Team Allendale here and well!

The last two days have been really busy but really good.  Team Allendale is here (including some Central Iowa folks!).  Dad and Mom are here too!  We are excited as this is their first international missions experience AND first with Paradise Bound.  Maybe we can get Meredith Drive down here some day :)    
Please pray for us as tomorrow we dedicate the houses and the last two days have been raining off and on.  We pray that the rain does not come until 6pm Iowa time.
We also wanted to share with you the remaining prayer schedule
Thursday- House dedications (no rain until 6pm and for the four families that they would come to know Christ
Friday & Saturday- Medical Clinics...please for safe travels and no rain until midnight!
Sunday is our "free day"
Monday this team leaves and Tuesday the last time arrives....Team Alamo
Wednesday-Friday: Building days with the Friday being dedication day...for the four families and no rain until 6pm
Sat and Sun being the medical clinics----for safe travels and no rain until we get home....around 1 or 2 in the morning
Then Monday is the "free day".  Tuesday the team leaves.  Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday, we will be at the base, getting things turned over for the winter teams: medical stuff, constructin boxes, Dan will be digging a new basement for the garage area, and etc etc.  The Saturday August 7, we fly back.   Not only do we ask for His blessing traveling, but for the ONLY a hour and half in Houston.  We already are prepared that we might miss the flight, due to the short amount of time to go through customs, through security and recheck our bags and then to our gate with five little cherubs.  Thank you in advance for your prayers.  I am needing to sleep now as tomorrow we go to battle for the souls of some really cool families.....Dios Le Bendiga

running here and there and having a ball

Justin here yet again.  I had another free moment so I thought that I would share with you some of the adventures of the day.  First let me back track.  Yesterday we dropped off Team Hager Park/Hillcrest and then went and got some flowers and trees and the such.  Now, keep in mind that this project was supposed to be done during May, but because of few volunteers and Tropical Storm Agatha, it was done yesterday and today.  The price we paid would have easily bought just a few trees and special plants in the states.  Oh the joy of Guatemala.  We had the back seats out of Embra and had TWO fifteen passenger vans LOADED with tropical flowers, plants, and tons of fruit trees.  Vicki is excited because Dan has made her chief landscaper on this project.
So that brings us to today.  Vicki and the girls (Caleb wanted to stay behind) went out to run a few errands: fuel up a van, pick up two "Elephant Ear" plants that we forgotten yesterday, purchase 20 Birds of Paradise and other plants at a closer greenhouse, pick up some building supplies near Ruth's house. and swing by Maxi Bodega to purchase cabbage (we have been asked to make fish tacos AGAIN.  Yes, in about 15 years when the country has caught on to the wonder of fish tacos, maybe my face will be on some of the currency....okay, enough yacking again.  We got back and unloaded and started the process of arranging the plants (in between te rain showers), repacking the construction boxes, worked on the new shelves a little, and worked on reorganizing the medical clinic (Vicki and Erin).  A busy day, but a fun one.  One little thing that I forgot was on our way to town from the base, AJ and Emilee packed a bag of candy and wanted to throw it out the window for the kids.  The local kids on the road know the white vans as the Dulce vans (Dulce is Spanish for candy or sweets).  It was a fun day.  The next team is coming on Monday.  We are excited because my folks are on that team as well.  This will be their first experience of Guatemala and Paradise Bound Ministries.  Blessings to you all!

WHAT A WEEK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

How do you describe a week like just had.  Team Hager Park/Hillcrest was here and right away we knew that God was going to be doing something big, we just felt it.  We have been busy with now building an hour and a half away (compared to 20 minutes).  La Reyna is a village that could easily be missed.  It is hidden but tons of trees and is just off of a main road.  It is a former coffee plantation that the government turned into a village a little over 10 years ago.  Very few concrete houses.  A lot of homes built out of junk tin and wood.  Dan said it best when he said that there appears to be a spiritual darkness there.  I would agree, there seems to be a sense of hopelessness.  Yet, as we approached there, we are reminded quickly that with God, there is always hope.  The Tropical plants abound, coconut trees, bananas trees are also in a plentiful abundance.  We are literally at the base of Fuego, one of the most active volcanoes in the world.  Now, do not worry, it is simply that because it is smoking all the time.  Pacaya was the one that errupted and we are safe.  The team engaged the families right away and built relationships.  Paradise Bound Ministries will be building there in La Reyna for the next two years and this group was the first to build there! 
Last night was a powerful night.  The last devotions night is a great time for the team and to recap for the week.  God really moved.  We saw a granddaughter accept Christ for the first time, as her grandfather was able to kneel next to her, we saw a father and son hug and cry in a way that we can easily assume that has not happened in years if at all before, we spiritual walls be broken, we saw sins being confessed, we saw a professed atheist stop running away from his creator and ran towards....with his sister who has been praying for him there to witness.  With a team that entered into this country willing and wanting to serve others and God, ended up being blessed and changed.......we are quickly reminded that with God, there is always hope.
We say thank you for your prayers thus far.  It has hard to believe that 7 weeks have gone by and only 3 remain.  We are excited to return and share what we have seen, heard, felt, and witnessed....BUT, we know that 3 weeks remain for a reason.  Please continue to hold us, our family, this ministry, the missionaries, and the last 2 teams in your prayers.  We desire to "remain in the center of God's Will".  Our prayer is that for you who have joined us in this journey, through support, prayer, and resources, will too be blessed.  Wherever you are at in life, whatever hardships have occurred, whatever walls are up or broken down, we pray that you know that God is alive and active....and remember, that with God, there is always hope!  Dios le bendiga

Rice & Beans by Vicki

Today I looked at the menu and it said frijol y arroz.  For you non -Spanish speaking people, that's beans & Rice.  I was in charge of the noon meal today because Noami, the main chef (cook) was headed to the new village with the group to teach the women how to cook with pure water and the such.
If you are courious how it turned out look at the photos.

I made a traditional meal of Hamburgers, corn, fries, and strawberries.  Not what you think when I said traditional?  Well, I haven't quit mastered the whole bean preperation process.  Hopefully by the end of the summer I will be able to come back home and make some traditional beans and rice (with the help of a rice maker :).

















I also have some photos of the celbration that we went to with our family a few weeks back.  Feast your eyes on this!

Emilee and Ruth, best of friends.  She will always have a special place in our hearts!














AJ adores all of the beautiful children.  She is holding every baby she can get her hands on and can not wait to come back when the orphanage is open and full of babies.

This is the swimming pool of the hotel that we stayed in last week.  We were way under dressed and a few too many kids for most peoples liking.  I really kinda like the base with the kids screaming and generator running much better.

We pray these photos find each of you reflecting on the blessings that are staring you in the face.  A day doesn't go by that God doesn't give you a blessing.  Sometimes we are too dense to see them when the best gifts are staring us in the face.  Open your eyes today!
Vicki

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