The Iron Did Swim: A day for Prayers

Vona Wilson

This morning when I got on the bus I didn’t have my phone. I was running to jump on because I was late. I had my phone in my hand while I was running but when I got in my seat – no phone. It’s my camera and my clock while I am here..I don’t have my texts or emails or calls “on” to receive.  No panic – but we searched my backpack and no phone.  Guatemala is not the place to lose anything if you want it back – no matter where you happen to be.

So I prayed…”the iron did swim”.  I learned this prayer several years ago from a wise and faithful lady; I have used it many times.  In II Kings 6 there is a story about the band of prophets losing a borrowed axe head in the river. In much distress they called for Elisha to come. Elisha came and placed his staff on the water and requested the iron axe head to float to the top. It did, of course, and the prophets praised God for such faithfulness. They were so relieved.  And so..I prayed. Aldolfo was not hopeful … if you  dropped it you will not likely get it back. 

Carmen from yesterday. She is with us everyday...very sweet

During the first session of VBS we got the call. A man that works at our hotel found my phone in the grass and turned it in! The iron did swim!! So I thank God for the opportunity to tell the story AND for the return of my phone!   Aldolfo said this was a big move of faithfulness for the hotel staff.  I look forward to meeting the man tomorrow (hopefully) that got involved in God’s answer to the prayer:)

And then..we had more opportunities for prayer when a board slipped off the roof and hit Howard on the head. It was hard enough to cause him to fall to the ground and the “Paramedic” in me to go into 911 mode.   He didn’t have a chance to do anything but be “OK” after we prayed, iced, and wiped sweat and dirt from his face. He was surrounded!  Thankfully, Robin (our team dentist) has many skills. He took a break from pulling teeth and put a few beautiful stitches in Howard fine head!  We are very very thankful.

Russell is cooking for Week 2 and we enjoyed supper tonight.  We are grateful and tired. But exceedingly happy and full of Joy.  Thanks to Jeanne for beginning our day with a wonderful devotion.

Chichicastatenango

Vona Wilson

The weekend in Chichicastatenango was a wonderful break and rich with the culture of Guatemala.   If I were to describe it all in two words it would be: Diversity and generosity.  There are two ancient churches there and a street market, thus our focus. 

The prayers and offering of incense

When we woke up on Sunday morning the entire air was filled with incense. The rituals began early. Jesus is carried in a small glass case surrounded by large colorful feathers. Three priest led the procession and stop at each church to offer incense and prayers to the North, South, East and West.

Incense and fresh flowers are offered all day to the glory and honor of Christ

I met Sam on the church steps as I was just soaking it all in. She is from France and traveling South and Central America for 12 months. We talked for a long time and shared perceptions of Guatemala, the world we’re living in now and what we think about the future to come.   The pictures possibly speak more poignantly than words can capture.

Many women came and sat with their flowers; some sold..some just sat

 

We visited a mission in ChiChi called Ruth and Naomi that ministers to women who are widowed or otherwise left behind. They help them get on their feet and find life again.  It is amazing how far-reaching the Methodist Church and its “cross and flame” truly is.  They prepared a wonderful meal for us and we purchased some of their home-made items to support the mission.

Aldolfo and his wife

Adolfo’s wife, Heidi and his three daughters joined us for the weekend and this was a great reunion for the “original” team and especially for B.J. who has spent a great deal of time in their home here in Guatemala.

Music played in our hotel by locals

 

There is a verse in Revelation 5 and 7 that points to a vision where all nations, tribes, races and languages are at the throne of Christ praising God. When I sit in the middle of diversity and see the generous expressions of culture and worship that are present in our world I know that God is giving us a portion of this right now, wherever we are.  And I pray we will have our eyes open to see the beauty. All is very well.

cucumbers and radishes
market booths
Cashews!

Iglesia

Vona Wilson
my favorite picture from today, Antonio

Today as we were leaving the work site, Edgar was walking beside me and he said, Iglesia!” and pointed to me.  Chester interprets: “church” .  Si…we are the church.   The dirt here does not overshadow the richness of the culture in color, joy and offering. The “offering” is allowing us to be here walking through the dirt yards, peeping into their lives for only a few days and somehow trying to make sense of the wide world we live in. 

Muy Bueno!

The Guatemalan people are a happy people. They are proud. Their opportunities are not the same as ours, but in many cases the work ethic, sense of family and community is humbling in the site of our ease to access most anything we may desire.

We did “the story” (lost sheep) again today and one of the classes was all cleaned up and ready for what the teacher said was like being “ready for the return of Christ”. They looked great – sang their hearts out and giggled with delight when the Good Shepherd found his lost sheep.  And then they expressed themselves with art and beauty and gratitude. 

Elvin, Eliva and Calvin

 

Each night we meet new people.  Each night Chester teaches more in the conversations around our table. This morning the cards from the Kabam Kids at church arrived on our doorsteps and it touched everyone so much.  It is so good to be connected to the church family while away. Your prayers and comments are wonderful.  

Jerry has worked like a trojan all week!

Tomorrow is the weekend and we are ready for the break.  We will travel to a Chichicastenango which is 2-3 hours from here and spend the night. The “attraction” there, as I understand it, is the market, which will be packed full of local merchants selling their food and wares.  It will be nice to see the landscape and to encounter more people. 

 Everyone is doing very well and the work is going very well.  Internet access is sporadic but we are thankful for it when it works! Blessings and Joy!

Woody, our leaderJoy at the work site
Joy at the work site

Valiente….

Vona Wilson
the chair where healing happens...

Who isn’t just a bit leary of the dentist appointment on your calendar? Things come up…it can always be rescheduled. Because sometimes the trip the dentist is going to hurt…a little or a lot.  Even knowing it will all be better in the end doesn’t really help that much when you’re facing a tooth being pulled, a cavity getting filled or just some random drilling!

Robin the Good Dentist. Jeanne the Good Assistant

I spent today at the dental clinic. Robin’s ministry as a dentist (he is our team member from Columbia United Methodist Church) was amazing to witness.  Jeanne assisted him with great ease, obviously enjoying her “once a year” role as a dental assistant.  We  treated  35 patients today…pulled over 50 teeth and filled 12 cavities or so.  Kids lined up from early morning until late afternoon…brave…strong…and then screaming.  We held their hands and prayed for their courage. We sang in the waiting room and I learned more spanish.  We met many amazing children.

Angel who takes care of the Clinica Methodista each day

The man who is at the clinic each day, Angel, worked the front desk with mucho hospitality. We would take the patients back in fours. Numb them up, set them in the waiting room, then one by one they would come into the chair for whatever was needed.

So brave...!

The people here need dental care very badly, as you might imagine.  Getting teeth pulled is one of their approaches to dental care, while ours would be more about prevention.  The courage displayed by the kids….immeasurable.

multiple extractions soon...

 

Francisco, Sarah, Rayana, Jacque, Danana.. my company and singing partners most of the day!

 

Window visitors throughout the day!

 

Lillian....so sweet and full of courage. Screaming to come, of course!

 

This little guy came too late to be seen today. He jumped into the chair and immediately opened his mouth, ready for relief! He will return tomorrow for help.

Construction continued through a hot day and VBS was loved by the 6 year olds…again, well over 100. Tomorrow we will have teenagers and I am so excited to be thinking of them tonight. Chester has assisted me in understanding the struggles of the Latin American teen….much of the same as ours, but also cultural things we do not have to deal with because of the development, freedom and privileges we enjoy as Americans.  I am learning so much each day that humbles me, blesses me and adds more joy to my spirit. Sometimes, I wonder how many amazing things one person can experience in a day. Today, at this late hour (given a long day) it seems like 100’s.  God is faithful.  Prayers are being answered.  Including discovery of how to get some clothes washed tomorrow!

And Mom, thank you for being a caring, spiritual and amazing dental hygienist. I knew it was important for God’s healing touch on many mouths, but today I have a whole new perspective of the HUGE opportunity for ministry when you meet someone in need, pain and fear. 

For All, say “thank you” for the gifts of your dentist and his/her caring assistants. Go to your hygienist and take care of your mouths…for out of these mouths can come the blessings of God!

amigoes....

Bible School begins….

Vona Wilson
Children in the school yard as we arrived today

Every day has its own expression of God’s blessings and were we each to ask one another, each of us would have a different moment to celebrate. At the dental clinic yesterday it would have been the joy of 31 patients who received dental care.  That included 53 extractions and 8 fillings! Yikes! The dental clinic rocked the house!

Today we entered the classrooms and were given an opportunity our team has never been given:  permission to do VBS

Hard work!

for 6 days, about 120 children/day AND a special request to teach about the faith.  The children were highlights of this day as they sang, learned a prayer and were given Romans 10:9 as a verse to hold.  Sarah’s amazing creative gifts delighted the children as the story of the Lost Sheep from the gospel of Matthew came to life. 

The delight of being one of God's sheep!

 

The trusses went up and the construction team worked so hard today in very hot conditions.  A lot holding, waiting, and placing of the framework so the roof can happen.  We have great workers on our team in every respect…willing souls whether drilling or singing with hand motions (Sarah is leading, remember) and joyful all the way.  Thomas fed us well tonight and survived a market fight breakout between two women. He wasn’t sure what it was about but it evolved into flying vegetables and fruits so Aldofo said, “time to go!”  All in a days work….right?

Latin American mud pies with sweet girls!

Please continue to pray that we will be faithful to the opportunities the Lord is giving us here. Pray for safety, health and teachable spirits…ours as much as every child and adult of Guatemala we meet.  We are humbled and blessed to be here.  We are receiving messages of prayer on facebook and here.  We can’t thank you enough.  There is very little time to type and do pictures so but your messages mean a lot and we appreciate them!  All is well.

One of God's sheep!The Good Shepherd looking for the lost sheep! It was very fun when he found him...required singing and shouting, of course!
So proud of their craft which displayed the Good Shepherd finding his sheep
Chester, our interpreter is the reason we were able to teach the children a prayer today, along with Romans 10:9. God provides and we are humbled and blessed!

Construction and Dental Services Begin…

Vona Wilson
Woody, Team Leader & Chester, our Interpreter

Part of me wants to provide a history lesson and the other part begs a poem. What to do?  Morning devotions as a team set the tone for our day.  We met Chester, our interpreter and a welcome conversation partner throughout the day. Chester works for VIM here in Guatemala. His English is great, the result of growing up with friends who were one-half Latin American and one-half American.  

We dropped Robin (our dentist from Columbia First United Methodist) along with B.J. and Jeanne off at  the dental clinic. More reunions happened as this is the site of a long VIM (Volunteers in Mission) project of the United Methodist Church, and particularly of our congregation. 

Clinica Methodista

The clinic was once a church.  The building was purchased by the Methodists and a medical/dental clinic emerged. The need for dental care is significant.  Even as we rode the bus through town, one young boy shouted “dentist” from the street. Soon after we arrived at the clinic the line of families started.  We met Maria, Beatrice, and many others.  

Maria and baby Joseph

Maria surprised me when, after we had been “talking” (as much as a non-Spanish speaking lady speaks to a non-English speaking lady) for 10 minutes or so she shifts something on her shoulder and out pops Joseph, a 9 month old baby!  It was a bit like a magic trick and when I laughed she joined in.  Her daughter, 17 year old Beatrice, was needing dental care. 

Language need not be a strong barrier.  Today has been one encounter with children and youth after another and with a few smiles, and a word or two here and there, we’ve been able to work side by side.  

Flor Maria

My “assistant” for the first half of the day was Marvin, who I think was 10. He was great and teachable enough to learn how to drill screws into the trusses we were building today. Our project is adding a roof onto two new rooms for the school. Today’s goal on site was 4 trusses and that happened.  Sarah was able to obtain permission for our Vacation Bible School efforts for the next 6 days – 120 kids each day in two separate shifts.  This way all the children will experience it.  The story is about the lost sheep. Please pray for us. We’ve learned that the principal desires for the children to learn more about the faith. 

Cindy and Jasmine

Please pray specifically that we will find simple words to add to the story that will teach them a bit more.  The Spirit is able to equip us in this way – but we NEED your prayers. I am burdened about this tonight.  Honestly…how does a pastor not have the language to share more? Hard to accept my gap in this.

Thomas cooked a FABULOUS meal tonight of beans, guacamole, fresh salsa, salad and peach crisp. I know…makes you hungry, doesn’t it?  It was so good. At night we have lots of dishes to wash and then making lunches for the next day. It is peaceful and good. 

Marvin

The children were everywhere with us as we worked today.  The watched and helped.  Calvin is a big mystery to all of them and his hair a topic of much chatter and delight.  He has been fabulous with the children. Henry worked with us today and assisted Calvin in some of the drilling screws into the braces to make the trusses. This school is one where our team has worked for years. It’s super nice. 

The rooms we are roofing. First we build the trusses

As I am learning, these projects lay dormant until a team with money comes to do the next step.  Our goal this week is to put roofs on the two rooms, in addition to VBS for 120 children each day.  It seems doable, albeit with much sweat and energy.  No one is complaining; there is much joy in the work.   And that’s really how Steve Fulton started us this morning with devotions….that all of our work and all of our rest, would be done with the joy of Christ.

Sunday in Mazatenango

Vona Wilson
Sarah & Calvin

We had a great day.  Sarah McGinley had us practicing music early in the day so we could sing for the congregation this afternoon.  Calvin, Russell, Woody and Howard took leading roles and we prepared “Deep, Deep oh Deep Deep Down” in Spanish and English.

Worship was wonderful.  This church was built by the VIM (Volunteers in Mission) team several years ago. A parsonage was added a bit later and a school just across the street.  The church is beautiful and filled with children. 

Manuel

Pastor Manuel was delighted to see us and greeted the former team with hugs, gifts and even a few tears.  Some of our team members have been coming here for years so today was a reunion for them. Children have grown up, teenagers have become young adults and everyone remembers the team by name..Howard, Jeanne, Sarah, B.J., John, Robin….and on and on.  

Jeanne reunited with a friend
Fountain of Life Church, Methodisto

Manuel preached on II Timothy 4:6-8 with this core message being about living a testimony of Christ that will last forever.  We sang many songs with the congregation and then sang for them.  After the sermon, group after group came before the church, said a few words and then performed a song. It was a beautiful expression and reminded me of the part of worship at 61st Ave UMC when Pastor Paul asks if anyone wants to share anything in response to the message. Those responses are ususally spoken words. Here…those responses are songs. 

reunion of friends: Howard, Jeanne, friend, Robin

The children….Josephena, Lethticia, Carrdero, Cyndee…too many names to mention. Diane Little danced and ran with the girls…so fun! 

Diane running with the children. Joy!

We walked across the street and looked at the school this team built in 2004. It looked fantastic.  School rooms equipped with typewriters, computers, sectional tables and a brick oven in their kitchen.

School built by VIM Team in 2004

Lunches have been made for tomorrow. Breakfast at 6am, leave out at 7:30am.  We have two roofs to put on this week and vacation bible school for hundreds of children.  We’ll see how it all sorts out by day’s end.  For now – we’re tired and ready for sleep. Peaceful and thankful.

Arriving in Guatemala

Vona Wilson
Tom, B.J., Jeanne and Steve

We have arrived! The flight in was easy and smooth. The bus ride (4 hours) not so much.  It was smooth the first hour or so and then a bit like driving on a river bed full of uneven rocks.  The landscape is beautiful and we passed by fields of sugar cane, met a few cows in the roadway and got a glimpse of the volcano that erupted last year.   It poured rain on our bus ride to Mazatenango. I loved it because of experiencing the rainy season in Nicaragua. But…it’s not the rainy season in Guatemala now so it was a nice surprise!

We were delighted to arrive at Hotel Bambu.  It is very pleasant and will make for a good “home away from home”. All of the team is here now, 16 of us I think.  The two (Robin and Woody) that have been here a couple of days had supper ready when we arrived.  

Russell, Calvin and Diane

Calvin (from 61st Ave United Methodist) did fantastic on the first flight of his life. It was very nice to see Pastor Paul, Annette (Calvin’s wife) and Calvin at the airport this morning. I hope this is one of many experiences where the two congregations are in service together in new lands.  It seems a good and timely growth of our covenant. Sarah McGinley’s brother, Howard, and his wife Sally joined us here. They are from a United Methodist Church in Ohio, both long veterans of this Guatemala mission team.

It has been a long day of travel.  We can already feel the slowing of pace – the protection of a Sabbath day tomorrow and the settling in of new and familiar friends. All is well.

Changed Perspectives

Vona Wilson

Date:                     February 19, 2011

Title:                     Changed Perspectives

 Scripture             Acts 26:6-7

And now I stand here on trial on account of my hope in the promise made by God to our ancestors, a promise that our twelve tribes hope to attain as they earnestly worship day and night. It is for this hope your Excellency, that I am being accused by the Jews.

 Observation

Paul is persecuting Christians one day and standing before Agrippa defending his hope in Christ on another day. God changes our perspectives.

 Application

Something about Paul’s story of conversion gnaws at me today.  Confident, secure and determined be knew what was “right”, he acted out of rage (26:11) to condemn others. It reminds me how easy it is to draw conclusions about others as if what we see is all there is to see.  And it so humbling to see how dramatically our perspectives change once we have an encounter with Christ.  On any given day, the Spirit may show me something that completely changes my heart, my actions and my life.  I’m at the airport with a team of people on our way to Guatemala.  Seems like a good lesson to begin the journey.

 Prayer

Father, thank you for reminding me not to hold so tightly to my perspectives or expectations.  Help me to just hold on to you and enjoy the adventure of following. Thank you for the gift of other cultures and perspectives.  It shows me so much more of You.

Yield

The days ahead in Guatemala will reveal God’s purposes, not mine.

Anticipation…

Vona Wilson
Nicaragua 2008

It’s been two years since I was in Central America.  In 2008 it was Nicaragua with a team of high school students.  Although this will be my first trip to Guatemala, I know it will feel great to be in this land of color, warmth and joy.  I’m packed with tools, spanish songs and a heart of anticipation.  I’ve been going on mission trips for years but this is the first time I’ve ever been with adults! It’s hard to imagine what it will be like without the inquisitive voices of youth having “first time” life changing experiences.  I will miss them, but I expect to be sharpened in a new way by the voices of wisdom around me.  This particular team from our church has been going to Guatemala for several years. Whatever it is God has…we’ll soon be on our way.  I’m ready.