Sometimes it is hard to hear your own voice in the “life noise” of all other voices. There are voices of other people, but also of culture, technology, institutions and society. The voice “inside” us can easily be drowned out by “life noise”. All of us are created with a voice that speaks something amazing of God, our Creator. “You knit me together in my mother’s womb, I am fearfully and wonderfully made” – Psalm 139.
How do you honor the voice inside? The ancient scripture teaching tells us that to honor the voice inside, we have to first love God..the one who created us and gave us life. Some teachings are specific about this “honoring”:
* Love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul and all your mind. (Deuteronomy 6:5)
* He who honors me, I will honor (I Samuel 2:30)
* Love God and self and neighbor (Matthew 22:29)
* Who do YOU say that I am? Know OUR relationship first! (Mark 8:19)
Part of the joy of being with a team is watching everyone find their specific gift for the total work and then put it into place. B.J. offered a great devotional about this earlier in the week. We have all seen it…Russell in the kitchen, Dudley at the dental clinic, John and Calvin on the saw, Jack with the children….on and on and on. Beautiful.
The team has graciously allowed me to venture out and honor the voice God has placed in me. Because of that grace, I have met many more people of this land and connected with local people who are engaged in sharing Hope and Love and Grace in whatever way God has given them to do it in this land. These “adventures” have taken me off the roof (a place I actually really love to be) and into the homes, businesses, and streets of Guatemala. Places I did not dream I would ever go….paths I didn’t know I would ever take. But “adventures” that have been deep inside me for many years. Let it be.
- Marvin is 16 now. He worked with us last year. His father, Andres, helped build the school at La Toma and is a dear friend of Norris. I just stopped by because I haven’t seen Marvin this trip. They brought out a framed picture of Norris and team when the school was dedicated. Continued friendships..old and new. God’s grace.
This is a visit to Halo Guatemala, a school for the deaf where children learn to communicate. Ezekiel goes to school here and we are honored to have the opportunity to support their work in Mazatenango. 20 students go to school here and over 100 are on the waiting list of wanting to go but not able to afford it yet. The staff volunteers their time for this amazing work.
Life in the Deep End 
How wonderful to walk with you, Vona, into the lives of our La Toma friends, walking into the school, into homes, and down to the river. How precious to see you cultivating spirituality in all the pathways and byways of the village. It is especially gratifying to see residents who love God and the Bible. Seeds were sown for Christ, and they grew! So beautiful.
Vona, thank you for sharing your personal experiences and the work and service of the Mission Team. Having a spouse on the Team adds even more meaning to the messages you post. Your writings and teachings are truly inspirational and meaningful to those of us striving to live in a way pleasing to God. We all look forward to the return of the Team and the continued sharing of the blessings that have been experienced through your adventures.