What did you do on your 10th Anniversary?

We can say we spent our 10th Wedding Anniversary serving the Lord in Guatemala.  But, more specifically Justin spent his day put porches on 5 houses and stuccoing those same 5 homes.  Vicki spent her day caring for 5 kiddos, painting the laundry room and making homemade bread sticks for this group of 50 people.  We honestly believe this is a one of a kind Celebration.

Today I, Vicki, was asked what I do all day by one of the teen team members.  I smiled, while she responded, "do you play with the kids all day?"  Again I smiled and said yip and make food.  I left my comment at that, but in my mind I was thinking, oh honey, you have no idea the things we do in one day as a mom and servant to you teenagers.  But, without much more she walked away content with that answer.  yet, I was left pondering, do I play with my kid enough and not get caught up in the daily to dos?  I have learned over the last 3 weeks in Guatemala to sit and take in the world around me instead of constantly going.  Now don't get me wrong, my busy hands are a genetic down fall and blessing.  I am letting the Lord teach me to find a happy medium between getting the work done and being lazy. 
I have a devotion for you to read through by Oswald Chambers from his book, "My utmost for His highest."  (I am a bit jealous cause Justin can write his own inspirations to you and I have to copy mine from a book, but this book is an amazing devotional, so read on, you will be glad you did!.)

Keep Recognizing Jesus.

"Peter . . .walked on the water to go to Jesus. 

But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid. . . " Matthew 14:29-30

the wind really was boisterous and the waves really were high, but Peter didn't see them at first.  He didn't consider them at all; he simply recognized his Lord, stepped out in recognition of Him, and "walked on the water."  Then he began to take those things around him into account, and instantly, down he went, Why couldn't our Lord heave enabled him to walk at the bottom of the waves, as well as on top of them: He could have, yet neither could be done without Peter's continuing recognition of the Lord Jesus.
We step right out with recognition of God in some things, the self-consideration enters our lives and down we go.  If you are truly recognizing your Lord, you have no business being concerned about how and where he engineers your circumstances.  the things surrounding you are real, but when you look at them you are immediately overwhelmed, and even unable to recognize Jesus.  then comes His rebuke, ". . . why did you doubt?"  Let your actual circumstances be what they may, but keep recognizing Jesus, maintaining complete reliance upon Him.
If you debate for even one second when God has spoken, it is all over for you.  never start to say, "Well, I wonder if He really did speak to me?"  Be reckless immediately- totally unrestrained and willing to risk everything - by casting your all upon Him.  You do not know when His voice will come to you, but whenever the realization of God comes, even in the faintest way imaginable, be determined to recklessly abandon your self, surrendering everything to Him.  you will only recognize His voice more clearly through recklessness -being willing to risk your all.
Now, aren't you glad your read through that.  This is my prayer over the next 7 weeks and continually, "To always listen to Him, even when I am in the middle of what He called me to do"
God bless
vicki

***A Hard day at the office***

So we are  on Team #2 (Team IvanRest), from Grandville, MI.  This youth group has been down here before and has brought with them a lot of energy.  We literally had 24 hours to say goodbye from Team 1 and get ready for Team 2.  Wow, can you say crazy?  PLUS, we have been under a small attack in the vehicle department.  Right now we have two vehicles in the shop and one waiting to go in!  It makes things very interesting to say the least.  Just keep praying for the drivers and the vehicles.  Today was day one of building 5 homes.  Today was also the coolest temperature day yet.....which should have been a warning sign.  Right at noon, it rained, and rained and rained.  So with trying to keep kids on task and grabbing for more bandaids for me (long story short:  I was grabbing the tin to put on the roof to save the dry wall and someone was trying to help but just as I had both my hands on the tin, they pulled it without saying anything, and well, I have some REALLY nice cuts on both hands).  Well, we got to where we needed to be for the day and only lost 2 sheets of drywall to the rain.  And you know what, when we were walking back to the vans, it was sunshine and heat. 
What I noticed though.  In the morning, it started to rain and we snagged a few kids to get in the corner and pray, and it stopped.  RIGHT AWAY.  Yet, at noon when we were trying to eat, it rained and in our rush to get things taking care of, no one stopped to pray the rain away.  I mean, sure there were some that said, "it sure would be nice if it stopped".  But none or us really stopped what we were doing, and said, "In the name of the LORD, stop raining".  There is power in HIS name and YET, we fail to go to that day in and day out with the "little things".   A few things that Vicki and I have realized is that prayer is essential down here.  We need prayer to stay on roads, for peoples hearts to be opened to the Gospel, for protection from the enemy.  Yet, we need prayer at home too!  Oh how we fail to stay in His presence sometimes.  Matthew 8:18-22 has a great point.  Two people say they want to follow Jesus and His response both times is with a wild statement.  The first has to deal with home:  which equals our comfort.  The second with our plans or agenda....can I get a "Control".  Comfort and control.  Two things that we cling to in life, YET two things that Christ says we MUST give to Him before we are to follow Him.  Sit with this passage as we have and see what God says to you.  HOWEVER, if you listen and hear, you are left with a choice.  To follow Him, or disobey Him.  We are ready for day 2.  It is stucco day tomorrow as well as putting on the porches to the houses.  We build the house, and our prayer is that the LORD will make it a home.

I'm leaving you with a quote that I read (yes, I do have some time for reading).  It is from Edmund Burke, an English scholar from the 16th century.  "To define justice, we need to first define evil.  Evil is when good men and women see injustice in the world, and do nothing!"  Powerful. 

May you go out and do the something that you can do through the Someone who enables you to do it! 

(Read that senstence again, slow and sit with it for a minute.)

Blessings for now.  Justin <><

HE >ME

No more NORMALIZATION

No more NORMALIZATION
So I realize that the above word might not be an actual word, but by the end of this blog, hopefully it will make sense for you. The last few days have been busy. On Friday, Vicki and Emilee went with the team to the first medical clinic. They both had a blast. Vicki was able to get out of the base and use her nursing skills. Emilee was a big hit with her red hair, and of course, her smile. She also made a friend really quick, and it was not long before they were going everywhere hand in hand.

Emilee also was a big helper with the passing out candy too.
Saturday saw Justin and AJ going out to the second village. Even though it was a small one, it was a village that God choose this team to go to. A big connection was formed and again, many people came to know Christ as their LORD and Savior.

Did you know that 2/3 rds of the world is poor? That same group, contains many who have never heard of the LORD. Every second, someone who does not know Jesus dies. Yet, we as Americans, can get so comfortable in our lives, and in our normalization of our lives. For me, this is something that I have been fighting. I do not want to simply go through the motions of life. I am tired of “playing church”. I am not wanting to look back on my life when I stand before Jesus face to face and see that I lived the safest life possible and was not radical for HIS name. I want to “BE the Church”. I want to be that down here this summer, back in Iowa this Fall, every moment. This week has been a great one for us already. This team has been great. It has been a team that has not been what it originally perceived to be. God has used this team to bless many. They fixed the pump, built four houses, ministered to the staff, and sang praises to God in Spanish at the villages, and much more. I shared with Vicki today, that I am curious to see why God brought our family to Guatemala for a summer. I had always looked at what it will do in my life, but it really hit me…what if God brought us all here to impact one if not all of our kids for Christ! It might be something that will grow in their hearts and lives and something that Vicki and I will never see this side of Heaven. It has been worth it so far. Yet again, what if the reason is for us to share Christ with just one person in a village who would not have know Christ otherwise. More than likely that person will never be famous. You may never even know their name. Would it still be worth it, being down here. Please look at Acts 16 and you tell me. We thank you for your prayers everyday. They were felt Saturday night when my van ( a 4 X4 Ford) got stuck! We slid off the road partially because of the slick dirt roads. The passenger front tire was buried in mud and water…buried! By the power of the LORD and answering the prayers of the passengers, we were able to get unstuck. No luck or chance, simple grace. Keep the prayers coming, and keep the focus that the Schrock family can remain in the center of God’s Will. Blessings ~ Justin

~PRAISE GOD moments~

So today we dedicated the houses that TEAM FREEMONT built.  Basically finished the houses, roofs on, painted, and then presented house warming gifts to the family and presented the Gospel.  All four families, were actually one big family.  A grandpa and grandma with three daughters and their families.   They all either accepted Christ or rededicated their lives to Christ!  a Praise God Moment!

The Team had another great meal at the villages...tostados today...another Praise God moment
It has been wonderful to see the Holy Spirit truly at work among His people.  Another praise God moment, I farted today.  Sorry that sounds crass...BUT you do not understand!  For the last week or so, I dare not fart for, um shall we say unsafe reasons!  Yet, some of the kids are getting sore tummies now too.  AJ and the twins are needing an extra prayer tonight.  All in all though, The LORD has keep us all safe and healthy.
Another praise God moment: It rained hard at the base....no, HARD at the base.  At the exact same time almost directly west, we were dedicating the houses outside and felt maybe one or two drops.  The storm skipped us at the houses.  Well, I must sign off for now.  The family is all sleeping and so must I as we will have a late night tomorrow as we travel to a village 2 hours away to host a medical clinic, and show the Jesus film and present the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

Beunos Noches  (Good Night)
Justin

Caleb's Day for Adventure

Well, yesterday (day one of the building day) AJ came with for half a day (sorry no camera came along) and today, Caleb wanted to go.  He did great.  He was hot and tired too, but he did jump right in a help where he could.  The few high school girls on the team absolutely LOVE him.

  He was busy getting things for me, as I was in charge of attaching the porches to the houses with 3 other guys.  He also ran with the local boys and girls carrying the stucco on the cement boards to the people that were stuccoing the houses.  The funniest thing I thought was when I looked over and saw him doing what both Dan and I have done in years past, but not yet this summer....resting in the wheel barrel!  I guess the apple does not fall far from the tree.

  Well, after 2 days of building in the HOT sun, this red lobster is tired.  Vicki was at the base again today and seems to be interacting well with Noemi and Heidi.  She is also getting a lot of "little things" done that either have not gotten done, or needed to be finished up.  She has such a good eye and creative mind.  Well, we hope that this entry finds you all well and enjoying the summer.  We are starting to get a feel for how things will roll around here for the summer, but have NOT gotten used to the 175 thousand miles an hour behind the scenes that the Smith seem to go! HA  We do not know how Dan and Heidi do it all."

~Learning Curve ~

Well, yesterday was crazy hot and stressed and busy.  We were at the end of our whits end.  I ran into the CITY (Guatemala City...a city of 10 million people!) with Dan to pick up the first team....Vicki was here at the base with the kids, all of them.  It really was fine, it was just a bad day.  Then.....today came along.  It was still hot, but a productive day.  Vicki stayed at the base and got a lot of little odd jobs done and even busted open the MRC GREEN cookbook to teach them how to make cornbread!  I, with AJ, went with the teams to start building four houses.  Now, keep in mind, one of my jobs this summer is to be a foreman on a house with the teams.  YET, every time I come down here, the plans or blue prints change just a little bit more.  So, even though I had a really good idea, Dan did a great job of coming over and teaching me short cuts and reasons for why we changed some of the stuff.  AJ was a big helper, but the heat zapped her and she went back to the base with Malachi and Heidi around 11:30am.  Today, beans, rice, and homemade tortillas!  Even if you do not like beans or rice in the states, if you are ever down here, the first day you MUST try it. It is way better, plus it really shines perspective on all things when you realize that this is 90% of what the locals eat, all the time.  Humbling.  Yet, satisfying.  God truly does provide all the time.
Tiring day, but Team Freemont is doing well being rookies.  An older group, out of 24 only 5 teens and the rest 40 or 45 and older.  With one "Granny Nancy".  Devos tonight were great.  God's Word truly opens our eyes to HIS heart.  I will leave you with a question tonight as I must get some sleep to up and ready at 6am.....a question that Dan trough out:  Are you working FOR Christ, or are you working WITH Christ?  It is an eternal difference.  How many people go to church and do good things and try to serve, but fail to realize that the CHURCH needs to love and live and breath in full reliance upon Christ, for all things.  ALL things!  Are your hands open?  Have you given everything to HIM, or are we still trying to be in control of certain parts of our lives, our plans, our dreams, our desires?

Justin

A Sunday Night of laughter...

Well, it is Justin now.  I know, I know....you are thinking, "TWO BLOGS IN ONE DAY?".  Nothing big here, but you still might want to sit down.  Come on, you deserve it.  I know you do.  We have been busy the last few days making preparations for the first team.  Actually for the first three teams, as we will have little rest or time between them all.  Today was a good day.  Our two families joined in a tradition that the Smiths have, family day, the day before the teams start to come.  Our family has really gotten along well with the Smith Family.  It has been fun.  Right now as I type, most of the kiddos are down in the main floor in the dark playing "glow stick tag".  Much laughter is filling the base! 
We appreciate your prayers.  One answer to prayer, or partial answer is that a road grader has been hired to work on the road.  Already about a third of the road is "smooth" (for rural Guatemala standards anyway).  Keep praying.
Both Vicki and I have been saying we totally felt called to come down here for the summer to help out Paradise Bound Ministries, but are not fully sure of the why.  The doors for us a as a family have been opened tremendously.  We are still praying as to what and why we are supposed to be down here for 10 weeks.  One thing hit me today.  For those of you who have been down here, you know what I am talking about.   THE VISION.  It is a ministry that is truly Christ's Hands in action.  Lives are being touched.  Many individuals and churches have joined together (even though some or many have not met each other) to form the CHURCH in action.  Being with the Smiths for about a week and half, already we are hearing from Dan and Heidi the dream and vision that PBM is headed into.  We have heard some of their "wish list".  Now, those of you who know Dan, also know that he will not share his needs.  So, I will share some of the "wish list" to see if God is speaking to YOU, with your gifts, talents, or resources to join in a movement in Guatemala that is truly bringing peoples and families to know our LORD and Savior.  With the list I will say good night, as tomorrow will be an early one for Dan and I are making a run to the airport to pick up the first team, Team Freemont.  This team is a rookie team made up of all or mainly adults.  Dios Le Bendiga mi amigos (God bless you my friends)
Justin


***Walk in Cooler (he has the doors and the refrigerator, just needs some time (3 days), and resources ($1,000), and labor (a few people who know something about refrigeration)
***a converter for a stove to make one from natural gas to propane (usually about $40 in the states, but impossible to get down here...I can get the model number soon)
***some iron work on the gate to say welcome to paradise, or something of the such.  Basically someone who is good with welding and metal work
***a garage - physically and financially, with the orphanage being built this fall, they are needing to make a work area for the vehicles and storage (organized) for the tools, and maintenance equipment
***Apartment #3 (which would actually be for Dan and Heidi's family).  Their current apartment would be turned into much needed office space, as their current apartment is that too, plus living quarters for 4 kiddos too (roughly about $10,000 to frame it up and get it sheet rocked and to the point of painting
***a newer computer...nothing fancy, just something that would work every time you turn it on :)
I am sure more will come for the list, as we did hear long range plans with the Hydro Generation and water filtration system and the such...

Where are we going?

Well, in a previous post I had stated that I was only going to take a few kids out at a time.  As a parent I should know better than make such a bold statement.  Today was a day with just the Schrock's and the Smith's.  After debating on what to do with our time we decided to drive into the capital, Guatemala City, and go out for dinner.  With 9 kids, one 15 year old and 4 adults where are we to go?  Well we decided on a location that has good pizza, games, and seating for all.  This location is in the states and a place I have told my kids many times, no we are not going there.  Where did we go you are wondering?  Chuck -E - Cheese.  you are thinking are you kidding me I know you are!  Yep we took the whole tribe to Chuck E Cheese.  It went relatively well, despite the excruciating heat in the restaurant.  Then Heidi and I had to run to a store like Sam's club and grab a few bulk items while the rest went to Mc Donald's for ice cream.   Now I know you are thinking, I thought they went to Guatemala, a 3rd world country.  We did, but sometimes some normalcy is nice to have.  So, our Sunday was full of family time and excitement before the team arrives tomorrow at 11:30. 

Short Run Down

Well it has been a few days since we updated.  Nothing extra ordinary has occured, but here are a few updates.

On Wednesday evening we took a walk down the 'road' as a family.  We saw some amazing scenery and had a great time as a family.  The quote of the day came from AJ on the hike.  When we were at the bottom of the hill AJ nonchalantly said with her attitude, "I want to take a picture of all you WHITE people."  We about fell over in laughter, this is the photo that came from that comment.

Then on Thursday; Justin, AJ and Caleb were able to go to Antigua with the team that was still here.  They went out to eat at Pollo Compero and went shoping for a few small item.  While they were out they saw a blind man laying on the side of the road, Justin gave him some change and AJ's heart broke.  AJ doesn't understand why there are people that are so poor.  How do you explain that to a 7 year old?? 
While they were away, I was able to hang all of the curtains that were made for the dorms and Noami's apartment.  One task complete.
Then on Friday we as a family went out to eat, a drive that is down a bumpy road and takes about 20 minutes to get to.  While eating I was reminded why we don't go out very often, it was totally crazy.  The kids were all over the place and continuelly needing my attention.  Did I eat my food or did Kira eat it all?  I don't remember much of the busy meal except I made a mental to only take a few kiddo's out at a time.  Parenting in a 3rd world country isn't much different than home :) 
So that brings me to Saturday morning; The rest of the team left this morning, that means that Aunt Katie had to go home.  It was sure nice having her here.   We were able to sleep in a bit this morning, and Miya is adjusting a little bit each day, that is an answer to prayer.  We get to keep getting ready for the team that is coming on Monday.  The village we were going to build in had to get switched because The bridge is out on the road we need to take.  So, we will be building really close to the base for the first 3 teams. 

Well, that is a short run down on our last few days.
Vicki

A Trip to remember

Sorry that we do not have pictures for today...imagine driving in downtown LA....yeaah, easy compared to today.  SO, Vicki, Miya, Heidi, Eli, and I went into Guatemala City...roughly 45 miles away.  We had to take in one of the 15 passenger vans (Macho) to get realigned or something.  So we left at 9am for our day.  We then picked up the other one (Suzi) to run some errands  We then needed to get groceries for the base, the Smiths and for the Schrocks.  Since we have a team still here we were almost out of food. Yep, the team that was supposed to leave on May 29 is still here.   Some will be able to leave Friday and the rest on Saturday...maybe.  We also dropped off a few locals at the hospital so that they could pick up a friend who was getting discharged today.  Oh, and there is no cross over.  So if you are going one direction on Roosevelt Road, you are going that direction for a good 3 miles before a CHANCE to turn around.  Throw in the fact that we might need to take the locals and there friend back too, we were busy.  We went to HIPER (owned by Wal-mart) and then to Price Smart (Sam's Club) for groceries and supplies, went to eat at... (drum roll) McDonalds.  PLEASE, do not tell the kiddos.  Yep, that Big Mac tasted pretty good.  As went eating HOT McDonalds food, we were almost laughing that the only kid with us was Miya.  Needless to say, if tasted good.  Long story short, after many turn arounds (are we picking them up?  Where is the entrance to the Hospital?  Look out for that Taxi!) we finally made our way back.  When we stopped to drop off our passengers, they were so grateful for the ride for their friend (he needed to lay down and would not be able to do that in the bus), we were invited in for pop and cake (this is now 6:10pm)...neat experience. 
Well, a long day, but a good day.  The rest of the clan played at the base with the team and even did a little more work.  The team got the bathroom done, so the apartment is done!  Minus the sink and counter in the living room, this was not on the plans for now anyway.  It is nice to have our own space for the family to "get away"  Beans and rice again for supper...ooohhhh so good!  Excitement, Caleb lost a tooth today too. 
I am starting to see double, so I will say good night for now and go shower.  Thank you for your prayers....OH, random.  About the capital.  We drove past the airport and it is totally shut down.  the whole city is in clean up mode from the ash from the volcano.  It was cool seeing all the black ash everywhere in piles.  Very similar to glassy sand.  We will try to collect some the next time we are in the capital.  Updated prayers:  that the airport would open up this weekend so the team may return home/  for the villages that lost a lot, and for the summer teams that will start to come on Monday.  Again, this would be seriously a miracle....but if the road to the base could get paved.  The city or government started, but did not finish.  SO picture nice smooth sand roads.....then with Guatemala weather on them.  I would take Iowa potholes anyday.  It takes 20 to 30 minutes to get to Chimaltenango (about 7 miles away).  Dios Le Bendinga y ve con Dios  **God Bles You and go with God**

God's Beauty

Well, yesterday morning we woke to a different sound, quietness.  The building we are staying in is made of tin and with all the rains it is almost deafening with the rain on the roof.  But yesterday morning the rains had ceased.  AJ and Caleb had prayed for the rains to stop and God's mighty wisdom matched their prayer.  We continue to get acclimated to the world we will be living in for the next few weeks.  The sky was clear this am too so we got to see the view from our appartment windows ~ a million dollar view!

Miya still struggles; is it teeth issues, too many people, or just the unknown?  Continue to pray that she transitions well soon!

Today, much work continues to be accomplished as the building team has been unable to leave.  They were scheduled to leave on Saturday, but now may not be able to leave until This coming Saturday.  Pray for this team has they have many things that the 'were suppose' to be doing in the states.  I woke up this am wondering what on earth did I get myself into, but God continues to reveal Himself in the beauty all around, nature, children, laughter, accomplishments, sun sets, the list goes on.  Thankyou God for the joys you have placed around us; please allow me to see each blessing from you!

Vicki