Our Blessing of a House

As Scott and I were talking about getting a house for us to stay in, I just didn't feel comfortable looking for a house without him. I told him I would prefer if he could help me because I just feel it's going to be our house. I was also overwhelmed with the cost of buying so many things for our house to live there. When the Lewis's left earlier then expected the principle and his family moved into the Lewis's house already furnished. This got me thinking when I saw the Mota's house empty but furnished. We talked about perhaps Scott and I renting it when we return in Jan. They agreed but were still planning on renting it for a few months before we moved in. I then asked them after talking with Scott that maybe I could move in earlier (as in next week). I love the Mota family. Their kids are involved in the Sports Club and their mother taught me Spanish when I first got here. I feel like this is a way I can bless them (with paying them rent right away) and also for me to prepare for Scott and I to know how our expenses will land for next year. PTL for such a blessing of a furnished home, people we know and trust, on campus and a lot of space to invite people to stay with us. Pray for Scott and I as we prepare to answer some tough questions about raising funds for next year and who to ask to help. I am so thankful for such a supportive family and on Scott's end too! They have been so helpful and encouraging in our quest to start our life together.

Basketball

We started this month with Basketball for the Sports Club Kids. We decided to have the boys and girls together as we will be losing coaches towards the end of the season. Having both the girl and guy coaches together will help with the transition when we come to it. So far it's worked out pretty well. Jonathan and Morgan are our Head Coaches and Billy and Kiera are the assistants. It's been exciting to see them working together during this time. I am proud of their hard work and how the kids look up to them. We have had five girls and seven boys at our last practice. They played against each other and I was very proud of the girls efforts.

Relief has come!

Relief for me started today when it has rained most of the day. It clearly is the start of rainy season. Which means water and showers. I am very thankful for this time. Another relief came today when Prof. Salo said he was returning to teach PE classes. I have enjoyed teaching PE but seven classes definitely added to my load. We also found out today that Scott and I might have a house to live in when we get back here already furnished. The Mota Family moved into the Lewis's and their house is empty for a year. It's exciting to think we can live there for awhile and see what house would work best for us after we have lived here for awhile. Please be praying as we look into moving into their house in Jan. We also might have another option with staying where the West lived. Please pray as well give this decision up to God. He is good to give us answers when we wait patiently for them.
This picture is a me sitting with some of my sports club kids at an amusement park. The one next to me is Tuti and she has a very special place in my heart. She is one of the girls who lives in the house Scott and I might be staying in come Jan.

Struggling with Ministering Cross-Culturally

I have been reading this book recently which has challenged me in my thinking. It's been difficult to have so many changes and goals not being accomplished as soon as I would like them to be. I am realizing my task oriented American ways have caused me to be less people oriented. I am realizing Jesus had a task at hand but he always cared for the peoples needs first.
"if we desire to be obedient to Jesus' command to carry the good news of his resurrection to the world, we must be willing to become 150 percent persons. WE must accept the value priorities of others. We must learn the different definitions and rules of the context in which they live. We must adopt their patterns and procedures for working, playing, and worshiping. We must become incarnated in their culture and make them our family and friends.

PE Classes

I am having a good time with teaching PE. Even though it has it's challenges. I am a lot more strict then the other PE teacher. I have rules and don't let the kids just run around crazy. I teach two classes at a time. So I usually have around 25 to 30 kids per class period. I am doing soccer with the older kids and basketball with the junior high and high school kids. The kinder-2nd graders are my hardest group because someone always gets hurt. Someone is always telling on another kid and half the time, I have no idea what they are telling on. So I say it's going to be okay or so and so stop being bad and play nice. So far it's been nice to be outside all morning. I like the fresh air and not having to be in the classroom. Watching kids play is so enjoyable and helping them learn to play together is awesome when they realize it can be fun. Thanks for your prayers and please continue to pray as each day there are different stories and extremely challenging kids who like to sit and not participate.
Ministry at the INN is having lots of changes recently. We are experiencing many people making changes and leaving for different reasons. Two families are leaving; one is a very close missionary family who has been here three years and they are very close to my heart (they are moving back to the states to help with the Ministry State side but also feel God calling them to move back) and the other is a family who has had some domestic violence recently and needs to leave soon. We have had two teachers move on to different professions and now our pastor is leaving as well for the States for a year with his family. This affects my sports club in many ways because I am losing very good coaches and leaders. Three students, who are boys are getting ready to start their practicums and will not be taking classes after the month of June. Which leaves me three months without guy coaches. I am feeling a little overwhelmed with change. I don't mind some changes but when it's surrounding you from all sides it's very difficult. Please pray as there are more changes to come and with Scott and I coming here; it's been eye opening to realize where things are at right now and what lies in the future.
PTL for several male teachers who said they would help out with the Public School Program and work with the kids in place of the students who will be leaving. Some days you wonder if God is teaching you to push through or realize he has different plans in mind for sports here.

Field Trip - None Stop Action

One of the amazing things about going with junior high and high school kids on a three day trip they keep you entertained. I was in the van with Prof. Carlos and his wife with seventeen fourteen year olds. Wow was that a trip. Singing songs the entire way was one thing but in another language was quite another. Plus, it was boys singing off key and loud. Luckily, I had my head set and listened to the Eagles and U2 to keep me calm and relaxed for the three day tour.
It was exciting to experience an amusement park with the kids who had never been to one for the first time. They were very nervous at first to ride roller coasters and other crazy rides. When they actually got on them they were addicted. They rode the roller coaster five to seven times and it was so awesome to join in on the fun. I enjoyed taking photos and just loving on the kids.
We also went on an auto safari. It was way cool and kind of dangerous but we weren't thinking of the danger. Only getting to see the animals up close and it was so cool. They even had a swimming pool at the safari and it was like a safari, zoo, and resort all in one. It was amazing.
After the seven hour trip back.. I got a head cold and it took me a few days to get over it. During rainy season it seems like it's tough to breath for me. They told me I have allergy induced asthma.
This was the last field trip for Becca Lewis who will be leaving with her family for a year long stay in the States. Our founder has worked for 20 years here and without taking a leave. Because of health reasons he is taking his entire family with him back to the States to re coop and relax. Many workers here are dealing with their leave pretty well and trying to stay strong. For the past four months we have been running without his help and he has seen his leadership take responsibility for the ministry. Please pray for a full recovery for Mike and for the people in ministry here who are dealing with their absence.

Lots of Changes

Recently my brother and I have talked about all the changes happening this year. For example; his movie coming out in theaters, our parents moving and things changing in their lives,, Huck being able to express his feelings and Scott and I growing closer even though we are miles apart. It's an exciting year and even though the future is unsure we know God has a plan. I am leaning on Him everyday to hold on to the Truth of His Word. A song keeps playing in my head of His Truth and His promises.

Not only have there been changes back home but lots of things happening here. This past week we lost our PE instructor due to his lack of money. Our school is unable to pay our teachers even minimum wage. So many of our teachers are working either several jobs or living at home with their parents. He didn't give a two weeks notice so it was a little crazy. He did a lot at the school and we were frantic to try and figure out a plan. I was asked by Prof. Carlos (my direct boss and director of the school) if I would step in and take on his seven classes on Tuesday and Thursday. I told him it would be the best transition for the kids since they all know me. So Thursday I took on the task of a full say of PE, sports club, and Basketball Leagues at night. God helped me out the first day and it rained so I didn't have to do sports club and got a little break.
Today, our PE Teacher returned and said he found another job and if they will be willing to allow him not to work on Tuesday and Thursdays he could do both jobs. He seemed very excited and said he was stupid for leaving but he really needed the money. He talked about his legs hurting and his mother being very ill. Here families will do what it takes to take care of their family members. We are praying for him to return and we shall find out Monday. If not please pray for me as I am challenged in another area of doing something I have never done before in teaching all ages of kids PE.
Thank you for your continued prayers for me as I am blessed with opportunities to help people grow. Not only kids but adults through the basketball league. My director came back and is still helping thanks to my other director encouraging him to stay. My other boss Paul, learned it's not easy to officiate and has a new respect for officials after he took a hand in helping me out the other night. God is moving in so many ways. Our women's league has really blossomed into a great experience for getting to know other women in the community. I am really enjoying it. I never knew so many of our kids mom's until now. They are wonderful people and it's my dream we can get them connected to our church or at least build relationships with other churches. God is so good!!! I have such great helpers in my sports club kids. Many of them just come and help even without me asking. It's been encouraging to know God is making a difference here, game by game.

Can you say Technical?

Ok, for you who are not basketball fans it's very bad to get a technical. It means you said something to an official and its not worth repeating. Or you definitely did not agree with the officials call on the court. So far this week and a half people who are leaders on my basketball crew have gotten technicals, including myself. I was called for making a signal for walking because I thought Miguel missed a pretty big call. Carlos fouled out which is not really bad but not good either. Juan Jose, was kicked out of the league for mouthing off to the official after a call and wouldn't stop. But the kicker (not pun intended) was tonight. Let me tell you the story from the get go.
So I get to the court at 5:45 because I know there is a game at 6:00. 6:30 rolls around and I have two guys from one team there. By 6:45 another guy comes from another team and asks if he can go get his team they will be a little late but they want to play the 6:00 game at 7:00. I call Jose Miguel because he is the director of the men's league. He tells me, he can't come tonight because he has the group from Canada eating at his house right then. I was like why didn't you tell me. Then he asks to have Pedro come to pick him up on my moto. I let Pedro take my bike and and he doesn't return until 7:10. Which his game is at 7:00 and the forfeit is 7:15. Miguel had him translate for him for the group but didn't come back with Pedro. 7:15 and the two teams that were wanting to know what is going on with the 6:00 game because they were both late. Long story short.... the other two teams show up on time so we play. The second game gets started pretty much on time. Not too many problems as one team dominated the other team. But the third game Miguel who was suppose to be helping me with the men's tournament showed up late and was playing on the team of the third game. The game was tight the whole night. Everyone was fouling pretty badly and I was trying to make as many calls as I could but it was crazy. Finally towards the end of the game, I made a late call but it was on Miguel. He looked at me like I was crazy and mouthed a bunch of words, I didn't know what he was saying. I gave him a technical and he proceeded to kick the ball out of the court. (Which by the way has a 30 ft. fence around it). I gave him another technical and he walked off the court. Everyone was in shock because he is the director and he got that upset. He pretty much made a fool out of himself and our league. Not sure what is going to happen after this. I kept my cool and finished the game with giving the other team a technical as well, to my boss Paul for getting out of line. It was a crazy night. I tried my best but wasn't even planning on officiating all by myself. So long story short, it was a very tough night. Now I have a lot of people wondering what is going on. I think I am one of those people too. Very rough night! Pray for our league as it flared a lot of tempers this past week.

Since he has been gone............to Italy and Greece.

So things with this month have been a little crazy. Our sports program had to take a back seat to exams this month. We have exams for the high school who teach the sports this past week and this week our junior high kids are taking exam. Next week our junior high kids who are in the sports club are taking their annual class trip for three days. We decided it was best to just start sports in June with basketball and baseball for boys and basketball/soccer for girls. It should be a better match up. Please pray for all our kids as they work hard with their exams. We are still going to the public schools and working with those kids. The Canada team has come and they are so generous. They got us a stop watch for our basketball league which was very needed and a few extra soccer balls. It was very nice of them to be thinking about us in the athletic department.
Scott my boyfriend has been in Italy and Greece taking his much needed vacation. He as been gone for about 12 days and we haven't gotten to communicate much. But since he has been gone, I have kept pretty busy with things. We have leagues on Tuesday and Thursday Nights. Plus little basketball league on Saturday and Sunday afternoons. It's been fun so far and I actually am playing in the woman's league. I am like the tallest one out there so I am a much needed player. I keep forgetting I need to get under the basket and not play a guard. It's very different. But I was pretty excited about playing. I don't know if my legs were though, it's tough getting old.
I think the kids are getting a lot out of learning basketball. It's been fun to watch them and just see the excitement in anticipation for the up coming weekend. Everyday, I get asked when one of them is suppose to play. It's very adorable and has brought me a lot closer to some of the kids, I never had class with before. My coaches are doing a great job. Even though one team got beat 50-0. I was trying to help Becca realize she didn't have any of her regular kids there and most were subs, she still cried. It's tough getting beat really bad. She is so tender hearted. Please pray for our coaches as they are getting a good experience. It's not easy being a coach and watching your kids struggle. We have all been there as coaches or parents. But it builds character and an understanding it's not about points but about how much love you can show your team during the tough times.

Goodbye Poochies

Yesterday after returning from town to get groceries my friend Brad went up to his house to take his food in and with his hands full the gate remained open for just a split second. It was just enough time for the dog "Princess" (a pit bull) he has living with him to attack our bosses dog "Poochies" (a chiwahwah), who had followed Brad up to his house. It was a very sad day as the five Lewis kids had to deal with the lose of their beloved dog. They rushed him to the vet and Poochies had fractured his spine. They put Poochies down shortly after arriving. Please pray for our sweet family who lost a very adorable dog.

Poochies, You brought such laughter and we thank God for such a sweet doggy.

Funny Pics

The first picture is milk we received in a bag from one of our public schools. It was very cute and interesting. Most of the other schools give out water, coke, or ice treats. This day we received milk in a cute little bag.
The second picture is of awards night. I was looking back through the pictures and found this sweet, awkward looking child in several of the pictures. I just had to share because it seemed at least to me pretty hilarious. I have never seen this child before nor have I seen him since. But somehow he made it into awards pictures. Very funny!

Basketball Leagues Begin

Being in charge of a basketball league has been very interesting. I am working with three Guatemalans who are very social and extremely awesome people. One thing that is very difficult is understanding when to be firm on things and when to not be. Our deadline for the basketball League was April 28th. It's May 4th and we are still having teams join the league. Our women's league had four teams show up but two other teams want to be in it as well. Our men's league is the same story. I am trying to get this organized as best I can but it seems the harder I try to organize the more it becomes a crazy mess. I must trust God in every aspect because I know he wants people here to be shown the way. We have been teaching officials, working with our teenagers on how to be coaches. Now we have eight teams of little kids for the first time ever for our basketball league and there will be some bumps in the road. Hopefully it will also be a blast to watch the little 5-10 year olds play ball. Please pray as life can sometimes be too full. I want the time to go fast but some days I can't tell you were the time went or my keys.
One blessing was last night, I was in the middle of playing basketball, the later I was going to help officiate, and then help with the men's games till about 10 or 11 at night. In the middle of our game the lights went out and we had nothing. I went from thinking I wouldn't get to speak to my boyfriend before he leaves to getting to talk to him and one of my best friends for over an hour. God is so good. Please continue to pray we bring people into our community of love here at the Inn.

Finding Favor

Maria and I took a trip to Panajache and it was amazing. I can't tell you anymore then God was so good to us during this trip. We had a wonderful time and was blessed beyond measure. We took this trip because neither one of us is going to be free for the next two months. She has teams coming in and I have three basketball leagues to put on successfully. I am excited about the time we will have with people outside our ministry but I also needed time away. It was so beautiful there. God is amazing in having us meet several people and getting to share what we are all about. It was such a blessing to be vocal about our beliefs and share even on vacation. God is so good.

Volleyball and Soccer Nights vs. Mamas and Papas

It was a great night of youth vs. parents. The kids had a ball and it was a blast to watch. Our 5th-8th grade girls played the mom's and they almost won the second game. I enjoyed watching my players coach the other kids. I can not tell you the impact it has on these kids to see them play so well after knowing they are the ones who taught them. I am blessed to see the fruits of what was given to me and I was able to plant into others lives. The mom's won both games but the games were very close. Dad's took the soccer game away from the youth but the youth had some amazing goals. The crowd went wild for the kids and we had about 50-60 people there to watch. It was very exciting. I was very happy our kids had a good turn out for this event. My boss was very pleased with what is happening with sports. It made my night to know it was a great event and everyone was blessed.

Have you ever prayed for $20,000

Well, I guess I would have to say I haven't until now. I have been working on getting our sports court ready for leagues and trying to figure out how to get people here. It's been a interesting to see other sports courts grow in size and stature. Where are they getting the money? A sports court in town just got a roof. Which we have been talking about for the past five to ten years. I was in awe they were able to get such a nice roof in this town. The reason we want a roof is because in June-September it rains a lot. Even though I haven't seen a drop of rain in about a week or two. We are working hard at trying to get ourselves making our own money. Getting the sports leagues going here. Soccer is huge and we are just not able to put on a good soccer league with out a roof because it we get artificial turf, it will rot in about two years. Please pray along side me something will come up for the sports program. In so many ways our sports kids have given of them selves, it would be nice to see them reap a reward for all their time spent helping others. We need a Roof and we need big money. Our God is a Big God so I know it can happen. Thanks for your continued prayers for what we are trying to accomplish in so many ways. As of May we are hoping to reach every age group to come closer to the Lord and walk with Him in Peace.

My Brother's Birthday

April has gone by so fast. From Easter break, community outreaches, three friends birthdays, my sister-laws birthday and my brothers birthday. It's been fun and fully packed.
I am excited to express to you my joy of watching my brother get older. As we all know, it's not easy to have an older brother. Him getting to experience things first and having the joys of being allowed to do things you were too young to do. But now that we are older it's kinda changed. He gets to experience first the grey hair, wrinkles, getting things taken out because they don't work anymore and not being able to stay up as late anymore. Even though I like to say he's getting older and that's a bad thing there are some great things he has gotten to enjoy first, now that he is older. A wonderful marriage, a awesome little boy (Huck) and getting another award for being one of the best actors around (not that I am planning on becoming an actor). This past week my brother accepted the Stargazer Award, which simply means, he is one of the best actors in the seven movies up for the award. I am very proud of him for the job he has done in the movie "Chalk". The movie is about teachers and it's a wonderful film. If you would like to check out the site and see when it's playing, go to www.chalkthefilm.com This is Troy and Janelle's first film together and I hope they have more in the near future. Happy Birthday to the both of you. I love you very much.

Community Outreach to Escepolas (a public school)

The plan was to take one Saturday a month and go visit with one of the three schools we work with during the week and just play soccer or volleyball. This week we headed to the school my group works with (Escepolas)and it was a huge success. The kids loved it so much and we had a wonderful time. I was so proud of my club kids because they knew we had a plan. They worked so well with the kids and it was awesome to share what I knew they could do. We loved on those kids and two of our high school students gave their testimonies. God is so good to provide our t-shirts for our coaches the day before we worked with the kids. The t-shirts came out great and looked awesome! We are selling them and our first day appearance with them, I already sold seven shirts to a guy who has a volleyball team of his own and loved the way they looked while my kids were coaching. After we got done at the school, I took them for ice cream and they were so thankful. It really encouraged me to know they do appreciate things more. I almost cried two or three times watching my kids work with the public school kids. It was so awesome! My heart is amazed at all God has done with me and despite me. I am reminded, God works all things for the good for those who love him. I am so in love with Him, I could burst.

Monkey in a Bag?

So while in Flores, we met a friend from Hungry who was living on an island near Flores. He told us he would like to take us to his little village and we were excited to go across the water and see what he has experienced. But of course the boat never came after an hour and a half so we had to tell our new friend goodbye. But before we left we had some great conversations with him and met a few monkeys. This woman was holding a monkey of a friend of hers. We were so excited to see a monkey up close being held by a human. So we walked over and talked with it.. touched it's head and of course stood in ah.... five minutes later the monkey poops right between her legs. She just smiles as if it was nothing. Then she tells us she has another monkey not realizing it was in a little bag off her shoulder. There he was with a banana and Juanita (my friend who traveled with us) reached in to get him out and he screamed at her.. it was very funny.
While in Tikal, we saw about twenty five or more monkey's it was awesome. In the trees, some were sleeping while others were on the move. Jumping from tree to tree. It was quite the show. Just as we were leaving the park, nine of them swung across the entrance trees and off into the jungle. It was so amazing. I love monkey's and so I was very excited. Scott wanted to see the temples in Tikal while I was searching out monkey's, pumas, birds and other creatures we had no idea what they were. Fun Trip. So remember to look in people's bags in Flores.. you might find a monkey.

Easter Blessings

Scott came with some surprises when he arrived. I got a kite from my sweet friend Amy and my favorite Starbucks tea from Stephanie. He also brought with him $385.00 towards our Sports Club for shoes from others in the group. Thank you so much everyone who pitched in to help. I am very happy to know the money that was put forth has been covered now. It's been a blessing to see God move in such big ways through Sports. Now that we have exciting new basketball goals and lines painted. Everyone has been out on the court playing with their friends, family and neighbors. I am anxious to receive the tennis shoes any day now. Please be in prayer for the shoes, as we have paid for them but just haven't received them yet. God is doing great things and it's up to us to follow through with plans to make His work happen. The last surprise is Scott was very excited about being here and loved being with me in Guat. Last time he was sick the entire time and didn't have that great of a trip. This time was amazing and he felt great the entire time. We are looking at a future here in Guat so please pray for us as we make plans to follow his will for us as a couple in a foreign country. I am blessed beyond measure.

Semana Santa (Saints Week) or Easter Week or Spring Break

My boyfriend Scott came for the week and we have had a great time. Always on the go and wanting to spend as much time together as possible makes for no time to blog. But I thought for you anxious blog readers who like to know what is going on in my life, I might give you a little bit of what has been going on.
We planned a trip from Monday to Thursday heading north in Guatemala to see the Lagoon Lachua. After a small camping night we headed up to Flores and Santa Elena. After staying in Santa Elena we headed up to El Remate and Tikal. Needless to say the adventure was nothing like any of us had ever taken. It was quite the thrilling adventure. There are so many stories but I will just give you a small one today because this is my last day with Scott.
While after traveling seven hours on a bus that stopped every five minutes we finally were let off in Coban in the middle of a street off the main road. We were all drugged on Dramamine and grabbed a taxi to San Cristobal. We threw are things in the small truck and off we went. When we arrived the taxi man of course wanted more money and I walked away from him telling him no. Scott not able to speak Spanish well enough to tell him anything just grabbed his one of two bags and followed me into the gate. Not even two minutes later Scott screamed out of sher horror that he had left his carry bag in the taxi. I jumped on my moto and of course with it being four days since I drove it I couldn't get it started. I finally got it started and raced down the hill to try to see if the taxi driver might have gone into town to pick up more people. When I got to the bottom of the hill I realized my bike was acting funny and started to swerve crazily. I looked back at my rear tire and sure enough it was flat. Right then, a taxi drove by from down town and I followed it to the gas station. Upon arriving, there were some friends of mine in another taxi getting gas. I told them the situation and they went to town to help look for the anonymous taxi driver because I couldn't remember the color of the taxi or his number. As I get my tire aired up I was planning on heading into town as well. The gas station guys were very sweet and asked if they could help. I gave them the information and they said they would ask if any stopped by there. After talking with them for two minutes, the air in my tire became flat again, as I drove off I realized my tire was really messed up. I stopped and called Brad who was with Scott to tell them the situation about my bike and the taxi. Suddenly, a family from the Church shows up and they want to help. So I put my bike in a man's gate in front of his house and head off with the family to town. I get to the town square and my friends said there weren't any taxi's hardly and they asked the ones who were there and they weren't the one. (Now, you are probably asking yourself, why is Tina running around crazily for this little carry bag. Well, Scott remember it was Brad's bag and it had Scott's camera and his passport. Now if we don't find the bag we have to go to the city the next day "four hour drive and back" to try and figure out how to get him back to the States.) Fun times! Okay where was I...... oh yeah, so I head back to my moto which is unable to be driven and say a little prayer, Brad calls and says Scott is on his way down to help with the getting my bike back up the hill. As I get my bike out of the gate, down the same hill Scott is walking comes a taxi. I look and sure enough it was our taxi guy. I scream and get his attention and he stops. I ask him to open his truck because we left a bag in there and he does. In amazement,I stand there looking at the bag. Instantly, one minute later, Scott comes around the corner and I am holding up his bag. Both of us in sheer joy of knowing God was giving us a miracle. We embraced and walked back with a huge load off of our shoulders. He smiles at me and thanked me over and over again. I was just excited it worked out the way it did. I felt like Kimpossible running around all over on my moto and ended up helping God save the day. It was way cool. We have had an awesome time. So please pray for Scott's safe return. There are so many stories, I will get back to you on those I promise.