Guatemala, Part 3

Here is the continuing story of our mission trip to Guatemala. . .

Tuesday (7/23/13)

I woke up around 6 a.m. when the guys started talking about coffee. I got up just before 6:30 a.m. and took a fast shower (it’s always cool.)

Then I went down and did my devotions, journaled, read, and chatted with everyone. Pastor D started doing card tricks and had everyone worked up before breakfast. J

Card tricks around the table.

Today we had a more Guatemalan breakfast. We had scrambled eggs, *amazing* refried beans, shortbread cookies, plantains, and bread with butter. To drink, we have this orange concoction that’s like Sunny D with pulp.

Breakfast!

We left around 9:00 a.m. for the school.

Part of the drive to the school.

Today we started with the little kids and did “Fut-bol.” Two teams played against each other for 20 minutes. I got to play half a game. It was fun!

Trying to join in on the soccer game. J

Then we had small group time. Mrs. B shared her testimony today. The kids were really interested in the Texas Longhorns she mentioned. J

The younger group tends to participate more and be more affectionate. The little girls love hugs and kisses. One little girl in our group named T is *beautiful* and knows a lot of English words.

Watching the Futbol game with the little girls.

Next we did the older group. They were really competitive during the games. Mr. T and Mrs. B were also more aggressive. J

When we finished, some of the guys did a 5-on-5 soccer game. I was sitting journaling and got smacked with a ball. By Ben! Thankfully it wasn’t bad at all.

On the sidelines during the coaches game.

Today we had lunch at the school. We had 3 different types of sandwiches: turkey, PB&J, and chicken salad. We also ate pineapple, watermelon, and a rice drink.

After that, we walked over to the opportunity center.

We started off with a matching game between the English words from our Gospel bracelet to the Spanish word. Then we did the “Gorilla, Man, Gun” game.

Teaching the kids the game (it’s like a full-body version of “Rock, Paper, Scissors.”)

Then we broke into groups to do our craft. As the kids strung their beads, I read through the English explanation once, and then a second time while the kids repeated after me. Then A read the Spanish explanation. I read in Spanish a few times. J

At the end of our time at the opportunity center, each group recited one of the verses in English. They did so good!

On the drive home, I sat near one of our translators, M, so I could ask questions about what we were passing.

One of the views on our drive home. Each day, we drove across the heart of the city.

When we got back to the mission house, we relaxed a bit. Pastor D twisted his ankle playing soccer, so he iced it with a can of Coke. Then we kids practiced our dance. J It was amazing.

The 5-stringed guitar was a popular time-passing object over the week. J

Then the guys went upstairs and did some jowling. It was funny! After that, we had an amazing dinner! We had steaks hot off the grill, corn tortillas, guacamole (some of the best I’ve eaten), salsa, chips, mango, pasta salad, and green salsa. It was *amazing!*

Our amazing dinner!

After dinner we gathered to play spoons. We had 13 people playing at one time! Quite a few of the Guatemalans joined us. It was nice to finally mix together with them at the mission house. The games got pretty loud and wild. J

Everyone lunging for spoons. J

After we played 3 rounds, we had our debrief time. We talked about things we appreciate about each other. And we talked about how things went. We prayed over Pastor D. Pastor B came in, so I borrowed his phone to call Mom and Dad. I think they miss us a lot. L Then we all prepped the “Ojo de Dios” craft for tomorrow.

J and Ben worked on an update email while the rest of us hung out upstairs. Pastor D got us all worked up with a riddle about Billy Bottle. We didn’t go to bed until midnight because we wanted to figure out the riddle. I’ll sleep good tonight!

To be continued . . .

Guatemala, Part 1

Guatemala, Part 2

Guatemala, Part 2

Here is the continuing story of our mission trip to Guatemala. . .

Monday (7/22/13)

I slept pretty good last night. I got up around 6:30 a.m. I went to shower and had a hard time turning it on. It went from warm to cold, but at least it worked.

Then I did my devotions and journaled. We had a small team meeting in the morning about our plans for the day. For breakfast we enjoyed pancakes, watermelon, pineapple, and cocoa puffs. We left the house around 9:00 a.m.

Ready to go!

The mission house.

After picking up a few people (translators) we drove across town to the school in Zone 17. The drive was just beautiful! When we arrived, we met Pastor A. It felt like we were celebrities! Hundreds of children were shouting and waving at us.

Today we broke up into 6 colored groups with the 4^th-6^th graders. We made a group flag, dance, and chant. They performed them before everyone and then got judged.

One of the groups performing.

Then we had about 10 minute “Huddle Groups” where we shared some testimonies and teaching time. I got to share my testimony on the fly. J We then repeated all this with the 1^st-2^nd graders.

Doing our “Huddle Group.”

We finished around 12:30 p.m. and drove over to the Opportunity Center. It’s actually in the basement of a furniture store.

We ate lunch with the B’s. We had hot dogs, chips, and Chiky cookies, and just visited for awhile. All 40 kids arrived by 2:00 p.m. and we started. First we played a game to practice their English. Then we broke into groups to do the craft. Meanwhile, we took pictures for their frames.

The kids at the opportunity center painting their picture frames.

When they finished, we regrouped and explained the gospel bracelets we’re making tomorrow. Then we waited in the bus awhile before pulling away around 4:00 p.m. There was a bit more traffic this time. We got to drive by La Limonada, one of the worst slums in Central America. Juxtaposition is the word that comes to mind.

Sorry about the pole, but this is the backside of La Limonada.

When we arrived back at the mission house, we relaxed and talked for awhile. Then H and I wrote an update email for our families back home. We also went up on the roof and enjoyed the view. That night for dinner we had a Guatemalan feast of chicken, rice, tortillas, potatoes, and an amazing cilantro sauce with it. We also had some steamed veggies.

Dinner!

Eating together around the dining room table.

After dinner we walked to Iglesia Biblica (the church the B’s started.) It’s a beautiful church with lots of echoes. J

Ben and me at Iglesia Biblica.

After church we walked to a little market, where we bought chocolate-covered desserts. I had a frozen waffle and a piece of frozen mango. I tried Ben’s frozen strawberries. The whole team shared a frozen banana and a piece of coconut. It was *so good!!!*

Ben and me at the choco-banana place.

We walked back to the house and about half of us went to Walmart. It was actually cleaner and nicer than the ones in the States. We met a friend of M’s (one of our translators) who is from Washington D.C. He stood out because of his blue eyes and blonde hair. J

Goofing off outside of Walmart. J

I think all of us found what we needed in about half an hour. We drove back to the mission house and had our debrief meeting. We shared some stories and personal moments from the day as well as first impressions.

Debriefing.

During the meeting a HUGE cockroach ran through the room. It brought out the best in people. J Once we finished, some went to bed while others played cards. I journaled and read. I went to bed around 11:00 p.m.

To be continued . . .

Guatemala, Part 1

Guatemala, Part 1

Many of you already know that Ben and I spent last week on a missions trip in Guatemala City with the student ministry from our church here in Texas. We were partnering with Fellowship Guatemala, and primarily went to build relationships with two church plants down there. We were so blessed by our trip, and found it difficult to leave all our new friends behind!

I’ve opted to post my journal entries along with the appropriate pictures so that I don’t have to retype a lot of things. J I hope you enjoy reading about our trip as much as we enjoyed being there!

Sunday (7/21/13)

It is so strange to be leaving on a missions trip almost exactly one year after Haiti. What is even stranger is that I’m going to Guatemala instead of returning to Haiti. God alone knows what He’s doing!

Two weeks ago, we had the send-off prayer service at church. Last week was spent frantically packing. Yesterday was relaxing. I went to bed around 10:00 p.m., but woke up almost every hour sweating.

I got up and showered at 4:00 a.m. and then had some hot cocoa before leaving with Dad and Ben at 5:00 a.m.

We were the first ones at church (aside from Pastor D.) After praying together, Ben and I rode with other team members to the airport.

We arrived safely and checked in (it took quite awhile.) Security was smooth, thankfully. We arrived at our gate about 1 ½ hours before departure. I got a breakfast sandwich at Burger King and a mango smoothie. We read, ate, and played a game called “Signs” before boarding the plane.

Hanging out at the airport.

On our flight to Houston, I finished my devotions, journaled, and read for awhile.

We landed safely in Houston and headed for the bathrooms. I got left there by accident. L I was trying not to cry and reminded myself that I’m an adult now. Thankfully, the others hadn’t made it far. It’s just funny how I’m always the one who has trouble with bathrooms on missions trips!

Some folks ate snacks during the 20 minutes before our flight. We boarded and I sat next to a friendly Indian businessman from Dallas. I read some during the flight.

I started talking more with the man next to me. His name was J and he was extremely interested in the details of our trip. He asked how to donate and I pointed to Pastor D who was across from me. Mr. J pulls out a wad of $100 bills and gives one to Pastor D!!! Pastor D started talking with him. It turns out Mr. J is a Sikh. That spurred on an interesting spiritual conversation.

Both were very respectful of each other. I prayed that God would work through Pastor D and open Mr. J’s heart. I got up to go to the restroom, and when I got back, sat in Pastor D’s seat. He talked with Mr. J the rest of the flight. I truly believe it was a God-orchestrated meeting.

It took us a long time to get through the Guatemala airport. We all had to use the bathroom, collect our bags (some were hard to find), and go through customs. Somehow, Ben, Pastor D, and I got stuck at the back of the line.

The view in from the Guatemala City airport.

Outside we met A and our driver, E. Our bus was as colorful as a Haitian tap-tap! We drove to the mission house. The mountains are beautiful and remind me of Haiti. Except Guatemala City is much more modern.

At the house, we were greeted by A’s wife G. She is so sweet and their 3-year-old daughter is gorgeous! The house is nice and spacious. I’m sharing a room with two of the Moms on our team.

We ate a delicious lunch prepared by M, the cook. We had amazingly moist chicken, tortillas, and salad.

Our delicious lunch!

After lunch we unpacked and settled in. We practiced our music for the church service that we were going to later that night. Pastor B showed up around 4:30 p.m. with his wife O. They seem really nice!

We left to go to the new church plant around 5:15 p.m. It meets in a hotel pavilion, which used to be a dance hall. About 50 Guatemalans came, which was great!

We were profusely welcomed by everyone at the church. The service started with singing. We sang about 6 songs, most of with which I was familiar. Then Pastor D preached while Pastor B translated. He used the story of Mr. J as his primary illustration. He preached out of Colossians.

A, Pastor D, Pastor B, and G at church.

After that, our group sang “You are Holy (Prince of Peace)” and “10,000 Reasons.” Then they did offering. At the end, Pastor B called our team forward and they prayed over us. At least four people prayed while everyone else prayed under their breath.

We sang one final song and then church was dismissed. We stayed around and visited for quite awhile. I met a nice girl named C. A couple of little boys were being quite the flirts. J

C, myself, C, and H after church.

We rode on the bus back to the mission house. A lot of the people from the church came over for dinner. The Dominos pizza was so good!

Enjoying dinner at the mission house.

Then we just started winding down for the night. I chatted and journaled for awhile. I just skipped the shower and went to bed around 10:30 p.m.

To be continued . . .

Fill

“You have made known to me the path of life; You will fill me with joy in Your presence, with eternal pleasures at Your right hand.”

Psalm 16:11

Recipe--Spice Cake with Fresh Peach Sauce

As promised, here is the recipe for my birthday cake! This cake would probably be especially appropriate in August or September, as it melds together summer and fall with the peach and spice contrast. While I admit this probably isn’t my absolute favorite birthday cake ever (it’s probably just me J), it was still delicious! J

Spice Cake with Fresh Peach Sauce

1 package Spice Cake Mix

3 egg whites

1 ½ cups water

1/3 cup vegetable oil

Confectioners’ sugar (optional)

6 cups sliced fresh peaches

1 cup water

1/3 cup sugar

1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease and flour 10-inch Bundt or tube pan.

For cake, place cake mix, egg whites, water and oil in large bowl. Beat at low speed with electric mixer until blended. Beat at medium speed 2 minutes. Pour into prepared pan. Bake at 350°F for 40-45 minutes or until toothpick inserted near center comes out clean. Cool in pan 15 minutes. Invert onto serving plate. Cool completely. Dust with confectioners’ sugar, if desired.

For sauce, combine skinned, sliced peaches and water in large saucepan. Cook over medium heat 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer 10 minutes. Cool. Reserve 1 cup peach slices. Combine remaining peaches and any cooking liquid, sugar and cinnamon in blender or food processor. Process until smooth. Stir in reserved peach slices. To serve, spoon peach sauce over cake slices. Makes 12-16 servings.

Note: The fresh peach sauce can be served either warm or chilled.

Graduation Pictures

Awhile back, someone asked to see the rest of my graduation pictures. Over 500 were taken, so I obviously couldn’t share them all. J But I scanned the ones we got prints of, and thought I’d share them below. All photo credit goes to www.jessicagarzaphotography.squarespace.com

This photo was taken in the downtown area of a nearby town. It was actually next to an old granary and set of railroad tracks!

The sun was just setting and created great lighting opportunities.

A more contemplative look.

These photos were taken by another old barn. I’m sitting on an old railroad tie.

Smiles.

This photo was taken at dusk by an old, ivy-covered building. I was so pleased with how the photos turned out!

"Glaucia the Greek Slave" Book Review

I read 75% non-fiction books. I consider fiction books to be a “break” in my routine. After I’ve read 4-6 non-fiction books, my brain usually feels like it needs a break. J But I’m also pretty picky about the fiction books I read. If I’m really in need of a mental break, I reach for Nancy Drew. J Other than that, the only fiction books I normally read are historical fiction books (but NOT historical romances.)

Most of my favorite historical fiction books have come from Vision Forum. I highly trust their company and the appropriateness of their materials, and have never been disappointed. One book I received as a Christmas gift from their catalogue is called “Glaucia the Greek Slave” by Emma Leslie. It is the first in a series of 6 books on the history of the early church. The series was written in the late 1800’s, and thus uses “older” language.

The story follows a young Greek girl named Glaucia. It begins with Glaucia and her brother in the market, being sold as slaves. Their mother had abandoned their family years before, and when their father passes away, they are sold to pay off his debts. Glaucia is sold to an elite Roman family headed for Athens, while her brother escapes and also begins to make his way to Athens to free his sister and find their mother.

During their respective journeys, they become aware of the early church movement. A man named Paul is preaching about a God who loves even slaves. Both Glaucia and her brother become curious about this “Christianity.”

The main reason I enjoyed the book, is that it brought to life part of church history. I learn and retain history through stories. Books like “Glaucia the Greek Slave” help me see history through a different perspective than what comes through a text book. I would definitely recommend this book for ages 10 and up (because of the older style language. It could be read aloud to younger children, but parents use discretion.)

I will close with my favorite quote from the book:

“‘Nay, I possess nothing,’ answered Glaucia. ‘The Lord hath taken my empty heart and filled it with His love, and I—I have nothing to give but this love, His own gift, in return.’”

Blogger Challenge Day 26: Picture of Your Family

I love my family so much! You can read all about them here. J

"Wait No More" Book Review

Back when part of our family went to an adoption conference, we came away with a bag of materials, including the book called “Wait No More” by Kelly & John Rosati. Kelly Rosati is the Vice President for Community Outreach at Focus on the Family and oversees the Adoption & Orphan Care Initiative. She and her husband have adopted 4 children from the Hawaii foster care system.

Once I flipped open the book, I knew it would be a quick read. Biographies like this always intrigue me. I guess we all have—to some degree—an interest in other people’s lives! J I was especially interested in learning more of what life is like “behind-the-scenes” in an adoptive family, since I hope to adopt children internationally and domestically one day.

I was not disappointed by the book. Rosati does a great job of sharing the emotional rollercoaster of the adoption process. There are great joys and victories followed by crushing defeats, disappointments, and setbacks. Behavior issues come up. Health problems persist. But in the end, fighting to be a family is always worth it.

I would highly recommend this book to ANYONE who is considering adoption. Sometimes a picture is painted which is a bit too rosy. A couple or family goes into the adoption process thinking they will “save” a child, and that the child will respond in overwhelming gratitude to the love you show them. But that’s not normally the case. There can be major setbacks, because every child in the foster care system, every orphan, has experienced some type of trauma.

There is no “safe” age to adopt. They will all have struggles. But the rewards are immense!

*(Due to some thematic elements related to child abuse and drugs throughout the book, I would recommend it for ages 16 and up.)*

Driver's Ed

A couple of weeks ago, Ben started Driver’s Ed! It’s so hard to believe my siblings are entering into the world of adulthood. *Sniff.* L Ben has been anxiously awaiting the day when he could drive, so he has been very excited about going to class, despite the need to get up earlier than normal.

He completed a week of classroom work before getting his permit (which allows him to drive with a parent.) The second week, he started driving with an instructor. He has one more week of Driver’s Ed to complete, and he will be set with his permit! Good job, Ben! Watch out world; here he comes! J

A Gift

 “Christian hands never clasp

and He doesn’t give gifts for gain

because a gift can never stop being a gift—

it is always meant to be given.”

--Ann Voskamp in “One Thousand Gifts”

Recipe--Wacky Cake

A friend of mine is spending a year in Zambia, and she has been blogging about her adventures regularly. She loves to bake, but had to overcome the challenges of baking in a developing country. It can be hard to find certain baking “essentials” there. She recently sent me a recipe she had tried that had no eggs or milk, yet was soft, moist, and chocolatey. She said it was the “best homemade chocolate cake I’ve ever eaten.”

Julie doesn’t often use superlatives in her descriptions, so I knew this had to be good. J Since we had all the ingredients and needed a dessert for our Friday movie night, I made it 
that very day. I have to agree with her: this cake is ridiculously easy and delicious! I added some chocolate chips and leftover sprinkles to the top of our cake for decoration, but feel free to do what suits you! I’m sure it would be good frosted, while others might prefer it plain. Either way you do it, enjoy!

Wacky Cake

2 cups sugar

6 Tablespoons cocoa

3 cups flour

2 teaspoons baking soda

½ teaspoon salt

2 cups water

¾ cup oil

2 to 3 Tablespoons white vinegar

2 teaspoons vanilla

Whisk all ingredients together. Pour into greased 9x13 inch pan. Bake at 350F for about an hour. Allow to cool before slicing. Enjoy! Makes 18 servings.