parents the health to be able to travel and the desire!

NOVEMBER 6:  Last week Joseph fell.  His front tooth went up into his gums.  After a traumatizing xray which took 6 adults to hold him down, the dentist decided to give him antibiotics and wait a week to see him because the area was so swollen.  Thankfully he is okay but today I am reminded to thank God for Joseph.  Some days are just so incredible.  I am thankful for his smile and giggle and health.

NOVEMBER 7:  I am so thankful for Annabelle.  She is such a go getter with a future planned out.  She wants to be a lawyer.  I take her to the market because she bargains for me and sometimes she is pretty ruthless.  She says, "walk away mom, that's not the best price," in Spanish and the seller will almost always come down.  Thankfully she has picked up Spanish like a BOSS and enjoys meeting new Guatemalans.

NOVEMBER 8:  I am grateful for my friends in the US.  They often send an email, text or FB message which make me laugh and smile.  I miss some remarkable people and look forward to seeing them again one day.

NOVEMBER 9:  My aunt flew in this afternoon.  She has an active life with her grandkids in Delaware and yet she took time off to fly to Guatemala (by herself!) to visit her niece and family.   This same aunt and her daughter and a handful of grandkids drove down to NC right before we left for Guatemala to say goodbye.  They also came to see Joseph at his surf camp after a long drive.  Stuff like this is just huge to me.  My other awesome aunt and uncle are planning to come to Guatemala for a visit in the Spring.  Today I am reminded how blessed I have been with such an amazing extended family.

NOVEMBER 10:  I am so thankful for my Sophie-girl.  Yes, she is smart and creative but what I love most is her heart.  I look forward to seeing what the Lord has planned for her future.

NOVEMBER 11:  I am so thankful for my fruit truck men!  I know I have mention this before here, but I absolutely love getting to know these fine gentlemen and speaking Spanish with them! 

NOVEMBER 12:  Thank you, Lord for blessing me with parents who don't mind traveling in a Spanish speaking country with their non-Spanish speaking daughter!  Today, my parents, aunt and I traveled to Panajachel and took a boat on Lake Atitlan to a small village named Jaibilito.  My family totally let me plan this short trip.  We are childless (Jack stayed home to babysit) for the next 3 days.  Thank you, Lord, for this time of rest and rejuvenation.

NOVEMBER 13:  I am so thankful for my dad.  Today the two of us took an unexpected, wild hike to get to the town of Jaibilito.  Our caregiver said it would take 15 minutes for us and only 5 for him and we laughed at him.  We told him we were runners!  We could do this!  Ummm, it was a CRAZY hike.  Like sliding on rocks, out of breath in the first 5 minutes and passing little girls with machetes and really no path at all.  It was awesome and I am thankful I got to spend the morning with my 75 year old dad who is still in such excellent shape!

NOVEMBER 14:  Today I thank God for Pearl.  It's fun to watch her personality develop.  She admires her sisters dearly and plays nicely with her brothers.  She's becoming a cute little hugger too.  She is the first to run and hug Pop-Pop and Grandma when she sees them.

NOVEMBER 15:  My Grandma Sara is 98 years old and going strong.  I am thankful for the many years she lived near us in Wilmington.   She is a spitfire! 

NOVEMBER 16:  So thankful for my little boy, Jude!  He is a sweet, sweet boy and loves his grandparents so much.  I am so grateful for their special relationship.  And now that they are here, he climbs into THEIR bed in the middle of the night instead of ours!  ;)

NOVEMBER 17:  The local river is brown here.  When I walk by it, I see people cleaning their clothes, cooking food, living aside it.  People, the water is so extremely dirty and this is drinking water for many.  Today I am so thankful that I grew up in a land where I didn't have to worry about disease infested water.

NOVEMBER 18:  I really miss my sister, Michele, and her family.  Every summer my sister and her kids spend nearly a month in NC.  It's such a wonderful bonding time for us, as well as the cousins.  It's been a difficult transition and I am especially going to miss her during Christmas time.  I am so thankful for her friendship and look forward to her texts.

NOVEMBER 19:  I also have a wonderful brother, Rick.   We also see his great family during the holidays and it's a week of playing cards, putting puzzles together and eating!  He makes me laugh and I am thankful for his friendship.

NOVEMBER 20:  I am thankful we found a turkey in Guatemala City.  I am thankful my aunt brought a few cans of pumpkin down with her.  It may seem trivial, but I am grateful to celebrate a traditional Thanksgiving meal with my family this week.

NOVEMBER 21:  I love the market!  I am so thankful I have learned enough Spanish to buy our groceries at the market.  A wonderful friend showed me who to go to and now I don't even need to bargain anymore!  It's a joy to bring a few of the girls with me on market days and I am thankful for this time to interact with Guatemalans.

NOVEMBER 22:  This morning I thank God for so many wonderful new friends here in Guatemala. I never anticipated being greeted so quickly by individuals who were willing to help us adjust so quickly.  I am so blessed and although I think about naming names, I wouldn't want to leave anyone out.

NOVEMBER 23:  I was blessed with my very special Grandma Chando who died way too soon.  The memories I have are such a gift and I find myself sharing them with our children.  I miss her so much and sometimes it hurts.  I thank God for the many years and memories we made together.

NOVEMBER 24:  This evening I am reflecting on how many opportunities I have been afforded.  I walk by so many people every single day who struggle with addiction, poverty and homelessness.  I am so thankful for so many things I have always taken for granted, such as food, a home, an education and so much more.

NOVEMBER 25:  Again, I am thankful for my mom.  Man, I hit the jackpot with her.  She is extremely supportive, even when our decisions might not be the easiest or most popular choices. Today I thank the Lord for my spectacular mom.

NOVEMBER 26:  There are so many people to name but I am so thankful for all of our supporters, both financial supporters and prayer warriors.  This journey is incredible and I am so glad called us to Guatemala and allowed us to work with an amazing ministry but it could not happen without the many churches, families and individuals who made a commitment to come alongside us.

NOVEMBER 27:  THANKSGIVING DAY!  So extremely thankful for the relationship I have with my Savior.  Surely I take this relationship for granted but He is my Friend, my Father, my Love and my Salvation.