Wednesday, November 18, 2009

blanca

so many awesome things have happened in the last week, i haven't been able to keep up with it all in my journal. but today was so amazing, even though i am in bed with my eyes half-shut, i am forcing myself to take a minute and jot something down.

about 6-8 months ago we met a precious girl named blanca suzanna. at 13 years old, she had already had experiences in her life that are totally unimaginable. her story is one of abuse, neglect, exploitation, and extreme poverty.

today, after God beautifully connected different events into place, we celebrated as blanca and her family moved into a new home.

the crazy thing about today was seeing firsthand the transition from the old house to the new. with a team from journey church here helping, we tore down their old house, and moved all of their belongings to the new home-site. but as we dug into their existing home and personal items, we had no idea what we were going to find.

the soot was so thick on the furniture and roof that it turned anything or anyone who touched it completely black. the beds were ripped up, and full of urine, excrement, bugs, and dirty clothes. the house was utterly disgusting. as we worked, we were all quietly emotional, and thinking the same thing.

i am finishing up a video that i will post that gives more detail about this special story, but for now just wanted to share and praise God for today's events.

the day ended with this sweet girl and her family waving us goodbye from the front porch of their new home. the bright pink house behind them (her favorite color), blanca was giddy with joy - something that we have not seen often since our friendship began.

i will never forget the last hug she gave kerrie and i.

Saturday, October 31, 2009

romelo

we headed out as a family today to pay the staff and check on the current houses under construction. this month we are building 2 very special homes. one of them is for romelo, who is our foreman for the 12x12 construction crew. with his home, we are completing the original 12 homes sponsored by journey church.

after building the first 11 houses, we all decided to reward romelo's family with a new home of their own. their living conditions are not much different than many of the families we have built houses for, and he has never once complained.

romelo loves the 12x12 ministry, and loves building homes. he believes in what we are doing. at each key ceremony, i notice him... he is always having the best time - laughing and celebrating. he blushes when we publicly thank the construction team, but he is always willing to share a few words.

for me, it is a joy to see him taking so much pride in building the current 12x12 home - this one for his own family to enjoy.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

would you like a new home?

today was incredible. we have a few guys here visiting from lake city, florida. the entire week has been amazing, but today was just awesome.

one of the guys and his son are here representing their youth group who raised 3k to build a family a home. another guy who is here, along with his wife and kids, donated another 3k towards a home. so over the last few days we have visited 5-6 families, allowing them to connect with the locals and determine who they'd like to build for. right away, both of them knew exactly who they wanted to bless.

today we shared the news. it was simple, beautiful, and emotional. (video here)

these families living conditions will be RADICALLY TRANSFORMED within the next couple months.

even better than that, they will witness the radical and transforming love of christ.

today i am thanking god for letting us serve him here in guatemala. what a joy to be a part of it. also thanking him for these generous people whose hearts are broken for the poor and are stepping out and responding. praise jesus!!

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

juaquin prays for us

today we delivered beds (donated by some friends of ours) to a family that we recently finished building a new home for. they were so excited, climbing up to the top bunk and pretending to sleep...

the father stopped to share with us his thankfulness. he said he prays for our family every day - that god will protect us here in guatemala. "this is a dangerous place to live, and these are dangerous times. so i pray for you every day that god will keep you safe."

what a blessing to know that this kind, poor, family who lives on about $2 per day is praying for our safety. they recognize that we are out of our element, that we have "risked" our own security to help him and his people.

i told him i cannot think of any better way for him to show his appreciation than to pray for us just like he does. i believe god hears his prayers, and is honoring them...