Kickstart A Dream
In Guatemala the past three years, I have had the privilege of working with an unbelievable servant and his family.
Three years ago, German Espana came to Dave Sgro of GO! Ministries and asked a simple question: How can I help?
German was unemployed at the time, and he had a huge heart for the people of his village, Santo Domingo Xenacoj. He did not want to sit around doing nothing while he waited for a job opportunity to open up, so he volunteered his time.
I didn’t interact with German a lot the first year, but I could see that he was a hard worker. He coordinated stove installations for 75 widows in the village. He personally interviewed each of the 175 widows in the village to make sure the stoves made it into the homes of those who most needed them. He delivered the materials to each home, and he made sure each installation team had the tools and supplies necessary to install the stoves properly.
Then last year, I saw a whole new side of German as our family worked more closely with him and his family serving children and widows in the village with meals for the children and a special gathering for the widows. Our family had a real opportunity to see German’s heart as he served and prayed with the needy people in his community. At this point, GO! Ministries had hired German on as a member of their team. I’m not sure how much they paid him, but I think it still left him struggling to meet the needs of his family which included his wife, Susie, and six children. None the less, German worked hard and always seem to have a spirit of trust that God would provide for the needs of his family.
This year, was a continuation of what we experienced last year. German and Susie opened up their home for our meal times. We ate breakfast, lunch, and dinner in their house every day. We spent time laughing and playing with their family. And I had more opportunity to talk with German on a one-on-one basis. His heart continues to pour out for the broken and hurting people of his village. He literally is taking the food from his table and the clothes from his back to feed and clothe the people of Xenacoj.
During our time together, he shared with me the struggle his family has had financially. He confessed his fear in continuing to provide for his family and for those in need in his village. He also shared some of his dreams. He hopes to start a church one day in his village. He also shared that he and his wife Susie have been praying about ways they could provide more effectively for their family. One of the ideas or dreams they have is to build a restaurant in the front of their house – a place where people can gather for a very good meal and time with friends and family. A place where their family can earn money to provide for themselves and others. I’ve tasted Susie’s cooking, and I know she could attract many. And I think this dream has real potential to help German and Susie stay on their feet and serve Xenacoj more effectively.
Here’s the thing: It will take some funding to build out the front of their house in order to make this a reality. German shared that it would probably cost about 10,000 quetzals in order to make this a reality. When we were in Guatemala a couple of weeks ago, one U.S. dollar was worth about 7.8 quetzals. If you do the math, you can see German and Susie need about $1,300 to take the next step in making this dream a reality. Since we left them a few weeks ago, they applied for a loan with a bank. They were turned down based on German’s income. (Honestly, I think this may have been a huge blessing as I’m sure they didn’t need to take on any debt.) What if there is another way? Wouldn’t it be cool if we could help them kickstart their dream? I checked out the rules of Kickstarter, and I don’t think this scenario fits into their rules, but maybe there is something we could do to help out. If you are interested in making this Guatemalan dream a reality, let me know. (And if we somehow get more than $1,300, I’m sure Susie could use it to fit out her kitchen.)
Have you ever had a dream? Have you ever needed a little help from someone else to make your dream a reality? Tell us about it in the comments.
Guatemala Photo of the Day (Week-End Recap)
If you follow my personal Facebook profile, you may have noticed that I have been posted a “Guatemala Photo of the Day” each day since we returned. Some of the readers here are not connected to me on Facebook, so I thought it might be helpful to post this week’s pictures here.
Here you go….
Sunday, August 10, 2014
Monday, August 11, 2014
Tuesday, August 12, 2014
Wednesday, August 13, 2014
Thursday, August 14, 2014
Friday, August 15, 2014
Saturday, August 16, 2014
Which one of your favorite? (And why?)
El Abuelo
What do you see when you look at this picture?
I see unbelievable wisdom. I see extraordinary patience. I see a man whose faith has been weathered by a challenging life. I see the face of a man who has experiences we could never imagine. I see struggle. I see pain. I see hard work and determination. And I see a man who is dedicated to his family.
This is a man we came to know as El Abuelo.
Abuelo means Grandpa in Spanish, and he is the grandfather who lives in the first house we built this summer in Guatemala.
El Abuelo works hard in the fields surrounding the village of Xenacoj. He works hard all day for a small amount of pay (probably $10 a day) in the hopes of providing for his family. El Abuelo is 72 years old. His wife is no longer living, but he takes care of his daughter (Betty) and his five grandchildren (Marcos, Wendy, Jose, Fernando, and Rosita).
While we were building the house, El Abuelo lent a helping hand scraping bark off the wooden planks used to panel the side of the house. He helped hold pies of wood as wee hand-sawed pieces to length. He also looked on providing supervision and ideas for improving the construction of the house.
Every once in a while, he could be found sitting in the shade smiling at our team and admiring the progress of the construction. When we moved the family into the house, he tearfully hugged me in an expression of gratitude for providing a home for his family.
This is a face I will not forget. When we return to Xenacoj, I look forward to sitting down with El Abuelo.
Tell us about an elderly person you respect.
Outside The Safety Zone
My visits to Santo Domingo Xenacoj in Guatemala the past three summers have all coincided with the annual festival which takes place in the village each year. The festival which lasts for a week or so fills the town central park with food, games, and some crazy rides. Villagers fill the town each night to enjoy the festivities.
The Ferris wheel pictured above has been part of the festival each of the past three years, and it’s the biggest attraction at the festival. It is balanced by a series of wood blocks which keep the wheel level, and it is hooked up to a gas-powered tractor engine which spins the wheel at breakneck speeds. Fluorescent lights are fastened to the spokes of the wheel with electrical tape and wire ties. And the seats are hung at the far reaches of the wheel. Riders climb up a ramp and into their seats where they are taken on the ride of their lives without seat belts.
Is it safe?
Probably not – at least not completely. But it’s a good ride. Just ask my kids and the hundreds of villagers who rode this ride during this year’s festival.
For some reason, as I thought about this Ferris wheel, I kept going back to The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis.
If you remember the story, Lucy is talking to the Mr. and Mrs. Beaver about Aslan. Aslan is a lion who has special powers and authority over the land of Narnia. He has a tremendous compassion and love for the creatures of Narnia, but he is also dangerous. Here’s how Mr. Beaver describes Aslan:
“Safe?” said Mr. Beaver; “don’t you hear what Mrs. Beaver tells you? Who said anything about safe? ‘Course he isn’t safe. But he’s good. He’s the King, I tell you.”
Aslan represents Christ in the story. As part of the story, C.S. Lewis reminds readers that Jesus Christ isn’t safe, but he’s good – He’s the King!
When you choose to follow Christ, you never know what path you may travel. It may be dangerous, but you can be sure it will be good. As Americans, we tend to strive for comfort and security. We want to be safe. What if comfort, security, and safety are the wrong target?
Maybe we’re called to live life more dangerously. You may not be called to go to Guatemala, to Liberia, or to another strange land, but you may be called to get out of your comfort zone. Maybe it’s simply walking across the street to talk with your neighbor or visiting a local nursing home to spend time with a lonely resident. Whatever it is, don’t settle for safe. Climb on board your Ferris wheel and hang on for the ride of your life!
When has your faith led you something that didn’t feel safe? When was the last time you journeyed outside your comfort zone?
Seven Things To Do When You Arrive Home From Your Mission Trip
It’s been two weeks since our family arrived home from our trip to Guatemala. Returning home isn’t always easy. On one hand, we were all excited to be back in the comforts of our own home and back with our friends. On the other hand, we also craved a continuation of our experience in Guatemala. We miss the friends, the scenery, and the pace of life in Guatemala.
When you come home from a short-term mission trip, there are several important steps to help you get the most out of your experience. Jumping right back into the swing of things at home without taking these seven actions will minimize the overall effectiveness of your trip.
Seven Things To Do When You Arrive Home From Your Mission Trip
- Unpack. You can’t leave your suitcase full of dirty clothes and souvenirs forever. Empty your suitcase. Do the laundry. And take the souvenirs out of the bags.
- Take time to process your experience. Coming back from a short-term mission trip is different for everyone. There is little doubt you saw and experienced things that were very different, eye-opening, and challenging. Don’t waste this experience. Write down your thoughts and feelings. In a way, this is simply a continuation of step one. You need to take time to unpack your trip from a mental, emotional, and spiritual perspective. This may take a few days, a few weeks, or even longer. Part of the reason I blog about my trips to Guatemala is because it gives me time to process what I just experienced.
- Get re-acclimated to life at home. When you arrive home, you have to remember the responsibilities waiting for you. For example, I had to get back to work, and I had to pay bills. The transition isn’t always easy, but it’s an important part of returning home. Unless you are planning to become a full-time missionary, you have to get back into the swing of things. Give yourself time for this as well. It took me a solid week to feel like I had my energy and rhythm back after we returned from Guatemala.
- Determine how you will live differently as a result of your experience. How did your short-term mission trip impact you? Don’t let it go to waste. Our family eats rice and beans once a week to remind us of our experience, our Guatemalan friends, and the people we served in Guatemala. Our prayer life has changed as well. We now include Dave Sgro, GO! Ministries, German & Susie Espana, and multiple families and individuals in our conversations with God. More than likely, you will be challenged to reconsider your priorities when you come home from a mission trip. Don’t wait to long to make these changes. If you wait too long, you will slip back into life as you knew it before the trip. One of the biggest things a short-term missions trip will do for you is to help you establish a mission mindset right where you are. By going someplace else to serve God and others, your eyes will be opened to the spiritual and physical needs right where you live.
- Tell others about your trip. I have had so many opportunities to share with others about our trip. Show off your pictures. Tell your stories. I’ve been able to share a lot about my trip through Facebook, my blog, and just by talking to people. You will be surprised by the number of people who really are interested to hear what you have to say.
- Start planning for the next trip. A short-term missions trip doesn’t have to be a once and done experience. Going on a short-term missions trip on a regular basis has many benefits. First, you get to help other people. This is the goal of most people when they go on mission trips. Second, it changes you positively over time. We live in a big, big world, and it’s important to see life outside our little boxes. Finally, there is a recalibration that takes place when you decide to go on mission trips on a regular basis. This is healthy. It’s also a great way to leave a legacy.
- Invite others to join you on your next trip. Sometimes your friends, family, and co-workers simply need a little encouragement from you to take a step of faith and to sign up for a mission trip. Your story and your invitation will always be the most effective way to get others involved. Simply ask. So here’s my question: Will you join me on my next trip to Guatemala? (More details to follow.)
Have you ever been on a short-term mission trip? What was your experience like when you arrived home?
In Response To Ann Coulter
I don’t write about politics here on the blog (or on Facebook), but I couldn’t help but respond to Ann Coulter’s recent blog post, “EBOLA DOC’S CONDITION DOWNGRADED TO ‘IDIOTIC'”, which appeared on her blog August 6th. I don’t read her blog as a general rule, but I was pointed to this post by a missionary friend of mine, Caleb Suko. (For Caleb’s thoughts on Ann’s post, click here.)
Ann’s blog is not open to comments, so I figured the best way for me to respond might be through my own blog. While I seriously doubt Ann will read my post, I’m hoping you will read her post and develop your own opinion. Here’s mine:
For the record, Ann Coulter does not represent the opinions of all conservatives or all Christ followers.
Having just returned from a trip to Guatemala where I know we made a difference for at least two families, I can state certainly that our trip outside the US to Guatemala was exactly what and where we were called. And the trip may have made a difference in Guatemala, but it is making just as big of a difference here at home in Pennsylvania and the United States.
I agree that America is a mission field, but so is the entire world.
Wake up! Get your head out of your…., and go to a third world country. Your perspective will be altered, Ann Coulter. Maybe you will see that God created the whole world and not just the USA (although I am deeply grateful for my country). Maybe you will come home with a mission mindset far deeper than you ever imagined.
While I don’t know the whole story of Dr. Kent Brantly, I think it’s pretty bold for Ann Coulter to presume that Kent Brantly wasn’t following God’s calling for his life by going to Liberia.
Ann, I pray your eyes and your heart will be opened. Thank you for your compassion on those hurting inside our borders, but don’t forget the rest of the world.
Also, you might be a little surprised that God’s “rules of economics” don’t match up with your “rules of economics.”
Am I off target? What do you think? If you could speak with Ann Coulter about this post what would you say?
Shower Time – Is Comfort Really The Right Target?
I’m nearly six feet six inches tall.
I kind of stick out in Guatemala.
I’ve learned that many things in Guatemala are not made for someone of my height. For example, last year, I slept on a bed that was 18 inches too short for me. When I sit in the passenger seat of many Guatemalan cars and trucks, I literally have my knees in my chin. And some of the bathroom facilities don’t actually fit my frame either.
This is the shower we used this year in Guatemala. It is essentially a concrete box, and it is six feet tall from the floor to the ceiling. There is just enough room in this little compartment to turn around. The pipe at the top of the shower is connected to a shower head better known as the widow maker. The shower head is wired to power which sometimes gives you a hot shower. The key word is sometimes. Most of the time you get a rather cold shower.
To save water and to avoid prolonged exposure to the cold water, I took military style showers while we were in Guatemala. This means I would turn the water on and get wet. Then I’d turn the water off and soap up. Finally, I would turn the water back on and rinse off as quickly as possible.
It wasn’t ideal, and it wasn’t all that comfortable, but I actually didn’t mind it so much as the week went along.
Being in the mission field isn’t about comfort.
You get dirty. You sleep in unfamiliar conditions with strange sounds. You drive on bumpy roads. You eat foreign food. Even going to the bathroom and taking a shower is a weird experience.
We live in a world and culture where comfort is king.
There is something healthy about being uncomfortable. The mission field teaches missionaries about sacrifice – it teaches that it just might be worth getting uncomfortable for something far more valuable.
Our trip to Guatemala reminded us that there is more to life than the pursuit of comfort.
I would challenge you to step outside of your comfort zone – to stretch yourself – by planning to go on a missions trip in the next year.
What have you learned by stepping into the uncomfortable? When was the last time you were really uncomfortable?
Building Dreams Takes A Community
I have always liked building things.
When I was a toddler, I started building things with my Playskool wooden building blocks. From there, I moved to Lincoln Logs. I build many log cabins with my Lincoln Logs. The natural next step was LEGO building blocks. My favorite thing to build with LEGO blocks was houses. I built one-story houses, two-story houses, and even taller houses. For a little while I built “dog houses” with pieces of scrap wood from my Dad’s workshop.
For me, there is something fun and energizing about building things.
When I was considering a possible career choice, I definitely considered architecture. As a fan and student of math and science, it’s natural I would pursue engineering as my career path.
My engineering career has brought me into some amazing building in the New York City and Philadelphia area. I’ve been in the top ten floors of the Rockefeller Center, the orchestra pit of the Academy of Music in Philadelphia, the basement hallways under the Philadelphia Museum of Art, and the roof top of Liz Claiborne headquarters. I’ve been in data centers, hospitals, schools, universities, shopping malls, and pharmaceutical laboratories. These are all buildings I’ve helped to build in some form or another.
When I had the opportunity to help build a house in Guatemala two years ago, I was definitely in my element. This experience two years ago in Xenacoj was the spark that reignited my passion and dreams for building. There was something truly special about building something for someone else. I still remember the feelings of watching a family as they received a new house. I want to participate in changing the lives of more families.
With this in mind, I dream of building 100 homes in Guatemala. (This is one of the dreams I shared in yesterday’s post about Guatemalan Dreams.)
This summer, our family had the opportunity to build two more homes for two families. There was something amazing about giving this kind of gift to a family. They were definitely appreciative.
Achieving this kind of dream doesn’t happen by accident, and it definitely doesn’t happen with the help of many, many people.
The two houses we built this summer were built by the generous financial donations of many friends and families. They were built by German Espana who coordinated the efforts in Guatemala. They were built by several local workers who helped with concrete work, roofing, electrical work, and framing. They were built by family members who helped on the job site by debarking the wood paneling and cleaning up sawdust. They were built by Gregory Espana who skillfully constructed doors and windows for the homes. They were built by other members of our team who dealt with blistered and sap-stained hands to make sure the wood for the walls looked as good as possible. And they were built by Dave Sgro, founder of GO! Ministries, who encouraged our family to pursue this dream.
It takes a village – a community – to make a real difference for others.
In order to make my dream a reality, I’ll have to find a way to build 97 more houses. This won’t happen through my efforts. It will take others jumping on board and joining the dream.
So here’s my question: Will you take part in my dream? What role might you like to play in making this dream a reality?
What’s your dream? What help from others do you need to make your dream a reality?
Guatemalan Dreams
“Without a dream you’ll not get anywhere.” – Kofi Annan
Where would we be without the dreams of people? The Wright Brothers dreamed of flying, and now we can fly around the world (or even into outer space). Thomas Edison dreamed of creating a better light source, and now we can flip a switch and turn on lights in any room of our house. James Salk dreamed of putting an end to polio, and now we live in a time when polio is not known.
Dreams aren’t just meant for big names and big things.
We can also dream. In fact, following through on our dreams can be the catalyst for all kinds of exciting things and changes.
During my visit to Guatemala last month, I started writing down some of my dreams for Guatemala. Sharing them is the first step in making some or all of these dreams a reality.
Guatemalan Dreams:
- To build 100 homes in Guatemala (97 more to go!)
- To come back to Guatemala more than once per year
- To return to Xenacoj for the Christmas for Thousands
- To bring a team from my office to Xenacoj
- To bring a team of bloggers to Xenacoj
- To bring a team made up of The Stretched Community to Xenacoj
- To bring a team of families to Xenacoj
- To bring a team of runners to Xenacoj
- To bring a team made up of our H.O.P.E. (Helping Other People Everywhere) group to Xenacoj
- To bring a team to Xenacoj on a regular basis to build homes and serve in other capacities
- To learn Spanish
- To gather tools and supplies to help teams build more homes
- To correspond with German once a month via Skype
- To keep coming to Guatemala as a family/couple.
- To visit/serve in Xenacoj for ten to fifteen days in one visit
- To have on-going relationships with the families who are getting the houses
- To raise awareness in the United States of America for issues facing Guatemalans
- To help Susie and German open their restaurant
- To write a book about short-term missions and developing a mission mindset
- To help move Guatemala from a third world country to a second or first world country
- To help German start his church
This is just a start of my Guatemalan Dream list – I think. Over the next few days, weeks, and even months, I plan to elaborate more on these dreams. Will all these dreams come to fruition? I don’t know. But I know that any action and movement towards seeing these things realized starts with a dream. I’m learning to dream again. How about you?
What is one of your dreams? What is one thing you can do today to make this dream more of a reality?
Language Barrier
“Yes. I’m fluent in Spanish. I just don’t comprehend it.”
These were Isaac’s words one afternoon last week while we were in Guatemala. It made me chuckle. Going someplace foreign where they don’t speak your native language can be overwhelming, confusing, and a little crazy. One of my goals over the next year is to start learning some more Spanish. I had it for three years in junior high and three years in high school, but I have a lot of work to do to better comprehend the conversations in Guatemala next time.