tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17842753624723493812024-03-04T21:50:11.846-07:00Livin' Our DreamsShelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07338784611800458980noreply@blogger.comBlogger699125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1784275362472349381.post-60345365481786718562020-04-11T11:00:00.004-06:002020-04-11T11:00:52.417-06:00Lock-Down<div style="text-align: center;">
I thought I would post our March Update here in case you don't receive it. It is basically a Covid-19 update. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The view from Jimmy's tractor</td></tr>
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Thank you to everybody who reached out to us asking personally how things are going during this unsure time in the world. With all of the families living at the institute counting on being paid each week for their hours, it really has given us an opportunity to practice true faith in a way that glorifies God. When you stop and process the what if’s and how’s, it can be scary. Right as churches were closing in the States and we were realizing our support would be down, Jimmy got a call from a farmer offering him the job of mowing his large property with the institute’s tractor. It took Jimmy 3 days and soon after he was actually paid for it, which often doesn’t happen here. That got us through last month except for our personal power bill. Then later a friend we met on furlough texted and said God put it on his heart to meet a financial need we were having. His gift covered the light bill. I have no idea how God will continue to take care of us all here, but I believe with all my heart He will. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZAyXieAtt-ra8EiibXJvWZgy7JPkzcNpOEnz7D727x3B9tOqAKgQoFNKQx2a8zCzd_N_u36SnubbXhWYiZBAqetto6iaQvzDJAyT-T06YK9wdTo4dkCwxN2TF24G1F8Yb4dF1dAfX-CZk/s1600/IMG_4269.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="703" data-original-width="1241" height="362" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZAyXieAtt-ra8EiibXJvWZgy7JPkzcNpOEnz7D727x3B9tOqAKgQoFNKQx2a8zCzd_N_u36SnubbXhWYiZBAqetto6iaQvzDJAyT-T06YK9wdTo4dkCwxN2TF24G1F8Yb4dF1dAfX-CZk/s640/IMG_4269.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The
owner of the property took this shot with his drone. You can see the
tractor and the pretty rows between their saplings. He was happy because
this was the first time he has not lost a tree when someone mowed. </td></tr>
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Guatemala has been slowly increasing restrictions on everything, usually without warning. The local government and police seem to be taking things the president puts in place to an extreme. Churches and schools were shut down first. Then a 4PM to 4 AM curfew was put in place where you would be arrested if you left your house during those hours. Businesses were pressured/forced to close and lay people off. Then due to the government fearing Holy Week and how much people usually travel during this holiday, they said you couldn’t leave your department and now the local government is not allowing us to leave our town. There are lots of talks of 24 hour lock-downs due to the hysteria, that could last for weeks. I don’t know how my own family will get groceries or how we will be able to continue taking them to the institute to stock the store. Although they do have plenty of live chickens and chocolate fruit, ha! The people making the laws, do not live in rural places or understand how most people in this country financially live from day to day, and not close to a grocery store. They plan on trucks coming buy with meat and veggies to sell. So many families are becoming desperate. They just want the right to provide for their families. <br /> </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNj_r0lgfYpdc4pJ85YW_OY2JdZ1bQ819djJxina0A4w62da0YFhVYvqHgNa2q2_u_wMeaqDRgLSFdb9DKdw1CF4OeDD0T1sZ_uE1hZ_L4juzX5iFuzB2_jdkxRMFxJkINFNd1XMosGVhH/s1600/IMG_4157.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNj_r0lgfYpdc4pJ85YW_OY2JdZ1bQ819djJxina0A4w62da0YFhVYvqHgNa2q2_u_wMeaqDRgLSFdb9DKdw1CF4OeDD0T1sZ_uE1hZ_L4juzX5iFuzB2_jdkxRMFxJkINFNd1XMosGVhH/s640/IMG_4157.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first year students completed their chicken class and got their baby chicks delivery right before the shutdown.</td></tr>
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We are at a very low risk of Covid-19 infection and our pastoral students are at an even lower risk, living and studying at a private farm. Honestly due to this being a backpacking tourist area, I believe the virus came through here in January, but there are no tests to prove it. <br />We are used to local laws changing for no reason, even when there isn’t a perceived crisis. We are used to the grocery store being out of essential items and making great food from home with whatever random ingredients we can find. Long lines to get something done, while annoying, are pretty standard. Our regularly scheduled homeschool schedule will finish next week without missing any days. Our kids don’t notice anything being different other than missing their friends from local school. It is sad that our church outreaches to the neighboring villages have been cancelled with no way to do them online as the access of our people to technology is limited or non-existent.<br /> </div>
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The energy company has been giving free power to poor people so to make up for it they raised everybody’s rate by 12%. This not only affects how much we pay personally at our house, but also greatly increases operating costs at the Institute. This is especially hard right now during the dry season where the majority of our energy cost is running our well to water trees, chickens and students! The forecast for the next 10 days is 105-107 every day.<br /> </div>
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In good news, this has reinforced for all of our students the need to be self sufficient. One of our graduates starting his church in the village of Sepur spoke with Jimmy today. He is still working in different AG projects in the village as a day laborer. His chickens are large and fat and he is selling them to the village who can’t travel to buy meat from other markets. Jimmy asked him if he needed any help and he turned him down. “We have everything we need.” What a beautiful testimony. Before Jesus calms the storm Giovani is honoring God with his faith! <br /> </div>
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As members of God’s family, we are all in this together. I hope and pray that we will recognize God’s hand in all of our lives as He cares for us and that He will use it to do great things for His Kingdom and that none of us will get in the way! Thank you to everyone who continues to pray for and support the work here in spite of the uncertainty in your own financial future. Your families are in our prayers as well!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVU_2ZnLtMCB8oX30YLP16zkinQZF446AXfhkbfiDN6C1x1-ZdTVK67MYCFSOEH3KvQeFLtgnBs-mI5j5rn2NRzuM4cMg7FkBQrmD9_J_kbHnNy_qnX1wcc2n-MG6Sr_6_6LB7EZw-Tp7v/s640/IMG_4178.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="480" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jimmy preaching last Sunday</td></tr>
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This is the funny I included in our update: Jimmy set up a live feed from our house to the institute. The students can watch from a couple different places on the farm. This past Sunday while Jimmy was preaching he could see video from the salon where there is a TV set up. Raul was in there watching the service and Jimmy saw him get up and start beating something with a broom. He asked about it later. It was a pit viper!!! I’m not sad I missed that service! </div>
Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07338784611800458980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1784275362472349381.post-38687855891532295142020-03-19T11:32:00.000-06:002020-03-19T11:32:23.884-06:00Eden Turns 8!<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/AVvXsEh6ooJ2quPs9OYWcs0XLqXO_f-g1ojBSYbmm7hdVIt2vZW1DlQWHVyouYodeu8GUFJi_80y3CJ0NOyBIxy4JOpNL5ODue9ExKCjikxmAcTm1q3oug4U_5DMsQom6ALuo7L035VVCiP08UZm/s1600/47AE713A-290A-477B-BDF2-BE05076E3B76.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6ooJ2quPs9OYWcs0XLqXO_f-g1ojBSYbmm7hdVIt2vZW1DlQWHVyouYodeu8GUFJi_80y3CJ0NOyBIxy4JOpNL5ODue9ExKCjikxmAcTm1q3oug4U_5DMsQom6ALuo7L035VVCiP08UZm/s640/47AE713A-290A-477B-BDF2-BE05076E3B76.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Her 2nd Grade Classmates</td></tr>
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<span class="" title="Edited">Last Saturday we threw a party just hours
before the president of Guatemala’s announcement to lay low. Not sure
when E will get to see her classmates again but so thankful they all
came that day to celebrate her 8th birthday with her! </span></div>
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<span class="" title="Edited"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrongn2bWeOhZYTJDQiPMYres2A7QaiTFl1U_nYO_5m5J3pOJyh-QdBFEcSTjaOiJGi6JkntswkYLI6xZLmN4438HgnM6xCtM9DxSwYmimW58HWaoe5ccLp3IPfVZYeGbSq5qq7uIk_EMt/s1600/IMG_3973.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrongn2bWeOhZYTJDQiPMYres2A7QaiTFl1U_nYO_5m5J3pOJyh-QdBFEcSTjaOiJGi6JkntswkYLI6xZLmN4438HgnM6xCtM9DxSwYmimW58HWaoe5ccLp3IPfVZYeGbSq5qq7uIk_EMt/s640/IMG_3973.jpg" width="480" /></a> </span></div>
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<span class="" title="Edited">She picked a Cinderella theme with a Cinderella cupcake cake. I don't usually need to make any suggestions, she has a head full of ideas at all times! </span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6626_KBeah8-DnQCUAfig9dEowkf4fBsSKxQORJF9K0mmpeaQm0F6ZfpjI4JJp2Qmel2XBw0Yve2NOLoo_kkFP1fOABFevK3Mr9RGPnGojAdpvzKrAU5hBzQqJovT40K9mq_fsENxwYb4/s1600/IMG_3914.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6626_KBeah8-DnQCUAfig9dEowkf4fBsSKxQORJF9K0mmpeaQm0F6ZfpjI4JJp2Qmel2XBw0Yve2NOLoo_kkFP1fOABFevK3Mr9RGPnGojAdpvzKrAU5hBzQqJovT40K9mq_fsENxwYb4/s640/IMG_3914.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking for the key to unlock the attic! </td></tr>
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<span class="" title="Edited"> My favorite part about E's birthday parties are planning them out with her and all the excitement leading up to them! </span></div>
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<span class="" title="Edited"> There was also a Cinderella manicure!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiavYYrNsbbvFuTnTU9LpQbMBXyprp-eeJdArKTM3hnVEUR-7dvIVNTbOH67jcwsxPsAwcENHSp3UsZ9bqbzWAJjAW0Emzxn4lBkXDxV1mnLx_MjugYV_7_3qRjetGcr1ZJFx1DBfpACtRD/s1600/IMG_3902.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiavYYrNsbbvFuTnTU9LpQbMBXyprp-eeJdArKTM3hnVEUR-7dvIVNTbOH67jcwsxPsAwcENHSp3UsZ9bqbzWAJjAW0Emzxn4lBkXDxV1mnLx_MjugYV_7_3qRjetGcr1ZJFx1DBfpACtRD/s640/IMG_3902.jpeg" width="480" /> </a></div>
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I had my normal ups and downs while making her cake, trying to get Cinderella blue. Eden said in her typical encouraging way, "Mommy, I don't know why you don't like it, but I love it, and that's all that matters!" Eden has a nurturing, encouraging spirit always. I just love her! </div>
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<span class="" title="Edited"> </span><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3LeY09AYxjJU6YiTu_0tpns9sqsUedl4iQ-DZyHr8ij5i_X_oowaui6_TEw4Z8JcdzxMo6sUgOZzTK7SjnhU7HF-GzOmod6D0KhMfGOgACbjnPejZedPbDJrMFuqTYsWBFT0ptPEEk84k/s640/F79CEC39-2C15-46FD-B5B2-D3F174B00600.jpg" width="640" /> As usual, Jimmy was very supportive of our party planning. It's a tradition that he carves something out of a watermelon. This time it was a crown!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggYZwMoJWQTang0rNMiVkvZQm2lLJHamJGFLkZaOjOM9RSYmGcdrlZFJwNoC1GZ9J3Zjh0zCMCpFlw36W9ZsssizfJkM3CKWp49iOIEaM8shaXOze4mjOvLDQOezxtCZCoZs9b_7RJDgWW/s1600/CABA8993-407C-418A-8A89-E7D2BBB5A249.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggYZwMoJWQTang0rNMiVkvZQm2lLJHamJGFLkZaOjOM9RSYmGcdrlZFJwNoC1GZ9J3Zjh0zCMCpFlw36W9ZsssizfJkM3CKWp49iOIEaM8shaXOze4mjOvLDQOezxtCZCoZs9b_7RJDgWW/s640/CABA8993-407C-418A-8A89-E7D2BBB5A249.jpg" width="640" /></a> <span class="" title="Edited"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdAl8vTfIHtpA0S4DginEFrGwHan002gl4v5oTKXEklDMDh9Jebg2xu9X1fzElExrdTT4Qof9fYdJYHcqHDzj5aJIBkptZGbNqZHFH2u7L7RbQtjex8KQbioZ7cw7L2E5POkIfAGic8jIY/s1600/IMG_3897.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdAl8vTfIHtpA0S4DginEFrGwHan002gl4v5oTKXEklDMDh9Jebg2xu9X1fzElExrdTT4Qof9fYdJYHcqHDzj5aJIBkptZGbNqZHFH2u7L7RbQtjex8KQbioZ7cw7L2E5POkIfAGic8jIY/s640/IMG_3897.jpeg" width="480" /></a></span> </div>
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Eden wanted her brothers to celebrate with her too!</div>
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We played lots of games like Princess Bingo and roll the dice to Build Cinderella's pink dress that the mice made for her. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1XEjYyPL6DtIxCVrLab5OVxVCMVoL7_SRgan7-MYVgT0hBnG-iILnhKSB-yskzTL98lCokBl5_HVj4X3I-FwFlJNaqJl5qdAMzUQ9-XlwLMgyBdmPstc7Elf2PAWxOUGxf4LMAwY5DA9y/s1600/EFA3665C-796A-43A9-8A90-5704A2CDBAB1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1XEjYyPL6DtIxCVrLab5OVxVCMVoL7_SRgan7-MYVgT0hBnG-iILnhKSB-yskzTL98lCokBl5_HVj4X3I-FwFlJNaqJl5qdAMzUQ9-XlwLMgyBdmPstc7Elf2PAWxOUGxf4LMAwY5DA9y/s640/EFA3665C-796A-43A9-8A90-5704A2CDBAB1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pin the slipper on Cinderella. </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDy912AU08Zr59kPzFLdY0MAsYgOfs7mOUsLQ1EIkZbEfLvxpkreiIxo0FDM1fj3r1q85-IzDafjZBhC8Z2oDTqzGPlBQHjixHAI-vWLk5EdQAtEAdzbqKe4jaF46FfUSMYKRVoTNUAc6F/s1600/D414E723-D659-41E8-B6A5-187AE815AADE.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1439" data-original-width="1440" height="638" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDy912AU08Zr59kPzFLdY0MAsYgOfs7mOUsLQ1EIkZbEfLvxpkreiIxo0FDM1fj3r1q85-IzDafjZBhC8Z2oDTqzGPlBQHjixHAI-vWLk5EdQAtEAdzbqKe4jaF46FfUSMYKRVoTNUAc6F/s640/D414E723-D659-41E8-B6A5-187AE815AADE.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">None of the girls would hit the Cinderella piñata hard enough to break her open, so E's brothers finished her off!</td></tr>
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<span class="" title="Edited"></span><span class="" title="Edited"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW2WwYRGuiyy93VUshI4IcEMjyDWsGozgpHYOrA7dvDIKwSAf_bJTeCnM-ZxtdRjmUxu-X_Be_sn9P65lHgbm4GxmCA8WTmg1KliC-XfzIQ2sp7qBrrlgi6lZ97CCmZb8DrN1mNchE7nhS/s1600/67B922D1-A400-4DB8-8A6C-511D0AFBB1C6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW2WwYRGuiyy93VUshI4IcEMjyDWsGozgpHYOrA7dvDIKwSAf_bJTeCnM-ZxtdRjmUxu-X_Be_sn9P65lHgbm4GxmCA8WTmg1KliC-XfzIQ2sp7qBrrlgi6lZ97CCmZb8DrN1mNchE7nhS/s640/67B922D1-A400-4DB8-8A6C-511D0AFBB1C6.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="" title="Edited">We are so thankful
for our sweet little princess God blessed us with. She is such a
bright loving nurturing smart sparkly part of our family. We all had a
blast putting this together for her.</span><span class="" title="Edited"></span></div>
Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07338784611800458980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1784275362472349381.post-42078655329637353462020-01-24T13:53:00.001-07:002020-01-25T15:55:04.451-07:00Profesor Henry <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<img src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-15/sh0.08/e35/s640x640/83027365_580224152826956_4550135716666469035_n.jpg?_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&_nc_ohc=PzNzYcN-S_UAX9yYSRj&oh=921a356d0109b6b3d2a8a26d613b57d0&oe=5EC30C9A" style="max-width: 586px;" /></div>
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Today was Henry’s first day of teaching at the institute. He is a very gifted communicator that we believe will be a great blessing to the students!! (He is a graduate.) My first day teaching classes I was SO nervous. I remember praying out loud all the way to the farm. Jimmy actually was physically ill his first day. This pic is completely staged because they finished before my class was over and very kindly posed for this pic. They said someone’s going to see this photo and think those students don’t even have any books. Don’t worry we have books and notebooks to spare. Also these are all the first year students! If you only knew how hard the devil fought to keep each one from coming. These are the ones that persevered.</div>
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Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07338784611800458980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1784275362472349381.post-6355922983503937142020-01-16T08:30:00.003-07:002020-01-16T08:31:49.386-07:00First Day of Spanish 2nd and 4th Grade<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih-Ju0MSQdhO5Us1kSZ4AChCu2F16fbrTWvgNxmzUCffIDwx1osS0niF8kSnJRBqIKacaA-HgT8R4QGoBQwOQZoTec1IIjNoWKkzUV014dJ6ElYBhdAd0W37GXVTXwnBoR7eqZHFxkbG7R/s1600/595A9F0A-BB23-409F-8825-B6AA4153EC67.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1346" data-original-width="1440" height="596" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih-Ju0MSQdhO5Us1kSZ4AChCu2F16fbrTWvgNxmzUCffIDwx1osS0niF8kSnJRBqIKacaA-HgT8R4QGoBQwOQZoTec1IIjNoWKkzUV014dJ6ElYBhdAd0W37GXVTXwnBoR7eqZHFxkbG7R/s640/595A9F0A-BB23-409F-8825-B6AA4153EC67.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihwJdQ2twgnew9ztERQnibYloVBW-hIUFeH5W_WpXLvUbrufgxwz75FgEkhmx4iQHgFNHKK_R9fMtDAr1jbza_IALMZAqInnYgZifOfb1FHEQ4Tf-pGYvpKrs2N48aWuWFHSe_drc5dbPF/s1600/97226C58-0F75-4B8C-AC1F-9B6141192A82.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1346" data-original-width="1440" height="596" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihwJdQ2twgnew9ztERQnibYloVBW-hIUFeH5W_WpXLvUbrufgxwz75FgEkhmx4iQHgFNHKK_R9fMtDAr1jbza_IALMZAqInnYgZifOfb1FHEQ4Tf-pGYvpKrs2N48aWuWFHSe_drc5dbPF/s640/97226C58-0F75-4B8C-AC1F-9B6141192A82.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span class=""> I'm so thankful my kids have the opportunity to go to a great
school in our town. The director/founder has a beautiful heart and wants
all of “her kids” to have the very best. </span></div>
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<span class=""><span class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNNJDVz38bgly-tt9L6NkRgZYivVBdmXqnvB6bLngYgxSe8C-uFMRQF_0hogMa1_dNh3QmwyMeNrSvWAcMsaKGbM8JHcJL33XkLS8G9hWzT93U1AlQStSYaOQP6mpaDFmRf2mA-z0ruyKN/s1600/4FE6725A-4F18-4946-B526-28F0D159823E.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1349" data-original-width="1440" height="598" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiNNJDVz38bgly-tt9L6NkRgZYivVBdmXqnvB6bLngYgxSe8C-uFMRQF_0hogMa1_dNh3QmwyMeNrSvWAcMsaKGbM8JHcJL33XkLS8G9hWzT93U1AlQStSYaOQP6mpaDFmRf2mA-z0ruyKN/s640/4FE6725A-4F18-4946-B526-28F0D159823E.JPG" width="640" /></a></span> </span><br />
<span class="">J, S, and E have been counting
down the days! Eden was especially excited that she will have the same teacher as last year. </span></div>
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<span class=""><span class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpTL99ZsWe0HAUcugVFPq0l-QmjoTSlAat4mTzc67If5ExoJiMKYr2HbF0gmM3AFfKCoolZ0oKUGfxr2o2RVD6NhZAwvFm_-V-AlW6Hkk6zcfuN_Hbj5b5seZJztIS0W0Gq1g2Kcw6VNFI/s1600/7A59428C-9A56-4AD5-B070-1BCF484FD0F3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1349" data-original-width="1440" height="598" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpTL99ZsWe0HAUcugVFPq0l-QmjoTSlAat4mTzc67If5ExoJiMKYr2HbF0gmM3AFfKCoolZ0oKUGfxr2o2RVD6NhZAwvFm_-V-AlW6Hkk6zcfuN_Hbj5b5seZJztIS0W0Gq1g2Kcw6VNFI/s640/7A59428C-9A56-4AD5-B070-1BCF484FD0F3.JPG" width="640" /></a></span> </span><br />
<span class="">Jimmy was invited to kick off the year in prayer again so
he sent me a couple pics from this morning. This is their second year at this school and its third year in existence, it truly is a gift from God for my kiddos. </span><br />
<span class=""><span class=""><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3tUBpIT1Tcs8S0dqOUwKd2QaHRj66Vt4kh-3ymqrFFi4aOMSdh-KYBWXBXtNiiO9j2vVkXar9-WF9iUvKPrpHxFRYy3IBy2TrXscf_LKpgXrfcg_ace5TUqs2qjF4IDrEqMVo0FUWNNwP/s1600/B2FEFBDE-A1AE-4582-AD8D-FC0E994EAED9.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1349" data-original-width="1440" height="598" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3tUBpIT1Tcs8S0dqOUwKd2QaHRj66Vt4kh-3ymqrFFi4aOMSdh-KYBWXBXtNiiO9j2vVkXar9-WF9iUvKPrpHxFRYy3IBy2TrXscf_LKpgXrfcg_ace5TUqs2qjF4IDrEqMVo0FUWNNwP/s640/B2FEFBDE-A1AE-4582-AD8D-FC0E994EAED9.JPG" width="640" /></a></span></span></div>
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<span class="">They attend school from 7AM to noon. We still homeschool in the afternoons for about 2.5 hours but this offers them friendships, fluency, </span><span class="">and lovely cultural experiences.</span><br />
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Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07338784611800458980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1784275362472349381.post-4010036585716330122020-01-08T11:07:00.003-07:002020-01-08T11:07:52.436-07:00Preparing for New Students<div style="text-align: center;">
<span>Jimmy
was able to find a lumberyard opened that was stocked which is quite a
task in January (It took up most of Monday) when many businesses are
still closed for the holidays. </span></div>
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<span></span><span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Ty8jNy6Z5VzQ57WkIwr-ixSnThyphenhyphenj3XGOyrEtpumAUdHH2PR5AwazNYDGtqh4BkwTrEbnbNOBSkNlFp7-ZQZo1aea9q1H_LsqcCIE1qnDQnzKjkO4bgmI08NWuwR4PnrjMcajK0oz1Hl6/s1600/IMG_1236.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7Ty8jNy6Z5VzQ57WkIwr-ixSnThyphenhyphenj3XGOyrEtpumAUdHH2PR5AwazNYDGtqh4BkwTrEbnbNOBSkNlFp7-ZQZo1aea9q1H_LsqcCIE1qnDQnzKjkO4bgmI08NWuwR4PnrjMcajK0oz1Hl6/s640/IMG_1236.jpeg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span>He and several men at the farm have been
building more bunk beds for the single guys’ house! Elias has been doing
a wonderful job managing the construction of new houses for families.
(I’ll have to take more photos of the new and redone houses.) </span></div>
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<span><span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn7ldS4Uh332iva-EAVx4fqcZ4qSrZtsotdMmDUTr0LyIV3z7GfdsQmG-ccHaSIlzPg1td2xpT3RWtsHpuf3boKklkJybthahjCk-lBCRzMEYIvBhpst_Q1AyoODBN7sT4et0pdMzmKOcI/s1600/IMG_9237.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjn7ldS4Uh332iva-EAVx4fqcZ4qSrZtsotdMmDUTr0LyIV3z7GfdsQmG-ccHaSIlzPg1td2xpT3RWtsHpuf3boKklkJybthahjCk-lBCRzMEYIvBhpst_Q1AyoODBN7sT4et0pdMzmKOcI/s640/IMG_9237.jpeg" width="640" /></a></span> We are
praying for all the men calling in who said God was drawing them to
study and the institute! Please pray that they will persevere through
all that the devil will use to try and discourage them. Each one
represents and entire village that will have the opportunity to hear the
truth!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdtvzYeWdCSWiUGK3v2zb-G71djErBJTHq145lE9CP-xL_QgxZYK3frZyMKx9z6RWAkSuXoQnDgIm9UDLY1BK1W2fWm6nOzn_kQdtHWl7jY4cn-C7fNeY83ujqdXBd4F7bCydf4gJVqjFD/s1600/IMG_1237.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdtvzYeWdCSWiUGK3v2zb-G71djErBJTHq145lE9CP-xL_QgxZYK3frZyMKx9z6RWAkSuXoQnDgIm9UDLY1BK1W2fWm6nOzn_kQdtHWl7jY4cn-C7fNeY83ujqdXBd4F7bCydf4gJVqjFD/s640/IMG_1237.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07338784611800458980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1784275362472349381.post-68714844704670685852020-01-07T10:16:00.001-07:002020-01-07T10:24:14.871-07:00Bible Studies Have Begun<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<img height="514" src="https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-15/sh0.08/e35/s640x640/80003546_156009595723477_2725072620494498141_n.jpg?_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&_nc_ohc=jQ_bKowlnVAAX-ldOGd&oh=97de2433adc3ed1b9fd246ba7276b2bc&oe=5EA5880A" style="max-width: 586px;" width="640" /></div>
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Rodrigo and Mari have already been hosting Bible studies in their new home in Agua Chiquita. We are so excited for them. Please pray as they share the truth, that God would draw more people in the village to a true understanding of His love and the freedom that He offers. Their hope is that with the first couple families that put their faith in Christ they can become a mission and then grow into a reproducing church.<br />
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Last night a believer from a village we visited several times before the institute existed called and wanted to either have his son come and study to be their pastor or have a graduate come... they are so hungry for more about God! His son is a little young still but his village is close enough to Rodrigo and Mari that they will be able to visit their too. Maybe that will be the first spot for a 2020 graduate. We will see!! Villages like that are what God used to show us the need for the institute - Discipled families that can go and disciple other families! </div>
Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07338784611800458980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1784275362472349381.post-3229253303827831262020-01-04T13:56:00.000-07:002020-01-04T14:05:34.869-07:00The 2019 KBI Graduation<div style="text-align: center;">
At the end of the year we had our 3rd graduation at Kekchi Bible Institute! </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/AVvXsEg64dAjEKP8toEPryWEnsAbWRY5WR1cbVBbAUfLX341uFfCJR-_RPa4GpPX8Sv2vGSzUKnIEJhNFyN4Ked6_vZjCNJL4A-KzdOSjLhbTx7AA3rxKTlaHj_xwpw1PDVwmssrPaSHX674R_ib/s1600/IMG_2573.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1300" data-original-width="1600" height="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg64dAjEKP8toEPryWEnsAbWRY5WR1cbVBbAUfLX341uFfCJR-_RPa4GpPX8Sv2vGSzUKnIEJhNFyN4Ked6_vZjCNJL4A-KzdOSjLhbTx7AA3rxKTlaHj_xwpw1PDVwmssrPaSHX674R_ib/s640/IMG_2573.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mari, Rodrigo, Henry, Gerson, Angelina, Giovani</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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I wanted to share a little bit about each graduate's plans. Mari and Rodrigo each completed the full 3 year program of 60 courses. In mid December they moved to the unreached village of Agua Chiquita. They have a son whom Titus will miss very much. </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/AVvXsEik7m4IB7XeEues1g3pjs8fFbqznT-x_KdUWujiV4Ws7L2xCsVG2oKuVda0U6bXqeC4Jh7jsJWPfsSYmBe5kTvWsmFtpXcQkbnznJxVo5OIOXOtLiRVEi49YJMw75hRpMSPjG4WR-R14qCd/s1600/IMG_2655+4.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEik7m4IB7XeEues1g3pjs8fFbqznT-x_KdUWujiV4Ws7L2xCsVG2oKuVda0U6bXqeC4Jh7jsJWPfsSYmBe5kTvWsmFtpXcQkbnznJxVo5OIOXOtLiRVEi49YJMw75hRpMSPjG4WR-R14qCd/s640/IMG_2655+4.jpeg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jackson and Titus</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Giovani came to the farm as a single student, met the cook and got married! He completed the 3 year program and Angelina didn't begin studying until later, but completed the certificate program of 20 classes (she actually completed 35 classes). They also moved in December to the unreached village of Se Pur. They have one son as well. Since moving they have already faced some opposition among the village leadership but God cleared the way for them to remain in the village. </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/AVvXsEhc2mqQU6rhoHKOT6dL0mQM9-5VNSZoXC49O2FIR1XbFY6ONeZarcG2XGOnkss1vsNKkj3Q4arzH-H5_kgADB5VWV7o9sbaDSref_rGFKdsoHEY5nXw345jNdXmB-aXX3fUPQSvsMXojMJ3/s1600/IMG_2577+3.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhc2mqQU6rhoHKOT6dL0mQM9-5VNSZoXC49O2FIR1XbFY6ONeZarcG2XGOnkss1vsNKkj3Q4arzH-H5_kgADB5VWV7o9sbaDSref_rGFKdsoHEY5nXw345jNdXmB-aXX3fUPQSvsMXojMJ3/s640/IMG_2577+3.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Graduates with all of the men and women who teach at the institute. (Oscar's face is behind Eulalia, but we really appreciate him too.) </td></tr>
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Henry was in the first group of students to ever come to the farm. Besides Elias, Jimmy has probably spent the most time with and feels the closest to Henry. When he left 3 years ago, with one semester to go, that was a very low point for us personally. He returned this past year, with his wife Ana. She is still completing the program, so he will stay here for a while. He will be teaching some first year classes at the institute and is our translator for all of our materials that we want to be put into Kekchi. He is a gifted teacher and translator, so we wouldn't mind if God's plan for him was to partner with us long-term, but God will reveal that in His own time. When I try to predict things like this, I'm always wrong!</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/AVvXsEgzg8gTJtR8mQWUOua55yykmBCZIjp6eWurph5rjj3kp-AFJCnYs_eYfnImfIHI0VwqTZzJ-kP6lr0t9qZeNd23ZBo0ztvYMaH5xJNb2q5d7SHAfetV8a-9M_JPP2-rcNRzb7R1WqbocgKG/s1600/IMG_2658+4.jpeg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzg8gTJtR8mQWUOua55yykmBCZIjp6eWurph5rjj3kp-AFJCnYs_eYfnImfIHI0VwqTZzJ-kP6lr0t9qZeNd23ZBo0ztvYMaH5xJNb2q5d7SHAfetV8a-9M_JPP2-rcNRzb7R1WqbocgKG/s640/IMG_2658+4.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There are a couple missing from this photo, but these are the other men beginning their 2nd and 3rd year at the institute, plus Gerson and his brother. </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Gerson is the first student to graduate single. Like Jimmy said in the graduation video he made for the students, it isn't for lack of options, haha! Gerson is waiting for a girl that wants to serve God along side him. He lives the farthest away out of anyone and is one of the only students who had a dad that truly supported him studying at the institute. His dad is a pastor in the department south of here and Gerson returned to his church to take over the youth ministry he start during breaks at the institute. He spoke of coming back once he is married to partner with our association to begin a church plant in Petén. (It is just an association to be legal in Guatemala, each mission once it becomes a self supporting church will file paperwork to become it's own association.) Can't wait to see what God has for him!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1o-9eY5fjSN6bNwxHaSQFjFKztzdjIk5vApn6rSmsFSM6CoNOm6rGgifGXkXxqtv7Z_PdLCpEuHXcQbGKZM5NwlQbQzPmqwgPjuZ4hfQwRK-nEWsrXxG7GJu_dI65r-rWK3FgfR2yeBnT/s1600/IMG_2550+3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1o-9eY5fjSN6bNwxHaSQFjFKztzdjIk5vApn6rSmsFSM6CoNOm6rGgifGXkXxqtv7Z_PdLCpEuHXcQbGKZM5NwlQbQzPmqwgPjuZ4hfQwRK-nEWsrXxG7GJu_dI65r-rWK3FgfR2yeBnT/s640/IMG_2550+3.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Each year we learn so much about how to better prepare each student. We adjust and readjust constantly. This is the first year we worked outside the umbrella of an existing association for the church plants. These 2 families are pioneers. If they persevere and are successful, this will serve as proof of concept for other graduates who want to be autonomous. Please pray for them!</div>
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Another adjustment for the upcoming year is we have learned that many students (not all) move out of their parents' or inlaws' house to move onto the
farm property. That means that when they leave the institute, it is their
first time truly outside of a big family situation (We consider the farm community a big family!) where they are setting up their own house and won't have someone around to help them all the time. It can be overwhelming. Day one at the institute will be different for new families. It's hard because you want to fix everyone's problem immediately if you can but in some cases that will stifle their future. Please pray for our upcoming year!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbY9gQeJ2L5CKherkLIM3SJTCykGI2BXg_YfhX0fph676iw9nfCFK4lgiFtslA9kcVvcRGVtT5QAwHe5AN-PR1Hbw6_2pSE1lUaODHtZPdothFFE5a_LwYcegEGv421R8SZxIidXtcKbER/s1600/IMG_2624+4.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbY9gQeJ2L5CKherkLIM3SJTCykGI2BXg_YfhX0fph676iw9nfCFK4lgiFtslA9kcVvcRGVtT5QAwHe5AN-PR1Hbw6_2pSE1lUaODHtZPdothFFE5a_LwYcegEGv421R8SZxIidXtcKbER/s640/IMG_2624+4.jpeg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This upcoming year will be our first where the ladies have a uniform too. We were all pretty excited about it! </td></tr>
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It is such an honor to share 3 years with these individuals who sacrifice so much to follow God's call. The farm is such a unique environment. Everyone is there to grow, us included!</div>
Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07338784611800458980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1784275362472349381.post-91154494227828458782019-10-05T12:06:00.001-06:002019-10-05T12:06:33.498-06:00Connection<div style="text-align: center;">
I remember when the first family left the institute to go begin pastoring a new work. We were all on our front porch saying goodbye and praying over them. I remember not knowing what to say to the wife. Her husband began his journey at the institute as a single student and she came later. I never really connected with her, she was so shy and probably still felt like the new girl when she left. <br /><br />That day I purposed in my heart to do better. I wanted to build a strong sense of community with the ladies at the farm even though sometimes there seems like overwhelming obstacles to a true connection. When they graduate these families go to areas where there are no other Christians, I want them to have a strong support system of people who know what they are going through. I want them to always be part of our community. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxOMBmgGRcUf22yfpf-rnBIGAHI8iKTgOs74HdB0qGnvDcsMK9BheMgJVjRIKe0NfHZBQ-B3hHa-BiSCvDra9NE531tewk0hST31QaS824x-GFmoXRM4oIBGbCMSEpQKORwn7oqhmHG0qs/s1600/BABED759-B519-4E5B-9B86-08A29159D50A.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxOMBmgGRcUf22yfpf-rnBIGAHI8iKTgOs74HdB0qGnvDcsMK9BheMgJVjRIKe0NfHZBQ-B3hHa-BiSCvDra9NE531tewk0hST31QaS824x-GFmoXRM4oIBGbCMSEpQKORwn7oqhmHG0qs/s640/BABED759-B519-4E5B-9B86-08A29159D50A.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />Then God sent Mari. She is one of those friends who you never struggle with what to talk about. Building that friendship was easy. I probably have never been around her when we didn’t laugh at least a couple times. She leaves in a few weeks to move to their new village, her journey here is coming to an end. I’m so happy for her family. They are going to be wonderful partners in ministry. Still, thinking about them leaving makes me sad. <br /><br />I appreciate Mari. I feel like God used her friendliness to show this introvert it’s possible! I have nothing more in common with Mari than any other lady at the institute, but God offers us this beautiful gift of family and friendship that overcomes any shortcomings on my part inside His community. Connection is something I will work at forever, here where God has placed me, but I know it’s possible. <br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3pAZIbREM5hzlq7swTW41itQeMWCIQ8F8SZPSlGxGGmgxYatY8vIY9ij9KeawYknqIwSIaw8Lxp9SjwRNjFD0qlvQd4inM4U41rr-fVY7fwNcmQEGTy6f7IFK5It-q-FiIBCT_84L9PbI/s1600/IMG_0874.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="389" data-original-width="1600" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh3pAZIbREM5hzlq7swTW41itQeMWCIQ8F8SZPSlGxGGmgxYatY8vIY9ij9KeawYknqIwSIaw8Lxp9SjwRNjFD0qlvQd4inM4U41rr-fVY7fwNcmQEGTy6f7IFK5It-q-FiIBCT_84L9PbI/s640/IMG_0874.jpeg" width="640" /></a><br />Last night we celebrated Mari’s little boy’s 3rd birthday. Tito is going to cry as much as me when they leave.</div>
Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07338784611800458980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1784275362472349381.post-14266458733606248412019-07-05T08:27:00.002-06:002019-07-05T08:29:27.376-06:00Salvation Testimony Week<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/AVvXsEiRSavHJJrhOr17-J_KQm15O8RWLPUwmZBNaKVOgDnzceykIeMZpZWupSvru9g33cvzPFVLQ58IXnlNjI6Eec7VxX7jgh-3ePhCVxlpb_gYuMLSrQRKMddGZIs8BqrgMY1oKII1d8KarIp2/s1600/IMG_3714.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRSavHJJrhOr17-J_KQm15O8RWLPUwmZBNaKVOgDnzceykIeMZpZWupSvru9g33cvzPFVLQ58IXnlNjI6Eec7VxX7jgh-3ePhCVxlpb_gYuMLSrQRKMddGZIs8BqrgMY1oKII1d8KarIp2/s400/IMG_3714.jpeg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The 2 in the middle are 2 of the ladies who became part of our big family this past weekend!</td></tr>
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Last week was the one in Personal Evangelism class where everyone has to share their testimony. We were concerned about a couple of the new students just because we had never gotten a clear testimony from them, even though they claimed to be Christians. </div>
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One of the new ladies who married a student before his second year, stood up when it was her turn and shared what her church told her Salvation was. She then concluded with, “So I know now that I am not a Cristian, but I want to put my faith in Christ.” This gave 2 other new wives who shared similar stories the courage to speak out as well. All 3 put their faith in Christ this past weekend. We are so excited for them! </div>
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One had such a drastic change in her countenance. There is absolute demonic oppression going on in these village where Satan wants to keep them in bondage even in the ones where it appears the Truth has already been there. Those usually become the most difficult to reach. But what they have isn't the Truth, it's an evil counterfeit. Each time God delivers someone from Satan's kingdom it is a powerful testimony of who He is! </div>
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So many people are looking for the Truth. We are very excited ever time it reaches one of them! </div>
Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07338784611800458980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1784275362472349381.post-88950446961969427522019-03-18T08:16:00.003-06:002019-03-18T08:16:52.898-06:00Where the Battle Lies<div style="text-align: center;">
The purpose of our Bible Institute isn’t just to have people who know more about their Bible, it is to have people trained to teach the Bible to others. The 3 families that have graduated so far, are in full time ministry. 2 are pastoring new missions, and one is our dean of students. Their experiences so far are helping us learn how to better aid our students as they graduate and then transition into ministry. There are 4 couples and a single guy scheduled to graduate this year. One couple is staying and in charge of translation work and teacher training in existing churches.</div>
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It’s a tricky situation because legally you have to join a pastors association to form a church, but these pastor associations have become political machines that tax churches rather than helping them. They are also full of syncretism and idolatry where half the pastors are also the village witch doctor. There is a significant lack of biblical training. Not all of the churches involved are corrupt though. Many are sincerely searching for truth and know the current system is failing them. Many call into the Institute desiring a pastor who can lead them to the Truth. In one such church, La Balza, Jimmy and Elias were able to lead them to Independence. They legally formed an independent association just for their church. This allows them to pick their own pastor and also frees up their money to be used to reach the unreached villages around them. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Taking 1st Semester Finals</td></tr>
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La Balza has relationships in 7 of these unreached villages, and have 1-3 people in each village who have accepted Christ because of their witness and radio station. This became an obvious partnership, to have our 3rd year students begin formal works in these villages. As each church is formed, each will create their own independent association.</div>
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The 3rd year students are visiting their assigned village once a month during their final year at the institute. They spend Saturday traveling, Sunday preaching in the village, and Monday traveling back to the Institute. Our prayer is that their hearts will be tied to these people and their need and that they will leave straight from graduation to pastor in these villages. </div>
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The village of Purulá has 30 families and only one Christian. It is hard to get to (hour and a half walk from the road) and even harder to live there. During the dry season, the people get all of their water from a cave. They have to walk down 36 meters of steps to get to the water. The people take turns, 4 families at a time, carrying down their laundry, washing their clothes and then coming back up to switch with four other families who take their turn.</div>
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Henry and Teodora visited this village this month. They just got married in December, so since they don’t have to carry kids with them, we thought the young couple could handle the hardship of travel and carrying their water. It was a hard first weekend. The Christian family was open, but didn’t want to take them anywhere else because the people in the village can be hard and closed. We thought they would be discouraged so after the visit we talked with them alone. Teodora said, “I knew who I was marrying and the call he has. If this is where God wants us to go, I’ll go there with my husband.” Henry said, “Yes it’s hard. But how are they going to hear about God if I don’t go? I’m motivated by how lost they are, not discouraged about how hard it is.”</div>
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The village of Ak’ Tela’ has 400 families. It’s more of a town than a village, even though it’s 3 hours from the highway. There are 3 Christians in the village, so we sent Giovani, his wife Angelina with their 9 month old Joel, and our only single 3rd year student, Gerson, to this village. Gerson is one of the vocalists in our church, so the Christians asked him to sing a Christian song. They didn’t know any. He sang two and they asked for more until he ended up singing our entire songbook to them. Then he taught the kids while Giovani taught about the Bible. The Christians there were very happy about what they learned that day. They said that no one had ever opened up the Bible to them like that. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mari y Jackson</td></tr>
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Rodrigo and Mari went with their 2 year old Jackson to La Balza, the mother church of all of these missions. The pastor of La Balza took Rodrigo to the village of Joventé on his motorcycle. It has 50 families and 2 Christians. There is some dispute about the land that was bought for a church building, so we are not sure if they will continue there or not, mainly because La Balza is putting a lot of pressure on Rodrigo to visit them every month rather than Joventé because they want more Bible training. Unless he becomes their pastor, we don’t want to continue down that road, because without the authority that comes with being the pastor, you can’t change much in an existing church. Please pray that God gives wisdom in the situation. </div>
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This is a fluid situation, depending how a village responds and how God leads each student. I listed all of their names so that you could pray for them specifically. Satanic attacks are common, he wants to keep these villages as captives in the kingdom of darkness, so please lift them and this work up in prayer! Thanks! </div>
Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07338784611800458980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1784275362472349381.post-17592068744545020012019-02-22T07:43:00.000-07:002019-02-24T19:27:33.153-07:00What Tools Would It Take To Reach the Rest of the Kekchi?<div style="text-align: center;">
Missions is a third year class at the institute. Is is a study on cultures and what missions strategies have been effective and which ones have been destructive. One of the weeks Jimmy assigns them a chapter from Steve Saints book, <i>The Great Omission,</i> about dependency. They were to answer the question: "What are the tools the Kekchi need to reach and disciple the rest of their people without any outside help." </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">3rd year students. There are also 2 more wives and 2 kids that travel with them.</td></tr>
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We really like Giovani's answer, he put a lot of thought into it and I think it could be really effective. I wanted to share it here:</div>
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1. Radio: We have a little radio that reaches 5 kilometers. For anything larger than that, you are required by law to buy a $125,000 radio frequency. That frequency would give us the license to build a tower and infrastructure to reach from Mexico to Belize covering all of the unreached areas. (Petén alone makes up 1/3 of the entire country of Guatemala.) This is something we want to do in the next 5 years. It would probably be pretty easy to get the equipment donated once we had the frequency. The guys here enjoy this kind of work and are already familiar with how to put together broadcasting. We would also put many of our Institute classes over the airwaves so that every person would have access to reliable Bible teaching. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Assigning villages for 3rd year students to work in during their final year of classes.</td></tr>
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2. Cars: It is so difficult for them to get around. Each time our 3rd year students visit the 3 villages they have started in, it's costing the institute $400 round trip. We are looking into purchasing motorcycles for them instead but we don't like the idea of wives and babies traveling on the motos too. After paying micros to take them to the main town, they have to pay a private vehicle to take them out as far as possible, some still have to walk another hour and a half to get to their mission. </div>
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3. TV Station: Giovani was sad because as tv's are becoming more popular in villages, usually in tiendas, so many false messages about God are being spread. All "Christian" messages are preached by tel-evangelists asking poor Kekchi people for "seed money" and promising big returns. He wanted someone to share the truth through this medium. I don't know about a TV station, but I think a YOUTUBE channel and a Facebook page where people could hear truth relevant to their culture and share it with others would be really effective. Nearly every family has a smartphone now. The phone company here offers free internet for the FB app.</div>
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There is one video some organization did about condoms that is all in Kekchi. Even though we don't agree with the message, it was really well done. That got viewed and shared thousands of times on Facebook because it was cool to see Kekchi people speaking Kekchi in a video. We want to connect with someone who could train our students how to put together quality videos with an iphone or some other basic equipment that would be a realistic sustainable ministry for the nationals here. </div>
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Something no one mentioned but we believe is a big need is the Bible put into the alphabet they learn in the schools. We have been working on the permission for that for quite some time. We (the institute) have already started translating study materials. We will be working on that until we're dead! </div>
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So these are some of our next ministry goals. Maybe you have expertise, experience, or an idea in one of these areas. We would love to hear from you!</div>
Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07338784611800458980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1784275362472349381.post-25848468298823935432018-07-12T16:58:00.001-06:002018-07-12T17:02:13.525-06:00A New Name<div style="text-align: center;">
Before Rigo came to the institute he had been a Christian for a total of 3 months. He was 21 and up to that point had come to be known as a drunk. Being a talented mason he used the money he earned to buy alcohol. He grew up without a father, but had a loving mother. She taught him about Jesus, only he rejected it.<br />
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He got a job working on a church building. While he was there he was contemplating suicide because he knew his life was missing something and everything he was trying to fill it with was just making it worse. He began to remember the things he heard growing up. He realized at that point, that God was drawing him into a personal relationship with Him. He put his faith in Christ that day leaning over a barrel of water used to mix concrete at the job site. I think it is beautiful the way that God so clearly drew Him to Himself. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDaPxB6okAmBz6_ldbK3d6QUJhgp1vs4PNa9wSRi8nE6QStR8-DkbaQS8grSk4KDfyidOT-frLTl3dViQkkSeKiFcNR0Arcq6Nw8DBfQ2TZd3d7s8q0UvKFSOrQ6ZA9-lcQQp28mKYKmGq/s1600/IMG_9814.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDaPxB6okAmBz6_ldbK3d6QUJhgp1vs4PNa9wSRi8nE6QStR8-DkbaQS8grSk4KDfyidOT-frLTl3dViQkkSeKiFcNR0Arcq6Nw8DBfQ2TZd3d7s8q0UvKFSOrQ6ZA9-lcQQp28mKYKmGq/s640/IMG_9814.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rigo introducing himself the first day of classes.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
A lot of people didn't believe that Rigo could change, but after that day his entire life was different. He never drank again. When he heard about the Institute from a national pastor, he contacted Jimmy about coming to learn more about God. Jimmy asked him, "How do you know you are called to be a pastor, when you've only been saved for about a month?" Rigo responded, "I have a burning inside me to tell others what I know." Jimmy approved his application and he became one of our first students. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZy8573qS50lxI9VErdauZzv7bwGACCSL5-MkwqpoGXmSwOPPB_UWI-6eIqgVOttLjZSdaOAX3PNlgyM4VtC1-XfIJaZPCGEbuekqFhTAZFzCjTlXuHokI51Koa5yI7isWo2Yl_gkFUh5O/s1600/IMG_7371.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1067" data-original-width="1600" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZy8573qS50lxI9VErdauZzv7bwGACCSL5-MkwqpoGXmSwOPPB_UWI-6eIqgVOttLjZSdaOAX3PNlgyM4VtC1-XfIJaZPCGEbuekqFhTAZFzCjTlXuHokI51Koa5yI7isWo2Yl_gkFUh5O/s640/IMG_7371.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The first group of students who came. I'm pretty sure Rigo's shirt was soaking wet in this picture because he had just washed it and we did not plan on taking this photo that day, haha! (He is the 1st one on the left.)</td></tr>
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Despite never finishing the 3rd grade, Rigo dedicated himself to not falling behind and thus never failed a single class. Beyond his studies, he memorized Bible verses on his own time in both Spanish and Kekchi. That is what I always think of when someone mentions Rigo, that he knows a LOT of scripture. His passion for the Bible also led him to be a successful evangelist, winning several families to Christ in the village neighboring the farm. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW5RcKl8bI3-AWWGsEA-WDcIDNE0XnwR2ldC36sRPEXVPamEfeVXsyG_coXfDSf0cNiUgVlWaKEIwTE_gIFYpfLZbT8bXsAXtITcKoU3mDlBq2-mcSNE_WKSVC2vHwJVq41VJGvwM_PViF/s1600/IMG_9062.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW5RcKl8bI3-AWWGsEA-WDcIDNE0XnwR2ldC36sRPEXVPamEfeVXsyG_coXfDSf0cNiUgVlWaKEIwTE_gIFYpfLZbT8bXsAXtITcKoU3mDlBq2-mcSNE_WKSVC2vHwJVq41VJGvwM_PViF/s640/IMG_9062.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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After studying for 3 years at the institute and leading Juana to Christ, who would later become his wife, he began his new life of ministry in the village of Agua Negra this past June. He had shared with Jimmy his concerns about not having enough food to eat. He had been serving in his home church for a while doing mason jobs during the week to save up money for his first work. Even up to the last week before he was scheduled to move to Agua Negra he was thinking about postponing it two more weeks to have time for one more job, just in case they needed money. Well he decided to go. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiE2PlaSWcxJJWwEMykXH6YldlS537IDYrm8D_XNKoRTbdRGD5DqXuKCvb1OBctht3MGq0KZXGyzIdSaK7JAgXl0NSYNcG2ipv_mzp86CozNWUz-dlnhVWa89i3KgWiNTe456cl9Yb9s3u/s1600/IMG_8277.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiiE2PlaSWcxJJWwEMykXH6YldlS537IDYrm8D_XNKoRTbdRGD5DqXuKCvb1OBctht3MGq0KZXGyzIdSaK7JAgXl0NSYNcG2ipv_mzp86CozNWUz-dlnhVWa89i3KgWiNTe456cl9Yb9s3u/s640/IMG_8277.jpeg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I'm so glad that he did because the church had been preparing for their arrival. They had been calling Jimmy for months asking for someone who knew the Bible to come teach them. Rigo and Juana were greeted with so much love! The church had a big celebration. They had a special handing over of the keys to the church ceremony. They signed an official creed to make him pastor, Juana signed it too because she is very much part of the ministry, they are serving God together. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTNzCmek4raMwZmJT9JZtOkKSjrppleNrfGcuFfwHt-LvOVJMkb4ka7UwHiyHcqolqmA9LuUS2eAN8k4FQ8aAlpWup11g4MwZ8ZRP9bqqqc7JZC2G1Xmi4EmxNmsEDnp3kiSsv_e_f_vJk/s1600/34796539_1834177080006158_5639600988055666688_n.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="633" data-original-width="960" height="422" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTNzCmek4raMwZmJT9JZtOkKSjrppleNrfGcuFfwHt-LvOVJMkb4ka7UwHiyHcqolqmA9LuUS2eAN8k4FQ8aAlpWup11g4MwZ8ZRP9bqqqc7JZC2G1Xmi4EmxNmsEDnp3kiSsv_e_f_vJk/s640/34796539_1834177080006158_5639600988055666688_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Parsonage</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
And as far as them having food to eat, the members had gathered 12 sacks of corn and had them waiting for them in the kitchen
along with a financial gift. Here they are praying a prayer of dedication in their new home. You can see some of the sacks behind them.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKGAP3vT9KsWTP0GCodPLXk7uL5C28N7Ny3-ahxWthpObvmpgKqjpbDMCi-RTNJ36IcDtSLbrzQ3Xb5sbE_5q-RGiO3H1oyuRTdZi38nlv3inaanxn0PCK-iG3ggtFU678eBGzBcw4GHaq/s1600/35081636_1834177193339480_4418363853897728000_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKGAP3vT9KsWTP0GCodPLXk7uL5C28N7Ny3-ahxWthpObvmpgKqjpbDMCi-RTNJ36IcDtSLbrzQ3Xb5sbE_5q-RGiO3H1oyuRTdZi38nlv3inaanxn0PCK-iG3ggtFU678eBGzBcw4GHaq/s640/35081636_1834177193339480_4418363853897728000_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The people were so grateful that a trained pastor chose to move to their village (There is a huge need here!) that they all brought fresh fruit and vegetables to show how dedicated they were to treating their pastor well! This is when Juana started to tear up.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPXziBXgcqadAtdNCsWRMuuHZ6WMf5R4mOle4tFXu8fAtgQ4Wo4XAtK2YKlCPKVY4-B2jvx5KW1YlNTmvAzSYrXTG375hRdhSB_GZ91rfKJD6kaPYvIipQLNza2CszMbyFmOi-_IlN94X_/s1600/35065581_1834177050006161_6886332176204300288_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="578" data-original-width="803" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPXziBXgcqadAtdNCsWRMuuHZ6WMf5R4mOle4tFXu8fAtgQ4Wo4XAtK2YKlCPKVY4-B2jvx5KW1YlNTmvAzSYrXTG375hRdhSB_GZ91rfKJD6kaPYvIipQLNza2CszMbyFmOi-_IlN94X_/s640/35065581_1834177050006161_6886332176204300288_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
I am so thankful that God brought such a great couple and a village hungry to learn more about Him together. As passionate as these members are to know God, Rigo and Juana are just as dedicated to faithfully completing the task God has for them! <br />
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A couple weeks later Rigo called and said that he had 7 chickens that members had given him to eat and that he felt bad for having such an abundance. Haha! I wonder if God is laughing too. He takes such good care of those who are serving Him. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQmgRzUWBuVfMM_HKRY3wkFTBNkXc49Ig97H6qs69KImL1GJisB18J1hHXED0IpjEhURaoc9qmiLMQFDtURp40JmyXUU6hcWAA7dUpqJpGpynwnZ34gDmx3EoI1YV4sDaORzkOBSVNcXCU/s1600/34849133_1834177213339478_5351117079984472064_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="512" data-original-width="685" height="478" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQmgRzUWBuVfMM_HKRY3wkFTBNkXc49Ig97H6qs69KImL1GJisB18J1hHXED0IpjEhURaoc9qmiLMQFDtURp40JmyXUU6hcWAA7dUpqJpGpynwnZ34gDmx3EoI1YV4sDaORzkOBSVNcXCU/s640/34849133_1834177213339478_5351117079984472064_n.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
God has greatly blessed him, but more importantly He has given Rigo a new name. Before he was known as a drunk but now he goes by Pastor! </div>
Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07338784611800458980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1784275362472349381.post-63210398253999637022018-04-15T22:09:00.001-06:002018-04-15T22:36:17.156-06:00New Life and Waiting in Line<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgo8Ls4sznxaFASROBvO4-IJp_BRIdZ0rzpkOUUZggZHkCrZP1UKgVD9Xw347fo8jsfc-qj-ydZz67wb435lvneK6P6TKPmNz1UrAwcDTXA_4inXSr1ujuZYbbjMbN1BV116M3m258DmbAV/s640/IMG_2024.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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It seems like so much time passed before this line formed. God has blessed this church! I was so thankful to wait in line for the Lord's Supper on Good Friday! I remember when it is was basically our family and the first 4 students who came to the institute. I remember before that working in villages where we weren't allowed to have baptismal services or form a church and I wondered if we were just wasting time. Now there is a big family of believers, who share their faith! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzF9sGdXxRPmh1frg8WMebGD-Sgj8c1nCNYArGG9he6X5KpOYAHVnsuUCxfnl1792rLNqzclYQb9Y2te46OuwxPCZlEqXmceO9aZUMRAlL4YAAWhESYnFjaoPATPwgKyVEs-AA8GT0hSpk/s1600/IMG_1758.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzF9sGdXxRPmh1frg8WMebGD-Sgj8c1nCNYArGG9he6X5KpOYAHVnsuUCxfnl1792rLNqzclYQb9Y2te46OuwxPCZlEqXmceO9aZUMRAlL4YAAWhESYnFjaoPATPwgKyVEs-AA8GT0hSpk/s640/IMG_1758.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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This was the baptismal service the week before Easter. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU-OolIiBppFXc-9EKnTCsDPEjpqWTeYXZwasM9sDwiXMOT03EEJJY4skjd9bju9WBjIVETiq99DgZizYdRvvEWZnHIOqUkIQTDEGDAIsBj4YZCKfJLBoCm0V49u6iFJ1vwRa_oTsQGP1y/s1600/IMG_1755.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhU-OolIiBppFXc-9EKnTCsDPEjpqWTeYXZwasM9sDwiXMOT03EEJJY4skjd9bju9WBjIVETiq99DgZizYdRvvEWZnHIOqUkIQTDEGDAIsBj4YZCKfJLBoCm0V49u6iFJ1vwRa_oTsQGP1y/s640/IMG_1755.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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The girls on the right told their cousin in teal that
she needed to put her faith in Jesus too. This is the second time I
have seen a baptismal service where new believers get baptized along with
other new believers they have already brought to Jesus! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3MSu_DPWp2m_tI6d62jPYJybLOKSPiS1gzR-aEJTzZdbETquGlbGGc1sWhR1y1w3xMs4ct8ICN3G3F1VmrL_M0pLMp-rNW5FXeCM1yTpkFA1W2hIQzNKqObpJyeOhxkgcEyLFy7Q7LAwv/s1600/IMG_1788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1122" data-original-width="1600" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3MSu_DPWp2m_tI6d62jPYJybLOKSPiS1gzR-aEJTzZdbETquGlbGGc1sWhR1y1w3xMs4ct8ICN3G3F1VmrL_M0pLMp-rNW5FXeCM1yTpkFA1W2hIQzNKqObpJyeOhxkgcEyLFy7Q7LAwv/s640/IMG_1788.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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There are a couple churches sprinkled around the villages next to the farm. In order for someone to "become a Christian" and join their church they have to pay over $1,700. That is the newest trend around here. The man in the photo above said, "I know your church is going to be more expensive than that, but it is worth it to me." Thank God, the Gospel is free and Jimmy, Elias, and Gerson got to tell him that! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ13ExrPCQ5pRwlAVIPtrKxQPkLGTqA8NT-p2nBZ0iicHboWxPdpuiie9fpDAQa2x1nz1o-wLyhNwQLS9VBlNj3BOQznX_HJATbsbLOOyiiVCCofvpV5-M3bzXIxLguAw0YGXX1TgGIZUC/s1600/Foot+Washing+Service.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="449" data-original-width="602" height="476" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ13ExrPCQ5pRwlAVIPtrKxQPkLGTqA8NT-p2nBZ0iicHboWxPdpuiie9fpDAQa2x1nz1o-wLyhNwQLS9VBlNj3BOQznX_HJATbsbLOOyiiVCCofvpV5-M3bzXIxLguAw0YGXX1TgGIZUC/s640/Foot+Washing+Service.tiff" width="640" /></a></div>
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There are so many people searching. I feel like this is a very
important time for Iglesia Bautista Ak' Yuam. We are moving into our new
building soon. We carried chairs over there to use it for the Good Friday and Easter services
even though it doesn't have permanent lights or bars on the windows yet.
It is in on the very corner of the farm property, closest to the
villages, which makes it seem more theirs than the institute. Please pray that people
who are so close to taking that step of faith will and for the members
to continue sharing their faith! We want to keep growing. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfS0FsU8qURomGRLh7AMbKD42G1T_7C0s0zsUXLxs1enhhEGmP18VOSeXa-f1TqnanAaIncB2VfcOHXS8pE2btf93pfUUg4qXq8aYfjWgAFr2goSmZarQe14xplEGLvf3cbX22NDGjCZhO/s1600/IMG_2008.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfS0FsU8qURomGRLh7AMbKD42G1T_7C0s0zsUXLxs1enhhEGmP18VOSeXa-f1TqnanAaIncB2VfcOHXS8pE2btf93pfUUg4qXq8aYfjWgAFr2goSmZarQe14xplEGLvf3cbX22NDGjCZhO/s640/IMG_2008.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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The Good Friday foot washing service is always a favorite among the members. It builds community. It's not hard to wash someone else's feet, but it is very humbling to have someone wash your own. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="581" data-original-width="598" height="620" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMfVYHsLzRLGA2nJKUpOgrhRTs6xPKK05PjlAjyq3pfd0EXR82skkbTqRD2MrMq_NJd8n-k4YSdDSRtt-tGhhUdIneoDRQWUKuq2OJGpjxovMTtXleslu2MytwwRjDVokn0gjjwxwsutqE/s640/easter.tiff" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Art of Teaching class students built the tomb!</td></tr>
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All the ladies at the farm got up before sunrise to start cooking breakfast for the church on Easter morning. We made beans, rice, eggs, salsa and tortillas.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWbpixkC-Vjmly3C1MbV09mNaqDlF3bVQOBroN7gLcRA33k3G66jHjOBnrphf7ZDB2Gl7-qLnLgDSqn4f-NPyKky6NQxyCR6j2Q7n960NKjJFVKtpnki4yzKgxcIavyyoxZL9RSHv9l1Dw/s1600/breakfast3.tiff" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="563" data-original-width="599" height="600" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWbpixkC-Vjmly3C1MbV09mNaqDlF3bVQOBroN7gLcRA33k3G66jHjOBnrphf7ZDB2Gl7-qLnLgDSqn4f-NPyKky6NQxyCR6j2Q7n960NKjJFVKtpnki4yzKgxcIavyyoxZL9RSHv9l1Dw/s640/breakfast3.tiff" width="640" /></a></div>
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<img border="0" data-original-height="561" data-original-width="596" height="602" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhr2l-zv1DIpmF6Psm70DjpXUsNtD2NFFIXR4CJRN5UGhvPL7K9hooXY-3NbL2gpgy_7cuIbI43YFh7rWcK8d9H2tho1b5NiXpY95Q3i_sy25CUBQizFmzPpNAjxRScmiHH2z_70EG0HYW/s640/breakfast2.tiff" width="640" /><br />
Once the sun rose, more ladies from the villages came to help too.<br />
<img border="0" data-original-height="593" data-original-width="600" height="632" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFSN6S72zAI7PDWHoJvBVK_tGHjGcwAC9OfqV90yPS8dx9bjN4PZ82aEFFeAz8DSYvCM_XntY6T7hhvQolanTBl1eOgJHSqIbJnZV97Xb7MXYRZgozaeo7CXJImfYik0mExRZQ0tce5dFM/s640/breakfast.tiff" width="640" /> </div>
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It was a beautiful service! </div>
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So this is a moment in time I want to remember. What the devil whispers is a lie. Nothing for God is ever in vain. God
can take what we might feel is wasted or not even close to enough and
build something living... something that continually reproduces itself!
That is the miracle we were celebrating on Easter - the miracle of new
life, that's free and that only Jesus can give!</div>
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Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07338784611800458980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1784275362472349381.post-74599774190454210932018-03-25T22:07:00.000-06:002018-03-25T22:11:30.673-06:00The Wedding Day<div style="text-align: center;">
Over half of the students at the institute are single. The lady they choose for their wife is crucial. We care about them so much! Besides having a happy life, we want them to live out the purpose God has for them. Their partner in life will be their partner in ministry too. We want them to have God's very best for their lives. We feel the same about the young ladies in our youth group. It's stressful at times watching all of these relationships unfold! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLGL8Mry3BBcusoT6aIzkjZ3ZHPXdB0Xyt7Sad15DdrAVTBianLFrHRlUDbxj0qgDWuQt_swcuRH-EiJsuwByedthQqFsx58RroxziCNoZf9td4MBIqQ6LYWkCQ4MUICuhUPHath6p9zND/s1600/IMG_1287.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLGL8Mry3BBcusoT6aIzkjZ3ZHPXdB0Xyt7Sad15DdrAVTBianLFrHRlUDbxj0qgDWuQt_swcuRH-EiJsuwByedthQqFsx58RroxziCNoZf9td4MBIqQ6LYWkCQ4MUICuhUPHath6p9zND/s640/IMG_1287.jpg" width="478" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All of us on a boat tour last month. We might have teased them a little bit for sitting together! </td></tr>
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Angelina was the cook at the farm and now is a student. We love her! She is such a hard worker and has a genuinely sweet spirit. Sometimes it is really hard to get to know people when they become part of the institute and I have to really work in the beginning at building a friendship with them. She wasn't like that. It's so easy talking with her. It's a delight! She has always been a comfort to me. </div>
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Giovanni is a second year student. He was voted Best Christian Character by his peers last year. He is the fourth from the right, holding his plaque. We were excited for them both when they shared their intentions of getting married with us! </div>
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They were married legally at the courthouse on the last Wednesday in February</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The day of their civil wedding. </td></tr>
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and then their church wedding was the following Sunday. All of the students helped prepare for the ceremony. I thought it was sweet that even the guys helped!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Hilda and Bonnie spent lots of time helping me build flowers! </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;">Angelina was a beautiful bride!<br />
<img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzWLi49tRTTM8g0EbbR6EAsfi-CEeDLZ_oaALRfv_jdBrxMIWumpPGtJ7GaTvTZQuCNXdYTppvKj3TG7ia6LU9jvLMgPgcN1Jq7Bh7oEKCIXxwA-i4O6rTL3EmlmbXw5Mv14t72upd5zDj/s640/IMG_1514.jpg" width="480" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Angelina with her parents</td></tr>
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Both of their families were there to celebrate with them.</div>
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We were honored they wanted to have the ceremony at the church here. Giovani is not originally from Petén, so his family had to travel a ways. </div>
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Jimmy performed the ceremony. It was all beautiful! In a culture that pressures girls to start living with the first guy that gives them any attention, these two followed God's
plan. They waited and honored God with their decisions. I feel like He is blessing them for it. We wanted to celebrate that!</div>
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Afterwards Angelina's family had prepared caldo for everyone. </div>
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That part was a lot of fun! <img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgX3MDfY1GdR70aaVsnSMkaecTtbUdHd4fxa3h86Y5mOf9KtAF1Ic5Xc_thWopPcGi1HhOCRW1ETWOt8wdMBJG2tdlvOxhvAS1YF2jPfmfxmb-iRMDm3gJfU2HPO2-UzJlZXyB6ryCpX8FO/s640/IMG_8277.JPG" width="640" /><br />
We just love them and can't wait to see what God had planned for them! The next semester started the following Tuesday. Pray for them as they continue with their studies and as they begin their life together! </div>
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Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07338784611800458980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1784275362472349381.post-52462764271119488342018-03-18T18:04:00.000-06:002018-03-18T18:04:09.438-06:00My Baby Girl is 6!<div style="text-align: center;">
This year we decided to have Eden's party with her friends at school. It is common here to have parties during the school day.</div>
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She has a wonderful teacher, Maestra Norma. This is Eden's second year in her class. The assistant teacher is wonderful too. I never posted this on the blog but Eden finished K-5, first in her class. I think that has a lot to do with having such a great, patient teacher! </div>
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She wanted a baby doll theme this year of course, she LOVES baby dolls. She picked out every detail. She is very opinionated... and I like that so far, haha! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Invitations</td></tr>
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We played lots of baby doll games. There were prizes so I don't think the boys in her class minded too much!</div>
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I love this picture of Titus. He was determined to get a seat next to Eden. Once everyone started eating he kept sneaking snacks off all of her friends' plates!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eden with her best friend, Emily</td></tr>
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Eden's teacher told her that she could wear a party dress that day instead of her uniform since it was her birthday! She must know Eden very well!!</div>
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Eden wanted a baby doll cake with pink ruffles! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCXEMbrRjPOTL3KEsToJ5MKIq1Q4RrlAd__C-UOKwrR2GsMgt6Kbdt3NhvFvrUzw1R74GlqeXktESYZ5ZTQgzJl9DOL6CBmJ9vvj1mS_KoOpYoAmBIbT2BFbtRCtZHOEukwP2lnI_unCJB/s1600/IMG_1632.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"> </a></div>
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I'm just so thankful Eden has the opportunity to go to this school with these sweet ladies as her teachers. It has helped her so much with her Spanish (I think she speaks better than her brothers, but don't tell them;)</div>
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The party was on the day before her birthday since her actually birthday was the first day of the next semester at the farm and both Jimmy and I had a class that day. I thought it was sweet for Jimmy to come too. He and Eden have a very close bond! Since the next day was her birthday we had a little celebration that night in Santa Elena, at Pizza Hut with more of her friends that don't go to her school. We are very blessed to have so many sweet people in our kids' lives. </div>
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I think the girl was thoroughly celebrated! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoBU2JM6EgThTXCh6LTLMKujp9dxkhArslMtBRFS-O2Gp0SZQPfiwJQ62vben6Pb-AdShyphenhyphenZ4Iuf-HvuX71jyxhEt4woUZsmJ_afnW0GuVS_vyzx9g1Q6fVrn5yB_nY7n6220SWXdXelVdO/s1600/IMG_1473.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoBU2JM6EgThTXCh6LTLMKujp9dxkhArslMtBRFS-O2Gp0SZQPfiwJQ62vben6Pb-AdShyphenhyphenZ4Iuf-HvuX71jyxhEt4woUZsmJ_afnW0GuVS_vyzx9g1Q6fVrn5yB_nY7n6220SWXdXelVdO/s640/IMG_1473.jpg" width="480" /></a> </div>
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For her birthday present from us, Jimmy and I made her some beds for her Barbie dolls. It was so much fun!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRuxKCuPQiZ_b8n4PMc3nTQshvScTZLeyiCWSZVzum-EDx-6aDNSz_SrBKZ31TnXKi7EZ6RYfuHomcy1JroU1UW8iM_A1C-6J3T_vRyi7PAvpCel4dG5ndPdScUGOGczz2dXAB7u1KdgaJ/s1600/IMG_1673.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRuxKCuPQiZ_b8n4PMc3nTQshvScTZLeyiCWSZVzum-EDx-6aDNSz_SrBKZ31TnXKi7EZ6RYfuHomcy1JroU1UW8iM_A1C-6J3T_vRyi7PAvpCel4dG5ndPdScUGOGczz2dXAB7u1KdgaJ/s640/IMG_1673.jpg" width="480" /></a> </div>
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I am so thankful that God gave us a daughter. She is an absolute delight, just like her name means! I hope we stay close to each other and even more importantly that she stays close to God. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSjiMq47nure31Y5BYuHfYRDuixf04b6wRnUWR1WxQE_4uesSbqU03sAjNRhQywW51O7jEAjhXzwnYk4tkmHY94tFXCoZLG7UsHDEuLZuGgBoGxoHBftSTq6OEQnP1FgXcbqsg8CO-jSwz/s1600/IMG_8008.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSjiMq47nure31Y5BYuHfYRDuixf04b6wRnUWR1WxQE_4uesSbqU03sAjNRhQywW51O7jEAjhXzwnYk4tkmHY94tFXCoZLG7UsHDEuLZuGgBoGxoHBftSTq6OEQnP1FgXcbqsg8CO-jSwz/s640/IMG_8008.jpg" width="480" /> </a></div>
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This photo was from the day back in August when she put her faith in Jesus for herself! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBO3xcWN-NOe747xm_8dKUZdDLDO_Il7mg3FCHZb8icpHoD7aa1xw2Q6EGoRNvXBwNrGepmT7NkhoT8Os0A2BC-YDzr_fJZba_Qw1ExlR2GWWugNY2oz0yqRdXoc5Iqa7t5pRDd8RCHeJR/s1600/IMG_0365.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBO3xcWN-NOe747xm_8dKUZdDLDO_Il7mg3FCHZb8icpHoD7aa1xw2Q6EGoRNvXBwNrGepmT7NkhoT8Os0A2BC-YDzr_fJZba_Qw1ExlR2GWWugNY2oz0yqRdXoc5Iqa7t5pRDd8RCHeJR/s640/IMG_0365.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Then she was baptized in October. So this was a big year for her! We are so thankful for God's great care for our little girl!</div>
Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07338784611800458980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1784275362472349381.post-15224463991460697352018-01-15T21:14:00.000-07:002018-01-15T21:31:57.050-07:00We'll Find Out When We Get There...<div style="text-align: center;">
That's what Gerson told his friend Alfonso on their long trip to the institute to come study last year. Alfonso wanted to know exactly what they would be studying. Gerson's dad, who is a pastor, wanted him to come so Gerson invited Alfonso to come too. That's how he ended up here. </div>
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Night church services are tough because people have to walk so far and thieves break into their houses if they know they left for church, but we really wanted our church family (Iglesia Bautista Ak' Yuam) to have fellowship with each other during the week, something besides just Sunday morning. We have a youth service on Wednesday but we wanted something family oriented. So, this past Thursday was the first house church services. We had 5 families volunteer to host in the 2 villages next to the farm. 5 second year students will rotate to a different house each Thursday to facilitate a service. </div>
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Friday during class I asked the students how it went as I knew they had put a lot of work into it. They immediately lit up! (As soon as new "first year" students arrive the now "second year" students gain much more confidence and get a whole lot more talkative, haha!) Alfonso started sharing about his house church experience. One of the men who attended his service had not ever been to our church. He put his faith in Christ that night. The man said, "I have never heard this message before!" </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQYexGl7HiZpvWnZUdeOus32hYOgIMw3mA_tDZd4J6fnVRIfTbPKPanxpd90rLA5f9HmjTDlY4I4ROLI1d2DTZ_46Xw0N-3iLa-Qay9xeGFgbwQELT4VHaLfJsi3SJFo9H6zJSLVdx9xuL/s1600/IMG_1158.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="768" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQYexGl7HiZpvWnZUdeOus32hYOgIMw3mA_tDZd4J6fnVRIfTbPKPanxpd90rLA5f9HmjTDlY4I4ROLI1d2DTZ_46Xw0N-3iLa-Qay9xeGFgbwQELT4VHaLfJsi3SJFo9H6zJSLVdx9xuL/s640/IMG_1158.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div>
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This is exactly a year after Alfonso himself put his faith in Christ during his first week of classes at the institute. He was right where God wanted him to be! He finished his first year with the highest grades overall. He has also killed more snakes on the property than any other student! (if you don't count the 15 baby pit vipers Gerson killed in one day...)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2cRoLYo44hmBzdadQrm90buT9M_D6CAlkf77dez523N3uLOvLoxENuDZZm-vbQPf6vzZWTrNfGO2ZXwhz2fEr-NWe2ycmYwwOU02HkHFQ7ZsbzOZTcYfOWEMw5PUWbTVT8jx7jVJ6SosQ/s1600/IMG_7671.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2cRoLYo44hmBzdadQrm90buT9M_D6CAlkf77dez523N3uLOvLoxENuDZZm-vbQPf6vzZWTrNfGO2ZXwhz2fEr-NWe2ycmYwwOU02HkHFQ7ZsbzOZTcYfOWEMw5PUWbTVT8jx7jVJ6SosQ/s640/IMG_7671.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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I wish you both spoke the same language and he could tell you himself because this is his story and he was super excited! This is the whole purpose of the institute. I am so grateful to God for bringing Alfonso to the institute to hear and then for putting in him the desire to tell others! </div>
Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07338784611800458980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1784275362472349381.post-15382945284603439272017-11-06T21:33:00.000-07:002017-11-06T23:14:45.958-07:00The Most Difficult Part <div style="text-align: center;">
This time of year is the hardest for me in the area of faith. I <i>feel</i> like we have so much control over other things... things once students arrive and even a little bit once they graduate. Jimmy and I both like having control, it makes us feel safe. Let's say it's an area where we are <i>growing</i>! But the temporary confidence we have from feeling in-control is not as durable as the peace that comes because of faith. What is obvious that we have zero control over is bringing student to the institute. That is all 100% a work the Holy Spirit does in the hearts of the ones He has chosen to use to reach the rest of Petén. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGrUFOdvy69phAbCrJS81xqZ9Az9hszQ5RjjOQ-u1YCcOpLQlVxF98JuDkzMelVbxmnNsivrJnd-PzMcEJjdkJFce47iKPSzX7BzIxuH-K_D-NwsyPzlgazeq6Acmj2nqxbDnAmtYuLXxs/s1600/IMG_0445.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGrUFOdvy69phAbCrJS81xqZ9Az9hszQ5RjjOQ-u1YCcOpLQlVxF98JuDkzMelVbxmnNsivrJnd-PzMcEJjdkJFce47iKPSzX7BzIxuH-K_D-NwsyPzlgazeq6Acmj2nqxbDnAmtYuLXxs/s640/IMG_0445.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">First day of the last semester of the year</td></tr>
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The existing students have done an excellent job sharing about the institute. A current Kekchi student's personal experience goes much further than a foreigner's word. They have done lots of live announcements in Petén and Alta Verapaz and then recorded radio announcements for stations that reach different places around both departments. </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/AVvXsEgkwhQE3kBHNq7QQZIaePd3H0Pm3hO6U4V49iskpeFzQcuxjZIkgrvIc8BTjo-Dzt5Q4HxQDdiXKn2yR8Im87Im0t3I5i1rj4ndx28hCWgL7DoJJJHNWMhZ-LQ60MX2AvNo5RA47uUy-cFr/s1600/IMG_0580.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkwhQE3kBHNq7QQZIaePd3H0Pm3hO6U4V49iskpeFzQcuxjZIkgrvIc8BTjo-Dzt5Q4HxQDdiXKn2yR8Im87Im0t3I5i1rj4ndx28hCWgL7DoJJJHNWMhZ-LQ60MX2AvNo5RA47uUy-cFr/s640/IMG_0580.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celebrating the cook's (who's also our friend;) birthday</td></tr>
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Our goal, which we feel we can handle well as teachers<strike></strike> is 15 new students each year. Several men have called in and Jimmy has been able to talk to 13 men personally that have reserved their spot. 3 of them have families with kids. The semester starts in January and we have seen in the past as soon as someone says they are moving their entire family to go study at the farm they start being attacked. Anything the devil will do to discourage, bring doubt, or distract, he will do. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVmssbOHuuJKOChO5lCiyTc28Fjc-1fPseGo8EPwNcLgjE8GD88yzON4NBqeqvHfy5DVmT0928kKXu4YvSo_MCOwTUUSAoaYPX4Cjw_FbKt4EObbwr_lwCXAKKQVwmpTYbZ-dAnOzxcCGp/s1600/IMG_0493.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVmssbOHuuJKOChO5lCiyTc28Fjc-1fPseGo8EPwNcLgjE8GD88yzON4NBqeqvHfy5DVmT0928kKXu4YvSo_MCOwTUUSAoaYPX4Cjw_FbKt4EObbwr_lwCXAKKQVwmpTYbZ-dAnOzxcCGp/s640/IMG_0493.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celebrating October birthdays</td></tr>
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I wanted to share some of the conversations Jimmy has had with these future students:</div>
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One asked several times exactly what he would be learning at the institute. Jimmy said that after he finished he would know how to study the Bible for himself to be able to find the answers to any of his questions. He replied, "Good, because I don't understand the Bible and I want to be able to read a Bible verse and know what it means for myself."</div>
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Another said today after calling again to confirm, "I want you to know this isn't a decision my wife and I made today based on a radio announcement, it was born in our hearts 8 months ago to be a pastor."</div>
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God laughs at our radio announcements! We have no control. This isn't our institute. We didn't come up with it, it was God. We didn't provide for it or protect it... all God. It's His possession. Please pray for these 13 men, the 3 wives, 4 children (under age 4) and any others He is calling. We'll be here waiting!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhilp6gYqlEaYUXIfDJoSq2dgmeK4e6dJvtB_SMx0rQoXNSRnE6zMQYDLUGtHfs4phU37oGQsMJ1Po-0EBMt2E75dSY7c3SJ1SeBlMVxxIwUgY7y1HiIi0FPvxNz9kwzZici-ui2MbNt08X/s1600/IMG_0581.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhilp6gYqlEaYUXIfDJoSq2dgmeK4e6dJvtB_SMx0rQoXNSRnE6zMQYDLUGtHfs4phU37oGQsMJ1Po-0EBMt2E75dSY7c3SJ1SeBlMVxxIwUgY7y1HiIi0FPvxNz9kwzZici-ui2MbNt08X/s640/IMG_0581.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rodrigo sharing his testimony</td></tr>
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Rodrigo, a first year student spoke for the first time in youth group 2 weeks ago. He shared his personal testimony. He said, "I was so glad when I came here and learned that Salvation is for everyone and that it's for forever." </div>
Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07338784611800458980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1784275362472349381.post-84969720116644235722017-08-22T16:27:00.000-06:002017-08-22T16:35:17.104-06:00Our First Annual Singing Competition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJrM7oME9RmjfMn611178EDSpyi-0eceKo6imDhzplxWrskXdUKdhlH3cdVV3wDzmo4dDNzeynIlRTXQSqFoe5g66IJTonnTqMMyOcH6JNY4mm-1SnvgTIEUDEogzZGtyM09CvzCrSeO3K/s1600/IMG_8802.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJrM7oME9RmjfMn611178EDSpyi-0eceKo6imDhzplxWrskXdUKdhlH3cdVV3wDzmo4dDNzeynIlRTXQSqFoe5g66IJTonnTqMMyOcH6JNY4mm-1SnvgTIEUDEogzZGtyM09CvzCrSeO3K/s640/IMG_8802.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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One of the students at the institute took the initiative to plan a singing competition. It what such a great idea and turned out to be a lot of fun! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqM0pq9c5rbcctlU2CFnFGxFUY9TdrsHTrsWbGvBSXA_hscb9WCMiB2PtJW7LDoTzmwEQ16Kj-jevjU2hVbOvzvBtNCY65L1PMksFK_c9sBcumXgmEHB2p1Yw2844fEPx1srpogw2POTR_/s1600/IMG_8821.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqM0pq9c5rbcctlU2CFnFGxFUY9TdrsHTrsWbGvBSXA_hscb9WCMiB2PtJW7LDoTzmwEQ16Kj-jevjU2hVbOvzvBtNCY65L1PMksFK_c9sBcumXgmEHB2p1Yw2844fEPx1srpogw2POTR_/s640/IMG_8821.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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It brought many people onto the property that I think would normally be too shy to come. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzHbFbPFer4CUJtcpLlSxjjCqNFuwePT1rJzVOkZQdUdM5_sJ6YvoTcOcEdVq1psGvCcW16QYSTbRPlRj4ef4IcaHKFuq1H38ajgm0DD0KpGu-xyzX1XVvNp2vO6TuuvDpUitso4ze43PP/s1600/IMG_8829.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzHbFbPFer4CUJtcpLlSxjjCqNFuwePT1rJzVOkZQdUdM5_sJ6YvoTcOcEdVq1psGvCcW16QYSTbRPlRj4ef4IcaHKFuq1H38ajgm0DD0KpGu-xyzX1XVvNp2vO6TuuvDpUitso4ze43PP/s640/IMG_8829.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This was an outreach of our youth group. Our heart is to build relationships with people, especially teens, who do not know Jesus Christ. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixT9m0ihSzlhE69MoFgNZX5gSVFApiKWcHUUwydk-dbJ-G4y4sC3fQ-C6XTLnZ8YxokWLNUqEF9yfEorTKHqp7d7IY6kZYZtVq6NpuIMZLJ7MakQsszKelVS0dWv2MrM4UyWKuae8m97Xd/s1600/IMG_8819.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixT9m0ihSzlhE69MoFgNZX5gSVFApiKWcHUUwydk-dbJ-G4y4sC3fQ-C6XTLnZ8YxokWLNUqEF9yfEorTKHqp7d7IY6kZYZtVq6NpuIMZLJ7MakQsszKelVS0dWv2MrM4UyWKuae8m97Xd/s640/IMG_8819.jpg" width="480" /> </a></div>
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Besides, the messages in the songs, they did such a good job sharing the truth of Jesus Christ before they would even start singing. I was so proud of their God given boldness and clarity! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4wUNPvJUPjgB03gzGGhtB4bQOD9UDOHWc4kvanMBhVt-V2esxrnCxfx3UwAGFz1w8E8SXTtSnMrhhm_1OTs5ApIVRAySVjC38G1auXyBA6HDJVw76TIae5ubO2gO9pIseja8HU8MsAPcV/s1600/IMG_8830.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4wUNPvJUPjgB03gzGGhtB4bQOD9UDOHWc4kvanMBhVt-V2esxrnCxfx3UwAGFz1w8E8SXTtSnMrhhm_1OTs5ApIVRAySVjC38G1auXyBA6HDJVw76TIae5ubO2gO9pIseja8HU8MsAPcV/s640/IMG_8830.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There's my Momma! She was with us for this event!</td></tr>
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Jimmy and I got to be some of the judges. It was very difficult! </div>
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I was shocked by the poise and confidence that many of them had. It made the competition a very tight one! </div>
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Jimmy did a great job MC'ing and announcing the winners! </div>
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There was a finals round where the top 3 competed with new songs. Then we had trophies for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place! </div>
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It was so well received that we have decided to make this an annual event for our youth group! </div>
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It was a very memorable night!</div>
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Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07338784611800458980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1784275362472349381.post-82582521616057217952017-08-20T16:34:00.002-06:002017-08-20T16:37:00.407-06:00Our Ministry Overview Video<div style="text-align: center;">
Last December/January a very talented couple from our home church in
Wichita, KS came to Petén to put a ministry video together for us.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXKutLa6qsSAWSkn02G9TrM6T_hJEZrcsRZYyzYf4k5m03T8K9gIWB9xiApcwwJzHb4MqO61XvuhV8LjTFJoiNuO3XcvoEW7paw005m-FpqQ9dl6r3bv8ZvB6XkOo5RLLN5NkhIqzxnoiO/s1600/IMG_5945.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXKutLa6qsSAWSkn02G9TrM6T_hJEZrcsRZYyzYf4k5m03T8K9gIWB9xiApcwwJzHb4MqO61XvuhV8LjTFJoiNuO3XcvoEW7paw005m-FpqQ9dl6r3bv8ZvB6XkOo5RLLN5NkhIqzxnoiO/s640/IMG_5945.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
This was unexpected and such a beautiful gift! We are more than thrilled
with how they told our story and what we believe God put in our hearts
for the work here. <br />
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We were saving it to share with churches on our furlough back in March,
but then I forgot to post it on here once we got back in April. So now
it has its own page and you can watch it <a href="http://jimandshelley.blogspot.com/p/blog-page_84.html" target="_blank">here</a> if you would like! <br />
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We enjoyed having Jonah and Grace here and celebrating New Years with
them! We had our traditional fondue/game night for New Years Eve, so
they will forever be a part of our family memories. </div>
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Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07338784611800458980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1784275362472349381.post-11184533483200592002017-08-12T15:56:00.000-06:002017-08-12T20:53:08.072-06:00My Favorite Things About Titus<div style="text-align: center;">
The poor 4th kid gets no memories. I have so many moments recorded of Jonah and Silas and Eden's baby milestones. I think this is Titus' first since his birth story. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_BpWU9bqwXE5r_z7viZ9OHN84jeTGTQ17gJt1JEE2f8IM_6l8X2g3UZex_Z2T1bTOk-bQHjJPtcKzCwzvylTnvIQioXjMyYlayL9uKDgkj-NA2W9kqZj7hyphenhyphen-_cqtG2be4S8riNoJS27-O/s1600/IMG_8079.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_BpWU9bqwXE5r_z7viZ9OHN84jeTGTQ17gJt1JEE2f8IM_6l8X2g3UZex_Z2T1bTOk-bQHjJPtcKzCwzvylTnvIQioXjMyYlayL9uKDgkj-NA2W9kqZj7hyphenhyphen-_cqtG2be4S8riNoJS27-O/s640/IMG_8079.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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I want to post about his first 15 months and all of my favorite things about this sweet little wonderful surprise God blessed us with! </div>
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I love Titus' personality. He is very hard headed and knows exactly what he wants, yet extremely affectionate. I like the strong personality with the gentle side. When he was little he only wanted to be held, then he went through several months where he wouldn't let you hold him at all. Now, he wants to snuggle again and gives lots of kisses. I just adore it!</div>
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Our homeschool year during his first year was VERY difficult. He was pretty horrible at homeschool, haha! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQRxjK5z_hKesIlQG0K0GW_XEjY6yrJXMRfO_h_9AVhqnpLKNxlfSclyr5GuhrfWuiTIYlA2HTJBv7IydY8EIaAuki1FUwn6lYeuJH_i2xbza7218wpxEC6jNaZjJJ6TbGCow_l5-Z63tD/s1600/931F37D8-9C14-4BB9-B844-9D1F664F47A3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQRxjK5z_hKesIlQG0K0GW_XEjY6yrJXMRfO_h_9AVhqnpLKNxlfSclyr5GuhrfWuiTIYlA2HTJBv7IydY8EIaAuki1FUwn6lYeuJH_i2xbza7218wpxEC6jNaZjJJ6TbGCow_l5-Z63tD/s640/931F37D8-9C14-4BB9-B844-9D1F664F47A3.jpg" width="640" /></a> </div>
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He wants to use all the pencils and books the kiddos do, but in a dangerously destructive way. We hide all the colored pencils but somehow he finds them.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEArT4IGoqOiPH3x0NUes5YLccMyTkqMj8N7SOM3HOvMP4NsqYqLUO5KicOdIEzYeE5RyO3MENWRxFy7rcW6z2hN-crTxFQoipIT-YNCTcD6PIsaJIFjf2Mk1YRD9TZKAsH_Dfw5tR81yj/s1600/IMG_8026.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEArT4IGoqOiPH3x0NUes5YLccMyTkqMj8N7SOM3HOvMP4NsqYqLUO5KicOdIEzYeE5RyO3MENWRxFy7rcW6z2hN-crTxFQoipIT-YNCTcD6PIsaJIFjf2Mk1YRD9TZKAsH_Dfw5tR81yj/s640/IMG_8026.jpg" width="480" /> </a></div>
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Now he goes down for a nearly 3 hour nap right as we are starting which gives us the perfect amount of time to do school. </div>
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He has probably been the most difficult of all of our babies as far as sleeping or taking him anywhere (he doesn't just sit, he wants to RUN!), but since I'm guessing he is the last, I cherish all of our time together more, so it's alright.</div>
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Now he is super easy and really good at nap time. </div>
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He started walking really well around his first birthday but this is a memorable moment from when he was just 8 months. He started trying to walk earlier than any of our other kiddos. </div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dy2mPPMns8me4ucxVzwvwCe-j15L54-S-7FJY7bK7-Cm9lXW1mYji7zlOM-MJW7Ga-oE5EXgkN4LSYgCNNL1A' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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It is a lot of fun having a 4th baby (really he is more like our 3rd) because you don't stress as much as you did with the first. I get to enjoy him more. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSMr5CCMM-lvGcjOQPfEphaBRT2DxumMJFCKe7QFmTs9yvhhh7HVUavFuNPAZT0PEi4ZCt7-vXJNKSRsVbDwc0_fgXsz8C9l8OeXYA3NBAruKnegQ3i0OE2wYqeIB-FqGGqiSUbQQNVDZi/s1600/IMG_7659.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSMr5CCMM-lvGcjOQPfEphaBRT2DxumMJFCKe7QFmTs9yvhhh7HVUavFuNPAZT0PEi4ZCt7-vXJNKSRsVbDwc0_fgXsz8C9l8OeXYA3NBAruKnegQ3i0OE2wYqeIB-FqGGqiSUbQQNVDZi/s640/IMG_7659.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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Jonah, Silas, and E had so many boundaries. Titus just gets to roam free in whatever part of the house we are in. Like most boys, he looks for the naughtiest most dangerous thing he can do in any situation! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzlzSzY-SFBb2CQS0cd8Mx_m3vPGbXbMzpVCvM4xaFOg_JpSBpl6EZDF3kx-ZLjflHfWeu8powXRJT-0MS-CdR_RkP78gK5K71c6uZXuDXfLOu0KN_kfqU9kHdhW0cagDmmNZifOvgruYV/s1600/IMG_9421.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzlzSzY-SFBb2CQS0cd8Mx_m3vPGbXbMzpVCvM4xaFOg_JpSBpl6EZDF3kx-ZLjflHfWeu8powXRJT-0MS-CdR_RkP78gK5K71c6uZXuDXfLOu0KN_kfqU9kHdhW0cagDmmNZifOvgruYV/s640/IMG_9421.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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He loves the kitchen drawers. Several times a day he unloads the sippy cup drawer, all over the house! </div>
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The beaters for my mixer are another favorite of his. </div>
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I regularly have to hunt the house for them. My kitchen timer has been missing for 3 months. Usually we find things in other drawers but there are a couple items that we are waiting until he can talk to find, haha!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiatBtJfU5yE1SPC3FXnnd7HVumm0U73i_ymElc0eSEfcWZ0ZdPSlbqU5C1spe3ax7G4KWtYawuq-RfgQTnNvDYFk3eyJtMhGCn1K_apM7XhgZkFtmLVmqWSKNxxAW1EXLZettFofqOwcq_/s1600/IMG_8655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiatBtJfU5yE1SPC3FXnnd7HVumm0U73i_ymElc0eSEfcWZ0ZdPSlbqU5C1spe3ax7G4KWtYawuq-RfgQTnNvDYFk3eyJtMhGCn1K_apM7XhgZkFtmLVmqWSKNxxAW1EXLZettFofqOwcq_/s640/IMG_8655.jpg" width="480" /></a> </div>
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He really hasn't had very many booboos. This incident was probably the only big one but it was scary. He was just walking around the living room while I cooked supper and fell into the edge of the stump table. </div>
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We drove to Santa Elena for that one to make sure he was ok. (Actually a very nice missionary friend drove us, thank you Jim if you are reading this!) Titus healed up perfectly. </div>
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He is just now getting old enough to interact with the other little boys at church. It is super cute! </div>
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He gets so much love. I really like that about this culture. No one in our church is afraid to just come and pick up your baby. With the twins that was hard for me, but now I really value that. Titus loves our church!</div>
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I'm an only child, so sibling interactions fascinate me.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDnqR13InZw5gkR99uYRXhaW2zCo5rP-5X-X52PxYnX3xm6mYCaJRPjUoMfdO3qiD0-7Dan1OuFvJfBL76ejgNlfOiTMZZKrTj18Wn28NMsKHiwGkuIkWuvIZ5TXdlQ3HKnVU18tR8VeNH/s1600/IMG_5099.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDnqR13InZw5gkR99uYRXhaW2zCo5rP-5X-X52PxYnX3xm6mYCaJRPjUoMfdO3qiD0-7Dan1OuFvJfBL76ejgNlfOiTMZZKrTj18Wn28NMsKHiwGkuIkWuvIZ5TXdlQ3HKnVU18tR8VeNH/s640/IMG_5099.jpg" width="480" /></a> </div>
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It has to be one of the best things ever to be born into a family of kids who celebrate every thing you do!</div>
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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/AVvXsEiDzuwUpN7IBU7-obITp2gudHjM1XzxUCKzpYMWIXpAcegEuTW-7cOCEFBAIi_8bd5Er55rYW90ErOAyR4UG24bnwyIXoIYyLljqzB3muS4ZgnxgPzh4i2XY_w51w6rcUysivlr6dZ-Cezz/s1600/8B1A8AB3-72AD-49D1-B8FC-89EC53B91CB9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDzuwUpN7IBU7-obITp2gudHjM1XzxUCKzpYMWIXpAcegEuTW-7cOCEFBAIi_8bd5Er55rYW90ErOAyR4UG24bnwyIXoIYyLljqzB3muS4ZgnxgPzh4i2XY_w51w6rcUysivlr6dZ-Cezz/s640/8B1A8AB3-72AD-49D1-B8FC-89EC53B91CB9.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Morning hugs!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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Titus thinks his siblings are hilarious!</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxGDcdJZKtNrG-tn6VAedI-yL2l_hBA5qfNgo8BqTu1eiMEeHfC7qmjRXuswkFMrfu97n0S3VRj6LmLREDRlw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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He is very interested in helping daddy with things, but he is terrified of the hammer drill. He trembles. I have to pick him up and hold him before Jimmy turns it on. </div>
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His favorite little hideout spot is under the counter next to or inside the stools.</div>
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His favorite foods are fresh cooked beans (red beans, chick peas and lentils) and buttermilk biscuits! He thinks he needs a biscuit for each hand. We try to hide them from him for the beginning of the meal so he will eat some vegetables first. Once he sees the biscuits, he's done with everything else! <br />
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I think he looks more like Jimmy than any of the others. Here is one of Jimmy's baby photos:</div>
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I'm obviously Titus' favorite (haha!) but he is very much attached to Jimmy.</div>
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I already knew Jimmy was a wonderful Daddy, but 4 kids take a lot of time to build a strong relationship with each!</div>
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Our family regularly has large nerf wars. Titus started off watching from his high chair while eating a snack. Now I think he is ready to participate!</div>
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Every morning when Jimmy leaves for class, Titus stands right here for his daddy to say goodbye one last time and then he watches him drive off. </div>
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Titus loved Lucha. She was so gentle with him. Now Titus loves dogs because of her. (He detests cats.) Our sweet Lucha died right after Titus' 1st birthday, she was 10.5 years old.</div>
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Jimmy often plays football with Titus. He got a little one easy for him to grab for Christmas. He started throwing balls before he could walk and it remains one of his favorite things. </div>
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That's why we picked that for his cake for his birthday.</div>
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While we were squatting down there for the photo, he gave us a smooch without us asking.</div>
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He is the most affectionate child! </div>
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Somehow over the last year during our Peek a Boo games Titus started thinking that the point was to hold your hands over your ears, since that's where you hold them when you have a blanket in your hands to cover up your face... except he missed the blanket part. Still, even now, when he plays Peek a Boo with us he puts his hands over his ears and waits for us to say "Where's Titus?!" Unfortunately while Titus was eating his smash cake, Daddy yells, "Where's Titus?!" </div>
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And we ended up with lots of cake in the ears!</div>
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To celebrate his birthday we decided to have a little worship service with the students to thank God for all that He had done in Titus' life. We have not had a single breakthrough (tachycardia) since his first month of life. If you don't know, Titus has WPW syndrome and gets medicine to keep his heart rate down 6 times a day. </div>
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They don't sell pediatric doses here, but the heart hospital in the capital taught Jimmy how to mix it and adjust it to his weight. This keeps us from traveling to the capital once a month. That is a big praise in itself! God really protected Titus when he was born and before we knew that he had a heart condition. You can read that story <a href="http://jimandshelley.blogspot.com/2016/06/titus-birth-story-pt-3-finding-out.html" target="_blank">here</a>. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The fire was WAY too big at first. No one could get close enough to cook their hot dog, haha!</td></tr>
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We invited all of the students to a cookout. Afterwards we sang to God and shared testimonies of His faithfulness. It was beautiful! </div>
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We are SO thankful to God for this Sweetheart of a blessing He chose to give to our family. He brightens every day! </div>
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Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07338784611800458980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1784275362472349381.post-69458473699821249672017-06-01T10:56:00.001-06:002017-06-01T11:09:49.046-06:00The Piglet Story<div style="text-align: center;">
<span data-offset-key="77uci-0-0"><span data-text="true">The other day someone from the neighboring village showed up at the farm, at the dean of students' house (Pastor Ely), claiming that he had run over their piglet with the farm truck while he was out on an errand. This dead piglet had no signs of being run over, but Ely was gracious and paid the man Q250, just to keep the peace. I honestly believe this person was taking advantage of his kindness to make up for his sick pig that he lost. This made me angry to hear, that's a lot of money to us, so I'm sure it is to him. Why didn't he stand up for himself? </span></span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="77uci-0-0"><span data-text="true">This has been a dark couple weeks and with each phone call or knock at the door I expect more bad news. Last night at youth group Pastor Ely had a sack with something in it he was showing to Jimmy. I was afraid to even get close because I didn't want to hear some other sad, dark story. Well later I found out that someone had given him a baby pig. That's what was in the bag. It was a first fruits offering that God had put on their hear to give to Pastor Ely. God takes care of His servants. Oh, and Pastor Ely gave the piglet to the farm. Against the backdrop of so much ugly sin, mine included, we get to see God do beautiful things. </span></span></div>
Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07338784611800458980noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1784275362472349381.post-87293536115608950942017-05-22T11:27:00.001-06:002017-05-22T14:29:58.147-06:00Another Stone<div style="text-align: center;">
Each year there are 5 semesters of 12, 8 week classes with a 2 week break in between. That 2 week break is pretty vital. Jimmy always has big plans. It is when he can work on improving existing projects and starting new ones to get the farm self sustaining. He also uses this time to fix everything that has broken during those 8 weeks at the farm and at our house. </div>
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Friday evening after the last class of the semester, we were sitting at home talking about all the wonderful things that were going to be accomplished in the following weeks. I foolishly joked that something unexpected is probably going to happen that will eat up all of this precious time, since that really usually does happen! Well a couple minutes later Jimmy got a call that a huge storm came through the farm/institute and tore off half of the roof on the largest classroom. This is where we teach all of the first year classes and also where our church meets temporarily. It was sprinkling at our house, but nothing even close to a storm and our house is a less than a 10 minute drive down a dirt road from the farm. A tropical storm had come through... crazy. </div>
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I watched Jimmy's face. It always looks exactly the same whether happy, angry, or sad, but I still watched. He was processing and making plans. We had a mama pig that was about to give birth. We could sell the babies and pay for the roof repair... that's what was going on in his head. </div>
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Then the phone rang again. The mama pig had died. No one knows why. You can't even eat a pig that dies for an unknown reason!!!</div>
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I looked at Jimmy's face waiting for anything. Still no change, but he did quietly say, "I am completely alone." </div>
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It feels like that sometimes. When the people you think will be helpful are more of a liability. That edge of the roof was the one part he had paid someone we thought would be a co-laborer to finish... but they obviously didn't care enough about it to do a good job. It feels like that sometimes when you come up with a solution to barely get by and then that solution falls through! </div>
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A couple minutes after that, our 10 year old Boxer came over and laid on her pillow next to us. She had been sick. We knew she had cancer and there wasn't anything else we could do, but we thought we had a little bit more time with her. Well, she wasn't breathing very good and look uncomfortable. I made her some eggs since she wouldn't eat her dog food and she rejected those too. We knew it was time to put her down. Besides a necessary guard dog, she had been our first baby, before we had kids. I had gotten her for Jimmy our first Christmas here on the field. At this point who cares about the roof, our precious Lucha was going to leave us soon! </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This is how I will remember Lu. She was about 1 year old, when we lived in SE.</td></tr>
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The next morning about 7:30, Jimmy was getting ready to take Lucha to the vet in Santa Elena to put her down, when he got a call from a church we had visited on furlough. I say a church, but it was from a friend who is one of the deacons. He said that they had had a meeting that morning and voted to send the money to cover the roof. Jimmy had posted some pictures on FB, not asking for help, just pictures of the craziness. </div>
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So basically less than 12 hours later, after we had come to the realization that we had no plans for a solution, God took care of it. Oh, and people don't call us here. We usually get a message that says to call them since we are long distance... and who knows our number?! </div>
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I have a pile of stones, memory stones of when God has comforted us. This was one of those stones. It has nothing to do with money. We were just sad and God used a friend to reach out to us to tell us that He loves us and feels every single thing that happens to us... even our broken hearts about a dog!</div>
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When the church sent the check they said that they sent a little extra since sometimes repairs have unforeseen costs and that if we didn't need all of it for the roof, then to use the extra for a new dog. I tell you my God is specific. </div>
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So now our roof is fixed and we found a puppy. She is a perfect fit for our family. I was worried about our other dog, Bags, since she was best friends with Lucha, but she had room in her heart for a new addition. Her name is Mu (long u), that's Kekchi for shadow. She actually has a weird howling bark that sounds like she is mooing! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoDOOEScq4AVBBz-KpAGmXJpbP1vaceyosF8iaoJz0T4bErwJWn2MzY7ZyCwzYfCgMZCj_5upu_ohGhnFWk7SgYlP9Q0pNdFYtHIWKENqlWQ63t4DhZqT_3jPj7AIey08sZtz1fFo6sn03/s1600/IMG_8419+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoDOOEScq4AVBBz-KpAGmXJpbP1vaceyosF8iaoJz0T4bErwJWn2MzY7ZyCwzYfCgMZCj_5upu_ohGhnFWk7SgYlP9Q0pNdFYtHIWKENqlWQ63t4DhZqT_3jPj7AIey08sZtz1fFo6sn03/s640/IMG_8419+%25281%2529.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mu</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiECabAano0kbniwOoL0qrUQ2s9czOy_Yo7-o8x6Xkh29bSdlHEUxS2kKl46a_Mza1IQyuH-yLxNX0rfV9obEran-pd4UoRdinzUQOiDnNW6ghP0PQk2DxeYhGKbsxs4iEmpRGPEitmbkU_/s1600/IMG_8439.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiECabAano0kbniwOoL0qrUQ2s9czOy_Yo7-o8x6Xkh29bSdlHEUxS2kKl46a_Mza1IQyuH-yLxNX0rfV9obEran-pd4UoRdinzUQOiDnNW6ghP0PQk2DxeYhGKbsxs4iEmpRGPEitmbkU_/s640/IMG_8439.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bags and Mu, the new pack</td></tr>
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A couple days later someone messaged Jimmy to call them. They were offering him a job in the States. It was a ministry job, a really good one, just not at all what God has put in our hearts. Jonah, our 7 year old, heard about it and I thought he was going to say something about why in the world we couldn't go live there and do that since he would be close to grandparents and he has some friends there. This is what he said, "Why would you ever do that! God has given you a job to do and He takes such good care of us here!" Then he went through and listed several bad things that had happened over the years and how God helped us through each thing and the specific ways He had blessed us through many of them. He said, "God always takes care of you when you are doing the job He gives you."</div>
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So that's why I'm sharing this. This is one of the memory stones that is part of our family's story of how God takes such gentle care of us. I want us to remember these stories always. </div>
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ITEM OF THE DAY: </div>
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While our roof was being repaired we had our church service in our building that is still under construction. It needs a floor, wiring, and bars on the windows before we move in, but it does have a roof! It is a beautiful building, next to the village. Unfortunately it is also right in the middle of the goat project. There is nothing smellier than goats. That service made your nose burn! This one goat watched us the whole time. So I guess we will be moving the goats in the future!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6yj7YH4vRAqgROtpFJHNDeHoNNkU6wJTPXiQ24RH9ZIw5EvJ137Hssqc1FUSc5fF4J7jKV6RZ0SZO9BEtbXbaX5gXI34WuWZiqy4hNCMfNlNDb9iAPjkHc_d5w7hH6nRO-532aYrjtVN-/s1600/IMG_8301+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6yj7YH4vRAqgROtpFJHNDeHoNNkU6wJTPXiQ24RH9ZIw5EvJ137Hssqc1FUSc5fF4J7jKV6RZ0SZO9BEtbXbaX5gXI34WuWZiqy4hNCMfNlNDb9iAPjkHc_d5w7hH6nRO-532aYrjtVN-/s640/IMG_8301+%25281%2529.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07338784611800458980noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1784275362472349381.post-4687185813199298312017-03-09T07:27:00.000-07:002017-03-09T22:11:08.614-07:00Our Jun kab’al<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We are constantly learning more and more about Kekchi culture. I think we will always be learning. One of the reasons is, it is difficult to recognize and articulate your own culture because you don’t know anything different. How do you describe normal until you aren’t in your normal anymore. So, it isn’t as though you can go up and ask someone to describe what it is to be Kekchi exactly. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitAwfh-Zdv8QHiSnTtfZa40IogatpRUNvRBRr_SkVmuFm7quxu2RFapcif8zvf3k2uQ9h1XcVFF_rd-T9OS6TKd1BVeT7c0LRd8trxuQ4z4KwEFP8sHb5-b7ZK7DcXZAzLbZjRkcXFR8x5/s1600/FullSizeRender.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitAwfh-Zdv8QHiSnTtfZa40IogatpRUNvRBRr_SkVmuFm7quxu2RFapcif8zvf3k2uQ9h1XcVFF_rd-T9OS6TKd1BVeT7c0LRd8trxuQ4z4KwEFP8sHb5-b7ZK7DcXZAzLbZjRkcXFR8x5/s640/FullSizeRender.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
Part of being a female for me is a strong God-given desire to create a sense of community, community that gives identity and a sense of belonging. I try to do that in our home, in our church, and at the institute. That’s my circle of ministry. Being a part of a community allows you to share common values and offers a support system that can’t be duplicated by anyone outside of that community. That sums up family to me. That’s why we refer to our community at the institute/farm as our “farm family”. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixqF-H5Envr46V2F1Q_tybNhEZp_kvH9Obt875uH0l72ca-q9lT3KsvGt7D41aR3PLogHM-748vCZeLVZtrShVNltDgXR8dUUouvZwh33REnrx8kkwyjXuRQWOpP9zR3Ip1kbJ3roYWlcD/s1600/IMG_2025.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixqF-H5Envr46V2F1Q_tybNhEZp_kvH9Obt875uH0l72ca-q9lT3KsvGt7D41aR3PLogHM-748vCZeLVZtrShVNltDgXR8dUUouvZwh33REnrx8kkwyjXuRQWOpP9zR3Ip1kbJ3roYWlcD/s640/IMG_2025.jpg" width="640" /></a><br />
What’s really neat is that we recently found out about the kekchi word "Jun kab’al". The literal translation is close to “one house.” In Kekchi world your Jun kab’al doesn’t have to be blood related. It isn’t only for privileges but it carries responsibilities. You can belong to more than one at the same time, but it is based on shared experiences and shared responsibilities. <br />
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Your school isn’t normally considered to be one of your Jun kab’als, but ours can be. This means that they aren’t just here for 3 years and then leave. They become part of our family and we are all part of this farm family from now on. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_lF9XzXfOyA9uRqM97iVgah8LxCxO-YJ9sceyKi56TTqEfJ28wvzEB7dJigbVMRcFFFJfY3_5iZpgGmMXQDyGrxc67PLzH1bgpo3bAp1-IuEFI0Q7jXMmMkV5xcrBZqlVCgu6_jrRGC1i/s1600/IMG_6886.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_lF9XzXfOyA9uRqM97iVgah8LxCxO-YJ9sceyKi56TTqEfJ28wvzEB7dJigbVMRcFFFJfY3_5iZpgGmMXQDyGrxc67PLzH1bgpo3bAp1-IuEFI0Q7jXMmMkV5xcrBZqlVCgu6_jrRGC1i/s640/IMG_6886.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Balloon foosball </td></tr>
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We do many things to build this sense of family so I thought I would share these a little at a time. One is celebrating life events. Each month we have a big birthday party to celebrate everyone’s birthday. Birthdays are a big deal in your Jun kab’al. If there is a party, it’s huge and everyone is invited. It’s impossible to crash a party in Kekchi world because no one would ever not be expected to come. It’s kind of funny to me what a big deal the celebrating is because the age and the actual date of birth are usually forgotten. I regularly have to check people’s legal paperwork and remind them of their day. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidWqeWYrzhR14bUYOXtaqUqGnycv8h5-1ShbWASEfikofGcrwiKmNkFgpho0t9WEx7wUPmkQIXXztg78RJGmHNMLbpy6jvlKzHDzOBHWvseesR3Iv9NOjHqfTQLbdELa_30epKAqYOjizP/s1600/IMG_6875.jpg" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidWqeWYrzhR14bUYOXtaqUqGnycv8h5-1ShbWASEfikofGcrwiKmNkFgpho0t9WEx7wUPmkQIXXztg78RJGmHNMLbpy6jvlKzHDzOBHWvseesR3Iv9NOjHqfTQLbdELa_30epKAqYOjizP/s640/IMG_6875.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Celebrating Jimmy, Paul, Mari, and Gerson's birthday last month</td></tr>
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The first year it started off as just cake. Now, we have a whole game night. Here are some photos from the first 2 months of this school year:</div>
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Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07338784611800458980noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1784275362472349381.post-27804347280756425132017-02-08T17:15:00.000-07:002017-02-08T17:15:17.317-07:00What Happens When You Play Football In the Living Room! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I was just thinking the other day, "We're lucky with how rough our kids play that we haven't had any broken bones!" Well the other night while I was fixing supper, Jimmy, Jonah, and Silas were playing football in the living room. There aren't too many breakable things <s>left</s> in our house, which is good with these jokers. Jimmy threw the football to Silas, and Jonah intercepted it, falling down on the concrete floor with Silas still fighting him for it. Jonah held onto the ball, but as he was about to get up he saw his finger bent sideways and started yelling with great concern! </div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbCgXSfAML_YAQ8aqrp1X3dnpfaPPnBdwVaBdqoi5z8ZQk2Jlrc5J7MB2nhqn_WkhHngmd0iDoTh7bg8ZGWkcf4MDke82dW5KJOZK6BsuW5rnedLFt4cwcZt4NPXv1uDICCTNKkuIPERbJ/s640/IMG_6579.jpg" width="480" /></div>
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Jonah does not cry over pain. Injustices between siblings, yes; pain, no. His reaction made me worried. I'm so glad Jimmy was home because I do not like looking at stuff like this... it's right up there with looking in a bloody mouth to find the damage. Yuck! Jimmy told Jonah to go get in the car because they were going to the doctor. Then he starts saying very worriedly, "They are going to cut it off and I won't be able to play football!" I ran over to him to comfort him and tell him that his finger would be fine and that he would probably get to wear a cool cast and have no problem playing football. Sweet Jonah held his hand behind his back so that I didn't have to see it while I gave him his pep talk, haha! Poor kid. </div>
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On the drive to the public hospital, which is about 20 minutes, Jonah tells Jimmy, "I'm not letting anybody mess with my finger, I'm just going to wait and let GOD fix it!" (While this is a great model for most things in life, broken fingers are an exception...)</div>
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He got an x-ray at the hospital and they said that they were going to put a pin in it. There is NO WAY Jimmy would ever let that happen since bacteria could be introduced and then we would have an even bigger set of problems. (There is actually a really sad story of that happening recently). If there is anything I have learned (I'm sure we all have in life) is that a bad situation can get much worse so just be thankful and look out! So they left and texted our pediatrician (likely the awesomest kid doctor in the world) who gave him the number to a trauma surgeon. </div>
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I know this part was painful for Jimmy because he knew this was going to cost more money than he was hoping. I have already maxed out the medical budget this month with my ongoing teeth saga. And why do things like this always happen at night?!</div>
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The trauma surgeon opened his office just for Jonah. He even offered to put him out for the popping it back into place part. Jonah said he rather be awake. He did get a shot in the pinkie to help with the pain. Jimmy held him and Jonah turned his head away while the doctor popped it back into its socket. </div>
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This doctor was excellent! That's all God's provision! It cost $80 to have a surgeon come open up his office after dark and fix your kid's finger. I thought that was pretty good! </div>
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The doctor had 3 design options for casts and look what one of them was! </div>
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Jonah has to wear it for 2 weeks, get an x-ray and then maybe one more week. 3 weeks is to the day exactly before we leave for a month long furlough. He was worried about having it in the snow. We are very much enjoying teasing him about the part where they SAW off the cast!</div>
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The novelty of the cast wore off about an hour after he got home! He is a lefty and a little impatient like his mommy so he struggled a bit at first having to wait on someone to help him with things. It's a good life lesson. Sometimes life is hard and you should be thankful when those seasons aren't permanent. </div>
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I haven't been making him write in homeschool since he is left handed, but he insists sometimes. His personality can't leave things undone, even if we orally worked through a worksheet. He writes strangely well with his right hand. </div>
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Every Saturday evening the boys play soccer, football, kickball, or something with the students at the institute. Jonah was so sad that he was going to miss that. He lives and breaths sports! Well this first Saturday with his cast was his best friend's birthday party. I thought that was so neat. I talk all the time how gentle God is with us. That was God loving on Jonah! He didn't miss out on anything! </div>
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Each time my family, specifically my babies have a need, God has someone lined up ready to help them. I am SO thankful. God takes such good care of us!</div>
Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07338784611800458980noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1784275362472349381.post-4517830702709302542017-01-26T17:50:00.001-07:002017-01-26T17:59:13.358-07:00A New Spanish School Year!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have posted <a href="http://jimandshelley.blogspot.com/2016/09/our-journey-in-raising-3rd-culture-kids.html" target="_blank">before</a> how thankful I am for the opportunity my kids have to go to a Spanish school here in town. That school year ends in October, so I wanted to share photos of their kindergarten graduation and then photos from the beginning of the new school year that started January 16th. </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWcyEf00xPLXWKpPrCoftUKDELCB79vzkaNcHct_Vk67jTbeiR_6jYbsgHbktCiyjWjI4-9W4agkLq-_WSmMIEW0f4NNYcDxj-Qu4JXSq93OEUdHaojP_YItwGdbAczvcYvo4qyhO996Iw/s1600/IMG_4679.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWcyEf00xPLXWKpPrCoftUKDELCB79vzkaNcHct_Vk67jTbeiR_6jYbsgHbktCiyjWjI4-9W4agkLq-_WSmMIEW0f4NNYcDxj-Qu4JXSq93OEUdHaojP_YItwGdbAczvcYvo4qyhO996Iw/s640/IMG_4679.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">There were 22 kids in their K-4/K-5 classroom. These are the K-5 ones being promoted to 1st grade. </td></tr>
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Silas thought we were tricking him and making him wear a dress to graduation. He missed the entire concept of a robe. It didn't help that Eden kept saying, "I can't wait to see you in your dress, Silas!" Silas deserves Eden in his life! </div>
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Jonah and Silas are both equally book smart I would say. In homeschool that both excel, maybe Silas more in math and Jonah more in reading, but neither have had any struggles. Jonah, though, is a perfectionist. He has the type of personality that really shines in a traditional school setting. Even after not speaking much Spanish when the school year started, missing the first month of school and then a month when Titus was born, he came in second in his class. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Can you guess which homework came home with which kid? I love their personalities! </td></tr>
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Silas' personality came out when his teacher told him to write his letters over again a certain way one day and he said, "They are fine like that!" He definitely got in trouble when he got home. That's the kind of thing you laugh at with your spouse (specially when you know which gene pool that came from), but not in front of your kid. We are trying to instill in him a respect for authority without completely crushing that spirit. Sometimes my face looks like Silas' robe/dress face in the process! I know both of my boys' personalities were intricately designed by God for specific reasons. I can't wait to see what He has planned for them!</div>
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We were super proud of Jonah. He really is very diligent in doing his work. He got to carry the light of knowledge and then had to give a speech. Most kids who had to speak that night had someone behind them feeding them the words. Not Jonah! He is Mr. Stubborn. (That's from both gene pools... poor kid.)</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yes, one is taller than the other. We don't act like we don't notice. It's just how it is and we are all ok with it! We celebrate their differences! </td></tr>
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Here he is giving his speech!</div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxivKYd-eWLihCvJiptee-WXYhWrNe6lbyIQ5qed10MAVHxXN0YRi9LMCT2L9k0L_xpyf9BYO5Tva2lXZxAmw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe> </div>
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I was soooo nervous for him. He really didn't seem nervous at all. He told me not to worry!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jonah</td></tr>
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It was so dark, I had a hard time getting any photos. </div>
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We are super proud of both of them and thankful for the friendships they have made and how well they are doing with their Spanish. They had the best teacher!!! That was a blessing from God! They are so outgoing and quick to go up and talk to a new person. I hope they stay like that, in all cultures! </div>
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They were super excited to return this year for 1st grade. </div>
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Culturally 1st grade is a little harder for me to get past. There is a lot of copy work... like several hours some days. Writing the same line over and over again down a page makes my teacher's heart hurt. Especially on days when there are no songs or games or anything else to make learning meaningful or fun. We will see how this year goes.<br />
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It's tough on a teacher starting the school year when all the students haven't shown up yet or purchased their books and materials. The second week has already been much better! I think kindergarten is the one grade where most everyone passes based on age and not on whether they can read or write yet. There is a big rang of ability levels in this 1st grade classroom. Their teacher IS very kind to them. I am thankful for that!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZYrsq02RPc7Jg3Ipu8XK_QGhf6MFeKdSlCMV73HCDRxQe112Vx7VJ5mYgIYpSMrgcIlRKaKmfq3ftG-u1ZZ3EyKrS2lxQ8Xt9lg_tra9iT9TQtTdVJeJQn8M_BFYU1Rh79PdX-zH-uirt/s1600/IMG_6160.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZYrsq02RPc7Jg3Ipu8XK_QGhf6MFeKdSlCMV73HCDRxQe112Vx7VJ5mYgIYpSMrgcIlRKaKmfq3ftG-u1ZZ3EyKrS2lxQ8Xt9lg_tra9iT9TQtTdVJeJQn8M_BFYU1Rh79PdX-zH-uirt/s640/IMG_6160.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic0-3xdVlG0QckuZ4vVbefAfVwWk1bfyHvEivvA5vWoWggOUvaZdyE2e8UG1d6E8zYvdwCkA43dTIBdCOLo43ssaTvpUwQaRYHUS-8_HFjRfBtlnjYLRARhSbLU-f-0k2knb3EPAtS8IBC/s1600/IMG_6161.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic0-3xdVlG0QckuZ4vVbefAfVwWk1bfyHvEivvA5vWoWggOUvaZdyE2e8UG1d6E8zYvdwCkA43dTIBdCOLo43ssaTvpUwQaRYHUS-8_HFjRfBtlnjYLRARhSbLU-f-0k2knb3EPAtS8IBC/s640/IMG_6161.jpg" width="480" /></a> <br />
This year they will be studying Kekchi and English as well! </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/AVvXsEgVAkZhaetpjYkjg5V6BhQ0Qm0mVM5Fv967Gan_u4H3J7VBVFlcb97rHGHpVuWoiry_gLGg-sBhWDSeCNTtoi01I-6KfEaEhPSfhFX1-VYAHvpI9M4cmLB5WMmBjpB0YlhMCXLby9_m6MUt/s1600/IMG_6205.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVAkZhaetpjYkjg5V6BhQ0Qm0mVM5Fv967Gan_u4H3J7VBVFlcb97rHGHpVuWoiry_gLGg-sBhWDSeCNTtoi01I-6KfEaEhPSfhFX1-VYAHvpI9M4cmLB5WMmBjpB0YlhMCXLby9_m6MUt/s640/IMG_6205.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My favorite mommy homework, covering all of these notebooks, haha!</td></tr>
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Eden's situation is completely different. </div>
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<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhf5QZGlP1tbpJVdSGls_vpIt51OUCbje6a1FDNWS9CrIB16f9JTrSU8l1HOxIgl-ypyUPZAoFS8Smj5XIin41-LU-9m1c8qM5gIA1yL-xduxF8J4ir2hXdGTP8pT6JbrW9DVThJGiiEtTr/s640/IMG_6167.jpg" width="480" /> </div>
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Look at these walls!! <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqEhUPIMRtiqGAOokMrBM-_hAP0wuf_NW-799ZX-wmHWs5JLHjgW1glRwAa02x3uz6gXA1sY0FMM6NdToVWy8WrRhakRfRJEcTcpbhyphenhyphenaTOGlWO8h6b6bDfa4HaczS0uUBUddKwl8sruUEc/s1600/IMG_6171.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqEhUPIMRtiqGAOokMrBM-_hAP0wuf_NW-799ZX-wmHWs5JLHjgW1glRwAa02x3uz6gXA1sY0FMM6NdToVWy8WrRhakRfRJEcTcpbhyphenhyphenaTOGlWO8h6b6bDfa4HaczS0uUBUddKwl8sruUEc/s640/IMG_6171.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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The #1 thing I teach in my Art of Teaching class at the institute is preparation. Well this is what it looks like! I saw Eden's teacher, Cinthya, hanging these the week before school started. I told her how beautiful they were. (The boys' kindergarten teacher is about to give birth so Eden has 2 new teachers this year.)<img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEIADmH0CG5IoaSDPGDsp64TQ_gu-yvuVIgzPcnbA6Cybql77sg4hxV4JtZ3IC3k9pcRpK0ni9RCU504cjwt98f0pU7w2aWj-DLmFXQmWTr4fPUcKETU4ZyvIZdqMIRJKT1xWtgyzsI5Xq/s640/IMG_6174.jpg" width="640" /><br />
Eden loves school! I wouldn't have put her in K-4 if it wasn't for the goal of learning Spanish. I'm so jealous of time with Eden right now. With the baby and the boys' longer homeschool days I feel like Eden gets lost in the mix sometimes. Those middle children...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGkuHuZmVjt0EyvqQA7MP5gSoPjYNj8qOdOElXeBuS18FMD6Gn4P3IeRtgvAOm2WUdNfASokXUl-do-Y6YpXhyphenhyphen5m-5PDqFyjDYnH8yP2l6UFNUpX7g_Kl6-zCS17WAH08J2cJwSzrY7yuq/s1600/IMG_6168.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGkuHuZmVjt0EyvqQA7MP5gSoPjYNj8qOdOElXeBuS18FMD6Gn4P3IeRtgvAOm2WUdNfASokXUl-do-Y6YpXhyphenhyphen5m-5PDqFyjDYnH8yP2l6UFNUpX7g_Kl6-zCS17WAH08J2cJwSzrY7yuq/s640/IMG_6168.jpg" width="480" /> </a></div>
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Eden has 2 teachers this year. Both are just a sweet as can be. She comes home singing songs. She said yesterday very excited, "I have... what's that thing called again you do at home? Oh yeah... Homework!!!"<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNUKiyR2CPpg7Erf0JV7260lyr7u20CodDoqntR9xG5PmGweGnF6mv3dYDVB8_MRwZ0f6gVwydAZiYnLva14iyyuXJKrcutCZg46H41jFE5IdS-vDPdPqZZExeGaUV3ZAwP5vj0QSAxBeG/s1600/IMG_6472.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNUKiyR2CPpg7Erf0JV7260lyr7u20CodDoqntR9xG5PmGweGnF6mv3dYDVB8_MRwZ0f6gVwydAZiYnLva14iyyuXJKrcutCZg46H41jFE5IdS-vDPdPqZZExeGaUV3ZAwP5vj0QSAxBeG/s640/IMG_6472.jpg" width="480" /></a> <br />
She loves sitting at the counter doing her little activities like the boys used to do. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8aKs1N9Yyv5jRiTqyM2k_Py6BLJRDHx42YW0bIe1AEtbbTFZnmXVgIKdCYwtGl6MeQI_bU6iOt9JXSnTepNK0KZKiv7zM5k89faqBkWz2m3lNhsf_OMY66CfKLD5yaqeuRh_zeLT5zk-a/s1600/IMG_6175.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8aKs1N9Yyv5jRiTqyM2k_Py6BLJRDHx42YW0bIe1AEtbbTFZnmXVgIKdCYwtGl6MeQI_bU6iOt9JXSnTepNK0KZKiv7zM5k89faqBkWz2m3lNhsf_OMY66CfKLD5yaqeuRh_zeLT5zk-a/s640/IMG_6175.jpg" width="480" /> </a></div>
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Like Silas, she is a little bit mischievous. Having other authority figures in her life besides her parents will be great for her. She hasn't gotten in too much trouble yet! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpM4rpI5tpEW0-9bAGA6UDuw5UkbMys7i-NdtVJ36nN7B4BBuE6N2FjSjsVi-afjBheZKhJ9VtJGSKXyC1DoW3uWhbEFfaf8BRcSGQmspzHb2MLaQUfCcnuM-mGs8XeWpexlur6d5l0gkU/s1600/IMG_5379.JPG.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpM4rpI5tpEW0-9bAGA6UDuw5UkbMys7i-NdtVJ36nN7B4BBuE6N2FjSjsVi-afjBheZKhJ9VtJGSKXyC1DoW3uWhbEFfaf8BRcSGQmspzHb2MLaQUfCcnuM-mGs8XeWpexlur6d5l0gkU/s640/IMG_5379.JPG.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Eden's uniforms are still being made. She has to wear the cutest little knee socks! Since sparkly shoes don't work with her uniform, we had to go on the hunt for plain old brown ones... that's crazy talk in Eden's world. Yesterday morning we did have a fun girls time just me and her shopping for school shoes in Santa Elena. Daddy even took care of Titus... good man. Of course we had to stop for ice cream!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3XJuF28ULjkT97zkVPhIQ8AnU0eKE-y2KNGzgSL7h2OXIReW2bU0Ip46DPOItuRCu1-kkpWZ64kVwappRHuHVJwcEkBT0ZCYRVnR0MDao-EApqb2RXSE3fu4KisXyudk4Vp59L-po1MU_/s1600/IMG_6428.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3XJuF28ULjkT97zkVPhIQ8AnU0eKE-y2KNGzgSL7h2OXIReW2bU0Ip46DPOItuRCu1-kkpWZ64kVwappRHuHVJwcEkBT0ZCYRVnR0MDao-EApqb2RXSE3fu4KisXyudk4Vp59L-po1MU_/s640/IMG_6428.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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I love these children so much! I can't believe God chose to bless us with them! </div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVvKlH6UsQc2Y65TBr25t7DIzmaM72AXZqoGh4e7X20F0n2e35l8X2x8a22wQ_pH4EAvOirqbvbVDdmS6VW2myn6NQrHioslp4yd9PDhBqpkaR3g_h0S71yMaCzEfV_0MP8HLqwJgFu9Au/s1600/IMG_6164+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVvKlH6UsQc2Y65TBr25t7DIzmaM72AXZqoGh4e7X20F0n2e35l8X2x8a22wQ_pH4EAvOirqbvbVDdmS6VW2myn6NQrHioslp4yd9PDhBqpkaR3g_h0S71yMaCzEfV_0MP8HLqwJgFu9Au/s640/IMG_6164+%25281%2529.jpg" width="480" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our little one more "last goodbye" tradition continues!</td></tr>
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Shelleyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07338784611800458980noreply@blogger.com0