Giving Thanks

As Thanksgiving quickly approaches and I start to dream of pumpkin pie, mandarin orange jello salad, and scalloped corn, I want to take a moment to share my thanks.

As many of you know, during the first few weeks of school, Javier and I discovered we have been blessed with a long-awaited pregnancy. As I write, I am at 15 weeks and the sickness of the first trimester is lessening. (Many, many thanks for that!!) And so have my hours at school been lessened, due to some continuing medical concerns. And while it has been a blessing to be in a position that has allowed me to be at home and resting, I have also been missing my kids at school. I think, though, that this has been one of those hidden blessings...realizing I can slow down and let someone else take the reins...at home and school...because God is ultimately the one in control anyway...not me.

I am thankful for a great turnout at this year's Harvest Fair, where all the kids worked so hard to serve others. And for the amazing blessings that transpired during High School Retreat last week. I witnessed kids drawing closer to God, bonding with one another, and maturing in the Word. And while I couldn't participate in all of the activities this year, I am thankful to be in a place that recognizes the importance of such for students and sets aside time to make sure they experience them. I am also extremely thankful that Javier was able to come along, as I would not have been able to participate at all without him there to help!!

This year's Thanksgiving will be different for us, as all the folks we usually celebrate with are now away. So instead, we have decided to invite some of our Korean students over to experience their first American (via Guatemala) Thanksgiving feast. I'm excited to share this favorite time with them and am hopeful they will enjoy it!!

And, of course, not at all least on my list of things to be thankful for is you! I'm so very thankful for all of you who continue to show interest in our ministry here and continue to support us through prayer and financial giving.

Love and blessings to you all!!!

Some New Shots!

I've added a new album with a few photos of the beginning of the year!! (Finally!!!)

You can check it out by following the link "GuatePics" on the Other Spots of Interest list

or

by clicking HERE!

Enjoy!!

A New School Year for Christ

The start of a new school year!...We've been in classes for two weeks now and already it seems like so much has happened!

A quick recap of THIS SUMMER'S BLESSINGS:

...a trip to Toronto to visit dear friends Jo-anne, Paul, and Mary...seeing things I've never seen before and witnessing God's work in their lives and the closeness of their families

...a reunion with friends from as far back as elementary school at my 20th! high school reunion!! The number of people truly interested in my ministry was inspiring and refreshing!

...a visit from my very dear friend Lydia who flew across the country and endured a bus ride just to spend a few fleeting hours with me; the depth of her love and support is never lost on me

...an adventuresome ride to Tennessee to meet with my very first supporters, the Seekers Class from Bartlett United Methodist Church, and to visit with Auntie Em, Uncle Denis, Allison, Erin, and all of theirs! Their intrigue with Guatemala and how they can be involved touched my heart.

...a day and a half with my former student teacher, Annette, who showed me parts of Chicago I've never seen, shared her YoungLife ministry with me, and inspired me to get back to work here with a positive outlook!!

My three weeks of traveling around refreshed my spirit and made me ready to get back to serving here at Christian Academy.

I knew going in, this would be my most-demanding year so far, and I have yet to be disappointed in that!!

Praises for:

...meeting and caring for my host child (new teacher to CAG), Jordan, who has done an amazing job adjusting to Guatemala even after being hospitalized during his first days here

...the return of teachers and students ready to work, love, and serve together

...a strong reception by staff of my inservices on educational technology

...incoming reading test results showing that the reading program IS making a difference!

...Javier's ability and willingness to serve the needs of the CAG community in the computer lab at school (thus allowing us to work together every day!! :)

...the blessing to work with the senior class! (which will be a source of many prayer requests as well!)

While I am still feeling that overwhelming rush of new challenges that come with getting a new school year started, I am also feeling the blessing of knowing that others are with me in prayer and financial support! Being able to focus on my ministry to these very special kids and families while being secure that God is providing for my work through your contributions gives me peace and fills me with great thanks!

If you would like to know more about my ministry here in Guatemala or help support it, I invite you to please email me at: slynnll@gmail.com or visit my mission's website at cten.org .

"He creates each of us by Christ Jesus to join him in the work he does, the good work he has gotten ready for us to do, work we had better be doing."
(Ephesians 2:10, The Message)

Thank you, Christian Science Monitor!

An even-handed/objective article on Honduras.

Please Read. Please See with New Eyes. Please Pray.

DEFENDING DEMOCRACY IN HONDURAS from the Wall Street Journal

Further Information on the Crisis in Honduras

Please be in prayer for the people of Honduras, their leaders, and those of us who are traveling there during this time of crisis:

From the Wall Street Journal Today: Honduras Lurches Toward Crisis Over Election

Deja Vu All Over Again

I am so excited to be heading to Copan Ruinas, Honduras this weekend to celebrate the marriage of two dear friends: Jodi and Kraig!! In addition to the celebration, Javier and I have been looking forward to taking a short vacation together...something with which we haven't had much experience.

After an expected "fijase" with the hotel which required us to find a new one, we were surprised by the one that came from the bus company, Hedman Alas...a reliable name in transport. We had desired to return to Guatemala on Sunday, as all the wedding guests will, at that point, be clearing out...back to the States or on to Roatan to spend the honeymoon with the happy couple. When Javier called me from the bus depot saying: "We have a problem..." I was not expecting it to be quite so political. The bus lady (as Javier affectionately called her) informed him that they would not have bus service to/from Honduras that Sunday due to elections. Wait...what? Presidential elections? Congressional? Did he hear her right? What did an election have to do with buses? I did some quick research and found that general elections in Honduras are held at the end of November. I double checked that the bus lady understood we wanted to return THIS Sunday...in June. She understood, but no one at the bus company had any more information than that. So, our choice was to return either Saturday or Monday. Seeing as we would actually like to be at the wedding on Saturday, we had to opt for the extra night/day and return on Monday. It wasn't until checking the news today that I began to understand why buses may be choosing not to run on Sunday:

Thousands March to Protest President's Plan to Change the Constitution

And, as I have continued to read various articles,(hard-found) on this topic, I have wondered...are we, in light of events here in Guatemala, going to be jumping from the frying pan into the fire on this trip? And maybe more importantly (and sadly), if Central American countries such as Guatemala and Honduras had oil or nukes would this information have been 1) more easily found and 2) something people in other parts of the world would care about?

I write to ask for prayers for the situation in Honduras, as well as here; for the bridal couple who has long awaited this time, and for all of their guests who will need to be traveling through Honduras on this day that not even the buses will run...

Decompressing and Following the Call

I realize it has been awhile since I've put up an actual mission-newsletter-y-update. While I have been attempting to post events as they unfold here in Guatemala, I have been doing so without sending out notices each time. So, for more detailed updates on the state of affairs, please scroll down through my older posts below.

Part of school ending has been some decompression time for me, during which I have been limiting my contact outside of the house. This hasn't been a completely conscious choice, and each day I wake up feeling guilty that I have not been doing more. But in honesty, when I look back at all that has occurred, not just this school year, but over the past two years, these are the first days that I've had to stay in my house and feel guilty about staying in my house. In the past, when I haven't been full-bore on activities for school, I was working on Master's degree and tutoring. Since I've graduated and have only taken on one student (due to family schedules this summer) for tutoring, I have this time on my hands. Initially I thought I would use every waking second getting ready for next year...research, planning, designing, etc. But I think what God is having me do right now instead is take advantage of this down time to make sure burnout is not on the way. Next year I know my class load will be heavier (thanks to initiatives I began this year) and I will be working with the senior class (the most demanding in the high school years), and while I will eventually need to start getting ready for all of that, what I need most right now is to slow down, listen to what God wants me to hear, and work on not feeling guilty about that. I ask for your continued prayers in helping me do this. Not working or even working more slowly is not in my nature and something I struggle with. I know as soon as I head for the States things will be a whirlwind of activities and connecting and sharing and moving. And when I get back from that, school will be just around the corner, so I know I need to take this time now to take care of myself.

That's not to say Javier and I haven't been doing anything. As we continue to feel called to help in the fight for justice here in Guatemala, we continue to participate as much as we can, spread the word to others, and pray. (again...for details, please scroll through the older posts below...and visit my sharsite for pictures...)

Thank you for your continued support, love, and concern for us here!

Habakkuk 1:1-4

The problem as God gave Habakkuk to see it: God, how long do I have to cry out for help
before you listen?
How many times do I have to yell, "Help! Murder! Police!"
before you come to the rescue?
Why do you force me to look at evil,
stare trouble in the face day after day?
Anarchy and violence break out,
quarrels and fights all over the place.
Law and order fall to pieces.
Justice is a joke.
The wicked have the righteous hamstrung
and stand justice on its head.

MURDERS UP 15 PERCENT IN GUATEMALA

A Quick Update

The movement for justice is itself in crisis as various groups are now polarizing, NOT on the issue of demanding justice for EVERYONE in Guatemala, but on the issue of WHO is doing the demanding. The government has successfully played the "class" card and for me, it's a very sad turn of events to know that people would actually refuse to lend a voice because of assumed differences. The story here is long and convoluted and morphing every day.

But here is what I know and believe: everyone needs to be interested in justice for everyone else or else there will continue to be no justice for anyone.

Last night we joined a small group of citizens who very clearly cried out for peace and justice for ALL Guatemalans...regardless of social standing, hometown, occupation, race, age, or any other ridiculous "difference" the enemy wants us to believe in.

You can view a few pictures here: PEACE AND JUSTICE FOR ALL

I will have a full ministry report up soon. Thank you for your love and support!

On a Happier Note...

Today was graduation, and I got to see my very special student, Felicita, graduate! I couldn't be any more proud than if she was my own kid!
Love you Feli!!!

The New York Times Article

...only 10 days later :( !!!

Guatemalan Leaders Under Pall in Lawyer’s Killing

BY FAR THE BEST READ ON THE CRISIS HERE

A latest article, which gives a comprehensive yet concise history on why Guatemala is where it is today, and what it means for the people here...as well as those of you abroad.

Please read. Please pray. Please share.

Crime and politics in Guatemala: An indictment from the grave (from Economist.com)

Desperate Times

...unfortunately DO lead to desperate measures:

Frustrated Lynch-Mob Burns Police Station in Guatemala

I Could Post Something Like This Every Day

This, again, is only one of the many more numerous stories of murder that never gets told or punished here. The last line reads: "More than a hundred women have been slain in the Central American country thus far this year." Where are all the rest of those stories? And maybe more importantly...where are all the people who did the murdering? I can guarantee you, they are not in prison, court, or even being pursued. Please help support the movement to bring justice...at ALL levels to Guatemala's people! Spread the word!

Whoever says to the guilty, "You are innocent"—
peoples will curse him and nations denounce him.

But it will go well with those who convict the guilty,
and rich blessing will come upon them.

Proverbs 24:24-25

Why Do We March?

I just happened to come across this article today: US Priest Killed in Guatemala. I had not heard about this case, although this happens here every day. It is only one of the murders (of the 17 per day) that will go unpunished because of the corrupt systems in place here.

Note that there is not even mention in the article about an investigation or even a comment from authorities indicating they are pursuing the case at all. How does that compare to any news of crime reported in the States?

This problem cannot and will not go away without intervention...from God through us! This is why we pray and this is why we will march...again...this Sunday.

Working Within the Law

Guatemala's effort to change its constitution for the benefit of all its people and through the legal means provided makes news in the Wall Street Journal!


Here is where the story stands as of 7pm tonight:

Petition to Strip Immunity

You Are God of This City

Javier and I, after prayerful consideration, decided to join the march for justice today in Guatemala City. The following links are the coverage I have found in English, as well as some pictures I took while there today. I urge you to please be in prayer for Guatemala, its leaders and its people, while they struggle to work toward peace and justice.

Thousands Protest (from YahooNews)

Largest Protests Yet (from boingboing)

March for Justice Pics

Tomorrow the 30,000 signatures collected, requesting that the president's immunity to prosecution be revoked, will be presented to congress.

CNN Posts a More Complete, Objective Story

CNN Story

Time Magazine's Article

Video Sends Guatemala Into Crisis

Pray for Guatemala

Things are changing rapidly. I have emailed most everyone I know with initial details of the story developing here in Guatemala as the president, his wife, and various advisors have been accused of murder. And now a citizen has been arrested for speaking out against the corruption of the government. Unfortunately, I have received little response from anyone I know. I post this in request of prayer for the country of Guatemala...it's citizens, visitors, leaders...everyone. I will continue to post relevant stories as they arise, in the hopes that others out there will help take up the cry.

Here is the best brief summary and follow up comments that I can find at this time:

Guatemala Update

Spring 2009 Update

(Felicita & Me at Banquet... Middle School Destination ImagiNation... Suzy & Me Back together at CAG!...More pics available at: GuatePics)

The RAIN always comes on so quickly! It's amazing to me how we go from the dry season to the rainy one in a matter of just a few hours. While I'm enjoying the water for the yard and plants, I have been quickly reminded how long it takes to line dry clothes this time of year!

With only two weeks of regular classes left, the rainy season isn't the only thing that has come on so quickly!! How it got to be this time of year already, I'll never understand.

Here are some highlights from the last few weeks:

Easter being my favorite time of year, I again helped organize Union Church's Sunrise Service held at CAG. The weather was nice with just enough sun to keep us warm out there at daybreak. The 70 folks in attendance this year were treated to wonderful music from a visiting choir from Sweden.

Our Middle School Destination ImagiNation team went to the National Tournament on April 18. There were 40-some teams competing in all; in our category there were six. The kids showed amazing teamwork and graciousness (unlike anything I've ever actually seen IN CLASS... :) and brought home a SECOND PLACE finish!!! I'm so proud of them for all of their hard work and the wonderful witness they each put forth while competing. I've already been asked to expand the program to include a High School team for next year! But I'll need some extra adult hands to pull that off!! PRAYERS that others will follow the call to help!

This past week, one of my very dear friends, Suzy Leonard, returned to Guatemala to attend the wedding of another friend, Rene Gonzalez. It was so great to have her around the house and CAG again for a few days. Suzy is one of the main reasons I pursued my ministry at CAG. And she and I team-taught sixth grade language arts last year. She is dearly missed now that she's back in the States, and I feel so blessed to have been able to spend even a short time with her again. She's now back in Indiana where she helps run a year-round adventure camp. PRAYERS that this new position will allow her many opportunities to share Christ with others!!

In these last two weeks of classes, I will again be undertaking assessing the reading skills of all kids (grades K-6) at school. It's a daunting task, but one I take with great seriousness. While most kids at CAG don't struggle academically, those who do need the extra love and support that I can provide through the Reading Services Program. At any other school in Guatemala, they would not receive such specialized services. Knowing this is one important reason that I choose to continue on in my mission here. PRAYERS that I will make wise decisions in helping to educate the kids of other missionaries serving here.

The other big event taking place at this time is the taking over the the school tienda by the Junior Class. The tienda is the school store, run by the Senior Class to help serve the school community during break, lunch, and after school. As the seniors are on their way out, it is now our turn to start managing this small business. At this point, I think the class advisors are more concerned with this than the kids are. But that is probably because we have seen the behind-the-scenes of it all. To get warmed up, the juniors will be "in charge" these last two weeks of school. PRAYERS for a smooth transition.

Other events at school recently have included High School Banquet, Night of Excellence, the Elementary Spring Concert, Student Art Show, International Fair, and the Spring Sports Banquet. Still to come are Baccalaureate, the High School Spring Concert, and, of course, Graduation.

On the church front, I am putting together a special presentation for our Mother's Day Brunch to be held this coming Saturday, May 9. The topic is "Generations in the Church". Researching this topic has been intriguing, and I am excited to be able to share what I've found with other ladies of all generations! PRAYERS that the information shared will help to bring us closer together.

Palm Sunday 2009

You can find some pictures and information from our visit to zone 1 to watch the Palm Sunday procession at:

GUATEPICS

It's easier for me to host them there than here :( I hope you'll take a look and enjoy!!

With Trembling

It has been a day filled with tremors...something always a little disconcerting. Since I've lived here I have felt a number of tremors, but never so many in one day. Things have been shimmy-shaking all over the city all day long, and Volcan Pacaya, normally available to hikers day and night, has been closed due to the severity of the eruptions. So, we're not really sure what's going on, butwe're hopeful we'll be spared from anything too serious.

Tomorrow is my favorite day of the year here in Guatemala: Palm Sunday!! We are heading to zone 1 to see my very favorite processions and alfombras at sunrise! I'll be posting pics soon!!

For Prayers and Praise

Writing about trying times is always difficult for me. I never want to sound complain-y about following God's call because I am truly blessed to be here serving Him. And I don't want to project the sense that I am not appreciative of the support people send my way, both spiritually and financially. But there are times when the circumstances surrounding the location that I've been called to get tough. And it's human nature, unfortunately, to allow ourselves to feel discouraged and even afraid at times. So I'm writing to today to inform and solicit prayer for this small part of God's Kingdom, which continues to be relentlessly attacked by the enemy.

This past week has been an especially sad one for Guatemala. I love this country and the people here, and being witness to their pain is not easy. Below are two links to news coverage by the Latin American Herald Tribune, describing the situation, much more concisely and objectively than I could.

Guatemalan Bus Drivers on Strike to Protest Murders

Two More Bus Drivers Slain in Guatemala

In addition, here is a link to a recent report from the Council of Hemispheric Affairs that I found interesting in light of all the press being given to the lamentations of the U.S. about their Mexican border issues:

COHA Report on Guatemala

"...the drug crisis that Guatemala currently finds itself in is due primarily to spillage from Mexico..."

"In December 2008, Carlos Castresana, Head of the United Nations International Commission against Impunity in Guatemala, stated “if the Guatemalan authorities are unable to stop the infiltration of Mexican drug cartels in two years they could take over Guatemala City.” "

I post these items not for shock value or effect. I do it because people often ask: "How can we pray for you?" and to be honest, I feel so blessed to be here doing what I am, that I don't often have a good answer. The above articles, however, mention thousands of people who are much in need of prayer, and I ask that you direct your petitions on their behalf.

That being said, these events do affect my work here as well. My call is to find ways to provide normalcy for kids living here due to the call of their parents to serve here. How do I balance addressing the situations swallowing up their environment with finding ways to let them be kids? It's a ministry of fine balance. Kids are still kids even in the midst of everything else. And they still want to do kid things. So, I do pray for wisdom about how to do that appropriately. In the attempt to let them lead kid-friendly lives, I try everyday to move forward with regular kid/school activities. And here are some recent highlights:

Felicita has been accepted, with a full-tuition scholarship, to
Berea College!!!
(This is a story all it's own, that I will someday have Felicita share.)

My Middle School Destination ImagiNation team was commended for providing the "Most Creative Solution" at their practice problem-solving competition last week!

Junior/Senior Skip Day was bright, sunny, safe, and FUN!!!!

Elisa, a seventh grader, blogged: "This is getting FUN! :)" in response to EXTRA work she's been asked to do!

Javier and I will have a chance to celebrate God's love and grace with students at
High School Banquet
tonight!!

In all we do, let's find conviction and inspiration from God's word:

"Naked I came from my mother's womb,

and naked I will depart.
The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away;
may the name of the LORD be praised."

In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.

Job 1:21-22

Can't Believe I Forgot!!!

Oh my goodness!!! In all the hullabaloo I am now realizing that I never posted one of my most exciting adventures so far!!! Check it out here:

Just a Simple Comic by Sherry L. de Alvarez, M.Ed.

Of Middle Schoolers, Midwesterners, and Medals!

Middle Schoolers: I distinctly remember the days of substitute teaching many years ago when the thought of being placed in charge of middle schoolers had me shaking in my boots! Now I mostly just shake with laughter from enjoying them. Recently my English Enrichment class planned their own class party in celebration of all they've learned this year. There was pizza, board games, and live music courtesy of Yo Han, an extremely accomplished pianist. How refreshing to see these simple pleasures able to truly entertain kids of this age!!

In the world of Destination ImagiNation, my other groups of middle level kids have been recently participating in skills workshops to get themselves prepared for the big competition on April 18. Prayer support is GREATLY appreciated here as they work on time management and teamwork issues.

Midwesterners: This past week Javier and I were blessed to be able to share great meals, fun times, and enthusiastic conversations with friends of family and other friends who had ventured down this way. We loved having the opportunity to keep in touch with folks back home, make new friends, and hear about how others are working in and enjoying Guatemala. Sarah and Howard were here from Tennessee with other members of their church on an annual trip to help build in Mazatenango. And Mark, Fran from Wisconsin, and their friend Walt, told about their new found love for Guatemala and how they'd like to help an NGO build a library in Santiago. (*My apologies if Tennessee isn't technically in the midwest...I was working on a catchy title!)

Medals: Just yesterday I ran in my sixth annual Avon Run Against Breast Cancer. Although this is something familiar to most people in the States, it is a relatively new event here in Guatemala. Each year, however, I've watched it grow and grow. This year over 4,000 women of all ages ran! I was able to get our first grade teacher and two girls from our high school to run along. We are hopeful that even more ladies will join us next time around!!

Servant Days 2009: Building in Xela

This year our class traveled to Quetzaltenango (aka Xela), Guatemala to help with the construction of a Bible school near there. Although Xela is located less than 200km (less than 120 miles) northwest of the city, the trip takes over four hours due to road conditions and mountainous terrain. The city of Xela itself is located at about 7,500 feet above sea level.

We left school around 8am Thursday morning and arrived at the seminary that hosted us just in time for lunch a little before 12:30. After fueling up, we headed to the work site, about fifteen minutes outside of Xela.

Once at the work site, the kids began helping haul cement block to the second level of the building and then used it to construct the ceiling. Others began the arduous process of chipping away a first layer of cement from the walls in preparation for finishing layers that will be added later. Still others were responsible for shoveling and hauling dirt to backfill along the foundation of the building.

On the second day, after working all day, the kids put on a performance for some local children by singing songs in Spanish and telling the story of Noah. And both days there was, of course, time made for some friendly soccer games between the gringos and the locals.

It was such a blessing to me to work beside these teenagers who labored so hard with no complaining; no expectation of something in return, but rather with so much laughter and joy! It truly gives me hope.

I think the video I've put together will help you see how God not only worked through them during these Servant Days, but also how He worked in them as well.

Falling Down and Popping Up

It rained today. It never rains in January. Such a simple thing gave so many pause. Everyone stopped or ran (depending on where they were when the deluge started) and laughed and smiled and yelled: "It's RAINING!" We don't know why and it didn't last long. The ground, so dry from months of sunshine and wind, soaked it all up before you could even notice that it had been wet. It came just as my kids were about to start a presentation at our weekly staff meeting. Rain on a metal roof would not have been conducive to their nervous voices trying to speak in front of 50 adults. So, we offered prayer and just as we were about to begin, the rain stopped. If I haven't mentioned before, my middle schoolers have produced the most amazing piece of cartoon art which is now featured on a website, also being viewed as an online ebook, and is about to be the focus of an article in English Teaching Professional...an internationally-read teaching journal. We thought we ought to share that PRAISE with our school community which has been so harshly targeted with crisis and tragedy lately. You can view their work at either of these sites:

http://grammarmancomic.com (look for the comic titled "Grammarman Travels to Guatemala")
http://www.myebook.com/index.php?option=ebook&id=3623

We will also be PRAISING tomorrow night as the high schoolers open their production of Beauty and the Beast for its three-night run.

So what was popping up? About 200 bags of popcorn on top of my stove! ...to sell as snacks at intermission tomorrow night. Only 400 more to go!!!