Life in the Deep End

I Give You Buttercups

March 17, 2020March 17, 2020Vona Wilson

Buttercups in the church yard of Bethlehem UMC

Buttercups bloom in the front yard of my Great Grandmother’s home in Golden Pond, Kentucky. A sign of spring. A sign of hope. A sight that brings JOY! As a child it was my delight as we turned into the gravel drive: Granny Wilson’s buttercups are in bloom; all is well.

When her home and land were redirected to the development of what people now know as “Land Between the Lakes”, it was the buttercups that helped me find the way to what was her driveway, and the road that led up to our family cemetery on top of the hill. A sacred and special place.

The road and entire landscape of the earth in that spot has completely changed over the years. I have actually had to stop at the Golden Pond Visitor’s Center to ask exactly where to turn and get on the gravel drive to reach the hill. And…the buttercups still bloom there. Years ago, it was her front yard; now it is simply beautiful land that people come to enjoy. Perhaps no one imagines that an actual family and community once lived here. Memories were created. People here fell in love. Babies were born here. There were weddings and funerals and a soda shop and post office. A bit of moonshine making too. And there were buttercups signaling all the other flowers of the forest to wake up and bloom. A sign of hope.

Something in me still fills with joy at the sight of buttercups. It is a joy I need. It reminds me that what appears to be gone completely in the winter season is actually just waiting for the right time to resurface. Life is very much like this. In seasons of dormancy or preparation or suffering or waiting…. there is always something happening underneath that will emerge anew at just the right time. God leaves us signs of this in nature everywhere.

What we are experiencing in our world right now will change the landscape of our lives. It is changing our priorities and schedules and plans. The whole world is making an effort; something we are doing together. In the spot of the world where I live and work, the buttercups and daffodils are in full bloom. The land is sending forth the message and the forests are coming alive with buds and blooms that will bring joy at their very presence.

Know that this season of difficulty will pass, though it lingers now. As we experience changes that require our letting go of plans and the way we thought this year would be, look for the flowers and trees reminding us that God is always making all things new. Grieve what we have to let go. Make space for what will come. Hope is right with us; God is with us.

Love and friendship and care are never at risk unless we choose to stop offering it. Give someone “buttercups” today. Share a smile. God has filled you with a spirit of love and grace. Offer it. Give it. Don’t delay. Everyone needs to be reminded of the Hope we hold together in Christ.

Prayer

Lord Christ, have mercy on us. Open our eyes to your signs of hope everywhere. Stir us by the presence of your Spirit with us right now. Wake us up from our winter slumber. Replace our fear with trust in you; we know that you are faithful. You are the God that makes all things possible and we love you. Thank you for the gift of Christ who reminds us, “I am with you always…” (Matthew 28). Amen and Amen.

I Will Wait for You by Shane and Shane

—

The Day After…Ashes

February 27, 2020February 28, 2020Vona Wilson

I didn’t grow up with Ash Wednesday services where someone touched my forehead with grace and traced the form of a cross out of ashes from Palm Sunday. I knew nothing of the ritual or the meaning or why I would come to a place of wanting for it. But here I am.

We feasted on pancakes (or spinach), syrup and blueberries and jazz and Holy Communion on Tuesday. In some conversations it was called “Fat Tuesday”. In our context at church, it was called “Shrove Tuesday”. And in many contexts all we can hear is people shouting: “Mardi Gras!” Of course there was king cake in the bakeries…

We returned on Wednesday to remember how deeply we need the love and grace of Jesus in our lives. We remembered….”we are dust and to dust we will return”. We proclaimed: “Repent! And remember the Gospel!”

Photo by Melinda Britt. @The Abbey of Gethsemani. The Walk to the Statues.

We were, for that one hour of worship on Wednesday, not pretending to be perfect or all together or anything other than our own messy selves in need of a God that can take us as we are, and keep breathing into us new life that helps us become all we are created to be. We gathered with our imperfect hearts and asked the God of heaven to meet us there.

So what is that? Why do we do it and why are we doing it in 2020? We are more than a broken people. Yes, we are broken. And yes, we are a called people. We are not content with the way things are in our own lives or in the world. Our relationships are superficial. Our souls are crying out for connection. Our loneliness and isolation are destroying the most beautiful part of our humanity: to be in relationship with each other and with our Creator.

God is beckoning us to draw near. We need each other on this journey. Don’t go the way alone…let’s go together. We don’t have to know all the details of what this looks like. But how about we do it? How about we go “all in” for this season and just decide – every day – from wherever we are – to seek God with everything we can? We have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Jesus encouraged us to just let go and follow where God is leading. What if we just do it? Will you do it?

Lent begins a season of preparation and discernment for 40 days leading up to Easter. It is more than a goal or giving up sugar. It is about taking time to ask yourself and God: “where am I in this vision of God?” “Am I content or is there something stirring in me that says, ‘there is so much more’? How do I follow that voice of the resurrected Christ?

We were pondering, on Ash Wednesday….
We are thinking, on the day after ashes…
We are taking…the deeper step.
We want others to come with us.
If you are willing…
To just go “all in” for 40 days.
Seek God.
Believe that Jesus Christ accomplished all in the resurrection.
Repent fully.
Forgive graciously.
Trust completely.
Let’s go “all in” and see what God will do. Seek. Ask. Get humble. Get ready.
Let’s go together.

Prayer
God, we don’t need another ritual or program; we have many of those. We need YOU. We see your Spirit moving in new ways – in places we didn’t expect – in moments that cause our hearts to skip a beat. What are you doing? How do we join you? How do we do something we have never done before? We don’t know; but you do know. We are going to trust you. Now. Completely. We are yours. “Let our kingdoms fall.” Let’s go together…

Virtual Chapel: The Monday Trust

February 24, 2020February 25, 2020Vona Wilson

Is there a way for Monday to be something more than the onslaught of email, social media messaging and weekly expectations that no human can possible do? Good news: the answer is “YES!”

Photo by Melinda Britt @ Abbey of Gethsemani: The Walk to the Statues.

I recently had an experience in silence at the Abbey of Gethsemani in KY. A time of retreat, praying the psalms with the monks who live there and getting back in touch with what some people call “God’s first language”: silence. Somehow in silence our inner voice becomes clearer. Moving through the noise in my mind, passing through those moments of “what now?” and persisting in the journey, actually leads me into the gift. Eventually the mind begins to settle: we are here. stop the striving. just be here. let it be.

From that place of “let it be”, I hear the psalms differently. I hear the chants of the monks crying out my human heart – our human hearts – with all of the joy, fear, doubt, confidence, questions, strength…and eventually: trust. My voice joins the song.

The “songs of ascent” is what it’s called – these psalms (Psalms 120-134) that voice our deepest thoughts and brings them raw and real, to the Creator of the universe. These ancient prayers are powerful in every generation; we need only to pray them. When the weight of the world or the constants in our minds becomes overwhelming, this is a place to turn. A way to voice all that is in us and ultimately help us fall into the arms of grace, trusting the hands of our Creator to catch us as we fall.

So this Monday begins differently. With a song and prayer of trust, my voice gives rise with all the other voices who need to be reminded: God’s plans will prevail. Nothing will remove the foundation of God’s love for you, and for the world. Let’s trust this.

Psalm 125
Those who trust in GOD
are like Zion Mountain:
Nothing can move it, a rock-solid mountain
you can always depend on.
Mountains encircle Jerusalem,
and GOD encircles his people –
always has and always will.

The fist of the wicked
will never violate
What is due the righteous,
Provoking wrongful violence.
Be good to your good people, GOD,
to those whose hearts are right!
GOD will round up the backsliders,
corral them with the incorrigibles.
Peace over Israel!
– Psalm 125 THE MESSAGE

Whatever our weeks hold – we can trust that no evil, no disappointment or chaos or tragedy will STOP the amazing love and grace of God. Period. Just keep going. Here’s to another Monday…another choice to trust…another week of wonderful, full and amazing LIFE! Live the days well in whatever way your path asks of you. Trust the rest to God.

Prayer
God we trust you completely. Let it be.

Quiet Time

February 11, 2020Vona Wilson

The morning quiet time. Breathe. Think. Pray. Time with God in nature and listening to the breeze in the trees; whispers of the Spirit. Being close with the deeper things of life.

I’ve been in this spot many times. It is part of the transition. A few moments of saying “thank you” and taking time to remember the gifts. There are always more than I can count; now is no exception.

And here my spirit opens to what is ahead. The transition and the days coming. God keeps shaping my heart. Its landing place is wherever I sense the hand of Christ in mine, reminding me in each moment that there is no other place to be. I’ve known for many years that my “call” is about obedience: wherever, however, whenever. Hoping Jesus never lets me go.

Prayer
God help us to hold on to you and trust you. We are all in different places and situations but you hold us right where we are and I don’t believe you ever let us go. Please let that truth be present for everyone who needs it today. We are crazy for you and we trust you completely! Amen and Amen.

We Believe in You

February 10, 2020February 27, 2020Vona Wilson

A great pleasure on Thursday and Sunday morning was meeting with several students who are studying for their futures. They are friends of our church and a complete joy for us. There is one message in my heart to share on behalf of the church: “We believe in you! So dream and study and trust God with what we are all doing together.” From the students in Xela, the young adults in Chichicastenango and more in Mazatenango…we are so blessed to be part of this journey! Grateful.

Jesus digo: dejen que los niños vengan a mi, y no se no impidan, porque el reino de los cielos es de quienes son como ellos. – Mateo 19:14

Helen, Zunilta, Hilda, Ángela, Edy, Manuel

Pastor Jasón and Summer receive these awesome banners!

Angela and Hilda: new friends on the journey

Valentín inspired us with his Scripture reading at ACD

Norris and his family fellowship with students from Herencia se Vida

John Hembree and his church fellowship with students they believe in

On the playground at ACD. So much joy!

Rising stars at ACD!

The young adults of the Metodista Conference of Guatemala. Watch them rise!

Conversations & Invitations

February 10, 2020February 12, 2020Vona Wilson

Norris Allen met Juan Pablo 20 years ago at a United Methodist meeting of some type. Their conversation resulted in Norris bringing a team of volunteers from Tennessee to Guatemala. That one conversation initiated more relationships than we can count. I am a late “add on” from 2011. For Norris and many of us to be here at the same time is an historical moment. I would name it a bridge from one generation to another…and an equipping by the grace of God.

When you meet a friend from another country, things can happen. Amazing, unbelievable things. God’s Grace is always going before us and just waiting for us to arrive. Here too.

Invite someone into whatever God is doing. You don’t have to know all the details or what it will mean in any one persons life. Just invite. Again and again. Invite!

Me, Norris and his children, Sherry & Wesley

Norris reminds me that he and Fran were married 58 years. They met in youth group at church “but she had a boyfriend”. (How many times have I heard this scenario?) But they both ended up at Austin Peay later and the match was made in heaven. “We didn’t have any bad words in our vocabularies. Bad words where never said.” They had 58 years of what marriage was intended to be: a graceful and loving partnership for life.

When I came to Guatemala in 2011, it captured my heart and everyone said: “you need to meet Norris”. So we arranged a meeting right away. He and Fran came to meet me at church. It was only a short time after that meeting that Fran suffered a stroke and Norris’ plans for returning to Guatemala changed. Until now.

So all of us being in Guatemala right now, for this time, is very special. I’m a late comer – these men are the brain trust and vision that started something that must be God’s doing because it never seems to stop! I am grateful just to be at the table. With 20 years of relationships,Pastor Jasón on the ground, and the churches assembled- we see God making all things possible again.

Howard, Pastor Ed, De. Robin, Pastor John Hembree, Norris, Pastor Jasón and Woody.

We are dreaming. We are planning. We are praying. Maybe the future includes YOU too! Whether it is you alone or your church family or whatever tribe you come with. The kingdom of heaven is bending near the earth and this is the time to fully engage. We welcome you.

What conversations are you having? It doesn’t have to be more than across the room. Across the state or across the world are always on the horizon but across the room is right under your nose. Miracles happen in all of these places every day. Not by our power but by the Spirit of the resurrected Christ. Jump in and join this journey; it is an adventure ever day! Walk across the room, or whatever distance you need to experience the risen Christ.

Dr. Robin, Adolfo. and Woody. So many years of friendship!

Summer, Woody, Adolfo, Joe & Marilyn, Robin, Jasón

John Hembree is a retired UM Pastor. He has 20 years of mission here with the original crew.

Summer returned this time after 8 years. Her mom, Connie, was part of the original crew. Connie stirred our church into mission in Central America. We still miss her!

Sunday Morning

February 9, 2020February 9, 2020Vona Wilson

The trucks are blaring through the trees at Bambu; there is no sound barrier. The birds are singing and flying all around. I search out coffee and explain why I need it “to go” so I can be outside.

Snow at home; heat and sun here. A bit of travel later today and the heat will be gone. I love the way God created nature.

I’ve had three dog encounters this time that have been unusual. The K9 officer, an angel of mercy; Lucia’s two companions who didn’t want me to leave yesterday morning; and Manuel’s dog, whose name is Michael, who lay down at my feet and wanted to play. Perhaps they all know I come as a friend.

We visit with scholarship students this morning. And Norris, Dr. Robin, John Hembree, Woody…the crew. We are talking plans, again. It is a day of grace unfolding. I miss my church family in this moment and am grateful for the body of Christ that is connected across the world. All is very well.

Prayer: God, thank you for the way you work all things out for good..and for your glory. We trust you with all that has ever been, and with all that will ever be. You are faithful and we are yours. However and wherever we worship you today – thank you for hearing our hearts and praise. Amen and amen!

Kristene DiMarco

https://youtu.be/YNqo4Un2uZI

Trusting the Moments

February 8, 2020February 9, 2020Vona Wilson

Leaving the Western Highlands of Xela and traveling to the coast is a total change of environment. Mazatenango was a hot 90+ at noon. Our pace slowed way down and my hair went up. The mountain pines are replaced with tropical coconut and banana trees. This is where it all began for me in February 2011. I found a hammock under the full moon tonight and rocked out a few prayers of thanksgiving for all that has transpired over the past 9 years. I remember like it was yesterday the early morning prayers from this same spot. I had no idea what was ahead.

As we arrive at Mazate we are reunited with friends from Tennessee who have been coming to Guatemala for 20 years. Norris Allen started the whole adventure in 2000 and began inviting others. It was a conversation between two new friends: one from Guatemala and one from the USA. The rest is history.

We did community visits today. It was great to visit with Pastor Felix and his family; Pastor Manuel and Pastor Moises. The school at La Toma looks great. The water project has come to a halt because of payment issues and Pastor Manuel’s iglesia is getting a renovation that will be complete next week. It was great to catch up with these friends!

Pastor Moeises, Pastor Manuel, Pastor Jasón, Pastor Felix, Me

Feliz and his wife, Aurora and their family have been friends of our church for many years. It is joy to visit in their home.

La Toma school looks great. Fresh paint. Lots of love and care here.

Classroom at La Toma school. This is one we built in 2011-12

Pastor Manuel’s church is getting a renovation. It looks awesome! They will be bak in here worshipping next week. Meanwhile they worship in homes.

Mural focal point in Manuel’s church.

Eveytime I arrive at Bambu in Mazatenango I need this Scripture. Today is no exception. Grateful.

Trusting the moments to God’s timing and grace allows us to take a deep breath and let go of the “what if’s” or the “why’s” and the “when’s” in every corner of our lives. The past 9 years of relationships here in Guatemala have been incredible. God has blessed us with friendships and experiences that continue to shape our lives and faith. For Norris, that is a 20 year reflection! Here’s to the next 11 years. Merciful God, in your faithfulness let it be whatever you desire it to be. Amen!

All In Part II

February 8, 2020February 9, 2020Vona Wilson

It’s the simple things: clean water, health, a safe place to sleep at night, education; and even more important than all of that: a community of relationships that help us navigate life. Right? We all need it.

The team at ACD devotes their time and talents to moving the needle of these basic issues in the lives of children in Guatemala. Everyone’s life is changed along the way, especially anyone who gets near the realities of life.

Migration is an issue. We know that too. The current culture in Guatemala has become: finish 6th grade and then find your way to the USA. No one tells you what that means, what risks are involved, what it’s going to be like when you arrive or what happens beyond the journey. And there are not many voices reaching other options. ACD is in this conversation and educating the little ones so they have choices and are prepared for life success in Guatemala. It’s is a beautiful gift – and it takes being “all in”. This is joyful but very tough work.

Classroom at ACD. Notice the train on the wall…teaching the safe and legal ways to migrate.

Children have dreams and someone needs to hear them. Hope comes when we believe something could be different. We humans will go to amazing efforts when a glimmer of hope is present. So – if there is no hope that life will ever be any different, and there IS hope that somewhere else you might have a chance of: work, water, safety, health, peace…. then you will risk your life to find it. It’s not hard to see how the cultural shift has happened. And who will help the little ones envision a different future? Who will encourage them to dream and then care enough to help them prepare to reach those dreams? Who will give their time and talents, gifts and love day in and day out? In this little spot of Guatemala, the team at ACD will. For us to be allowed a close up glimpse into their lives and the families they serve is an honor. They change our hearts and grow our spirits. Who would we be without them? It sobers me to even imagine.

The Lord hears the cries of the broken-hearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. – Psalm 34:18

I will attempt to offer a glimpse of reality. It is only a glimpse and my knowledge is always incomplete.

Water in this community comes from one spout on the main road. All water. So you walk and carry it back. Every day. For every water need. For months there is no rain so you do this in heat and dust and dry conditions. A bit like walking in the desert.

Cooking in this community happens over open fire inside the home. Smoke is a daily presence. Respiratory illness a norm. Cooking all day to feed the family is the work of the day. Getting water. Making food. Cutting wood. Carrying everything on your head or back. Every day. Every generation.

Homes are made from tin and wood. By hand and a machete. Sometimes plastic if tin or some other material is available. What you want is a house with solid shelter. What you have is more like a shed or barn.

Vegetables grow well here when there is enough rain. Big beautiful vegetables! Water must be carried in these poor areas where there is no irrigation. Farmers tend the crops. Agriculture is life. The fertile ground in the shadow of Santa Maria’s grand presence is a gift of God. The land is life. Water is life for land and food and all creatures. But water is not always available; droughts impact life & death; creatures suffer.

So the walk through the desert and paying someone to get you to a place of hope and peace is really not a big decision; it is survival and not wanting to wake up tomorrow to something you don’t imagine or think or dream can ever be different. Because it hasn’t been different for any generation before you.

And so…the trek begins. There are two priorities once you arrive; if you arrive. 1. Work to make enough money to pay the coyote who got you there (even if it cost you all of your dignity and spirit).

2. Work enough to send money “home” so they can start building a house.

And this is what brings hope that something might be different. A home means shelter. A home may have water near. A home, water and land may mean growing crops that someone will buy if the drought doesn’t kill them first.

When I spent a month here in 2011 my Spanish teacher shared that she had spent 2 years in the USA to earn enough money to buy a home. That home made all the difference for her family. And “family” included 3 generations who had a home because she bought it. With USA earned dollars. As a teacher. Legally. She had 2 things going for her: education and a skill that was needed. It changed the course of direction for 3 generations, and all those that follow.

It’s not an easy fix, and certainly not as simple as I may be painting the picture. Suffering is never easy. Solutions are often slow and small. But someone has to be willing to make one decision after another that leads to change.

The mining company that is getting rock from this land is part of the issue. They could put back into the community, something that improves the life of the people who are affected by their mining. For example, help the community have easy access to clean water. They could put some protections in their operation so when the rainy season comes there are not mud slides that literally displace communities that will be completely abolished with one slide. They could engage with living wage jobs, make infrastructure improvements (roads; water; etc.) … but instead, they mine in the poorest of communities where the people have everything to lose and nothing to gain.

And so…trying to get to the USA ..land of the free and brave sure seems like a better way than staying. Land of mountains and valleys and rivers and wildlife and parks and beauty and …peace. Even in the bad days, we have peace as part of our way of being.

The ACD staff team is “all in”. But they are not the only ones. These children have begun to dream. They tell us they want to be teachers and doctors and wildlife managers and engineers. They are also going “all in”. And one day… life will be different around them. Hope is rising. God is stirring their hearts and surrounding them with a community of people who will take the journey. And this journey is filled with Hope.

Here is an article recently published that shares about the situation in Guatemala.

https://www.theguardian.com/global-development/2020/feb/07/guatemala-hunger-famine-flee-north

Here is a link to ACD’s website:

https://www.acdguatemala.org

Discover JOY

February 7, 2020February 12, 2020Vona Wilson

I never get tired of the joy that comes when we pour into young people. It doesn’t matter if it’s in Franklin, TN or Guatemala. There is something so good that happens in our adult spirits when we invest some time and love in the life of those who are “becoming” who God created them to be.

Can you remember someone that invested time and love in you? Keep passing that on to the young people in your life; they need it! And for us adults… we need it even more.

Check out these smiles! I am grateful for the chance to visit and see the investment in the children of Guatemala. Their joy increases my heart and strengthens my spirit. What is strengthening your spirit and increasing your heart?