I’m Ready For Home, But I Don’t Want To Leave

“I’m ready to go home, but I don’t want to leave Xenacoj.”

These were my words yesterday afternoon as I sat and watched our teens conduct the last day of the sports/VBS program at the escuela (school) on the hill.

I can’t wait to see my wife and my son.  I can’t wait to sleep in a bed – my own bed.  I can’t wait to take a warm shower.  I can’t wait to drive on flat, paved roads.  I can’t wait to eat American food.  I can’t wait to use a bathroom in the U.S.A. (there is a difference).  I can’t wait to tell others the story of my trip.  I’m ready to go home!

But I don’t want to leave!  Xenacoj has been life changing.  The people have shown me that there is so much more to life than we Americans are used to.  So many of these people have literally nothing.  Everything they have has is used and has a use.  We have so much that we never even use everything we have.  We have it just to have it.

In Xenacoj, it’s easy to share our faith; yet at home, it’s easy to hide our faith “under a bushel”.  I can navigate the town of ~8,000.  And I feel safe and welcomed.  I can walk up to anyone and ask them if I can pray for them (with the help of a translator). 

I also see that there is so much more than we could do to help these people.  The last three days, we spent time installing stoves in homes.  These stoves alone will help divert the smoke that typically fills the rooms and lungs of the women who cook over open flames.  We could do so many more projects like this that would help extend the life of these beautiful people.

I have also enjoyed hanging out with these kids – these students.  Each of them has a unique story to tell.  I know I’ll see them at church on Sunday, but it won’t be quite the same as seeing them 24 hours a day seven days a week.  They have been inspiring.  This generation clearly has what it takes to change the world for good.

Today, we head out to see some Mayan ruins and then into Antigua.  Tomorrow at this time, we’ll be on the plane from Guatemala City to Houston en route to our final destination – home.

I’m ready to go home, but I don’t want to leave.  I hope I can come back some day.

Have you ever felt this way – that you were ready for home, but you didn’t want to leave?

Guest Post: Wondering by Leanne Stolpe

While I’m away in Guatemala, several people have stepped up to share their stretching stories with The Stretched Community.  Today, I have the honor and privilege of presenting my wife, Leanne Stolpe.  Leanne is a mother, wife, teacher, friend, encourager, and she is my biggest support and inspiration here on the Stretched blog.

Wondering

This year I began a new adventure into the world of special needs as a behavior therapist. There’s days where I love my job-many of them. There are definite benefits. The flexibility is wonderful. I love working with preschoolers. I especially love when I get to work both with the preschoolers and their families. I can see progress made. I work with amazing people-both teachers, co-workers, and my supervisor. Yet there are times when I feel bored at my job.. I feel like I’m not using all my potential.  I feel like I could do so much more. 

Wednesday in Guatemala – More Than I Can Imagine

Today will be the last day that we get to work in Xenacoj (pronounced Chen-a-coe).  The people here are so beautiful.  The children wander the streets at all hours of the day as if looked after by the community at large.  The men work in the fields or in the sweatshops making the clothes than many Americans wear.  The women care for the children and weave beautiful fabrics.  The people here do not have very much compared to American standards, but they also seem to have something that’s missing from many Americans.  They have a sense of contentment and a sense of family that goes above and beyond what you would find in most U.S. homes.  I’ve definitely been moved by these people.

I kind of expected that when I came on this trip.  I expected to be moved (even wrecked) by the people of Guatemala.  I also anticipated that we’d be able to have an impact on their lives.  I’ve definitely seen that as we’ve entered the homes of many offering new stoves, words of encouragement, and prayer.  This has also been pretty amazing.

What I underestimated was the opportunity to be a part of life change in the lives of the students who came on this adventure.  I am getting to talk with kids I had never met before this trip.  They are opening up about the challenges they face at home, and they are sharing how God is impacting their lives through the trip.  In my small group last night, several guys commented that they want to stay and help more.  One teen shared that he wants to come back with family in a couple of weeks.  And one student was an absolute emotional wreck as he processed what he had witnessed in Xenacoj that past few days.  It’s pretty amazing to see this and to be part of the team that gets to help these teens work through these thoughts and feelings.  I now understand that I was not just brought here to be a chaperone, God had bigger plans for me.  I am so thankful for each of these kids!

Please pray for our team as we wrap up our work in Xenacoj today.  Pray that we would leave it all there and that we would be effective in ministering to these beautiful people.  Pray for our students (and adults) as we continue to process what we’ve seen.  Pray that we’d all be able to transfer and use it in our own lives and in the lives of others when we get home.  Pray also that we would be challenged to get out of our comfort zones as the normal and not the exception.

Tomorrow, we will go to see the Mayan ruins, and we will spend time in Antigua.  And Friday will be a very long travel day.  I’m not sure if I’ll be able to check in more than this until I get home.  Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers!

Guest Post: When God Provides, You May Be Stretched By Tom Tarver

While I’m away in Guatemala, several people have stepped up to share their stretching stories with The Stretched Community.  Today, I have the honor and privilege of presenting Tom Tarver.  Tom blogs regularly at A Curious Band of Brothers, and he is a regular commenter here on the Stretched blog.  Please check out Tom’s post and leave an answer to his question.  Afterwards, go check out his blog.  His contact information along with a short bio can be found at the end of the post.  Thanks!

When God Provides, You May Be Stretched

I planned to be somewhere else other than Alaska this summer.

But God had other plans.

And His plans would stretch me for two weeks … to a point … of breaking.

My original plan. This summer I wanted to pedal from sea to shining sea. I had declined to join our church’s short-term mission team in July because of my cycling plans. Reggie, the organizer and team leader, knew this.

My plan failed to come to fruition. But Reggie didn’t know that.

God intervenes. On a Sunday morning two weeks before the team would leave for Two Rivers, Alaska, Reggie and I spoke for the first time in months about the trip, and for the first time he learned about my summer plan’s failure to launch.

Too bad we hadn’t spoken earlier. The team now overflowed with talented folks. They had no room for one more.

But God had plans for me, and through an unexpected illness, a spot opened up hours after our conversation. I hadn’t been on Reggie’s radar but I quickly moved to the top of his to-call list.

When Reggie phoned, he said, “Everything’s already paid for except you’ll need a ticket.”

How much?

Too much!

“Sorry, Reggie. On such short notice, I can’t come up with that kind of money.”

“But God has resources.”

I humored him and allowed that, yes, God did have resources. I said, “I’ll pray about it, make some calls, and let you know tomorrow.”

Two calls the next morning netted the entire amount. In less than 24 hours I knew God wanted me on that team. I knew it!

What I didn’t know was why.

When I arrived in Alaska and settled into the rustic camp setting our team would call home, I knew I belonged there.

When I shivered through the first night, I knew I belonged there.

When I slapped the thousandth mosquito, I knew I belonged there.

When I pounded the concrete wall to break it apart, I knew I belonged there.

When I trotted to the outhouse for the third time during the night, I knew I belonged there.

But I still didn’t know why.

While others quickly found their parts in the project, I wandered around asking, “Do you need help?”

“Not now. Maybe later.”

For ten of the dozen days we were in Alaska, I said to a friend, “I don’t know why I’m here.”

Our last two days on the project, God began to grant me understanding, insight that surprised and troubled me.

Here’s what I learned, lessons that continue to stretch me.

I’m afraid of failure. With other people, I’ve shared over and over again the importance of embracing failure. Failure in attempting something great teaches some awesome lessons. To launch out, attempt a great thing, and fall short is better than remaining safe at home.

And I thought I did plenty of launching out.

But, as I spent time working with others, I discovered I shied away from making decisions. I let others handle the power drill or cut the boards. I didn’t want to make mistakes.

And I didn’t want others to discover how poor I was at building things. I could tear down stuff. I could clear up the debris. But after the destruction, I didn’t know how to construct.

Even on our fun day, I discovered my heart quaked at doing something new in front of an audience.

At the end of an Alaskan gold mine tour, we all ended up panning for gold. I needed help but wouldn’t ask for it. In the end, I was one of two people still panning because I worked so slow for fear of making a mistake. And this was supposed to be fun.

I crave action and grow impatient with planning. At the church where the team did a lot of renovating, I wandered around looking for the action. Because of impatience, I missed the opportunity to listen and plan with those who did know what they were doing. I moved on to the next place before I could understand the present project and before I could be available to help when needed.

So why was I in Alaska?

So God could stretch me, break me, and help me make needed changes in my life.

Question: What lessons has God taught you through His leading and provision?

About the Author

Tom’s a blogger and so much more.  For an example of something other than his blog, follow this link. He’s written one novel with more in the works. He’s also been a two-time winner of MBT’s “Make Every Word Count Flash Fiction” contest as well as a 2011 semi-finalist (speculative fiction) in the American Christian Fiction Writers Genesis contest.  His novel, Dark Eyes, Deep Eyes, is available through WestBow Press, Amazon, BARNES & NOBLE, and other retail outlets.

Guest Post: The Choice was Mine… by TC Avey

While I’m away in Guatemala, several people have stepped up to share their stretching stories with The Stretched Community.  Today, I have the honor and privilege of presenting TC Avey.  TC blogs regularly at Wisdom of a Fool, and she has recently become a regular commenter here on the Stretched blog.  Please check out TC’s post and leave an answer to her question.  Afterwards, go check out her blog.  Her contact information along with a short bio can be found at the end of the post.  Thanks!

The Choice was Mine…

I hadn’t been out of High School long when reality set in – not everyone was tolerant of Christians.

Let’s go back to the 90’s.

I was 19 and a Freshman in College on full academic scholarship.

I had to maintain a high GPA or I would be forced to take out huge college loans (something I really didn’t want to do – but then again, who does?).

Things were going well.  My classes were easy and I had no fear of NOT maintaining my GPA, until…

A professor challenged my resources for a speech.

I was trapped.

I had used the Bible as reference (I mean how can you argue Christianity is a major world religion without referencing the Bible?).

She informed me I could do my speech on Christianity, she had no problem with that. She simply did not feel the Bible was a credible resource.  If I insisted upon using it – I would fail.

I was floored.

How was I to proceed?

I could change religions – a few others in the class did. I could opt to use books from theologians and ignore the foundation of Christianity being built upon the Bible – a few of the more devoted Christians were going this route.

Or I could stick with my original speech – founded upon the Bible.

I could choose to fail.

The choice was mine.

I thought about dropping the class, but I didn’t want to chicken out.

I thought about Peter denying Jesus three times. But I didn’t want to experience the guilt. True Jesus forgave him and would forgive me too…but He shouldn’t have to.

Besides, I couldn’t avoid confrontations my entire life. I was an adult. It was time to start acting like one.

I had a tough choice to make.  No one could make it for me.

Though stuck between a rock and hard place, I knew what I had to do.

I knew what I was going to do!

I would proceed as planned and deal with the consequences.

I would stand firm in my faith. I would defend my belief and I would use the Bible as a reference.

Yet despite my conviction, I was nervous.

In the back of my mind I kept assuring myself she couldn’t really flunk me. I was sure it was an empty threat.

Just in case I was wrong, I looked up the numbers to many of the administrative staff. I was going to take this higher up if she did fail me. I wouldn’t go down without a fight!

I also spent hours praying, asking God to help me.

In the end, my worry was for nothing, God did help me.

While she wasn’t thrilled with my blatant disregard for her instructions, she didn’t fail me.

She didn’t even give me a horrible grade!

Looking back, I can’t even remember her giving me a hard time the rest of the semester.

If memory serves me correctly, our lives went on as normal.

She was the professor. I was the student.

End of Story.

Except I learned standing for my faith isn’t as hard as it first looked. I also learned the truth and power of 1 John 4:4 NIV, “You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”

That speech class, and professor, taught me way more than the syllabus promised!

Praise God!

How has standing up for something related to your faith stretched you?

About the Author

TC Avey is a Christian blogger. She is an aspiring Author, avid reader, lover of history and enjoys politics.  She has a passion for God and America.  Her blog Wisdom of a Fool is dedicated to enlightening others about today’s current events from a Christian perspective. She also has a Monday series on “The Cost of Discipleship” by Dietrich Bonhoeffer.  She offers a monthly Newsletter.  You can also follow her on Twitter.

Monday in Guatemala

We finished the house yesterday.  It was one of the most amazing experiences I’ve had so far here in Guatemala.  It was quite an emotional experience to bless this family with a new home.  As we dedicated the house, it was moving to see the expressions of thanks from the family.  I was also overwhelmed by Hannah’s expressions towards the family.  It was definitely an experience that WRECKED me.

In the states, we have so many blessings.  I’m not complaining, but I’ve certainly been reminded of so many things that I’ve taken for granted.

Today, I had the opportunity to help install new stoves in two homes.  The “abuelas” who received these stoves were so grateful.  I had the chance to pray for one of the ladies who asked for prayers for her health.  There are so many opportunities to share the love of Christ in words but also in action.

This afternoon, we will be heading back into town where we will be conducting a sports camp for the local children.  We’ll also have the opportunity to experience an evening of Mayan culture.  I’m not sure what that means yet, but it should be fun!

Please pray that our group would have energy to punch through the last few days here.  This is often the time when groups experience challenges related to hanging out together too long.  Pray that we wouldn’t experience this.  Pray also that we would be effective in ministering to the people of Xenacoj.  This trip is definitely having an impact on our team.  My prayer is that this would continue.

For the latest pictures go to riotmissions.com.

Thanks for your prayers!

Guest Post: Living the Lessons by Eileen Knowles

One of the most beautiful and scary things about writing is the power it has to transform us.

I’m learning over and over that when we choose to share our stories, the main goal isn’t to see how many pairs eyes view what we’ve written, the main goal is for us (the writer) to learn and grow in the process.

Our stats mean nothing to God…our souls mean everything.

It never fails, I’ll write about something that is on my heart and it becomes the learning portal for the day. The books and blogs I read, the conversations I hear, the sights I see, and the people I encounter seem to offer one more important piece in the learning puzzle. Every experience sheds more light on the lessons I am intended to learn.

Writing, if I allow it to, will:

convict me
challenge me
correct me

As I was writing this post, I realized that this not only goes for writing down our stories but for living out our stories as well.  When we choose to share our stories and our lives with others, when we choose to live fully engaged, when we choose to live with our eyes wide open…we are shaped and changed in the process. Our lives become the books we write and the legacy we leave.

Life, like writing, is one big lesson for us to learn. Each day is a new day to understand that lesson just little bit more.

Here are some areas where the Lord is currently stretching me:

It’s fine and dandy to write and read about grace…
but are you living it out in your life? Is grace the air you breathe? Do you inhale grace in order to exhale it on the lives around you?

It’s fine and dandy to write and read about loving and serving others…
but are you putting others first in your life? Do you treat loving others as the most important thing in your life or is it sometimes an interruption or an inconvenience?

It’s fine and dandy to write and read about the power of prayer…
but are you praying without ceasing? Is prayer your first resort or your last resort? Does your prayer life really reflect that you believe in the power of prayer?

What about you?  How is God currently stretching you as you try to live out your stories?

About the Author

Eileen Knowles is a small town Arizona girl who studied English at The University of Arizona a long, long time ago. She now lives in small town North Carolina with her husband, Roger, their eight-year old son, and one quirky dog named Bisbee. When she is not working part-time loving on animals at the local animal hospital, she thoroughly enjoys drinking coffee, running, playing Scrabble, leading Women’s Bible Study at her church, and writing about how cool it is to journey through life with Jesus holding her hand.

Eileen is passionate about leaving a legacy for her son and encouraging others along the way who might need a dose of hope poured into their weary lives.

You can find her taking The Scenic Route at www.eileenknowles.com

Twitter: https://twitter.com/cupojoegirl
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/eileen.knowles.9

Sunday Morning Reflection from Guatemala

Good morning from Guatemala!

It’s Sunday morning.  We’re all just finishing up breakfast.  We’ll have morning devotions in a few minutes.  Then we’ll head out to the house site to finish up the house.  These three days will dramatically change this families life – as it is changing the lives of those on our team.

This afternoon, we’ll head to Guatemala church.  I hear the services are four hours long.  This should be an adventure as well.

Last night, Adam asked me a question that has me thinking.  I answered the question the best I could in the closing hours of the day, but it is still a question that will go with me today.

“How’s your spiritual life these days?  What does that look like?”

It’s easy to feel “high” when you are on a trip like this, but how does that translate to the rest of my life.  In less than a week, I’ll be returning home to the normal “routines” of life.  I want to live a spiritually fervent life whether I’m serving in Guatemala or leading at my job or going through the normal happenings of our family.

I’m so thankful for Adam and his challenging questions.  We need people in our lives to ask us these introspective questions.

So how about you, how’s your spiritual life these days?

Quick Update from Guatemala

Good evening!

We just returned back to our compound from a day of hard work at the site of the home.  We made incredible progress today.  When we started the day there was nothing but a slab floor.  By the end of the day the house had four exterior walls, three interior rooms, three windows, one door, roof trusses, and electrical roughed in.  The team worked really hard and worked quite well as a team.  I’m having a blast!

So, here’s my question for the day (it’s been running around in my head since yesterday):  Would you consider a blogger meet-up in Guatemala to build a house together?  Seriously!

(I’ll post more later – probably when I get home about my thoughts and experiences along with some pictures.  But this gives me a chance to fill you in.  There’s far more to process than I have time to document here right now.)

LIVE from Guatemala

Just a quick update.

We made it to Guatemala safe and sound!

We’re staying in a beautiful place with some great people.  I describe more later when I have some time (or when I get home).

We’re getting ready to leave for our first day of construction of the home.  I was able to visit there last night and meet the family.  This meeting alone was an experience I’ll never forget.

Pray today that our team will be effective and efficient in working on the house.  We’ll be forming and pouring the slab and beginning to frame out the walls and roof.  Your prayers are appreciated.

Thanks so much for your thoughts prayers and encouragement in making this happen!  May God be with you today.

Impromptu Ice Breaker:  What are you taking for granted today?