So this past week, the kiddos started school. This adventure has been one that both Vicki
and I have been saying, “okay Lord, this
is in your hands” as this is new territory for us (homeschooling). So what did we do? Well, each kid has their own desk with their
name on it; they have been jumping into reading, language arts, math, science,
and Bible. We took two field trips (on
the first two days of school!); and having a blast!
FIELD TRIPS: First day we went on a hike on a mountainside
to the Pump House One to change the oil in the pump. This fresh water spring, which has been dammed
up to allow a collection of water to exist so we can get water at the base is
tucked into the mountain side and proved to be a beautiful hike!
The second day found our little tribe heading to Iximche,
one of the Mayan Ruins in this beautiful country. God truly blessed us with GOREGOUS weather,
an easy route to the place, AND an
English speaking guide so we could get a more deep and rich tour
experience.
The kiddos are enjoying school so far, but dearly miss their
classmates. Vicki has done a wonderful
job of getting things started, but is looking forward to some extra assistance
with the formation of this.
Me? Well, this
Wednesday I leave with four other pastors for Coban, Guatemala until Saturday
to meet with some other pastors in the discipleship program. This flight leaves
early Wednesday morning and the drive back is about 6 hours. For these four days, Vicki will be a single
mom, I will not be able to speak any English, and both are ready for why God
has placed this experience on our plates.
This past month I have been able to witness a new Church
dedication, have a meeting with pastors about joining forces (a 12 year prayer
finally answered), and continue to build relationships and infrastructures here
within the ministry. A lot of cleaning
has been taken place…..little nooks and crannies and ministry approaches.
This place away has led me to really focus on one word:
place. What is a place? Do we really think about place? When people ask about where we are, the easy
thing is to say is Guatemala….yet what does that entail? It does not mention
about our place on the staff. It does
not mention our place with our family.
It does not say anything about how and where we are living. It does not touch the daily routine of life
in another country. Can’t drink the tap
water and we only have 3 hours of battery power for the base before the lights
go dark and we need to fire up the generator.
It does not tell any of the stories that have been shared in the kitchen
among friends….stories all spoken in broken Spanish. Guatemala.
It tells someone one location on this earth. It does not address anything about what it is
doing for our souls and the connection to our Creator for an eternal
presence.
Place.
What is your place in this life? What is your place in the Kingdom of the Lord
God? Your
will be done on earth, as it is in Heaven…..
Eternity starts now, NOT when we pass on into the next life. Our place is in the center of God’s
Will. His Will does not commit us to one
location, but to one place….in His hands. May you find yourself today saying, “okay Lord, this is in your hands”. There is no better place to be.
Dios te bendiga,
~Justin
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| Gathering of Pastors in La Bendecion |
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| 12 years of prayer led to this meeting! |
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| Mission Base in La Bendecion |
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| In San Rafael for church dedication!!!! |
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| new pastor friends |
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| Caleb by Pump House One on first day of school: Field Trip # 1 |
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| Field Trip #1 hike |
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| going for a hike? Then we need a stick... |
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| Caleb and Grandpa fixing Duke's dog house.....or horse house? :) |
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| Gemelas!!!! |
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| Tour Guide at Iximche |
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| Naomi taking pictures at Iximche (notice what camera she brought) |
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| Iximche (field trip number 2!) a VERY fun day...well worth the drive |
