Global Outreach Website

Apr 25

this is a test blog.  Cindy

Jun 23

As Tracy mentioned, we have returned from almost 3 days of village life that included no running water and 2 nights of sleeping together in one large room on cots.  I am happy to report that we are all still talking to each other and loving on each other.  I am also happy to report that there was a mad rush for the showers as soon as the suburbans and bus pulled into the mission center in Guatemala City. 

It has been an amazing experience to be with the Guatemalan people as they receive care from the doctors, free medicine and time with our team talking about their faith and the gospel.  I am certain we have all personally seen God in action.  An example of this is a miracle that Paige on our team witnessed.  A woman received an initial eye exam where the diagnosis was that she was almost blind in one eye and had perhaps 20-70 vision in the other eye.  After this initial exam, she was prayed over.  A follow up exam showed that her 20-70 vision eye was now 20-20! God\'s work for sure!

A large part of our time in the villages was also spent with the children.  What a joy to see their smiles as we painted their faces, blew bubbles, played duck/duck/goose and even put on a puppet show.  And I would be remiss if I did not share with you that we had a Gringo girls versus a Gautemalan girls basketball team game and a Gringo boys versus a Guatemalan boys basketball game!  As you can imagine, that was great entertainment for all spectators!  If I can figure out how to post the video I will! 

Oh and finally, I should tell you that if everything else we have written hasn\'t convinced you to come on a mission trip to Guatemala, ask me about the 4 hour bus/suburban ride to the village!...  Laughs, music, goodies to eat, and white knuckles!  I loved it! 

Cindy

Jun 20

Greetings from Guatemala!   Last night was peaceful and serene and a chance to begin to build relationships.  We had a wonderful home cooked dinner followed by a couple of rounds of the \"Mafia Game\" and various card games.  Just before most of us went to bed, Hermann gave us a preview of what we would be doing Sunday.  In addition, he shared some wonderfuly insightful words with us about the week ahead.  I loved that he encouraged us to think of this week as not a \"mission trip\", but as a \"date with Jesus\"!  He then went on to encourage us to use this week in 3 ways.  To build \"intimacy\" with God, be \"available to God and be an excellent \"witness\".  An incredible way to end our first day together.  And, thank you God, seems that most everyone had a good nights sleep.  \"

The weather today is beautiful - not too hot and mostly sunny with a little breeze.  As you might imagine, lights were out fairly early last night followed by alarms starting this morning at 6:00 am as everyone scrambled to get ready for a 7:20 am bus to church.  I personally loved church, probably because it actually felt just like home for me (a mini North Point Community Church service!)  After church we were off to the local \"mall\" for lunch at Chili\'s!  Again - just like home.  The hospitality from Hermann and his family and team has been incredibly warm and attentive. 

Right now we are having some down time (basketball, naps, cards) before heading off to the orphanage for a visit.  Can\'t wait to share that experience with all our blog fans later today...  xoxo

Jun 13

Hello Cindy here!  So honored to be able to keep everyone up to date on our journey via this blog site along with Tracy!  We are clearly in count down mode.  I have been asked often if I am nervous about this trip.  It has been amazing to me that I have been able to say \"no\" with conviction.  I feel so called by God to join in this effort that I have not had a single minute of worry.  (for those who know me well, I am certain you are also amazed by that!).  Stay tuned as we share the glory of God\'s work in Guatemala.