Lightning Bugs, Rice and Diesel Fuel........

So our time in Guatemala City, although only 2 nights, seemed like a week.  It was a very nice hotel.  One that if it was in the States we would NOT be staying at due to the price...thank goodness for Guatemala.  It was nice to spend some time as a family and some time with the Smiths.  This was their tradition as a family.  They use their Christmas money and go to the "bubble pool hotel".  I think Emilee summed it up best though.  She was talking to Dan in the pool  and said something like, "Dan Smith, when we get back to Guatemala can we...."  I find it so funny that the hotel and the mall and the city was SOOOO different to the Guatemala that she came to know for the last 5 weeks.  It was good to come back to the base refreshed and eating rice and beans and tortillas again instead of McDs or whatever.  A lot of memories were made, but at las, it is time for the 4th group.  We picked up Team Hager Park/Hillcrest today and had the worst traffic yet.  Bumper to bumper.  We are praying that the team will be used by God is mighty ways.  It will be interesting to see who the LORD will bring to them.  The rest of the day was spent getting things ready for the week: sorting meds, orientation, and me, Justin, helping to unload the 500 pound diesel tank used for the planta (generator).  Myself and one of the guards.  We did it.  This makes the 4th time I had to do that, and I think that I will have about 2 more times.  I chuckle because it has been the same guard helping me all the times thus far.  The one of the three that does not know ANY English.
   The highlight for the big three kids and us were that tonight for the first time this summer, lightning bugs came out.  It brought back memories of the summers in Iowa.  Thanks LORD, we needed that tonight.  The family is doing well.  Caleb has a sore tooth, Kira is getting teeth, and the rest is well.  We will try our best to upload some pictures when we get a chance AND the internet is working again....they do not always line up:)   Blessings to you all and the Spanish word for the day is:  Bolsa  =  Bag or sack. 

Market Day

Today I had an experience of a life time. I was able to go to the local market with Noami, a staff member, and pick up a few items.  Let me tell you, carrying around your groceries for 2 hours is a bit of a task.  We first had to drop the kids, Emmanuel & Debra, off at school.  Then weave our way to the 'drop zone.'  we were on our feet and off to the races; to the venders with the best produce.  I had the desire to see the market from a local's perspective and to see if I could find an authentic apron.  Well, there are rows and rows of produce, chicken (alive and butchered), beef (not refrigerated!), and stuff.  Then the next row is the same and then next row is the same.  Wow, for those of us that are directionally challenged it was a bit of a challenge to find my way out.  Did I mention there were rows and rows?  I was also able to see some of the authentic dresses and clothing for the girls, I may need to go back and make another purchases.  I was amazed at all of the stuff for sale and the rows and rows of everything.  WOW.  I was also able to buy the exact apron that I 'wanted'.  I found two that I liked and when I held them both up, the 12 Guatemala ladies also shopping for an apron looked up at the same time and all were looking at the tall red headed white gringo that had an apron in her hands.  All 12 agreed that the Verde (green) apron was the better choice, so I proceeded to purchases the green apron for myself!
Then we needed to wait in the drop zone for Estuardo to pick us up.  I felt really tall and really white standing there.  I know some comments were made by men, but this was the one time I was greatful for the inability to understand their language. 
On a side note, red heads are not very common, but sometimes there are Guatemalans with red hair.  This is often attributed to vodu or witch craft.  So, often we, Vicki, Caleb & Emilee, end up with people touching our hair.  Their rational is to give us acceptance and not condemn us.  So Emilee & I have come accustom to this but Caleb has had much more difficult time with this transition of people in his space.  Each culture is so different and yet we are all the same with a God shaped whole in our spirit that needs to be filled with only God.  My prayer is that our family continues to bring people to the feet of Christ so that their spirit can be filled with our Heavenly Father. 
Vicki

An Independance Day to Remember!

Happy 4th of July everyone.  Today, we (the Schrock Tribe) and the Smiths, and Erin Van Oort, were invited to a special dinner in all of our honor.  Maria, the lady who prayed for 3 years for houses, and whose family received 10 houses the past two weeks, rolled out the green carpet (fresh picked pine needles on the ground: a sign of celebration and honor), and cooked a fest for us.  It was a great time of reconnecting with new friends and the kids had a blast too.  Emilee went right away to her friends, Ruth, Sesi, and Nancy. 
   We had Fried Chicken, rice, whiscel and potatoes, and rice with some sort of sauce.  Throw in some fresh tortillas and cold Pepsi.  The families had balloons and their pastor out.  They even paid to have an artist paint a picture of the houses and presented it in gratitude to Dan.  It was an amazing day to spend as a family in this village (Santa Isabel).  These people have next to nothing, but out of their thankfulness pooled what little they had and gave.  It made me think: What have I given out of my gratitude?  God has saved me from my sin...He has given me a new home in Christ, He has blessed me greatly....how can we give back out of gratitude?  We will hopefully post some pictures tomorrow.  We wish you many blessings on this, our Independance Day.  May the freedom that is found in Christ be your celebration.- The Schrocks!