And they'll know we are Christians by our....spelling presentation?...

The first question I received during the teacher workshop I presented this week...

"Are you a Christian?"

Surprised and very honestly a little confused, I answered: "YES!"

Marta, the young teacher who was asking, told me that she and her husband have just come to Guatemala and are looking for a church to get plugged into. I was more than thrilled to be able to share Union Church of Guatemala with her and her husband Rob over dinner that night.

In my last post I had mentioned how I was so looking forward to giving this presentation because it would offer me an opportunity to testify. So, I know I shouldn't have been quite so amazed that God made doing so possible. He is amazing!! I guess it was my first experience of "random" recognition by a stranger, though, and it did catch me off guard. But how inspiring and motivating! I know I was there to help Marta and Rob find ways to serve God while they're here, but it was also a personal confirmation that God does want to keep using me here as well. (and Yay! for that because I really want to stay here!!) My faith has been strengthened that God will continue to provide for our life here.

On another exciting note...it was our two-year wedding anniversary yesterday. We weren't planning on doing much, as money is tight, and then we were given a restaurant gift certificate by some friends for helping them out last month. So we were able to go out and enjoy a special night, including dessert: Oreo Mad_ess. God is Good!!!

"Just WITNESS While you Work..."

I am so excited to be working on a presentation that I've been asked to give at my former school. I'm about a quarter of the way done with the planning and will be presenting the last week of July. While it is not an official "ministry," I am so glad to have a chance to offer myself as a positive witness of Jesus' love to a different group of people. ( Just like with teaching...you never know who will be watching when!!) In addition, in researching for the presentation, I am learning TONS of interesting (and useful!) information about language and teaching!!

Beware the Mud Monsters!

One thing I L-O-V-E about the missionary life here in Guatemala is how amazingly supportive, helpful, and genuinely generous the missionary community is. Through the InterMissions organization, people are always offering to help one another with small and very big things alike. Sometimes in unbelievable ways. And in ways which I've seen lead to true miracles. So, in the spirit of trying to help others, I (Javier wants no part of this decision!) have volunteered to dog sit for another teacher from CAG while she and her husband are visiting family in the States. Fewer than 48 hours into this "giving" experience, (which has included four dog baths, multiple loads of laundry, and washing and rewashing my floor), I have come to the conclusion that the Mud Monsters simply can't be beaten. Two 75+lb. dogs. The rainiest rainy season in recent history. And me. Needless to say, I do not see myself a victor anytime soon. Your prayers for sunnier days or suggestions for better defenses against these four-legged foes are greatly appreciated!!!

Aside from that, I have today finished all the requirements of Master's program and am looking forward to receiving my diploma sometime in September! I am truly blessed and am excited to be able to bring all my experience and knowledge to help others here!!

This video is dedicated to those who experienced God's blessing
even in one of the world's darkest places.
I thank
Young Life Hinsdale and Young Life Guatemala
for allowing me
a glimpse
at how God uses each and every one of us
to bless one another
in love.

Unable to Give It a Title.

I looked on as humans.
PEOPLE.
Gathered their lives out of the dump today.

Perhaps the largest man-made structure I've seen.

Did they see me?

Probably not, as the vultures waited. Watched overhead. I've never been so close to these hairless birds.

I put the cups and plates and bottles in the garbage bag tonight.

And wondered.

Who will find this stuff?

Can I afford to throw it away?

And then stand and look on?

Crazy Days!

Balancing tutoring, studying, and trying to help the YoungLife work team that is here has kept more than busy over the past week. I am at school nearly every day to tutor several kids and am so glad to be able to be helping them. My next-to-last Masters course begins this Sunday, so I'm reading and then reading some more in order to be ready and meet course requirements. And then the YoungLife team: a group of about 30 from the Chicago area here whole-heartedly working construction for some of the very neediest people living in one of the worst parts of the city. Their effort and love are overwhelming and so much appreciated. I have been able to help prepare concrete to cover a family's dirt floor and Javier and I have been leading music worship at night. I will post pictures soon!!! I'm happy to have so much to do, but would like a little more sleep one of these nights....

So I spent Monday and Tuesday sitting in horrible traffic and rain, rain, rain! We've been suffering the repercussions of two different tropical storms for about a week now! (Although I do think I spotted the sun for about 5 minutes yesterday!). The purpose of the painful (1 1/2 - 2 hour) trips was our Women's Ministry bi-annual rummage sale. Monday we set up. And we set up. And we set up. Apparently this time around saw the most donations ever! Tuesday was the sale, but unfortunately the horrible rain kept a lot of people away, so in comparison to other sales, we didn't do so well. The money raised will go to a variety of service projects that the Women's Ministry supports around the country. The left overs are given to the Salvation Army here for distribution.

Monday also saw the start of my Big Tutoring Adventure. I have so far set up a pretty rigorous schedule, and just heard yesterday that I may still be getting a call about another student, as well. I will be working with five students (grades K-12!) for about 12 hours total. I know I will end up being at school a lot more than that, though, for all the planning (for them) and preparing for next year. It's a good thing I love being at CAG so much!!!

Yesterday I also set my schedule to work with a group of high school students from the Chicago area who are coming to Guatemala on a work trip with the organization YoungLife. I am excited and will keep you posted!!