The Nannies

With Olivia's help (Olivia is one of our translators), I had the opportunity to bring the devotional message to the nannies.  I spoke a little about My Heart, Christ's Home and how God loves us too much to leave garbage in our lives or let us settle for second best.  I also spoke about building personal monuments to God's faithfulness that allow us to see His past work in our lives when we are in the midst of chaos.
During the course of the devotion, I used an illustration regarding healing.  This prompted a couple of women to seek healing prayer after the devotion.  In the end, I prayed with four women for healing of various ongoing health issues and one with a recent, scary diagnosis.
I'm trusting God to do more than I have asked or imagined.

kevins Update

So It's thursday, our last day at the center. There is mix of things going on, between knowing that this is the last day, and also some of us are a little under the weather today. But God's giving us the strength to keep on working and loving these kids.

A personal note for me as I've spent a lot of time with the older boys. I've spent a considerable amount of time with Andres, Glerson and Brandy. My three favorites of the trip. Brandy is new and has only been here a day short of a week now, so he's understandably upset and missing his family. But little by little we've been getting him more at home at the center. My goal was to get him smiling and yesterday was the first smile on the playground, but he's still a little uncomfortable. Pls Keep Brandy in Prayer today and continuously, Hoping to leave the center with another level of comfortably for him at the center.

Jacob's Entry

Guatemala is a blast.  Zip lining is so fun . . . and a great ab workout.  My favorite child is Hugo.  I reached my goal to get him to talk.  A kid named Gerson is like an escape artist and I am always on the lookout for him.

The Team

The whole team back at the hotel. About to head down to dinner.

We've worked together for two days now and are really getting to know each other.

The Zip Line Adventure

Josh, Caleb, Jacob, Marylin, Jenna, Nikki and Jim go zip lining during our "tourist day" in Antigua.

The City of Antigua

Antigua and environs as we do the Tourist thing on Sunday.  The volcanoes, old city, central park and of course ziplining.

Hotel Soleil

Our arrival and around the hotel on the first couple of days.

Lunch Time

Feeding fifty-five children.  First they eat, then potty, then to bed. Then we eat.

 

Make that 67.

1st day at the center

Its the first day at the center! Everyone is excited to pick up all those smiling faces and just love on them for a week. This is my 4th trip to Guatemala so I kind of know what to expect, but nothing could have prepared me for what I had to do for my first task. I am in the "chicks" room. The chicks are the toddlers who are just starting potty training so the morning routine can be pretty chaotic, with 30 plus kids who have to sit on a pot and not move until they are finished. Well the kids have perfected not actually getting off of the pot but instead just scooting around on their pots, all over the bathroom. I was helping them get dressed, but then the nanny gave me an awesome job..... clean out all those pots the kids just pooped and peed in.... Needles to say I was not very excited about that at all, but I went ahead and did it anyways. While chocking down my gag reflex I cleaned out those pots. I have been saying to myself for days that I was gonna do everything that God put in my way to the best of my abilities no matter what the task. Well I know God has since of humor now, and I have learned that next time I will say..."I will do anything God puts in my way except clean out pots". But amazingly I got through it with a good attitude thanks to God. I just kept saying "I can do all things through Christ, I can do all things through Christ, work for God not for man...." I am pleased to say it worked and well I'm not feeling to sick anymore.

First Day at the Center

Everyone finding their job and meeting the children.

Sunday - Fun day

Our first full day in Guatemala started out beautiful and sunny. We had an amazing breakfast and headed out for the worship service. Josh and Nikki lead us in worship and Jame gave the message about living for God daily and not waiting for the after life to live fully.

We then split into two groups. We had a group ziplining and a group going to the chocolate tour. This is a new option this year. The new zip liners were Jacob, Caleb, Jenna, Lisa, and Gavin. They all loved it!! Jenna was a little nervous the first run of the zip line, but warmed up to it quickly.

The chocolatiers had a great time! We learned about the history of chocolate, where and how it was first used, and how to make it. It was originally used mostly in rich circles as a drink. It was not turned into food until Nestle got a hold of it and made it in mass production available to all. We made two different chocolate drinks, chocolate tea(which was amazingly good), and then we made our own chocolate bars to take with us. They tasted amazing!

For the evening time we came together for our first Wow moment. This is where we share our day and where we had seen God working. Daphine lead out with how even though her purse had been stolen, she could have peace and is hoping the one who stole it will read her book that was inside it. Others shared their days experience. We then split up for learning about what we would be doing for the children starting the next day. A great day in all and getting to know everyone as we play and work together. Can't wait to get out to the malnutrition center tomorrow!! Loving on kids and being Jesus to them.

Preparation for Worship

Preparing to bring a message this morning. This view of Del Agua is a perfect illustration of God's glory revealed to us. We catch glimpses from time to time and they are overwhelmingly beautiful, but then they are overshadowed by the distractions of living and we are left searching for the next glimpse. Fortunately for us, God's presence is in us. His beauty is revealed again in our very next thought.

View from Hotel Soleil in Antigua

An Old Friend

This volcano, known as Del Agua because it is nearly always shrouded in clouds, is an old friend. This is a courtyard view from the hotel. You'll probably see it again.
Headed to the orientation meeting now.

We Have Arrived

The Guatemala City Smog headache is a familiar sensation as we settle into our hotel rooms.  We are now in Antigua.  Orientation is in a few minutes.  Today is basically travel, arrive, get instructions, eat and go to bed.  Maybe I can get someone to post something later this evening.
In the coming days we will attempt to post at least once a day so you can hear from everyone's experience.  Check back often.
Tomorrow is our "tourist day".  After the church service, we will go zip-lining and shop in Antigua.  The real work begins on Monday.  We should be able to get some pics up for you soon.

All Shall Be Changed

Last minute gate change. Our plane was diverted to West Palm, so we get the one that was headed to Venezuela (sorry Ana) and they are delayed about 3 hours.
Hopefully we will be boarding soon.

The Journey Begins

Landed in a very dreary Miami. Getting prepared for a killer peanut game. 45 until we board for Guatemala!

5 Days and Counting

We will be taking off again on Saturday, July 27th for our fourth trip to the Children's Malnutrition Center in Guatemala.  We're taking care of the last few details like finding someone to watch the dogs, make copies of the important papers, make final travel arrangements and make sure there is someone to preach on the 28th.
We will update you here as often as we can.  Look for blog posts from the various team members.
It's not too late to make a donation.

By PayPal, use the email address, jimtheyouthguy@yahoo.com .

Through the church website - thechurchatbradenriver.com

Click the E-Giving link on the home page.  Either register or choose Guest Transaction.  Under special giving opportunities, you will find Guatemala Missions.  Enter the name of the person you are making a donation for on the left and the amount on the right.  When you submit this information, you will then be asked how you will fund your donation.  As a guest, you can only use a credit card.  For other giving options, you can register an account for ACH withdrawals.

Or mail checks payable to BRBC to The Church at Braden River, 2106 Manatee Avenue, East, Bradenton, FL 34208.  Please include the name of the person you are contributing toward in the memo line or in a separate note.