Sorry I didn’t write earlier – we got to the mission base in Guatemala after midnight and then we were up at 6 the next morning and gone at 7. I just haven’t had time!
It’s really incredible here. I’ll try to put a little of it into words. We left at 7 this morning and drove for an hour and a half to get to our work site. When we got there, we dove right in with our team (there are four teams) building the home. We worked on it until lunch at noon or so. Lunch was great – beans, rice, and cabbage with fresh tortillas. It was really good! Then we worked until about 4 and left at 4:15. We got the walls up, and drywall hung, and the first coat of drywall mud on. It sounds like tomorrow we’ll be up at 5 and working. We’re going to be doing more drywall mudding and sanding and putting stucco on the outside.
About the surroundings we’re in: it’s amazing! I just keep saying, “How can you even explain this?” THere are people everywhere. The roads are narrow and mostly awful. We say a prayer before we hit the road every time – and for good reason. Riding anywhere here is a terrifying experience. People are walking along the road, women carrying bundles on their heads, dogs and chickens and cows in the road. But the views are incredible! We are definitely working in the mountains. We went through clouds this morning to get to the worksite.
I’m really enjoying the time and working hard. We’re doing great work getting to know the people, and praying for God to do great things.
Lori, I love you and miss you and miss being able to tell you all about what I’m going through. The gals here are already scheming for a way for you to have a BIG Women of Adventure and bring a group down here. Tell the kids I love them and I’m missing them and hoping they’re being good for you. I’ll write as soon as I can.
So glad that you are having this experience. We miss you and wish we could talk to you in person. We are watching a movie tonight. The kids say “hi” and have told their teachers what you are doing and where you are. They are even excited that you are doing this. Keep us informed about the things you are doing. Say Hi to everyone and know that a lot of people are praying for all of you!
Just wanted you to know I am praying for you and the others. What an awesome opportunity to serve God. Will you be able to get any pictures to share? Our pastor has gone places, and said the same thing – that it is hard to explain to others. I know God will use this experience for His perfect purposes, and for your good as well. I can’t wait to hear more!
Another great day of work today. We were up at 5, on the road by 6:15. When we got there, we started in right away with sanding drywall in the homes we’re building. Overall today, we put stucco on the outside walls and the men built verandas on all four homes. Also, the ladies put windows in the homes and Dan (our leader) put on the doors. Putting the windows in didn’t take the ladies long, so they spent a lot of time playing with the kids. I have some great video of that – they all had a blast playing “duck, duck, goose” and “London Bridge”! We got back to the mission base at 5:30 or so, and were surprised to have Domino’s pizza for supper. We all generally have been raving about the food here – yes, even the native food – but it was a nice treat!
Lori, Shelby, Peyton, and Grace – I’m going to have some great stories to share when I get back. It’s a real eye-opener to spend time with people that have next to nothing. The kids were given play-dough today (after which Dan told us was a mistake – the kids will likely end up eating it) and they just had a blast. I’m having a lot of fun treating the kids – if they see me with my little video camera, they come up and ask, “Un photo?” I take their picture or shoot 10 or 15 seconds of video of them posing, then play it back to them. They love it! They end up yelling to their friends and getting a group together and wanting more and more taken. I eventually have to end up saying, “No mas”.
The ride to the work site is really tough. It’s a good thing we have good company that we’re travelling with. You get to see a lot of the local culture, but you also get beat up quite a bit going over huge bumps and through ruts and getting tossed around driving through the mountain roads. But… the view!! It truly is beautiful country.
I miss you all and can’t wait to be home, but we have tons of good work to be done still. Dan has told us that during the first part of the trip the bulk of our work is physical, while the emphasis turns to the physical on the last part. We’re expectant of God doing great things!
I hope things are going well at home – I trust that Lori and my kids are being loved and watched over by many. We’re looking forward to finishing the homes tomorrow, painting and putting on the roofs. I’ll be writing again as soon as I can – have a blessed night!
I’m writing from your computer. Glad things are going well for you! Rehearsal went well tonight and we look forward to Sunday. Terri and I also practiced our “Don’t Sit In My Pew”. It should be a hoot. Danny is staying the night tonight and the kids made the entire basement into a fort of some sort and are very excited about sleeping in it. I just found out that this is Danny’s very first sleepover! Tomorrow we are going to the Lightning Thief. The kids say hi and they miss you. They don’t have school until you come back. (how convenient) I only forgot to feed the cats once so far and they are still alive. Say hi to everyone else and have a great day tomorrow.
We had an AWESOME day today! We were up and gone early today, and we got right to work sanding the walls, then painting. The roofs were put on while the painting took place. Then we decorated their homes with flowers, painting Bible verses on the walls, and extra goodies. We had tostadas at lunch. As soon as we were done with lunch, we went from house to house and presented the Gospel to the families in each house. We were priveledged to be a part of something great that God did today – every person in every house committed (or recommitted) their lives to Christ!! We just keep saying how awesome it was and how we’ve never seen anything like it! I’ll tell you all more about it some time, as there’s WAY more to tell than I can put in here.
Then we spent some time with the kids. A native Guatemalan named Hermano Jesus helps the ministry, and he lined all the kids up on a hillside and did a short talk and sing-along with them. Man – these kids can sing! I have to admit that I felt slightly threatened in my role as worship leader – this guy was good! After they sang, we passed out candy to the kids. It started out calmly enough: the kids were all told to stay seated and they’d get candy. The problem was that there was a LOT of candy!! I had the really full bag and was pretty slow passing it out, so by the end I had to just toss handfuls of it to keep from getting knocked down. Terry Sikma said, “For once in your life, you know how it feels to be a rock star!” Completely true.
For Lori and the kids: I’m glad to hear things are going okay and the cats are still alive. I know you guys will have a blast tonight and through the weekend. I also have great faith that things will be great in the service! I miss you and am trying my best to take video and plenty of notes so I don’t forget a thing – I can’t wait to tell you all about it! I love you all and miss you and can’t wait to get home.
Hi! Glad to hear that your doing good. Peyton, Grace and I have been missing you a LOT!!!! The movie was awsome! We also went with The Loves ( and the Manesses but I think you knew that.)Gracie didnt end up going because she thought it would be to scary ( I really think she just wanted to stay at the Manesses house and watch cartoons) I have a basketball game on Saturday and may go to my friend Aislinn’s house for a sleepover on Monday. Mommy hasnt made up her mind. On Thursday, after school, I went to Sydnies house and came back to babysit. When we where leaving, they gave me chicken nuggets from McDonalds. They tasted really funny, but I ate them on the way there. After I ended babysitting (Peyton and grace) mom said that Sydnie called up and said that the Chicken Nuggets were raw! I’m probably going to get even more sick, but no side effects yet!! Cant wait to see you on Wednesday!
Hi Jeff! Shelby told you what we did today. It was a good day. Tomorrow we are starting Bible Study for Newbies and then we have Shelby’s game. Sounds like you had a wonderful day and how amazing that those families have accepted Jesus! Miss you and Love you. Peyton wants to go to the movie again so you can see it. Have a great day tomorrow. We are enjoying the pictures on the web site – nice hat. Love you! Lori
Shelby – bummer about the chicken nuggets! I hope you’re feeling okay and it didn’t mess you up too much. I know you’re going to have a great day – this is the first time for a while you’ve only had one game on a Saturday, isn’t it? So I guess you’ll come in well rested. I’ll look forward to seeing the movie, though I’ll probably have to wait until it comes out on video. I’m glad you guys enjoyed it!
Lori – I hope you guys have a great day and know that I’m praying for you guys today. I’m particularly praying for you this morning and your study with the newbies. I know it’ll be great! I’m not really sure what we’re doing today, though I know we’re going “to the coast”, which means we should wear shorts. It’s been 75-80 degrees each day, but it really hasn’t been hot. They tell us it will be HOT at the coast, so we’ll see. I doubt I’ll be able to post tonight, because they tell us we won’t be home probably until midnight, so I’ll try and post tomorrow right away.
Jeff – Not only do I love the hat, but you do look marvelous in it. Trust that you have a great day in the mountains today and a wonderful day of worship in Guatemala tomorrow! You are an extreme blessing in so many ways and in so many times – may God bless you as you navigate the last half of this trip. – Jim
I’m glad you got there safely and are doing well. Jen has told me what it was like driving around in Mexico City and it doesn’t sound too much different there. Maybe a little higher up. lol! Sounds a little like Mario Kart! Anyway…God bless and remember the drywall nail goes into the drywall not your finger nail. k?
Hi there Jeff,
Thanks for your stories and pictures, makes us feel like a part of your journey. I’m so glad all of you have the chance to minister in this way. Getting out of our comfort zone and stepping into the lives of people of a different culture is amazing isn’t it. I laughed soooooo hard about your experience with the candy and the kids:) I’m sure you are all doing a fantastic job. Please know that we will be thinking of you all tomorrow and praying that God will work through you and in you! You would be proud of Lori and the kids. The kids are minding her well and being very helpful! Thanks again for letting us be a part through your blog. Be safe and careful, Terri
Hey Jeff wonderful to hear your updates!!!!!It is so wonderful that you guys are witnessing such amazing things!!!!Continue the good work!!!
We are praying for you and your whole team!!!!Luv Ross, Jaimy and family
P.s. we hope we can see some of your video when you get back!!!
Lori called last night and gave us the website so we can see how you are doing in Guatamala. I am so glad you are having this experience. It is an opportunity of a lifetime! Lori and the kids sound like they are keeping busy and waiting for your return. While you are having warm weather, we are having snow. Donnie got called out early this morning (Saturday) to go and plow snow. We will continue to pray for you on a safe return home and God’s blessings on you and on the rest of Team Allendale.
I think you are doing a good job in Guatemala building the houses. I can’t even imagine how tired your feet must be feeling from climbing that mountain. Things back here are doing great. We built a fort and me and Grace slept in it. Danny stayed over night and slept in it too. By the look of the pictures it looks like you are having a great time over there.
Hi Jeff,
What a wonderful thing you are doing- helping the people there and bringing them to Christ! You are in our prayers for a successful and safe trip.
I’ll make a quick post here because I’m about done in. We had another great day and just got in a few minutes ago. We went to a completely different village today and did a medical clinic. We saw tons of people and handed out a lot of meds. A lot of time again was spent building relationships with people – particularly kids. At the end of the night, we had a service and many accepted Christ.
Shelby, Peyton, and Grace – I’m so glad things are going good and you’re having fun! I’ll be thinking of you going to church tomorrow. Lori, I’m praying for you and for the team in the morning. I miss you!
Pray for us tomorrow, as we’re doing another medical clinic farther away with more people.
Great pictures! What a great adventure you must be having living you faith and sharing you love of God! I am looking forward to hearing your stories about the people and the culture of the area you are in. It sounds like you had fun handing out candy. Kids are so open to hearing about the words about the Lord from you. It is very rewarding! We have our Cub Scout Blue and Gold Banquet today. The weather is nice, but they are talking about more snow tonight. We look forward to talking to you when you get back.
Just to let you know that service went well today. No problems – everyone did a great job in set up, video, musicians and everything else. Shelby’s game yesterday was a very good game – we won but it was very close. Things are going well here. I’m looking forward to Tuesday when you are back – call me when you hit the states. Looking forward to your next post.
Hi Jeff — Hope that you had a great Sunday. We had a really good day this way. Chris put together a slide show of the pictures posted on Paradise Bound to music and we watched them as the service started today.
Understand that you are going to Antigua? Is that a seperate island or is that part of Guatemala? If it is the island of Antigua – I have friends there, so if you run into someone named Ickford Roberts tell him that Jim and Terri say, “Hi.” We went to Oklahoma Wesleyan together. You might also meet an Everton Gonsalves, St. Claire George or Sowerby Gomes – you might tell them that Dr. Maness’ son says, ‘hi’.
Again – hope you keep wearing that great hat as a tribute to the St. Louis Cardinals. We look forward to seein you and the whole team when you return.
I started off the morning yesterday thinking of and praying for all of you back in Michigan! We headed mid-morning to a very remote village and got there after noon. We set up tables and boxes of meds and a sound system. The people from the village came in and Dan and a nurse from here diagnosed the people and their medical conditions and we put packets of meds together for them. Then we showed the Jesus Film at the end of the night. Last night there were probably 20 or 25 people that came forward and accepted Christ. It was an awesome thing to see and be a part of!
I’m so looking forward to getting home, but it’s going to be really hard to leave – this place and these people and this work really get in your blood. Today is going to be weird because we’ve worked every day and today is really just a chance for us to relax – we’re going shopping! It’s the first day Dan told us we could sleep as long as we want. Everything we do here is a learning experience.
I love you all and can’t wait to see you all and tell you all about it – God Bless and pray for our safe travel back. Lori, Shelby, Peyton, and Grace: I’m blowing you kisses from here!
Jeffrey, We’re anxious to hear more about the trip. Sounds pretty amazing…..everything from the scenery, the people and what God has done through all of you. Praying for a safe trip home. Karen
This is a test – how’s this work?
Hi Jeff! Hope your flight was good. Write us when you can.
Love,
Lori
Sorry I didn’t write earlier – we got to the mission base in Guatemala after midnight and then we were up at 6 the next morning and gone at 7. I just haven’t had time!
It’s really incredible here. I’ll try to put a little of it into words. We left at 7 this morning and drove for an hour and a half to get to our work site. When we got there, we dove right in with our team (there are four teams) building the home. We worked on it until lunch at noon or so. Lunch was great – beans, rice, and cabbage with fresh tortillas. It was really good! Then we worked until about 4 and left at 4:15. We got the walls up, and drywall hung, and the first coat of drywall mud on. It sounds like tomorrow we’ll be up at 5 and working. We’re going to be doing more drywall mudding and sanding and putting stucco on the outside.
About the surroundings we’re in: it’s amazing! I just keep saying, “How can you even explain this?” THere are people everywhere. The roads are narrow and mostly awful. We say a prayer before we hit the road every time – and for good reason. Riding anywhere here is a terrifying experience. People are walking along the road, women carrying bundles on their heads, dogs and chickens and cows in the road. But the views are incredible! We are definitely working in the mountains. We went through clouds this morning to get to the worksite.
I’m really enjoying the time and working hard. We’re doing great work getting to know the people, and praying for God to do great things.
Lori, I love you and miss you and miss being able to tell you all about what I’m going through. The gals here are already scheming for a way for you to have a BIG Women of Adventure and bring a group down here. Tell the kids I love them and I’m missing them and hoping they’re being good for you. I’ll write as soon as I can.
Love you all!
Jeff,
So glad that you are having this experience. We miss you and wish we could talk to you in person. We are watching a movie tonight. The kids say “hi” and have told their teachers what you are doing and where you are. They are even excited that you are doing this. Keep us informed about the things you are doing. Say Hi to everyone and know that a lot of people are praying for all of you!
Love you!
Lori
Jeff,
Just wanted you to know I am praying for you and the others. What an awesome opportunity to serve God. Will you be able to get any pictures to share? Our pastor has gone places, and said the same thing – that it is hard to explain to others. I know God will use this experience for His perfect purposes, and for your good as well. I can’t wait to hear more!
God is so amazing!
I’m thankful we can share god’s word everywhere we go, he will never leave us!
God Bless you Jeff!
Can’t wait to see you soon! =)
Another great day of work today. We were up at 5, on the road by 6:15. When we got there, we started in right away with sanding drywall in the homes we’re building. Overall today, we put stucco on the outside walls and the men built verandas on all four homes. Also, the ladies put windows in the homes and Dan (our leader) put on the doors. Putting the windows in didn’t take the ladies long, so they spent a lot of time playing with the kids. I have some great video of that – they all had a blast playing “duck, duck, goose” and “London Bridge”! We got back to the mission base at 5:30 or so, and were surprised to have Domino’s pizza for supper. We all generally have been raving about the food here – yes, even the native food – but it was a nice treat!
Lori, Shelby, Peyton, and Grace – I’m going to have some great stories to share when I get back. It’s a real eye-opener to spend time with people that have next to nothing. The kids were given play-dough today (after which Dan told us was a mistake – the kids will likely end up eating it) and they just had a blast. I’m having a lot of fun treating the kids – if they see me with my little video camera, they come up and ask, “Un photo?” I take their picture or shoot 10 or 15 seconds of video of them posing, then play it back to them. They love it! They end up yelling to their friends and getting a group together and wanting more and more taken. I eventually have to end up saying, “No mas”.
The ride to the work site is really tough. It’s a good thing we have good company that we’re travelling with. You get to see a lot of the local culture, but you also get beat up quite a bit going over huge bumps and through ruts and getting tossed around driving through the mountain roads. But… the view!! It truly is beautiful country.
I miss you all and can’t wait to be home, but we have tons of good work to be done still. Dan has told us that during the first part of the trip the bulk of our work is physical, while the emphasis turns to the physical on the last part. We’re expectant of God doing great things!
I hope things are going well at home – I trust that Lori and my kids are being loved and watched over by many. We’re looking forward to finishing the homes tomorrow, painting and putting on the roofs. I’ll be writing again as soon as I can – have a blessed night!
Jeff,
I’m writing from your computer. Glad things are going well for you! Rehearsal went well tonight and we look forward to Sunday. Terri and I also practiced our “Don’t Sit In My Pew”. It should be a hoot. Danny is staying the night tonight and the kids made the entire basement into a fort of some sort and are very excited about sleeping in it. I just found out that this is Danny’s very first sleepover! Tomorrow we are going to the Lightning Thief. The kids say hi and they miss you. They don’t have school until you come back. (how convenient) I only forgot to feed the cats once so far and they are still alive. Say hi to everyone else and have a great day tomorrow.
Love you!
Lori
We had an AWESOME day today! We were up and gone early today, and we got right to work sanding the walls, then painting. The roofs were put on while the painting took place. Then we decorated their homes with flowers, painting Bible verses on the walls, and extra goodies. We had tostadas at lunch. As soon as we were done with lunch, we went from house to house and presented the Gospel to the families in each house. We were priveledged to be a part of something great that God did today – every person in every house committed (or recommitted) their lives to Christ!! We just keep saying how awesome it was and how we’ve never seen anything like it! I’ll tell you all more about it some time, as there’s WAY more to tell than I can put in here.
Then we spent some time with the kids. A native Guatemalan named Hermano Jesus helps the ministry, and he lined all the kids up on a hillside and did a short talk and sing-along with them. Man – these kids can sing! I have to admit that I felt slightly threatened in my role as worship leader – this guy was good!
After they sang, we passed out candy to the kids. It started out calmly enough: the kids were all told to stay seated and they’d get candy. The problem was that there was a LOT of candy!! I had the really full bag and was pretty slow passing it out, so by the end I had to just toss handfuls of it to keep from getting knocked down. Terry Sikma said, “For once in your life, you know how it feels to be a rock star!” Completely true.
For Lori and the kids: I’m glad to hear things are going okay and the cats are still alive. I know you guys will have a blast tonight and through the weekend. I also have great faith that things will be great in the service! I miss you and am trying my best to take video and plenty of notes so I don’t forget a thing – I can’t wait to tell you all about it! I love you all and miss you and can’t wait to get home.
Love,
Jeff
Hi! Glad to hear that your doing good. Peyton, Grace and I have been missing you a LOT!!!! The movie was awsome! We also went with The Loves ( and the Manesses but I think you knew that.)Gracie didnt end up going because she thought it would be to scary ( I really think she just wanted to stay at the Manesses house and watch cartoons) I have a basketball game on Saturday and may go to my friend Aislinn’s house for a sleepover on Monday. Mommy hasnt made up her mind. On Thursday, after school, I went to Sydnies house and came back to babysit. When we where leaving, they gave me chicken nuggets from McDonalds. They tasted really funny, but I ate them on the way there. After I ended babysitting (Peyton and grace) mom said that Sydnie called up and said that the Chicken Nuggets were raw! I’m probably going to get even more sick, but no side effects yet!! Cant wait to see you on Wednesday!
Hi Jeff! Shelby told you what we did today. It was a good day. Tomorrow we are starting Bible Study for Newbies and then we have Shelby’s game. Sounds like you had a wonderful day and how amazing that those families have accepted Jesus! Miss you and Love you. Peyton wants to go to the movie again so you can see it. Have a great day tomorrow. We are enjoying the pictures on the web site – nice hat. Love you! Lori
Shelby – bummer about the chicken nuggets! I hope you’re feeling okay and it didn’t mess you up too much. I know you’re going to have a great day – this is the first time for a while you’ve only had one game on a Saturday, isn’t it? So I guess you’ll come in well rested. I’ll look forward to seeing the movie, though I’ll probably have to wait until it comes out on video. I’m glad you guys enjoyed it!
Lori – I hope you guys have a great day and know that I’m praying for you guys today. I’m particularly praying for you this morning and your study with the newbies. I know it’ll be great! I’m not really sure what we’re doing today, though I know we’re going “to the coast”, which means we should wear shorts. It’s been 75-80 degrees each day, but it really hasn’t been hot. They tell us it will be HOT at the coast, so we’ll see. I doubt I’ll be able to post tonight, because they tell us we won’t be home probably until midnight, so I’ll try and post tomorrow right away.
God Bless you all!
Love you all!
Jeff
Jeff – Not only do I love the hat, but you do look marvelous in it. Trust that you have a great day in the mountains today and a wonderful day of worship in Guatemala tomorrow! You are an extreme blessing in so many ways and in so many times – may God bless you as you navigate the last half of this trip. – Jim
I’m glad you got there safely and are doing well. Jen has told me what it was like driving around in Mexico City and it doesn’t sound too much different there. Maybe a little higher up. lol! Sounds a little like Mario Kart! Anyway…God bless and remember the drywall nail goes into the drywall not your finger nail. k?
Hi there Jeff,
Thanks for your stories and pictures, makes us feel like a part of your journey. I’m so glad all of you have the chance to minister in this way. Getting out of our comfort zone and stepping into the lives of people of a different culture is amazing isn’t it. I laughed soooooo hard about your experience with the candy and the kids:) I’m sure you are all doing a fantastic job. Please know that we will be thinking of you all tomorrow and praying that God will work through you and in you! You would be proud of Lori and the kids. The kids are minding her well and being very helpful! Thanks again for letting us be a part through your blog. Be safe and careful, Terri
Hey Jeff wonderful to hear your updates!!!!!It is so wonderful that you guys are witnessing such amazing things!!!!Continue the good work!!!
We are praying for you and your whole team!!!!Luv Ross, Jaimy and family
P.s. we hope we can see some of your video when you get back!!!
Hi Jeff,
Lori called last night and gave us the website so we can see how you are doing in Guatamala. I am so glad you are having this experience. It is an opportunity of a lifetime! Lori and the kids sound like they are keeping busy and waiting for your return. While you are having warm weather, we are having snow. Donnie got called out early this morning (Saturday) to go and plow snow. We will continue to pray for you on a safe return home and God’s blessings on you and on the rest of Team Allendale.
Love,
DiAnne
Daddy,
I think you are doing a good job in Guatemala building the houses. I can’t even imagine how tired your feet must be feeling from climbing that mountain. Things back here are doing great. We built a fort and me and Grace slept in it. Danny stayed over night and slept in it too. By the look of the pictures it looks like you are having a great time over there.
Love you,
Peyton
Daddy,
I’m sorry that we haven’t emailed you. I miss you very much.
Love,
Grace
Hi Jeff,
What a wonderful thing you are doing- helping the people there and bringing them to Christ! You are in our prayers for a successful and safe trip.
Love, Cheri
I’ll make a quick post here because I’m about done in. We had another great day and just got in a few minutes ago. We went to a completely different village today and did a medical clinic. We saw tons of people and handed out a lot of meds. A lot of time again was spent building relationships with people – particularly kids. At the end of the night, we had a service and many accepted Christ.
Shelby, Peyton, and Grace – I’m so glad things are going good and you’re having fun! I’ll be thinking of you going to church tomorrow. Lori, I’m praying for you and for the team in the morning. I miss you!
Pray for us tomorrow, as we’re doing another medical clinic farther away with more people.
God Bless and Good Night!
Hi Jeff,
Great pictures! What a great adventure you must be having living you faith and sharing you love of God! I am looking forward to hearing your stories about the people and the culture of the area you are in. It sounds like you had fun handing out candy. Kids are so open to hearing about the words about the Lord from you. It is very rewarding! We have our Cub Scout Blue and Gold Banquet today. The weather is nice, but they are talking about more snow tonight. We look forward to talking to you when you get back.
Don
Jeff,
Just to let you know that service went well today. No problems – everyone did a great job in set up, video, musicians and everything else. Shelby’s game yesterday was a very good game – we won but it was very close. Things are going well here. I’m looking forward to Tuesday when you are back – call me when you hit the states. Looking forward to your next post.
Love you!
Lori
Hi Jeff — Hope that you had a great Sunday. We had a really good day this way. Chris put together a slide show of the pictures posted on Paradise Bound to music and we watched them as the service started today.
Understand that you are going to Antigua? Is that a seperate island or is that part of Guatemala? If it is the island of Antigua – I have friends there, so if you run into someone named Ickford Roberts tell him that Jim and Terri say, “Hi.” We went to Oklahoma Wesleyan together. You might also meet an Everton Gonsalves, St. Claire George or Sowerby Gomes – you might tell them that Dr. Maness’ son says, ‘hi’.
Again – hope you keep wearing that great hat as a tribute to the St. Louis Cardinals. We look forward to seein you and the whole team when you return.
- Jim
I started off the morning yesterday thinking of and praying for all of you back in Michigan! We headed mid-morning to a very remote village and got there after noon. We set up tables and boxes of meds and a sound system. The people from the village came in and Dan and a nurse from here diagnosed the people and their medical conditions and we put packets of meds together for them. Then we showed the Jesus Film at the end of the night. Last night there were probably 20 or 25 people that came forward and accepted Christ. It was an awesome thing to see and be a part of!
I’m so looking forward to getting home, but it’s going to be really hard to leave – this place and these people and this work really get in your blood. Today is going to be weird because we’ve worked every day and today is really just a chance for us to relax – we’re going shopping! It’s the first day Dan told us we could sleep as long as we want. Everything we do here is a learning experience.
I love you all and can’t wait to see you all and tell you all about it – God Bless and pray for our safe travel back. Lori, Shelby, Peyton, and Grace: I’m blowing you kisses from here!
See you tomorrow night. Give me a call when you get to Houston. Be safe!
Love, Lori
Jeffrey, We’re anxious to hear more about the trip. Sounds pretty amazing…..everything from the scenery, the people and what God has done through all of you. Praying for a safe trip home. Karen