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.