tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-25611740317131284532024-03-05T00:20:02.282-08:00"Who You serve, I'll serve."As I trust God through this journey into serving Guatemala my prayer is that others will be able to experience the adventure with me through this blog. I will update with pictures and posts as much as possible!goff.lindhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14040821698051843934noreply@blogger.comBlogger11125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2561174031713128453.post-24191063174761065192011-07-04T10:46:00.000-07:002011-07-04T10:46:51.204-07:00"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord!After a bittersweet time of goodbyes and a surprise greeting of my entire family at the airport, I am finally home! This past week was officially the most goodbyes I have said since going off to college, if you don't count the five or six different times some of the same students said goodbye! My last day at school was Thursday since Friday there were no classes. The children were so sad saying goodbye; it broke my heart when they would ask if I was going to be at school on Monday or the next week and I had to say no. They are all so precious and beautiful children of God! Saying goodbye, not knowing when I would see them next, was one of the hardest things I have had to do here. Wednesday as well was difficult as I went out to El Yahlu for the last time. And then Saturday, my last day in Sumpango, ended perfectly with a delicious dinner with the wonderful people I met and got to know in my two months.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A fun dinner with the teachers from Yahlu!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saying goodbye at school :(</td></tr>
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Through all of these goodbyes thought, the Lord has taught me that what is important is searching for His will daily. It's hard to know when I will be back to Sumpango, but I don't need a long-term plan right now, I just need to submit each day to the will He has for me. This is a lot easier said than done! But like it says in Jeremiah 29:11 "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "Plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." This verse is where my hope is these days, in this promise from God, that He has a plan for my life. I don't need to be concerned with that plan daily but I know He does have a plan, and that is what matters.<br />
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So as the two months come to an end, it's hard to put into words exactly what I did, what I learned, and what I saw while in Guatemala. I think pictures speak louder than words so here are a few to enjoy. They are pictures from this past week as well as pictures from the weeks before. If you take the time to look closely at each child in these pictures the love and grace of our God can be clearly seen! And although these pictures are nowhere near the beauty of actually being in Guatemala, I hope you can get a small glimpse into what I experienced these past two months.<br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBvCFabe0ob7h6D-n92UiN-fHs5LQNZcj2vFfWMquKTo0p3Umb3EsmhFnAC4gAeIRWbLrVvdY8cspOhUUL9pfM2MZ7XWl8vE0Z-y_4fXKYrC1zO9aJ8lggoQO5m4Z40nomDd0iVAEbC_Q/s1600/DSC01720.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBvCFabe0ob7h6D-n92UiN-fHs5LQNZcj2vFfWMquKTo0p3Umb3EsmhFnAC4gAeIRWbLrVvdY8cspOhUUL9pfM2MZ7XWl8vE0Z-y_4fXKYrC1zO9aJ8lggoQO5m4Z40nomDd0iVAEbC_Q/s320/DSC01720.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>goff.lindhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14040821698051843934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2561174031713128453.post-51602767587783707112011-06-24T21:25:00.000-07:002011-06-24T21:25:22.134-07:00"Wherever you are-be all there." - Jim ElliotThis quote by Jim Elliot has been my prayer during my time here in Guatemala but especially is my prayer as I go into my last week here. It's easy to lose sight of what the Lord desires us to see when we are too focused on things to come or things that have happened so my desire is to not get distracted and to spend my last week completely here! With that said let's go over what I have been doing the last week or so :)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing (and winning) basketball against a church from Wisconsin. I played with Los Olivos! And during the soccer game I even scored a goal! :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The second typical outfit I got as a gift from Karla and Oscar! </td></tr>
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God has blessed my time down here tremendously, allowing me to experience and see so many new and different things! To name a few I have been able to translate for multiple groups, I have experienced multiple "Teacher's Day" parties, I have run a Guatemalan marathon (which was actually a 4k), and I have seen over 250 children learn English words that they had never heard before I came. But one thing that can never be forgotten is that without our gracious Lord none of this would have been possible, especially seeing children really learn English!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of my students at the school :) Love them all!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Perfect view of one of the volcanoes</td></tr>
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One thing that I absolutely love about Sumpango is the kindness of the people. I have experienced first-hand what it really looks like to be selfless, to think of others as better than yourself. Here in Sumpango and within Los Olivos the people are truly selfless. With what little they may have they choose to give it to someone else (for example me) rather than asking those that may look wealthier (for example me) for money. They don't allow you to pay either when it comes to trying to buy things on your own, I have learned that no matter how much you offer you are the guest so they will NOT let you pay. It has touched my heart to experience this love and kindness, especially since the people that give give from a gracious heart, not dragging their feet every step of the way. They give out of what little they have and expect nothing in return; just think of the difference it could make if, in the US where we have been blessed abundantly with money, we could learn to give and expect nothing in return! I'm thinking it would do a mighty work for our Savior!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8IxhomHIdcrLNXbjMXzwBHsO4bJTjcxAYr-5LWnpxv_nZWfiIoiL3C7-Wn63rh26CsI9guSyoIBdwxuQTURVIRtNXOz7G4wKWT2KWRzykjZP7FnNZNHRcPhN0S2r46JXx9GLTjlh0wbM/s1600/DSC01515.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8IxhomHIdcrLNXbjMXzwBHsO4bJTjcxAYr-5LWnpxv_nZWfiIoiL3C7-Wn63rh26CsI9guSyoIBdwxuQTURVIRtNXOz7G4wKWT2KWRzykjZP7FnNZNHRcPhN0S2r46JXx9GLTjlh0wbM/s320/DSC01515.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finishing my "marathon" in clothes that are not mine and shoes that are not mine, but in second place for the women! So clearly there is a long story behind this race, too long for this blog, but I think this picture explains enough... </td></tr>
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So as my time here continues in this beautiful city I am reminded again of just how amazing our God is. Whether it be attempting to sing in Spanish, translating full conversations when a month ago I could barely speak a proper sentence, or just sitting quietly before the Lord listening to the rain I can feel the Holy Spirit alive and working. I can't say enough just how blessed I am and how great God is! Take a careful, close look at the pictures and you too will be able to see the great blessings of our Savior! :)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj49-EbtwPvB9OUCXAH_19Nni9pJPD62EKUoDx4FM6BmN-6jchpqr6vPadkQt3JKQgSenmbAdl5ShDAb4ZmXktFUwXysW5GrMyF0VYzr4Q_rfDzUmvrzfL64j2iAs0B730qJs4_gb6dW7k/s1600/DSC01482.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj49-EbtwPvB9OUCXAH_19Nni9pJPD62EKUoDx4FM6BmN-6jchpqr6vPadkQt3JKQgSenmbAdl5ShDAb4ZmXktFUwXysW5GrMyF0VYzr4Q_rfDzUmvrzfL64j2iAs0B730qJs4_gb6dW7k/s320/DSC01482.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the students working hard on the finger paintings of animals</td></tr>
</tbody></table>goff.lindhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14040821698051843934noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2561174031713128453.post-51593238492305541592011-06-19T07:37:00.000-07:002011-06-27T17:11:55.398-07:00<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_MypgMgYrdzg0zNCmWgbAgAYTOUcmJtU34q1jN07eu5tixmqz3eoAiEdc7AW00_kqXBZfg9n8fyIpo3nhWaGQM5hfQcrTMJ9mQLtdavnHvA6rCBOvElbC-kavgR4gnUDRpKo7mrKaR5c/s1600/DSC01437.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_MypgMgYrdzg0zNCmWgbAgAYTOUcmJtU34q1jN07eu5tixmqz3eoAiEdc7AW00_kqXBZfg9n8fyIpo3nhWaGQM5hfQcrTMJ9mQLtdavnHvA6rCBOvElbC-kavgR4gnUDRpKo7mrKaR5c/s320/DSC01437.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Isn't she precious!!??</td></tr>
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"Dear children, let us not love with words or tongue but with actions and in truth." - 1 John 3:18. As I read this verse I was overwhelmed but the knowledge that this is exactly what the church, Los Olivos, is doing here in Sumpango, in El Yahlu, and in their church. The focus and vision that the church leadership has is not just reaching the needs of their people spiritually and then not showing God's love through actions but rather the focus is on meeting the needs of the people both spiritually and physically. Los Olivos is truly loving God's people with actions and in truth and to be able to be a part of that this last month has been such a blessing, more than I can put into words!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbkuHqqpLGvou7Yf-iLpMrAYVCpWZ-Xnw4tPZQ4_azgicnCQ9_lIc1bgngb6HapPzmTtqsHHAbJ_wjNMYiXDzUImlHvNW7A2vo8qZm5Hl1c_7_Bn9k_075GLrujOnz9PzVNahpNVs0PtQ/s1600/DSC01381.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbkuHqqpLGvou7Yf-iLpMrAYVCpWZ-Xnw4tPZQ4_azgicnCQ9_lIc1bgngb6HapPzmTtqsHHAbJ_wjNMYiXDzUImlHvNW7A2vo8qZm5Hl1c_7_Bn9k_075GLrujOnz9PzVNahpNVs0PtQ/s320/DSC01381.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Helping Karla in the kitchen. One of my favorite things to do :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHyuDSUQ4IJiNPJyOa2k5nwu7wfLzsywFcVSwUsZ6zHhRZRIDiTCp724tROx2Y-u-LJpKBiPuXXrnooNfW-Lf4IXkg9NTEjpJoEtsU86v5ryPl_8RpiMpWUOLs0JZO2jCfD-LRrbXfR40/s1600/DSC01416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHyuDSUQ4IJiNPJyOa2k5nwu7wfLzsywFcVSwUsZ6zHhRZRIDiTCp724tROx2Y-u-LJpKBiPuXXrnooNfW-Lf4IXkg9NTEjpJoEtsU86v5ryPl_8RpiMpWUOLs0JZO2jCfD-LRrbXfR40/s320/DSC01416.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The teachers at the school got me a typical outfit as a gift for Teacher's Day! Here I am standing with Olga, she has been a huge blessing in my time here in Guatemala!</td></tr>
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As the different teams from the US have been helping here in Sumpango (today the team from Faith Free arrives!) I have been able to be even more a part of serving God alongside both the church from America and Los Olivos. This past week we headed out to El Yahlu to do a VBS for the children each afternoon. The last day we ended up with about 530 students from the village! We barely all fit in the building out there! The children absolutely loved it and the helpers from the visiting church and from Los Olivos worked side-by-side to make it all happen. Just to see the joy on the children's faces as our bus pulled up was amazing. Again I was reminded how loving our God is when I saw those smiling faces each day.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLrNZ6JhpXeOpbn-Ydl7K2ZsABqQ4yOlZyfX7deQhuZvb9rscfduzlvYd6ppKNtEf_c1FqSy_pF-FV1DYnTyj77xtCaLcLRCbQMiRkwiavpLRL1bedVawwg52gdVhtmpR0WRll14w10i0/s1600/DSC01408.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLrNZ6JhpXeOpbn-Ydl7K2ZsABqQ4yOlZyfX7deQhuZvb9rscfduzlvYd6ppKNtEf_c1FqSy_pF-FV1DYnTyj77xtCaLcLRCbQMiRkwiavpLRL1bedVawwg52gdVhtmpR0WRll14w10i0/s320/DSC01408.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Singing during VBS out in El Yahlu</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMD1pL4Uu6VD51vzsw7gVwxhTypQ6l49RsWs-nP70Pmz0lDL90cPAo62HVNWvEcvLeuWH3l0MTw0PJ9XMjJFOGtXj01-txRz4J-J8MvaX5OxCXx_ZVjuuCd7KEhg7CAkNJ8_rEZYuC7To/s1600/DSC01443.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMD1pL4Uu6VD51vzsw7gVwxhTypQ6l49RsWs-nP70Pmz0lDL90cPAo62HVNWvEcvLeuWH3l0MTw0PJ9XMjJFOGtXj01-txRz4J-J8MvaX5OxCXx_ZVjuuCd7KEhg7CAkNJ8_rEZYuC7To/s320/DSC01443.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Just look at his beautiful smiling face! How can you not see the love of God there!</td></tr>
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In the school I have been able to finally incorporate more games and crafts for the kids! A retired teacher from the last group was wise enough to think to bring some necessities for Meagan and I to use and let me tell you we have used them! With so many children and so many classes I was struggling to think of fun and different games that used no supplies, but now with the paper and other things she brought I have been able to teach more through arts and crafts and games, and the children absolutely love it! Even something as simple as a balloon has turned out to fill the entire class time with fun and believe-it-or-not a little learning too :)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJyuR-4WF5acxFYsCScWRWLsEJTAc8mbKLWd_WYgBYRjl-N8vfy3xdOqjzP9GT49-sb3WXxYOXZMqJ01E9SYc6yNyXV_8OO2igEMAoZW66lpR2Tq629AJMiCIIqQ57Xi8xXj1J5viDkw/s1600/DSC01372.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtJyuR-4WF5acxFYsCScWRWLsEJTAc8mbKLWd_WYgBYRjl-N8vfy3xdOqjzP9GT49-sb3WXxYOXZMqJ01E9SYc6yNyXV_8OO2igEMAoZW66lpR2Tq629AJMiCIIqQ57Xi8xXj1J5viDkw/s320/DSC01372.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing a game with the balloon!</td></tr>
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So as I venture sadly into my last two weeks here in Guatemala I am praying the God completely opens my eyes to all He has to show me. He has already shown me so much in my time here, but just by looking out at His vast creation I know that there is plenty more my eyes and heart will be opened to :) I am just excited to see what it is He has in store!<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFeRM6OP1R7FdMiTNp5pcqDkpl9pUIh8YA_cqRAz6SxWlDu3czwjM69WrP_HN-P2gXfl_P-jtSiUlaQ6jiFLb8ok30h1xbyb5m_C6MmtWG9eyxa-ssgRcDZotCQRTvRoGZ35epSPiwuMg/s1600/DSC01384.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFeRM6OP1R7FdMiTNp5pcqDkpl9pUIh8YA_cqRAz6SxWlDu3czwjM69WrP_HN-P2gXfl_P-jtSiUlaQ6jiFLb8ok30h1xbyb5m_C6MmtWG9eyxa-ssgRcDZotCQRTvRoGZ35epSPiwuMg/s320/DSC01384.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It was Marta's birthday this past week! We celebrated with delicious cake!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>goff.lindhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14040821698051843934noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2561174031713128453.post-1154105053495655712011-06-11T21:51:00.000-07:002011-06-11T21:51:11.273-07:00<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMHS29P4N0TZJei166C90d_rw0zjjthbJ7bS6Y5KN5UBLbAwyAPOANn7av9w5vJoSBNJViCPJq308MYgQQSzHMbDVjlZJlLhWkrzfYMKmPW2321UfJmYDZwoSJIH9AK87wzEiJ54AMJk0/s1600/DSC01224.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMHS29P4N0TZJei166C90d_rw0zjjthbJ7bS6Y5KN5UBLbAwyAPOANn7av9w5vJoSBNJViCPJq308MYgQQSzHMbDVjlZJlLhWkrzfYMKmPW2321UfJmYDZwoSJIH9AK87wzEiJ54AMJk0/s320/DSC01224.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The wall we built the trench for 4 years ago!!! <br />
So exciting to see the finished wall and all of the other progress in person!</td></tr>
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Busy does not even begin to describe life lately! But at the same time, fun does not even begin to describe life right now too! The first group from the U.S. got here on Tuesday so the time has been filled with either school, house visits (during which I team interpreted with Marta), or any other activity the group may have scheduled to do. But whether I am helping in the kitchen, teaching in the school, or attempting to interpret for the team, the Lord never ceases to surprise me!<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqbcZ2OCLGt9LcqeYwpcurDzEVooE1zXHboF6gaQloyu1ivpfgSyclfqwlusxpb0EbqXV2vTSvpaZh7F-dWuVb0OBT4R_pTfsXb_KGp4RzPNYClR-OrpSWf6H6G-hfu7kGZmcpzE7hnlA/s1600/DSC01195.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqbcZ2OCLGt9LcqeYwpcurDzEVooE1zXHboF6gaQloyu1ivpfgSyclfqwlusxpb0EbqXV2vTSvpaZh7F-dWuVb0OBT4R_pTfsXb_KGp4RzPNYClR-OrpSWf6H6G-hfu7kGZmcpzE7hnlA/s320/DSC01195.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Me with some of the boys in one first grade class</td></tr>
</tbody></table>My Spanish still needs quite a bit of work, but I finally am feeling comfortable enough with it to carry on conversations that go deeper than "What is your name" and "How old are you," which has been such a blessing! Things at the school are going great. I have learned that our God loves to throw curve-balls in our direction every-so-often, just to make sure we are fully relying on Him. This past week I got quite a few at the school. I had the opportunity to have a few of the women from the team help me teach, which was amazing, so I planned out each day with activities they could help with. Little did I know half of my teachers were gone Wednesday and Thursday so I didn't have those classes, and Friday there were parent-teacher conferences during the morning so those classes were put behind schedule. Needless to say it was a little hectic switching which classes/grades I worked with and when, but I think God just wanted to remind me that He is always there so I might as well give up trying to control everything and just trust in Him :)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEI3qQaDFide2cZn1L4C-JvIShae0LyoOj6d-6QjfGn87DTbRnRDOnYmBKX9AVIl7kgufJV-6BWzgBZEh1slUTDaCpAoJKAynrOQ32YDjO6HueOlfxMEriInzgHJxBqoBsREUvz7khpLU/s1600/DSC01199.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEI3qQaDFide2cZn1L4C-JvIShae0LyoOj6d-6QjfGn87DTbRnRDOnYmBKX9AVIl7kgufJV-6BWzgBZEh1slUTDaCpAoJKAynrOQ32YDjO6HueOlfxMEriInzgHJxBqoBsREUvz7khpLU/s320/DSC01199.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">As we prepared for the teams we had to go and buy 3 weeks worth of food for over 50 people!<br />
We kept Emily busy during the long shopping day with lots of photos :)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN6rFx2qmeT5C6PXR6dm1fW1bVp94O3qfwAZOaq64SVG-zQAPdMMvtBwdPHGLUOUkgFukwbz70INI0umdMk7ktSZmlzo1JtM7WcYPxbUIbRyucY3l2Xszt7JgmSQJtF94tZoiuljwsCGA/s1600/DSC01219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgN6rFx2qmeT5C6PXR6dm1fW1bVp94O3qfwAZOaq64SVG-zQAPdMMvtBwdPHGLUOUkgFukwbz70INI0umdMk7ktSZmlzo1JtM7WcYPxbUIbRyucY3l2Xszt7JgmSQJtF94tZoiuljwsCGA/s320/DSC01219.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Chocobananos!!! So delicious!</td></tr>
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The most common question I have gotten from the team members here working is what has touched my heart the most so far. I've thought about this question a lot, and still have not come up with an answer. If I could, I would say everything. The children, the youth, the adults, the school, the streets, everything. We just have such a loving God and through my time here He has been showing me that love. My prayer is that all of you who are in my life and sharing this experience with me will see that love too. It is something that is so easy to miss out on, but is something that is so life-changing we cannot afford to miss it. God loves us so much that "While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8 Don't miss that! Don't miss that love! The people and children I have met here may not have the designer clothes that we have, and they may not have the beautiful houses we do, and they may not even have the three meals a day that we have, but what they do have is worth so much more than all of that put together. It is the freedom of knowing that this is not our home, that Christ loves us and is preparing a much better home with Him in heaven. This knowledge is what keeps the followers of Christ so joyful and loving here in Guatemala, and this joy and love I have been blessed enough to experience daily during my time here.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0x1LdpPl2yiRmAZ6XcwJZEYJlyt0rLJMQhJVAjy8vKoCvwnwkbFGcWvbNvgK9dHSK-5Arl4GlLmE4ym0DHtEKMWXxVXz10Gs7KZ5uW6c7ooQAUtoIE_Gr53pViitx-icPCwc19vSVz50/s1600/DSC01273.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0x1LdpPl2yiRmAZ6XcwJZEYJlyt0rLJMQhJVAjy8vKoCvwnwkbFGcWvbNvgK9dHSK-5Arl4GlLmE4ym0DHtEKMWXxVXz10Gs7KZ5uW6c7ooQAUtoIE_Gr53pViitx-icPCwc19vSVz50/s320/DSC01273.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The teachers I have been going to El Yahlu with. Can you believe how tall I have gotten ;)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQMuvkovy-E64-ZRrTe1Uw_ey6dlIIpMuwvg5Q67f7hlYIEGwmkrI8n4J86NrC5-zeCyrpE4smi7Q4zPW7mhAg58mkjiAZxnL1ftZhyV96_14uTl7z3osSQTSHtqlZqKDmgSG_U2UQaPA/s1600/DSC01283.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQMuvkovy-E64-ZRrTe1Uw_ey6dlIIpMuwvg5Q67f7hlYIEGwmkrI8n4J86NrC5-zeCyrpE4smi7Q4zPW7mhAg58mkjiAZxnL1ftZhyV96_14uTl7z3osSQTSHtqlZqKDmgSG_U2UQaPA/s320/DSC01283.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of the best ways I utilized the helpers from the groups from the <br />
US was by having them snap a few photos for me!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
So as another week comes to an end and another week shortly begins I sleep well knowing that the love of out Creator surrounds me and that His Spirit lives within me. Never forget how loved you are! Just look at this picture and think that the Creator of all of this loves you! :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggHzZNxvHV23heWcO09KbUrfrBrY7Et_5jKSzEVxmfm1SIvdKDLG-t-sx0nX8E3vvPKV6BMfK0qLeBwHk6T2MI3Eftd7nBH6xfpLs6obW-aMHlUiAsM9gbqH8rYEbl9MQxOEfqOQc8wgk/s1600/DSC01089.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggHzZNxvHV23heWcO09KbUrfrBrY7Et_5jKSzEVxmfm1SIvdKDLG-t-sx0nX8E3vvPKV6BMfK0qLeBwHk6T2MI3Eftd7nBH6xfpLs6obW-aMHlUiAsM9gbqH8rYEbl9MQxOEfqOQc8wgk/s320/DSC01089.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br />
</div>goff.lindhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14040821698051843934noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2561174031713128453.post-40727571968014531192011-06-02T18:07:00.000-07:002011-06-02T18:07:50.968-07:00Queremos paz! No mas violencia!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCD9AEUmUz7J5XRITNyQdwgoHCD1l4tcZ2zsK1f21Y52GDkNqoE4lR-djYN8KMGaC9l19y4-dJ4jm-8vwccJwsijB7mbnIvtkiAQaTIWoaO0cdDP3bnkmacILMaJo3IRNzTyGjY4fnDIc/s1600/DSC01046.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCD9AEUmUz7J5XRITNyQdwgoHCD1l4tcZ2zsK1f21Y52GDkNqoE4lR-djYN8KMGaC9l19y4-dJ4jm-8vwccJwsijB7mbnIvtkiAQaTIWoaO0cdDP3bnkmacILMaJo3IRNzTyGjY4fnDIc/s320/DSC01046.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Can you live in peace? The answer is in your hands."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>It's June! Crazy! I am quite convinced that time goes by faster here in Guatemala than it does in Wisconsin, but either way, everyday here has been such a blessing from God. The students continue to say "hello" and "goodbye" every time they see me, although I'm not too difficult to spot here with my blond hair and white skin! I absolutely love teaching in the school and seeing the love and joy that the students have no matter what their situations may be. Everyday I am showered with gifts of stickers, erasers, and many many kisses! I can only pray that the students are learning as the classes are huge and I only have 35 minutes in each class. Each day I am learning more and more about how to be a more efficient, successful teacher; experience really is the best teacher!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYvho9XocKzrPvfLrhnQD8MPtEqCbq3FRxiDNWYAcp0rVl8tzZihFHHbzF8DvAhqKrGSy3Y7aktWImI_VItYR_vnsMukU2wztMHrgQ5vJ9Wp2GOVQuYLHquMtnKjyEGKrE_h5ipCab3DY/s1600/DSC01143.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYvho9XocKzrPvfLrhnQD8MPtEqCbq3FRxiDNWYAcp0rVl8tzZihFHHbzF8DvAhqKrGSy3Y7aktWImI_VItYR_vnsMukU2wztMHrgQ5vJ9Wp2GOVQuYLHquMtnKjyEGKrE_h5ipCab3DY/s320/DSC01143.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the students hard at work :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKV-cOUJfcxCbzqXevpeGDurI6i0bmQL6hhUKBQKKKJiYbLx10ZesKa_GkSgNc47ZbwfzxJBsuDLS5xYxgyrO95S2ybOs9zS8wdBktStCdCG1c3K9jCxosiYqw1NU-UZ1eFWJcb7qJ7h8/s1600/DSC01174.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKV-cOUJfcxCbzqXevpeGDurI6i0bmQL6hhUKBQKKKJiYbLx10ZesKa_GkSgNc47ZbwfzxJBsuDLS5xYxgyrO95S2ybOs9zS8wdBktStCdCG1c3K9jCxosiYqw1NU-UZ1eFWJcb7qJ7h8/s320/DSC01174.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One day a student came into the class with a baby bird in a cup!<br />
They never cease to surprise me!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
This past Friday I participated in a walk for peace with the school. The students joined with two other schools to walk around Sumpango chanting, singing, and waving banners about peace. It was so fun to be part of this walk and such a blessing to see the students so involved! Although, in all honesty, not every student was chanting the correct words as we walked. The third grade boys decided it would be funny to chant, "Queremos queso!" (We want cheese!) or, "Queremos agua!" (We want water!) instead of "We want peace!" like they were supposed to chant. It was quite entertaining until their teacher heard them, and then that was the end of that fun :) But overall it was a great reason for the students to walk and ended up being a very successful day!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRW0futg7wbDicKxB4ta37nkZWJ58AQvbRi0R99SB2IeUf9cojoSKQfXGV85hQ3FLwfJ1koCMn0PQyO6w5ureVBfWu4xIskvwjc45xS6bGqYxE-LvEnvfIHYA2dd5pEQv8umQZJAATqYU/s1600/DSC01067.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRW0futg7wbDicKxB4ta37nkZWJ58AQvbRi0R99SB2IeUf9cojoSKQfXGV85hQ3FLwfJ1koCMn0PQyO6w5ureVBfWu4xIskvwjc45xS6bGqYxE-LvEnvfIHYA2dd5pEQv8umQZJAATqYU/s320/DSC01067.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Walking the streets promoting peace in white shirts!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU6ihmB63yPeQSjAV5T0u0twvHW7HX3nbuWp1jSYxE5bMEFC2EPpYnsnJneNkncnFGf2l1PRvaqVM-ZK5YhSDSHxI3xoHR_9u9Sr6KkXVY8JNRYDv9WFyD7foxHJ8XfiQyUL-rjZLYfAY/s1600/DSC01063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU6ihmB63yPeQSjAV5T0u0twvHW7HX3nbuWp1jSYxE5bMEFC2EPpYnsnJneNkncnFGf2l1PRvaqVM-ZK5YhSDSHxI3xoHR_9u9Sr6KkXVY8JNRYDv9WFyD7foxHJ8XfiQyUL-rjZLYfAY/s320/DSC01063.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The children love posing for the pictures, but don't have the <br />
patience to hold the pose until the picture is done. </td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzOSzsLItF_lPbAu2YARb9hXLyNL-MeZyZ-mV_909HTwjg6reJS_zhgAplrYfjgw9Lku7b38MjAYueCY_arwlAoV30hnutqplQS9E_hmy-CZxTHK-dq_Lm-G0B338xrX_Eh_ptnGuYnS8/s1600/DSC01061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzOSzsLItF_lPbAu2YARb9hXLyNL-MeZyZ-mV_909HTwjg6reJS_zhgAplrYfjgw9Lku7b38MjAYueCY_arwlAoV30hnutqplQS9E_hmy-CZxTHK-dq_Lm-G0B338xrX_Eh_ptnGuYnS8/s320/DSC01061.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first graders carried balloons!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiU6ihmB63yPeQSjAV5T0u0twvHW7HX3nbuWp1jSYxE5bMEFC2EPpYnsnJneNkncnFGf2l1PRvaqVM-ZK5YhSDSHxI3xoHR_9u9Sr6KkXVY8JNRYDv9WFyD7foxHJ8XfiQyUL-rjZLYfAY/s1600/DSC01063.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>As for what the Lord is teaching me I can't even put it into words! He has shown me so much about His love, grace, power, everything really! As much as it may seem that I am here to teach the children our gracious Father is really using the children to teach me. As I walked around the room in one of the classes today my mind wandered from the task at hand to how little each of these children have in terms of material objects and in terms of education. The amazing thing is that despite their lack of education, their lack of resources, and their lack of stability in life they have the faith and love that God desires each one of us to have. "And he said, 'Truly I tell you unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.'" Matthew 18:3<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu8Wxnoeezf9a9qmOW-4aaevdeT75sHGJFuACZZ0HZuESy2Kwu1CyYyAR-f-1ILAsJWkbqvkzsrNStC_24hVIq2d_LuBRRxNmfMy23iQVtqpHeot_57thfVCQ5RbO1NdOwbV5Zldnhoy4/s1600/DSC01126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiu8Wxnoeezf9a9qmOW-4aaevdeT75sHGJFuACZZ0HZuESy2Kwu1CyYyAR-f-1ILAsJWkbqvkzsrNStC_24hVIq2d_LuBRRxNmfMy23iQVtqpHeot_57thfVCQ5RbO1NdOwbV5Zldnhoy4/s320/DSC01126.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Notice the blue teeth! :) </td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7-dFDxpk5jJjRP4KgSgYX5uHPc4BzU2aFkj2jbZD45Wb8arBVi_bXRODcBVB8ztGBdhduC9SpnQ4wjs61827UWL2emjXFSp-eJVgriA80V6CkGdH5yHAMm1qP_sZ95r2tP_2ozjbhCrE/s1600/DSC01182.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7-dFDxpk5jJjRP4KgSgYX5uHPc4BzU2aFkj2jbZD45Wb8arBVi_bXRODcBVB8ztGBdhduC9SpnQ4wjs61827UWL2emjXFSp-eJVgriA80V6CkGdH5yHAMm1qP_sZ95r2tP_2ozjbhCrE/s320/DSC01182.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the beautiful girls I have been blessed to teach!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>So as I venture into my days here I am filled with the love of Jesus Christ and with the love of these beautiful children. I can't wait to see what the Lord has in store as I continue my teaching and my time here in Guatemala!goff.lindhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14040821698051843934noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2561174031713128453.post-38529648560745571782011-05-26T20:23:00.000-07:002011-05-26T20:23:37.453-07:00"It is by GRACE you have been saved!""But because of His great LOVE for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions - It is by grace you have been saved," -Ephesians 2:4-5 And what a loving God we do have! Throughout my time here God has showed me His love in countless ways. Whether it be a safe trip on the chicken bus, a hug from the students, an understanding ear in my Spanish speaking, or a beautiful sunset from the Chiquito rooftop, God's love never fails to shine through!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3r-JgHVWtjm169MgdWwESArYIIxG9A6fmISB9qQ9OA4MUavnAHvCKPXof8OHqn_w00FyhmjjtQyr25nV1rVQT-XOd1L5JqAZZtfWhmwwjg3T2QmBj5Jn6uVS0FyoBqDTBFfEdocB7W7E/s1600/DSC00993.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3r-JgHVWtjm169MgdWwESArYIIxG9A6fmISB9qQ9OA4MUavnAHvCKPXof8OHqn_w00FyhmjjtQyr25nV1rVQT-XOd1L5JqAZZtfWhmwwjg3T2QmBj5Jn6uVS0FyoBqDTBFfEdocB7W7E/s320/DSC00993.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the students working hard at drawing fruits!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzWDTAn3ysir8btMmDfRipZBvHxFrddxDVW5hwjb4W-RbIXVFYjUESxPCo98HCjkph8u8OAIc5YS_mrq7VZJZ7uVVd_V843EcQGBZ9Fy_IxXVtLU9DGuuH8JlUHW_w3G5L6bLNi8nnpME/s1600/DSC01006.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzWDTAn3ysir8btMmDfRipZBvHxFrddxDVW5hwjb4W-RbIXVFYjUESxPCo98HCjkph8u8OAIc5YS_mrq7VZJZ7uVVd_V843EcQGBZ9Fy_IxXVtLU9DGuuH8JlUHW_w3G5L6bLNi8nnpME/s320/DSC01006.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Used the timer to get a shot of me with the students, luckily the had the patience <br />
to wait for the picture to take in this one :)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>I have finally gotten into more of a routine here, spending every morning teaching in the schools and every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday afternoon helping out in El Yahlu. Tuesday and Thursday I am then able to spend time at the house resting, hanging out with the family, and preparing what to teach which is always a blessing! This week the main English lessons I taught were fruits, vegetables, and colors. The students love when I take out my camera, maybe a little too much because it's difficult to get any good pictures! But here are a couple of the students learning, playing, and laughing at me a lot as well!<br />
<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPGodmpP1ysKFPVjke3WeNLwxTcxlFVlmT9suQdfUkoxejGz6wc9IRyGiWldvJAgWPdtpL4d5_tUUDnkvpFzI_VyKT6P300Bn4v1exi4ZbLDR4KAL_x84BbtK7Ij9flYdOkNyp9DIpVMI/s1600/DSC01027.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPGodmpP1ysKFPVjke3WeNLwxTcxlFVlmT9suQdfUkoxejGz6wc9IRyGiWldvJAgWPdtpL4d5_tUUDnkvpFzI_VyKT6P300Bn4v1exi4ZbLDR4KAL_x84BbtK7Ij9flYdOkNyp9DIpVMI/s320/DSC01027.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Playing a game with colors in English</td></tr>
</tbody></table><table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQXZir8-RoTapxD1mUIt1G2P_2blEhIQlaWUP3CjAZToJrtMeXt8RhkkzEXynSyoz0EPpI1FJ1c-kh7pilDpNbXTcQKjJf-Qt-_fqaGH3VYxWEb-saqbgdWpLMVvI6jXZWSvvAOwD83xE/s1600/DSC01034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQXZir8-RoTapxD1mUIt1G2P_2blEhIQlaWUP3CjAZToJrtMeXt8RhkkzEXynSyoz0EPpI1FJ1c-kh7pilDpNbXTcQKjJf-Qt-_fqaGH3VYxWEb-saqbgdWpLMVvI6jXZWSvvAOwD83xE/s320/DSC01034.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In one class that is especially hyper I had the students run to the end of the field <br />
and back just to get their energy out.</td></tr>
</tbody></table><br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH19WziKPe7iA-txNkaN9b1dfUwU2XWDAEPlyp3wtJwmGfdo6kI_aCVy7vapbm4HeL2vkiaEYTtxb9AU8cDiU8ixpI-JYsvbltFFOdGLpExXZVaOaAz_TDVNAPebUbMou5moi8qy_1xG8/s1600/DSC01039.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiH19WziKPe7iA-txNkaN9b1dfUwU2XWDAEPlyp3wtJwmGfdo6kI_aCVy7vapbm4HeL2vkiaEYTtxb9AU8cDiU8ixpI-JYsvbltFFOdGLpExXZVaOaAz_TDVNAPebUbMou5moi8qy_1xG8/s320/DSC01039.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The second graders are learning "Head, Shoulders, Knees and Toes,"<br />
the flutes have come in handy to make their learning more interesting!</td></tr>
</tbody></table><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">In El Yahlu I am just there as a helping hand, but I love going to just see how God is working there. It's hard to see the children without shoes and with ripped clothes, but their love and joy is overwhelming. They are willing and excited to learn and even more willing and excited when we play them in basketball. Those games have been quite exciting! All of my years of practice and games come in handy and my "perfect" form almost always produces a swish ;) </div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_uWglAq7aEns_McHJiH8hXMbR1eg7VCOHCN2BJLlmW8vg1zkbLWCDH1ZvQlNeOnpAhQqLiTk89QzIBikse039lRWenPR5iDjWVIgoIJueRwUwb6X1rYX3MAlcN6jzoAIw4LRMtBMIHjQ/s1600/DSC00948.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_uWglAq7aEns_McHJiH8hXMbR1eg7VCOHCN2BJLlmW8vg1zkbLWCDH1ZvQlNeOnpAhQqLiTk89QzIBikse039lRWenPR5iDjWVIgoIJueRwUwb6X1rYX3MAlcN6jzoAIw4LRMtBMIHjQ/s320/DSC00948.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Praying before the lesson in El Yahlu</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghARVJDL06RklgrvnNoRSpf8KQjAPRfDzi2F9INQ3liuSwi2B0sHs3n_xnotSAKYT3wMPbIJtnTuUS3Q8jHg5KiFNqzhHdMBleUvYhgXKmAyP1R1AlPODkoTudgyWswPcRAYo50fdZ3rY/s1600/DSC00951.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghARVJDL06RklgrvnNoRSpf8KQjAPRfDzi2F9INQ3liuSwi2B0sHs3n_xnotSAKYT3wMPbIJtnTuUS3Q8jHg5KiFNqzhHdMBleUvYhgXKmAyP1R1AlPODkoTudgyWswPcRAYo50fdZ3rY/s320/DSC00951.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This little boy has captured my heart. He has a difficult time walking, needs help in almost all he does, and has a smile as big as the sun! You know you want to be a special education teacher when you go to a different country and the ones that grab your heart the most are the ones with clear disabilities and beautiful smiles :)</td></tr>
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The weekends I have been blessed enough to see more and more of Guatemala each weekend. This past weekend we headed to Guatemala City to see the "White House" of Guatemala, which is actually a green house but is the same concept. I really enjoyed the time there learning and seeing more than I ever thought I would! I even got the opportunity to walk around the beautiful university that Oscar studied at! This weekend we'll go to another part of this beautiful country. </div><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDYI_Xyo7SRdwuUYML_EfCmb7TlQDTbKOoDHtVECiLQhqL2KRzpqFxNCVvhbSNtE27e8nazOwACfcaL1JLp3gVF8vZNalFFO9-D43u4Pr6tnhUB5woI5Uk1RKKWvZ3x5KaQcQ4ITfWEKU/s1600/DSC00957.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDYI_Xyo7SRdwuUYML_EfCmb7TlQDTbKOoDHtVECiLQhqL2KRzpqFxNCVvhbSNtE27e8nazOwACfcaL1JLp3gVF8vZNalFFO9-D43u4Pr6tnhUB5woI5Uk1RKKWvZ3x5KaQcQ4ITfWEKU/s320/DSC00957.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Making tomales, a food traditionally eaten at Christmas</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFyo4PfAg43tqvr9NfpuDqVqq7jKSUMPj5K_M3pU4iKiTiVo7pgCnL38WPRFt71Fo8h05FtlaJVywCxr4-CRiTsE8H-unhteUZgcz995FL8SK9TSvobqrnZC_Ke2_HedswK4-I5ZtGHJo/s1600/DSC00965.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFyo4PfAg43tqvr9NfpuDqVqq7jKSUMPj5K_M3pU4iKiTiVo7pgCnL38WPRFt71Fo8h05FtlaJVywCxr4-CRiTsE8H-unhteUZgcz995FL8SK9TSvobqrnZC_Ke2_HedswK4-I5ZtGHJo/s320/DSC00965.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">In front of the "White House" of Guatemala<br />
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God has been teaching me a lot through all of these experiences, but the most important is to always rely on His strength and not my own. Whether it be in controlling a class that doesn't understand my Spanish or in looking out of the bus window to a straight down drop or in trying to communicate whether I will be walking in a protest tomorrow or walking in a demonstration of peace (know worries it's just a walk for peace) relying on the God is what I'm learning to do. "Trust in the Lord with all your heart lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your paths straight," -Proverbs 3:5-6goff.lindhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14040821698051843934noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2561174031713128453.post-21694876230824564542011-05-20T19:14:00.000-07:002011-05-20T19:14:37.295-07:00The week flew by here in Guatemala! I don't even know where to begin with what has been going on! First off, I started going out to El Yahlu this week with three of the teachers from the church and have absolutely loved that! It's just Monday, Wednesday, and Friday when I get done at the school. I actually ride the "chicken bus" out there which is quite an adventure in itself. For those who don't know "chicken bus" is the name that was given to these buses I think for how fast they go and how the drivers play chicken on the mountain. It sounds worse than it is though, the bus I ride is pretty safe and the teachers have been taking it all year and have been fine :) In El Yahlu the teachers have a Bible lesson on Monday and then split into age groups on Wednesday and Friday to do math, literacy, whatever is being learned in school. I just basically help with whatever help is needed and enjoy listening to the different lessons.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg72ii2Sk7Rdcs8HH6lG1CtYLeIc9alyhFBzyAgM72Jy3cZOJI813i5p8BuyS8B_r2X4M-Ptuo0-Cze3owlW2DGAVQpjI70qfi5guUIfvqSx_NYNCJXRpT9E9pWFdRQeiTVRtg0DS0aCMw/s1600/DSC00914.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg72ii2Sk7Rdcs8HH6lG1CtYLeIc9alyhFBzyAgM72Jy3cZOJI813i5p8BuyS8B_r2X4M-Ptuo0-Cze3owlW2DGAVQpjI70qfi5guUIfvqSx_NYNCJXRpT9E9pWFdRQeiTVRtg0DS0aCMw/s320/DSC00914.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The girls after getting their hair washed (cute pink towels, huh?) </td></tr>
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On Monday we also washed the children's hair which was fun! There is a problem with lice for those children so once a week washing the hair helps. It was amazing to be able to help with that. The children were so patient and never complaining about the cold water or having to stand over a high sink. They silently bore the cold and then said "gracias" as finished. It's crazy how much a simple experience like that can teach you.<br />
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Classes are going good at the school. I hear and say "hello" and "goodbye" more than you could imagine! Clearly these are the only two words the students have learned so far in my teaching, but they really enjoy using them. I love teaching and spending time with the students and I can only pray and trust God that they are learning at least a little bit of English from me. I'm also trusting God that through me they see His love and grace and that I can be a witness to them through my teaching. So many things are out of my hands though, so trusting God with everything has become easier and easier :)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ3ELwhbdIo4pfPlaGL9q41bMJNvFEMhdEQGWQWhfGV4uYPeWaA1V64mIo_MDlpjuw6gEASm7rNu5yzn7YRcbQNwudBRKbJAZI3aJOa3gTuspCT5mF3s2UOc4BSxhyCXGXZpBDkleLNzE/s1600/DSC00930.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ3ELwhbdIo4pfPlaGL9q41bMJNvFEMhdEQGWQWhfGV4uYPeWaA1V64mIo_MDlpjuw6gEASm7rNu5yzn7YRcbQNwudBRKbJAZI3aJOa3gTuspCT5mF3s2UOc4BSxhyCXGXZpBDkleLNzE/s320/DSC00930.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some of the students at the school working on numbers in English</td></tr>
</tbody></table>As the next week comes my way I'm preparing more lessons, hoping to meet more people from the church, and praying that the Lord uses me here in Guatemala. He is doing amazing things here in and through these people!goff.lindhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14040821698051843934noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2561174031713128453.post-4113863194951333582011-05-14T18:02:00.000-07:002011-05-14T18:02:13.692-07:00I cannot believe I have been here in Guatemala a week already! It went by so fast! I finished out the school week actually being able to help with the first and second graders which was fun. The children are so loving and kind! Everyday they ask if I will be back the next day. We have been working on phrases the last two days such as "good morning," "good afternoon,"and "goodnight." The real test to see if they are actually learning will be Monday when I ask them what they remember :)<br />
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I am still fully trusting God in this teaching thing, I have seven classes that I see with about 20 to 30 students in each class so it's hard to see if all of the students are learning and to get material for every child, so basically it's in God's hands! Each night so far has then been spent preparing for the next school day, eating (which is done a lot), and getting to know the family. I absolutely love getting to know the family and just spending time with everyone, it's such a blessing.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuLD_I3NbqyAuAYGUurZUZDAeD1UtZl7aR8XcAX08K6CGx3CntOXYWD3zX6p-mgWkBlJ2gGTbQEqOhr7Bi_VhIQf0doa-HbEA1KBMyryEr8kIfS5FhGQ9VrvDt9UrigdAL2_8nM1xlBiA/s1600/DSC00858.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuLD_I3NbqyAuAYGUurZUZDAeD1UtZl7aR8XcAX08K6CGx3CntOXYWD3zX6p-mgWkBlJ2gGTbQEqOhr7Bi_VhIQf0doa-HbEA1KBMyryEr8kIfS5FhGQ9VrvDt9UrigdAL2_8nM1xlBiA/s320/DSC00858.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The students that walked me home</div>Yesterday afternoon I was able to leave school early since one of the teachers was gone and another teacher sent four of her students with me to make sure I got home safely. Kind of funny sending four students along to "protect" the teacher, but it was a fun walk! The students just wanted to know different words in English and then had fun trying to pronounce them. I also got to practice my Spanish more since the children don't judge on how bad it is :) I had a lot of fun talking with them on the short walk back :)<br />
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There is so much God has already taught me in this quick week and I can't wait to see what else He has in store! One is that I need to manage my time better, so with that said... I need to prepare for teaching this week!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirYwP4KbSLU3QJs7gF30KzjTvAF-cDZmj9R1AbZVdBivo2RVt7KNOGg8zbji2aJ5daE0IrgD4Z9Pm96uPe-2vFyP6Z7Dcxdptkn4sPMbfSxXMx4i4lDQ1wlFWV1V2oupuB9vDUjLVW5XA/s1600/DSC00892.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirYwP4KbSLU3QJs7gF30KzjTvAF-cDZmj9R1AbZVdBivo2RVt7KNOGg8zbji2aJ5daE0IrgD4Z9Pm96uPe-2vFyP6Z7Dcxdptkn4sPMbfSxXMx4i4lDQ1wlFWV1V2oupuB9vDUjLVW5XA/s320/DSC00892.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">What an amazing God we have!</div>goff.lindhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14040821698051843934noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2561174031713128453.post-76846329159038963822011-05-11T13:40:00.000-07:002011-05-13T13:21:24.966-07:00"Como se dice __________ en ingles?"Today was my first day at the school and I loved it! I'm a little tired, I must admit, but I absolutely loved the school! Yesterday was Mothers Day here in Guatemala so there was no school, only a program that was put on for the moms of the students. Then today the teachers that are moms didn't come to school since they were celebrating mothers day. The schools celebrate every holiday, making the amount of time the students learn significantly less, but that is just how it works. To do a quick overview of my last few days here I went with Oscar out to a village about 30 minutes from Sumpango to help out at a program he has partnered with there called "Mano con Mano." God is doing so many great things through the program for the children and the families of the village! It was so awesome to see! Hopefully I will be able to go back and help in the afternoons after I get settled in at the school.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkdyqXYO_eCy77k_wJW3CXlc2KGu6y1u9gOK1-pi1l_hBBCkPrV0_gsC3OkdhmUeAw30fUg3usxKJ6_CidFSbXdGnhst0dcVs11fldWetTvEqYQoBb9DSE_jYc_feVrEONsg4CPWFgEzo/s1600/DSC00769.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkdyqXYO_eCy77k_wJW3CXlc2KGu6y1u9gOK1-pi1l_hBBCkPrV0_gsC3OkdhmUeAw30fUg3usxKJ6_CidFSbXdGnhst0dcVs11fldWetTvEqYQoBb9DSE_jYc_feVrEONsg4CPWFgEzo/s320/DSC00769.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The program feeds malnourished children of the village. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOpXp_XlbXmBElWiBRWX4gPEP0geiWTzjgjONdJ4EztNfRsQfgArmLctr9prco8tdpp-vyRp6DhbpNKnIMjBRf15GjhZiASxwJp7AQKQioKUZbpKRCvNgChYQH7NFed8Kvke4lq1UfIZA/s1600/DSC00783.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOpXp_XlbXmBElWiBRWX4gPEP0geiWTzjgjONdJ4EztNfRsQfgArmLctr9prco8tdpp-vyRp6DhbpNKnIMjBRf15GjhZiASxwJp7AQKQioKUZbpKRCvNgChYQH7NFed8Kvke4lq1UfIZA/s320/DSC00783.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">The children love to have their picture taken and then look at it on the camera :)</div>Then on Tuesday at the program at the school a woman from the church was able to share the gift of salvation with the mothers which, again, was so amazing to see! God is just doing great things here in Guatemala through Oscar and his family and Los Olivos Church!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4tQnhudprCvm8M7J7ids42pQSnpVYOmIwc2nqbGlMo2efs4x9ZkMBHYHzjFWD_goIXwdEUELu-ydmJN5WOn1jzmfn8yX-gkn1NQIPsvJJsuGHBTHgqoUthtOTKTCAw5csZv6eXmoNl7Y/s1600/DSC00791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4tQnhudprCvm8M7J7ids42pQSnpVYOmIwc2nqbGlMo2efs4x9ZkMBHYHzjFWD_goIXwdEUELu-ydmJN5WOn1jzmfn8yX-gkn1NQIPsvJJsuGHBTHgqoUthtOTKTCAw5csZv6eXmoNl7Y/s320/DSC00791.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Mothers Day program, the seats were filled!</div>And onto today, the school was so fun! Due to the fact that the mothers stayed home today the schedule was different than I thought and rather than having first and second graders I was with the fourth, fifth and sixth graders. Talk about an opportunity to allow God to take the reigns! I had barely anything prepared, the teachers had no idea what they wanted me to teach and left the room in my hands, and still I am in one piece. In all honestly it was completely God in me, not me at all. The children were so fun though! I heard "como se dice _____ en ingles?" more times than I can count! But it was a fun day. Once again another amazing experience! Then on the way back from the school I rode in one of the buses (not the chicken buses don't worry:)) and did not know how to explain where to go. I ended up riding in the little bus for a while telling the students and driver different words in English. Finally, I just told the driver to drop me off at the market since I knew my way from there. I made it safely back to a lunch of spaghetti! Now just to plan out what my lesson will be tomorrow! Now I know the grade and know that I will be completely in charge for 45 minutes so hopefully I will be a little bit more prepared. Either way God came through today so I'm not too worried. There will be more pictures to come, I just keep forgetting my camera!<br />
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P.S. I never knew Lindsey was so hard to say! In each class we spent about five minutes just going over how my name is pronounced! :)goff.lindhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14040821698051843934noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2561174031713128453.post-74324782475737682142011-05-08T18:44:00.000-07:002011-05-08T18:44:20.326-07:00Safely in Guatemala :)I made it! Safe and sound! With absolutely no problems! But let's be honest, God brought me this far without problems did I really think I wouldn't make it on the plane or through customs? Absolutely not :) Yesterday was spent shopping at what is now Wal-mart in Guatemala city, lunch at McDonalds, getting to know the Chiquito family, and topped off with a delicious dinner of noodles, chicken and vegetables. It was an exhausting, but wonderful day! I have failed to take any pictures so far, but there will be some to come soon!<br />
Today was a bit more relaxing day that consisted of the market, playing with Emily (Oscar and Karla's daughter), being able to help in making a delicious lunch (although I'm not positive what it was called) and church. At church I could understand the majority of what the pastor was talking about which was such a blessing! The sermon was about being close to God and how that consists of being obedient and loving, a sermon that really applies at all times but especially while I'm here in Guatemala. I also loved just being in the church and seeing the strong sense of community within the church and the way Christ's love shines through everyone! I can't say enough how blessed I am to be here! Everyone is now around the house relaxing, preparing for the long week ahead, as I should be doing as well. I can now put to practice the lesson plans I was taught to make in school since I will be teaching in the schools this week! We'll see how that goes! As the week goes on keep my lesson plans in your prayers! :)goff.lindhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14040821698051843934noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2561174031713128453.post-36180405063083499262011-05-06T20:36:00.000-07:002011-05-06T20:36:38.540-07:00"How Great is our God!"As I sit in Chicago with my mom and my sister eating Giordano's stuffed pizza, I can't believe that tomorrow I am going to be in Guatemala. The only words that I can think to say are, How great is our God? Seriously though! I am going to another country in less than 7 hours and the only logical reason is we have an amazing, gracious God. Today was filled with long car rides, multiple stops for supplies, packing in the hotel parking lot, and a few u-turns along the way. But with all of that behind, I will be arriving at the airport at 3:00 a.m. tomorrow (I have such a loving mom and sister) and from there on out it is all in God's hands. The plane will land in Guatemala at 11 a.m. and so will begin my adventure. Excitement doesn't even begin to explain my feelings! But, unfortunately, I was just informed by my mom that it is time for bed, which is probably a good idea with only 4 hours until we wake up. 12 hours until Guatemala :)goff.lindhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14040821698051843934noreply@blogger.com1