A Vision For San Antonio

On Wednesday morning in Guatemala, our team took a trip 3 miles outside of Xenacoj (a 45 minute drive).  We short way requires a four-wheel drive vehicle and a stomach built for motion sickness.  The longer way is mostly paved, but it is up hill and curvy.  San Antonio is the home for approximately 25 families.  It is a mountain top community with an amazing view and an incredible level of poverty.  Most of our morning was spent feeding school children and their younger siblings who attend a small two or three classroom school in the center of this little village.

The Road To The San Antonio Vision

Towards the end of our visit, Dave (the missionary we were working with during our week) took a couple of us on a short walk to a small area on the edge of the village.  The area was covered in grass and had an incredible view of the valley below.  We could even see Xenacoj as we stood on top of this small mountain-top meadow.  This is where we stopped and listed to Dave share one of his visions for San Antonio.

Here’s what Dave shared.

Imagine a place where pastors can come for retreat, for relaxation, and refocus.  Imagine a place where couples can come to recharge their marriages.  Imagine a place where students can be taught the Bible and other important skills that will allow them to serve other communities in Guatemala.  Imagine a couple of buildings on top of this mountain top where students can learn and sleep, where pastors can reflect, and where couples can connect.

I’m sure I’m missing some of the details, but this is the general idea behind Dave’s vision.

Dave believes in this vision.  I’m not sure what the timing will be for realization of this vision.  Regardless, it’s inspiring to listen to these ideas, thoughts, and dreams.

So often, we become content with the same old thing.  This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but sometimes I think we sell our earthly lives short.  We stop dreaming.  We stop capturing God’s vision for our lives.  We settle for life as it is instead of going after something bigger, better, and far more fulfilling.

Listening to Dave share on this hilltop reminded me of the importance of listening to God’s voice, of dreaming big dreams, and of pursuing God and the visions He’s given to us.

I’m starting to do this again.  Here are some of my dreams for the future:

• To build another house in Xenacoj.  No.  To build 25 or more houses in Xenacoj.  Our trip to Guatemala last summer and this summer showed me how helpful a simple house can be to a family in need in Xenacoj.  I’d love to help in this way.
• To travel to Guatemala at least two times a year for the rest of my life.  This could take some time to realize, but I believe it’s possible.  There is so much work that can be accomplished in a week or two in Xenacoj.  In addition, I’d love to continue the process of building relationships with those in this community that has captured my heart.
• To bring other people to Xenacoj with me.  I want other people to experience what I have experienced.  I want them to meet the people, to see the things, to touch the hands of the orphans and widows.  I’d love to bring a group of bloggers to Xenacoj some day.  I’d love to bring a group of families to Xenacoj some day.  I’d love to bring a group of co-workers to Xenacoj some day.  I’d love to bring members of my extended family to Xenacoj some day.
• To write a book about my experiences in Xenacoj.  I think this dream is closer than I realize.  I’m sure I’m writing content for this book – right now!  I want to write the book for several reasons:  (1) I want to share my story of Xenacoj with as many people as possible, (2) I want to follow in the footsteps of my Dad who has written a few books, (3) I want to potentially earn money that can be used to fund future ministry opportunities in Xenacoj, and (4) I want to experience the process of writing and launching a book.

I’m sure I have more dreaming to do.  My trip to Guatemala rekindled my desire to dream.

Now it’s your turn.

What are you dreaming about?  What visions to you have for the future?  What are you doing now to realize these hopes and dreams?

We Can Make A Difference

Why aren’t these boys in school?

This is the question that went through my head when I took this picture.  The older boy is definitely old enough to be in school.  Maybe he’s taking care of his siblings.  Are his parents working?

I took this picture while I was standing in the yard of a local school in Xenacoj in August.  School was definitely in session, but these kids were standing on the other side of a barbed wire fence while other kids their age were attending school.  There was no truancy officer making sure school age children were in school during the school day.

Their absence from school is already putting them behind in learning and gaining skills that will help provide for their family.  I obviously don’t know what their story is, but this is a common scene in Guatemala.  Many children aren’t in school for one reason or another.  The pattern of illiteracy continues.

Education is something we take for granted in the United States.  In the U.S., all children have access to school, and they are required to attend.

Meanwhile, in many parts of the world, children don’t have the privilege of going to school.  They have to work.  They have to take care of siblings.  They don’t have school buses to drive them a long way to school.  They don’t have family members who encourage them to get an education.

Did you ever complain about going to school when you were younger?  Or do your kids complain about school?

How do you think your perspective or your kids perspective might change by meeting kids like these?

Our experience in Guatemala definitely opened our eyes to a different world.

How can we make a difference for kids like these?  That’s an interesting question.

GO! Ministries is trying to make a difference for kids in and around Xenacoj by providing a feeding program in the poorest schools five days a week.  The food served at school is very basic (rice, beans, and tortillas), and it makes a huge difference for these kids.  Many children don’t eat so well at home, but through the feeding programs they get one decent meal every day while they are in school.  More families will send their kids to school if they know they will get this kind of meal.  A meal like this provides nutrition and energy that helps children learn more effectively.

GO Ministries is also in the process of setting up a child sponsor program for kids served by the feeding programs.  The sponsor program will provide more resources to feed the children.  They will get chicken and/or fish along with their rice, beans, and tortillas.  It will also provide funds for medical attention that many of these children lack.

Do these programs fix everything in Xenacoj?  I suppose not, but it’s a huge help for many.

Can all these kids be helped?  It seems like a huge challenge.  I know that God cares for these kids.  I know that all things are possible with God.  I know that we can make a difference by helping one.  We can sit around doing nothing overwhelmed by the immensity of problem, or we can stand up and do something – doing for one what we wish we could do for many.

And so our trip to Guatemala continues to stretch and challenge me.  I don’t want it to be a waste.  I want to do what I can to help kids like these.  I share this to help you see into their world, and I share to keep me stretching and processing – to challenge me and our family to find ways to help.

You can make a difference for kids like this.  Here are a few suggestions to help you get started:

• Education yourself.  Learn about the conditions children live in around the world.  Learn about the education (or lack of education) children experience in other parts of the world.  Learn about their nutrition.  Don’t ignore the fact that kids are faced with this level of poverty around the world.
• Pray.  Prayer is powerful.  Pray that these kids would be safe.  Pray that they would have food.  Pray that they would learn new skills to provide for their future families.  And most importantly, pray that they would know the love of God.
• Consider sponsoring a child.  These sponsor programs make a huge difference for kids and their families.  If you’re interested in sponsoring a child through GO! Ministries, send an e-mail to Dave Sgro at davidlsgro@gmail.com.  You can also check out organizations like Compassion, World Vision, CMF International, or Lifeline Christian Mission.
• Go!  Go to Guatemala or another country.  Even a week-long trip makes a huge difference.  We fed 450 children while we were in Guatemala for a week.  We learned so much and experienced so much in just a week.  We were able to hug these kids and share God’s love in a very tangible way through our experience.  Our family is already making plans to return to Guatemala.  Maybe you’ll come with us!?!

Don’t sit around doing nothing.  Take action.  You can make a huge difference for needy kids around the world.

What can (and what will) you do today to make a difference for a kid in need?

Love In Every Language – Even Kaqchiquel

Growing up in the United States of America, it’s easy for us to think that the whole world speaks English.  It’s rare that we would hear another language in the towns where we live and in the places we go to school, work, and church.

In Guatemala, it’s a different story.  Spanish is spoken by many in the country – especially the younger generation.  And some young people are even learning a bit of English.  But many still speak a Mayan language native to their specific village or area of the country.  In Xenacoj, many people speak a language called Kaqchiquel (pronounced Catch-E-Kel).

I took a few years of Spanish when I was in high school, so there were bits and pieces that I could understand if people were speaking Spanish.  But it really became confusing when the villagers spoke Kaqchiquel.

Our friend and guide, German (pronounced Hair-man), took some time to teach us a little bit of Kaqchiquel.  He taught us numbers along with a few basic greetings and phrases.  It was comical as our group repeated the phrases we thought we were hearing.  To us it sounded like “My neck is strained” and “Chewbacca chin” and “Mateeosh”.  While I’m still not sure what these phrases meant, they were short phrases that connected us to many of the widows of the town.  While they were probably chuckling to themselves as we butchered their language.  I think they could understand that we loved them and that we wanted to share hope with them.

When I returned home, I was looking up something on Biblegateway.com, and I discovered that they actually have a Kaqchiquel translation of the Bible on their site.  How cool is that?  You can literally look up any passage of the Bible and find it in Kaqchiquel right there on the Internet.

I think it’s a great reminder.  God speaks to us in a language that we can understand – a language that makes sense to us.  God loves us whether we speak English, Spanish, Kaqchiquel, or any other language.

Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.  I John 4:8 (NIV)

El que no ama no conoce a Dios, porque Dios es amor. I Juan 4:8 (Nueva Version Internacional) – Espanol

Yacˈa ri majun ajowabel riqˈui, nikˈalajin chi ma retaman ta ruwech ri Dios. Ruma ri Dios can ajowabel wi.  I JUAN 4:8 (Cakchiquel Occidental (CKW))

How have you seen, heard, or experienced God’s love in other languages?

A Little Boost, A Lot Of Hope

Meet Linda.

Linda is 27 years old.  She has five kids.  The oldest is a girl who is 12 years old.  The rest of the kids are boys with the youngest being two or three years old.  A couple of weeks before we arrived, Linda and her kids were living on the streets of Xenacoj.  Linda worked in one of the sweat shops making 80 cents an hour, and her kids stuck together during the day taking care of each other.  Linda’s husband was no longer in the picture.  I’m not certain of the entire story, but Linda was essentially abandoned and left to figure things out herself.  The community didn’t really embrace or help her out.  In fact, I got the impression that she was somewhat shunned by the community, because her husband left.

While Linda doesn’t fit the American definition of a widow.  She has essentially been left as a widow.

Thankfully, GO! Ministries found out about Linda.

Again, I don’t know the whole story, but a week before we arrived GO! Ministries took Linda and her family in.  They gave her a place to stay.  And they gave her a new job – first to take care of her kids and then to take care of some things for the ministry.  This is just the lift she needed.

Linda doesn’t know how to read, and her children were destined for a similar path if someone didn’t step in to provide a boost.

Now her four oldest kids get to go to school every day.  They are learning.  And they have a hope.  Dave, the missionary, is helping to show them what a father looks like.  He’s pointing them to Christ.  He’s teaching them to be respectful, and he’s teaching them to do their best.

Linda is also learning to read.  When she graduates “first grade”, she will get a raise in pay.  When she graduates “second grade”, she will get another raise.  She will learn skills that will help her survive and thrive.

Linda and her family have hope thanks to a little creativity, observation, and action.

Sometimes it takes a little boost to get off the ground.

When you and I reach out to help the widows and the orphans, we are following God’s Word.  And we are also dealing in the market of hope and love.

Linda’s story could have been one of despair and desperation.  But it’s not.  She now has a story of HOPE!

How can you give someone a boost today?  How has someone’s act of kindness given you hope?

The Stretched Blog Visits The Daily ReTort

Today, I’m guest posting as part of The Network for Tor Constantino at his blog, The Daily ReTort.  In my post (5 Reasons To Go On A Missions Trip With Your Family), I share some thoughts about faith, family, and missions.  Here’s an excerpt to get you started.

5 Reasons To Go On A Missions Trip With Your Family

Early this month, our family traveled to Guatemala to serve the orphans and widows in and around the village of Santo Domingo Xenacoj.

Deciding to go in the first place was a pretty significant leap of faith.

• As a father and husband, did I think we would be safe in a strange land removed from many of the luxuries we currently enjoy? 
• Did I really want to spend my vacation time working instead of relaxing somewhere? 
• How were we going to come up with the money necessary to make this trip a reality?

These were just some of the questions that troubled me for weeks as we processed this decision last fall.

Having arrived at the other side of this mission trip, I can tell you that we made it.  We were safe.  The vacation time from work was well spent.  And God provided the funds for this trip in ways that far exceeded our greatest expectations.  (Click here to keep reading.)

If you’re visiting from Tor’s blog, I’m glad you stopped by.  I hope you’ll check things out and become a regular part of The Stretched Community.  You can sign up to receive daily blog updates by adding your e-mail on the main page (I promise not to send you spam).  To help you get a taste of my other writing, here are a few of my favorite posts:

• Leap of Faith
• Less Like Scars
• Ten Things Every Small Group Leader Should Know
• The Power of the Next Question
• How To Respond To The Election Results

You can also click here to link to more about my experiences in Guatemala.

Have you ever taken a mission trip with your family?  If so, how did it impact your family? What’s holding you back from going on a mission trip?

Writing About Guatemala

Why do I write so much about Guatemala?

This is a great question.  I haven’t done the math, but I’m sure a large percentage of my posts before and after our trip to Guatemala last month have focused on this trip.  Here are some reasons:

• Guatemala STRETCHED me!  This blog is all about processing my stretch marks.  There is so much to process when you embark on a trip like this.  I’ll continue to write about the trip as long as it keeps stretching me.
• I don’t want to forget what I experienced in Guatemala.  As I get older, my memory doesn’t work as well.  Writing about our trip to Guatemala helps to preserve my memory.
• My experience in Guatemala is worth sharing (at least I think so).  What makes my story different from the story that others have to share?  It’s my story.  While my trip may be similar to others who have gone to Guatemala – who even went on the same trip, it’s a little different, because we all come in with a little different perspective.  I love reading about other people’s trips to far away lands, and I hope you’ll find my story worth reading.
• A short-term missions trip can be momentary, or it can be lasting.  I want my trip to be lasting.  I want to continue to have an impact in Guatemala even when I can’t be there in person.  Writing about our trip gives me an opportunity to share the stories of those we met and fell in love with in Guatemala.  And at some point, it may provide an opportunity to provide more financially to help the orphans and widows.
• A book.  Yes, I’m thinking about it.  I’ve had several people ask me when I’m going to write a book.  It’s flattering and a little scary.  Would others people read it?  The blog provides a place for me to explore some of these thoughts.  Perhaps, the blog is even a rough draft for book material.  What do you think?
• I hope my trip will challenge you.  I write the stretched blog with a hope and prayer that I might stretch others.  Whether I’m sharing about faith, family, leadership, or Guatemala, I want my words to be encouraging, challenging, inspiring, and STRETCHING.  I hope my story of Guatemala will challenge you to do something of significance for the people of Guatemala.  Maybe this means sponsoring a child in Xenacoj (more on that in a future post).  Maybe this means praying for the orphans and widows of this poor community.  Maybe this means reaching out to me to find other ways to help in Guatemala.  Maybe this means going with me to Guatemala on a future trip.  I’m not sure how my story will impact you, but I hope and pray that you will respond to the tug on your heart and the calling on your soul.  Don’t just read about my trip to Guatemala – DO SOMETHING ABOUT IT!

I’ll continue to write about other things that are stretching me, but Guatemala will continue to have a place here on The Stretched Blog.

What do you think?  Are you tired of Guatemala?  Would you read a book about Guatemala written by me?  What topic (besides Guatemala) are you dying to hear from me?  Why do you write about the things you write about?

Handiwork

This week, we’ve been going back in time.  On Monday, we went to a party where our family was welcomed.  On Tuesday, we went to the “laundry mat” (where our family passed before the party).  On Wednesday, we went to a fruit stand on the streets of Xenacoj (a place we passed before the “laundry mat”).  And today, we go back just a little further in time.

As I mentioned previously, Monday was a day of culture learning and general adjustment.  In the morning, we had the opportunity to meet Susie.  Susie is German’s wife.  She prepared most of our meals while we were in Guatemala.  She is an amazing woman.  She always has a smile on her face.  We often saw her carrying her baby (the youngest of six children) around on her back our hip while she continued to work.  Her heart for serving others is incredible.

Before we took to the streets of Xenacoj on the way to the party, Susie gave us a back weaving demonstration.  Back weaving is a method for weaving fabric together which is used by many women in the community to create beautiful shirts and other cloths.  This is one of the main things that women do in an effort to raise money for their families.

They start with balls of threads which have been colored and washed to prevent bleeding, and they use several sticks and pieces of wood to hold their weaving works together.  It’s an amazing process that requires hours of work and a lot of attention to make sure everything is tight and patterns are correct.  The end product is beautiful.

Susie was working on a blouse for someone while we were there.  She puts a lot of effort into making sure it’s just right.  It doesn’t look like a shirt yet, but it will.  She will actually make two long pieces of fabric that are a mirror image of each other.  Then she will join the two pieces of fabric to form the shirt.  It’s a laborious process.  But the end product is beautiful.  Her handiwork will be used practically to keep clothe another, and the blouse will also help someone look nice.

(Note:  Many people today use machines to make clothing (even in Guatemala).  The clothing you are wearing now was likely made by machines and may even have been made in Guatemala.)

There’s something special about the idea of hand-made clothing.  It feels special to know that someone made these clothes just for you or me.  Susie’s handiwork reminded me that we are hand-made by God with a purpose.  We are God’s handiwork.  In Ephesians, Paul confirms this:

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.  Ephesians 2:10

There are times when we struggle with our sense of purpose.  We feel like we’re rough and unfinished.  We wonder why we’re here.  We often search for meaning and purpose by chasing after things that don’t really matter.  Today, I’m reminded that God created you and me to do good things for others.  Our life is not a waste when we are helping others – when we are doing good works.  The STRETCH challenge for today is to go and find someone to serve.  And be encouraged – you are God’s handiwork!  God made you, and he created you to do good things.  What a great reminder!

What good work has God prepared for you today?

When was the last time you received something hand-made?  How did it make you feel to receive something that someone had made just for you?

What’s Red, Spiny, and Sweet?

Does anyone know what these red, spiny things are?

I’ll give you a hint.

We came across these on the streets of Xenacoj before we passed the “laundry mat” that I talked about yesterday and before we arrived at the backyard party that I mentioned on Monday.

Do you give up?

They are called Rambutan.  They are originally from China, but they are also found throughout Central America.

When you peel away the spiny shell, a white grape-like fruit.  For more pictures and an explanation of how to eat a Rambutan, click here for the wikiHow link.

As we walked by this street fruit stand, we stopped to look at this strange fruit.  Before we knew it, the missionary and his son were encouraging us to try one.  We asked if it was safe.  To which, he responded that they were safe based on the shell surrounding the fruit.

Within a little more encouragement, my wife and my kids were cracking open their first Rambutan.  I chickened out not wanted to risk getting sick so early in our trip.  Apparently, the risk was worth it as indicated by the sounds of satisfaction coming from my family.

I have to give my family credit.  They took a leap of faith.

Was it a big leap?  I suppose not, but it still took a certain amount of trust to believe our missionary hosts.

I wonder how many wonderful things we miss, because we are too afraid to take leap.

I don’t know about you, but life is too short to miss out.  I’m not suggesting that you do something stupid.  I’m merely recommending that you get outside of your comfort zone and try something different – something that requires risk.  As I’ve shared before, going to Guatemala was a leap of faith for our family, and I can tell you that it was completely worth it.

Maybe it means going on a mission trip to someplace like Guatemala.

Maybe it means trying a strange piece of fruit (or other food).

Maybe it means walking across the street to talk with a neighbor.

Take time to try something new TODAY!

When have you taken a risk by trying something new?  How was the experience?  What was your holding you back?  What was it like after taking the risk?  What risk do you need to pursue?

(For me, one of the risks that I need to pursue further is writing a book.  It’s been on my list of things to do for a while, but I seem to let other things (including fear) get in the way.)

The Ultimate Washing Machine

Yesterday, I shared how our family was welcomed by a backyard party the first full day we were in Guatemala last month.

On the way to this party, we walked by the village “washing machine”.  It wasn’t what you would expect.  The “washing machine” was a concrete basin filled with water surrounded by smaller concrete stations where village women brought dirty clothes for washing.  They poured water from the basin over the clothing and rubbed the clothing with soap across the concrete basin bottom.  The clothing was literally stone washed.  And then water was poured back over the clothing to rinse them.

Can you imagine washing your clothes this way?

This weekend, I did a couple of loads of laundry for our family.  I confess that this is not part of my normal routine in our house (my wife does a great job with this for which I’m extremely grateful).  I sorted the clothes into two piles – lights and darks.  I turned on the washing machine and added liquid detergent.  Then I loaded the dirty clothing in and closed the lid.  Within twenty minutes and with very little effort, I had clean clothing ready to be put in the dryer.

We complain about household chores like washing clothes and washing the dishes.  Yet we have modern machines that do most of the work for us.  Our trip to Guatemala was definitely a reminder of how good we have it here in America.

Whether it’s loading a modern washing machine or bringing your clothes to a Guatemalan laundry mat, washing clothes is a part of most cultures.  We want to look clean – at least on the outside.

But it’s not just the outside that needs cleaning.  We all have junk in the trunk.  We all need cleaning on the inside.  In Psalm 51, King David reflects on a need and desire for a clean heart.

Cleanse me with hyssop, and I will be clean;
    wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.
Let me hear joy and gladness;
    let the bones you have crushed rejoice.
Hide your face from my sins
    and blot out all my iniquity.

Create in me a pure heart, O God,
    and renew a steadfast spirit within me.
Do not cast me from your presence
    or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation
    and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me.

Psalm 51:7-12

You Are Welcome

Monday in Guatemala was a day of acclimation.  We spent time learning the customs and traditions of the people of Xenacoj, and we spent some time walking the streets of the village.  Monday was a holiday in Xenacoj, and all the schools and most of the businesses were closed.

Around mid day, we took a walk from the center where we stayed through the village until we ended up at the home of an important person in the town (who was somehow related to German).

As we approached the home, we were escorted through the solid gates protecting the private yard from the public streets.  We were immediately greeted by several older gentlemen who shook our hands and smiled as we entered.

Once we made it past the welcoming committee, we were shown to chairs that were placed along the edge of an open area in the small but clean yard.  It was almost like we were dignitaries at an important gathering.  The hosts immediately greeted us and then poured Coke and 7up for each of us as we settled into our seats.

Soon a band right behind our chairs began to play.  The band featured trumpets, saxophones, drums, a tuba, and a baritone.  As the music began to play, it only added to the chaos in my mind as I tried to get used to the culture, the language, and the people.

Next, the host and German brought out plates of fresh-cut fruit.  The plates featured pineapple, papaya, watermelon, and apple.  Honey was drizzled over the top of each plate of fruit.  Honestly, I was a little hesitant to eat it at first.  Was it safe?  We had been warned to be careful about what we ate in Guatemala as there are many bugs and bacteria found in the food of Guatemala that would not fare too well in our American digestive systems.  Our missionary host quickly signaled that this would be okay, and we enjoyed the offering.

While we were finishing up the fruit, someone brought out a bottle of some type of alcohol and a bunch of small plastic cups.  Our team didn’t partake in this part of the party, but it was interesting to watch as the bottle was brought around to others in the party.  You can tell that this was a big deal.  The host had brought out the best for his guests.

The band continued to play, and the guests began to dance in the open area of the yard.  Initially, two or three women from the village started dancing.  Then they pulled our missionary host and another man into the excitement.  Before we knew it, our whole team was dancing with the ladies and children.  At this point, the differences in our language and culture didn’t matter.  We laughed and smiled together as we danced to the music.

Before we departed, we took a few group pictures.  This short interlude into our trip was far different from anything I had ever expected.  It was strange, and it was uplifting.  I will always remember the feeling of being welcomed and treated so special.  This is how I want to treat people when they come to my house.  I want them to know they are welcome, important, special, and loved.

Walking away from the party, two of the woman went with us for a couple of blocks.  We talked despite the language barrier, and we finally said goodbye when our paths diverged.

I’m so thankful for this gathering.  It is one of the many experiences from our trip to Guatemala I don’t want to forget.

How/when has someone made you feel welcome, special, and important?  How do you make feel others feel welcome when they visit your home?