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!

A WOW Night!

We said goodbye to Team Maurice today.  Boy, did that week go by fast.  It was fun to see the group here.  Many memories were made, but more over, many changed lives occurred-Guatemalan AND American!  God was faithful and really impacted the group on the last night.  We got to the airport at 5:30am this morning and then ran errands and even did some dreaming for landscaping (Vicki was jealous of the selections of tropical plants AND the incredibly cheap prices).  I have a feeling the next time you come here, there will be some more color around the base.  I, Justin then proceeded to head back into Guate City to pick up Erin Van Oort, the new staffer at PBM.  It was fun connecting on the way home as she went to college with some former youth group members from California! 
   We are busy this weekend getting things ready for the next team, which comes in on Friday.  The family will be heading into Guatemala City with the Smiths for 2 days to create some wonderful memories and recharge before the last 3 teams come in.  It is hard to believe that the summer is half over already.  It has gone by fast and has been amazing....yet we are feeling it and are looking forward to a breather next week. 
   Back to Team Maurice.  There are and were MANY amazing stories to share.....PLEASE chat with them and hear it from their lips of the greatness of what God did in and through them!  I have a feeling that the next Maurice Team will have some of these faces in it!  Thank you for your prayers, they are needed and felt. 

Justin

Fried Chicken and Tostadas and changed lives!

Team Iowa has been a blessing this week.  This is the first week this summer where the team has started with the medical clinics and then ended with the house building.  Yesterday was stucco and awning day, with today being the roof and painting day....for the morning anyway.  We then preceded to dedicate the homes in the afternoon.  This precious moment is one full of power and amazement as the team circles the home, and the group that built it, enters with the family, Dan, and Pastor Hermano Jesus.  I will stop there with the explaining and allow you to contact a person who is on Team Iowa to find out more!  Just know that many families are now written in the Book of Life. 
    It has been unique for me, Justin, to be engaged in this team.  They are of "our youth group", yet after working as the sidekick to Dan these past few weeks, I found myself needing to shift gears at times.  It has been really fun though, to see and experience the growth in and among the group!  Today was also Dan's birthday.  Once in a while the families that are receiving the homes cook a special meal for Dan and his staff (this summer includes me!)  So, not only were tostadas on the menu today, but chicken as well. 
    This day has been a good one.  Devos tonight proved that God not only changed the lives of five families for eternity, but the hearts of the students and adults on this trip have been moved greatly.  While singing the song Mighty to Save the phrase, He can move the mountains is blasted out.  It hit me, I literally believe that Mountains can move in and through the name of Christ, BUT He can move the biggest mountain of all...the wall of stone around our hearts!  Praise God.  One other thought that I have not been able to shake is a new name for God.  Well, new to me anyway.  YOU ARE!  The LORD himself says He is called, I AM, and with me agreeing with that name, I reply with all of my heart, YOU ARE.  May you, go tonight, this day, or whenever you are reading this, knowing full well, that HE is, was, and is to come.  Speak directly to the Creator of all and delcare to Him: YOU ARE...amazing, mighty, wonderful, the healer, the sustainer, the ONE, the.........

Better late than never!

I know that I promised you this post2 nights ago, but in my defense, the internet was down and Devotions last night were amazing.  I also value sleep a whole lot and decided you could all wait till tonight. 
I, Vicki, was able to go to the medical clinic on Sunday night.  Again I simply float in between the two lines of patients and answer questions as needed.  There were lots of patients that were very sick with parasites and amoebas that are all stemming back to the Tropical Storm ~ Agatha.
  At one point there was a young mom holding her baby waiting to have her medications explained to her.  I was prompted to take the little one and hold him for a few minutes.  While I was holding this 20 day baby with no name yet, I started to undress the many layers of clothing.  As a mom I never get tired of counting babies fingers.  When I counted I noticed that this little one had an extra skin tag attached to his pinkie fingers.  I then spoke up and told Dan about it.  A few moments later myself and Shelia DeJong had removed each skin tag and the mom was beaming from ear to ear.  As I reflect on this instance I realized that God prompted me to take this little one in my arms and to find this small blemish.  The mother had not asked about the extra appendage, I assume out of shame.  How often out of shame do I not ask God the almighty power about my small blemish.  He could fix it really simply just like Shelia and I fixed this 20 day old baby.  A GOD MOMENT.

I also met an 8 year old boy with cleft lip and palate.  I have to share a photos but it is shocking.  Pray for this family to call Dan and receive the treatment that he needs.

This evening was intense with the devil at work in many many avenues.  Yet the Lord prevailed and we were stretched during the Jesus Film, testimony time and singing.  A harvest was reaped in the Lords name.  This harvest included a 79 year old women that has stomach ulcers and possibly stomach cancer.  With the weakness and emptiness that we saw in her eyes, she could die in days or weeks.  Yet, she gave her life to Christ at this clinic and we can rest in peace knowing that she knows our Almighty Savior. Although many souls were harvested a question arose; Did we go to this village only for this 79 year old eternal soul?  I will only find out when I meet my Lord in Heaven. 
the Lord provided safety on the roads and we reached the base as a team.  This team will never be exactly the same as we met our Eternal Lord and Savior on this night.

MRC HERE

Well, MRC is here and we are totally enjoying ourselves.  It has been unique to watch Justin switch back into Youth Pastor mode as he feels responsible 'for his kids'.  We are enjoying the familier faces and smiles.  Saturday evening Justin went to the medical clinic and on Sunday evening I, Vicki, went.  I have a few pictures to sort through, then I will post about last night.  Once again, my nursing skills were put to the test!  Check back before you go to bed and hopefully I will have an update.
Vicki

Busy Bees

On Tuesday we said goodbye to most of Team Ivanrest (Esther, an exchange student from South Korea is still with us until tomorrow because of issues with her visa).  Tonight in a few minutes we go to pick up Team Maurice....small in size, but on the rise.  Sorry, had to throw that in there.  We are VERY excited for this team.  For obvious reasons, but also for the meds they bring, the many needed supplies for the vehicles and base, and for the souls that will be touched because of our LORD Jesus Christ.  Both the gringos and the locals will be moved by His Spirit.  We pray that you pray this team through the battles we face this week.  Saturday and Sunday will be our medical clinics (from 1pm until 11:30pm we pray for traveling mercies.  On Monday through Wednesday we will be building houses (we simply pray that the good LORD will make them Houses of Hope).  We will also keep you posted as the week goes on.
It was really nice to have 3 days to get things in order instead of 24 hours.  At the beginning when Dan said they run on adrenaline, he was not joking!  Thank the LORD for Guatemalan coffee...of which I am sure will be served in Heaven.  Well, mi cambienette is calling me.  I have Embra tonight and Dan is in Macho.  Dios es Grand!

Dios Le Bendiga mi familia en Jesus Christo

Village ~ Medical Clinic

Well, where do I begin?  Justin  & I had decided that I would go to this medical clinic because the people were supposedly more sick than the night before.  So our departure time was to be at 10:30, the earliest I have seen a departure yet.  So, what does that mean?  The village is a distance away and the roads are not good.  By the way, 3 of the bridges were washed away in the tropical storm Agatha, and have been fixed enough for us to drive over them one vehical at a time.
I rode with Estuardo, the Guatemalan that scouts out the villages.  At on point Estuardo stops the van and asks Dan if he wants to proceed down this road with the 2 wheel drive van or if he wants us all to pile in the other 2 4x4 vans becasue the next part of the road is particullary ruff.  Dan said, awe we can take all three.  Estuardo said OKay and when we turned the corner to go down the two track path Estuardo sighs and says Okay.  I take this response as okay here's our next adventure.  After much bumping and attempting to miss the holes in the dirt road we arrive at the 'school' and set up shop.
At first glance these people are dressed really well and look clean.  Then I remind myself that they are wearing their best clothes and have all just taken a bath.  They are attempting to present us with their best. We begin to see patients in the clinic as others are playing with the kids in the court yard.  The patients are spending lots of time with Dan and YoJana which means they have lots of illness.  At one point YoJana asks me to examine a young man's throat.  It was extremely swollen and red.  I tell Dan so he can translate for me.  Dan smirks and says are you going to do surgery and take them out.  I said no but they should come out.  So we prescribed him some antibiotics and on this family goes.  Then Dan has another situation and he asks me if I want to do exploratory surgery on an older gentleman that has 12 or so soft tissue deposits under his skin.  Again I say no way, Dan quit asking me to do surgery.  I take a few more blood pressures and listen to a 7 month in utero babies heart beat.  I never get sick of hearing a neonates heart beat.
Then Dan shows me a beautiful women who has a lesion on the left side of her face.  And says do you want to do surgery.  I said this time let me go get the Doctor.  A team member, Julie, is a Physicians Assistant.  She says you bet, if we have the right tools we can defiently help this women.  Guess what, I had packed all of that equipment right before the team had come.  So we got to do a minor proceedure in the middle of a small village on a beautiful women.  We pray that it doesn't get infected and that she has positive results from our human hands.  The clinic saw patientes all of the way through the Jesus film and through testemonies.  There was a harvest of souls on this medical clinic night.  One adorable young couple came to know Christ.  This couple is dealing with some medical issues and we will be following up with them in a month to see if our treatment is successful. 
Our pack up and departure went really smooth.  nothing was left behind that we can see.  We all said a prayer and sang one song under the starry sky.  God had held back the rains to allow us dryer roads and a possibility of actually getting all 3 vans out of this village.  We drove for about 15 minutes and our van could not make it up the mountain.  So we had to rearrange the road, move rocks, scrap off the mud and rearrange some more rocks.  We also had to put chains on the vans.  (Glen ~ the chains worked amazing!)  After many team members getting frustrated and people not wanting to follow through, we regrouped and explained what had to happen, spirits were lifted.  I realized in the middle of the dark with 35 people around me that in stressful situations the Lord fills me with a calm spirit and lets me lead by example.  With much to do around us we kept plugging away and 1 hour 30 minutes later the first two vans were up the mountain.  So, the team began to climb to get to the top.  Half way up Dan is walking down and says, we need 15 people to come down to put weight in the van.  So, back down the mountain we go.  Then that van climbs right out without incident.  Mind you my body is not so in shape but this night I climbed and descended that mountain a few times and yet I was not out of breath. Thank you Lord for breathing air in my lungs.
We, the 2 wheel van, did need the assist of the 4x4 one more time, but that went relitivly easily.  Shortly after we were back on paved roads and on our way home.  Our arrival time was 2:30 am. Safe and a great story share.
After much reflection, I realize that the souls that were brought to Christ were well worth our time and energy, even if it meant our late arrival home and sweat to get our vans up the mountain.  The Great Physician can heal physical aliments and spiritual even in the already saved.  The village members and I turned our eyes on Jesus!
Vicki

Safe at the Base...

Just an update that the team arrived safely at the base at 2am.  They said that the prayers WERE needed and VERY felt.  More of the story later.  All I know is that it could have been in the top 10 for worst roads list.  Thanks for your prayers.

Happy Father's Day

A great big shout out to all Fathers on this day.  Well I, Justin, decided to let Vicki go on this medical clinic tonight because it is a coastal village (which means very sick) and Team Ivanrest has some people that can easily drive.  I went last night to the village and was amazed at how 25 people in this tiny village, gave their lives to Christ for the first time.  The drive their was BEAUTIFUL...but the drive back was nerve racking at first.  VERY narrow roads, rain, and fog.  The LORD provided and we were able to get home around 11:30pm.
Okay, back to tonight.  As write this, it is 8pm....the team had a 4 hour drive, and if it rains, they probably will not make it back to the base tonight.  Dan was already stating via phone call to Heidi, that it was an interesting road.  More than likely the chains would have to come on the 4X4 van even!
PLUS, this village does not have electricity AND the gas generator got left at the village last night by mistake.  Can definitely tell that there is a force not wanting this team to advance in the name of the LORD.  So, pray that the rains hold off, that the team arrives home safely, BUT more importantly, that this village that has not a single Christian and is forgotten by the rest of the world, has its residents come to know Christ!
I had a good Father's Day with the kiddos.  We laughed, and were busy at the base.  Yes, I know it is Sunday, but I still feel like we are called here to help out whenever and however.  So I painted the new shelf above the sinks, I put together a closet rack for Erin (the new staff member coming down in July), I organized the construction boxes, read, played games with the kids, weeded the retaining wall, and am typing a blog.  This team leaves on Tuesday and then we find ourselves with three days to get ready for the next team, Team Iowa (Maurice!!!!).  We are very excited.  I am anxious for when we build the houses because the 5 of them are right next to (about a block away) from the last five we built.  One of them is for an aunt of kids we just built for.  5 kids, the oldest is a 15 year old girl named Grisyelda and Elisa is a 12 year boy.  I did not meet the younger 3 kids, as they were not at the dedication.  But all 5 of these kids have been abandoned by their parents.  The aunt is close by, but is barely involved in their lives due to her poverty.  I look forward to reconnecting with these orphans.  They both excepted Christ on Friday.  After they prayed the team that built the house hugged them and gave BIG smiles.  When I bear hugged Elisa, he just melted in my arms and started to sob.  I wondered in that moment, when the last time this boy, who has had to grow up too fast last felt love of a father?  I turned to Grisyelda and did the same, a big bear hug that lifted her off the ground.  The sounds of her sobs are one that will never leave my mind.  I told that she is never alone and that God has watched over them and loves them.  Please look up James 1:27
Not only do we need to watch over the orphans and widows, but we need to live a life that is free from pollution of the world.  The first part is easy to do.  But when we really allow the first part to move us, the second part follows quickly.
Well, I am starting to ramble and I am anxious to hear what God has done in the village tonight.  We will keep you posted as to when the group returns.  Thank you for your continued prayers.  These missionaries here at Paradise Bound give so much.  We as a family are trying our best to help as much as possible.  Yet, we realize the best help we or anyone can give, is to bathe them in prayer and lift them to Christ with each step that they take!
Justin