Day 4 in Guatemala -March 17

Wow -I officially have a cold. I was very worried about the smells here of the children and the hospital so I guess God answered my prayer. I can't smell anything. We went to Hermano Pedro orphanage/hospital for the morning and then 1/2 free day. I was very nervous about Hermano but it was not as bad as I had in my head. We were at the door about to go in and Bubba made a last minute decision that he did not want to go - but I did! Billy, Bro. David and Eric were going to meet a missionary couple living here and maybe get some questions answered/advice so Bubba went with them and afterward said he felt that was where he was suppose to be. he had said before we left the states that he did not want to be separated from me but felt it was OK since 1/2 the group would be with me. I also have a funny about being separated at the airport in Atlanta on the last day - you will have to stay tuned for that!

Anyways - when we entered Hermano they said no cameras, so Bubba took the backpack. Seeing the hospital, I felt like I was stepping back in time. The atmosphere felt like an old movie and the nurse's uniforms also looked like something from the 70's maybe. We were assigned to the teenage ward and split be male and female. I went to the female ward-surprise! We first folded laundry and then proceeded to pick a lady and push here around the hospital. This would hopefully stimulate them--we pushed, sang and bounced balls to them. The 2 different ladies that I pushed were mostly unresponsive- would not speak to me. The first lady would bounce or drop the ball for me to chase and when I parked her she started crying and i assumed she wanted to be pushed again. The second lady did not respond at all and would not even hold the ball but I pushed anyways! There was 1 hall we pushed the ladies down -this hall was lined with chairs on both sides of the hall full of people that were waiting to see a Doctor. The lady that told us a little about the hospital and took us to the ward we were assigned to said the sad part was that everyone there would not be seen and would have to come back tomorrow. She said it was also sad when they had to turn someone away that needed care, a place to stay and they could not offer care. This hospital/orphanage was for the poor. We were also able to push through the children's ward- it was so encouraging to see so many volunteers/visitors there to interact with the children. Most of the patients that lived there had a form of cerebral palsy.

Around 12 or so we were to meet at the fountain in Antigua which was within walking distance from Hermano-so off we went. As we waited for everyone else that did not go to Hermano-of course we were confronted with market people who wanted us to buy their goods - all I could do was say no gracias - I had no money - no backpack!

After everyone arrived we split again and 1/2 stayed in Antigua to eat and shop and 1/2 went to a volcano hike - I so wish after seeing the pics that we had done the volcano hike but maybe next time!

We went to MonoLoco for lunch and had a great chicken bacon ranch quesidilla. Great food. We shopped in the markets and then Bubba, Kim and I met Wallie to grocery shop in Antigua for Thursday in the village.

It was definitely different from the other grocery-more stuff but still a small space- we survived and had to wait out front for Jake and the truck and boy was Bubba nervous! - they told us not to leave the buggy/groceries for any length of time or they would be gone!

Just a little funny on grocery shopping in a foreign country - I was looking for the eggs in the refrigerated section like in the states but never found them - they were on the shelf by the bread!

We loaded up and headed back to the hotel to unload the groceries and then back to Antigua to meet all the group for supper at Pollo Campero (like a KFC in Guatemala). It was OK but I really could not taste that much from my cold!

More to come later,

Stacia

A few pictures from our day in Antigua and an outside

picture of Hermano Pedro

Day 3 - in Guatemala

I forgot to mention that back last October when Mission Firefly had a big meeting we went to see if that was something we would be interested in. Both the kids went with us and we decided to pray for a boy and girl in the village and so the kids picked out the pictures. They chose Daniel and Maria. We have been praying for them each morning before school and the kids really wanted me to try and find them. Well on Monday while I was in the kitchen I asked a few kids where Daniel was and they just looked at me funny!! Well on Monday afternoon while handing out candy and videoing I spotted him and asked him his name - well they don't say Daniel like I do!! It sounds like Danielle. So I found one and one to go!

Tuesday we had breakfast at the hotel and then headed off to the village. I was able to play more this day because we were not cooking. They were very happy to see us again. Billy had bought a DVD player and a few movies so we started a movie and then did the beaded necklace craft and a few coloring sheets. We also handed out stickers and they loved them. they kept saying ultra mas - meaning alot more!

I was able to remember some of the names of the kids and learned a little more spanish.
They kept asking for candy (dulce) but we would have to to tell them lunch first then candy!

We went out and played and duck duck goose or called it pollo pollo pada because we did not know the translation for goose. They loved it and hit your head pretty hard when they tagged you! I tried not to pick the boys because they ran real fast and always caught me! I was able to play with Lucrecia a little more. She would just hold me hand and sit beside me! She is 10 so I guess I thought of Maggie when I saw her. I was able to ask her how many brothers and sisters she had and I think she said 6 brothers and 4 sisters. WOW! Well the pizza arrived and the so did the excitement for the pizza. Eric ordered 50 pizzas and all was eaten! We served 2 slices of apples, coke, oreo cookie and a slice of pizza -of course they came back for more!

We were cleaning up and throwing away the pizza boxes and was stopped - they said they could use it for crafts! That makes me ashamed at all the things I throw away!

We played a little more and handed out candy and then it was time to leave. I actually rode in the back of the truck to the main road. It was very dusty and bumpy and I needed a shower terribly. I told Bubba my throat was a little scratchy but did not think anything else about it.

We hopped in the van and headed back to the hotel. I got my shower and Bubba was in the shower when the power went out!! I am so thankful I packed a hat-it was definitely a hat night! Bubba finished his shower cold and the power did not come back on for about 4 hours. After everyone finished getting ready we headed to Antigua for markets and food! Antigua is such a pretty place.

More to come later,

Stacia

Pictures from Tuesday in the village and Antigua

Day 2 in Guatemala- March 15

We have had several people misunderstand thinking we were in Guatemala this week - we are home and this is in retrospect!!

So Day 2 -

Well we are right on the road at the hotel so the traffic is very loud which is an understatement. The traffic started about 4:00 am - so not much rest last night.

Breakfast was better than supper the night before! It was omelet, pancakes, and fruit. I ate my pancakes and some of the fruit. We also had fresh squeezed OJ and I tried some papaya juice!

Bubba, Efrain, & I went to the grocery store to buy lunch to cook in the village today! That was a different experience. Guards with big guns at the checkouts and 2 buggies full of groceries!

When we arrived at the village, the kids had already started on some crafts-so we got started right away with the cooking and it took around 1 1/2 hours to clean and prepare and another 1 1/2 hours to cook. We cut chicken breast, carrots, cilantro, celery, tomatoes, and onions to name a few. Jerry and 2 other village people helped cut everything up. I was a little nervous about the cooking -I am not use to cooking for that many people (100 or so) and all the different ingredients and spices but it turned out OK! The kids kept coming to the door and asking for ice and food and we would keep telling la comida (which they figured out meant wait until lunch!) We were all starving by the time lunch was done. I went to sleep Sunday night with a headache and woke up with it and had it most of this day. I am not sure if it was the altitude or what but it finally went away later during the day.

All the kids loved the food and came back for multiple helpings! They kept saying mucho gusto while eating -very rewarding :)

I was able to play and talk with some of the kids as we were cooking. They were so loving. I am so thankful that I stepped out on faith. It makes me very thankful for what we have and for my kids. I should not complain about the size of my home anymore- every time I think I might not be satisfied - I will remember the living conditions in San Antonio.

Before we left, Abby (who went in December) made a friend in Lucrecia and sent a little package to her through me! While we were cooking she ended up in the kitchen with some other children and we were asking names and I recognized her! Bubba ran and got the package and we gave it to her and she was so proud.

After lunch she came back with a bouquet of flowers for me, Abby and Billy. It was so sweet.

I had made my first friend in San Antonio and she had stolen a piece of my heart! :)

We were able to talk with some more of the children, learn their names, hand out candy (dulce) and play ball with them.

The kids mean so much more than a picture now. Some names I remember already just from Monday are - Lucrecia, Moses, Daniel, Willy and Carlos.

I was able to go down and see where the 4th house is being built. - Oh my -it sure does put things in perspective.

It was getting close to time for us to leave - Billy told them we were bringing pizza back tomorrow. Oh they were excited - they kept saying pizza pizza. I never would have dreamed there was a Domino's in Guatemala!

I can't wait to go back in the morning - they smiled alot.

We headed back to the hotel and cleaned up and waited on supper at the hotel - chicken, mashed potatoes and soup.

Well the chicken tasted funny and I ate a little of the mashed potatoes but the company was good. We were so exhausted and ready for bed. 4:00 am comes early (that's when the trucks and horns start up)

More to come later

Stacia

a few pics from the village -day2 in Guatemala

Day 1 in Guatemala

Well we are in Guatemala! I can't believe it. We left yesterday (Saturday) for Atlanta. We spent the night in Atlanta and the kids and mom and grandma went as well. We changed time in Atlanta and then daylight savings time was also Saturday night! So we lost 2 hours Sunday morning. We got up at 5:30 (which was actually 3:30 old time!) to get ready and head to the airport. Zac had a really hard time with us leaving. Mom said he was sad only on Sunday and then perked up and enjoyed himself in Atlanta for the rest of their trip. I can't believe I was not nervous. I guess when it is God's plan there is peace. Bubba was very nervous about the flight but did very well. Atlanta airport was HUGE. The plane was even bigger. 2 seats - row - 4 seats -row - 2 seats. I had a window seat and got some amazing pictures in the air. We had a little excitement on the plane. A young guy passed out and they had to give him some oxygen, juice and crackers. They said too little breakfast, first flight nerves, not feeling the best, 35,000 feet up was not a good combo. We were already over the ocean when this happen so we were scared we were going to have to turn back to land. But he was OK though - thank goodness. It was so neat to see the ocean below and even be able to see ships. How can you not believe there is a God when you see His creation from 35,000 feet above. Amazing. The landscape changed the closer we got to Guatemala-more mountains and color changes - it was beautiful. The landing was smooth and the airport was uneventful. we all got all of our luggage and went out to wait on the guys from Feed the Children to pick us up. That was a little different. The people all wait outside behind a barrier for their loved ones to come out of the airport. We went directly to the restaurant for lunch. The food was really good. Bubba and I both had a steak. It was not a steak from Connor's but good! We the group split and went our separate ways - medical team to Camelote and the rest towards San Antonio village. Our hotel was not the Westin. Beds are hard and hot water and water pressure are not like home but it was so worth it. Once we were settled in our hotel, we left for Antigua to site see a little. This time of year is Lent and sort of a celebration most days. There were lots of people in the city and beautiful buildings and beautiful flowers on the trees. We went to see the cross of Antigua on top of a mountain. The view was amazing and you could see the whole city of Antigua. We headed back to the hotel for supper. We had a traditional Guatemalan meal - black beans, eggs with salsa, planteens, and bread. I ate the planteens and bread - I was very scared to eat the eggs! I then ate 2 poptarts when we got back to the room!!!

Good night - we are headed to the village in the morning.

More to come later - Stacia


A few pics from the first day

A little anxious but ready to go!

Well we will be leaving very soon. Sometimes when I think about it my heart skips a beat. I have always said I wanted to do mission work but now that it is coming to fruition it is a little scary! The kids and I do a devotion and prayer time before school most days and this morning I believe it was meant for me! The title of the devotion was "Hopes, Hopes, and more Hopes". The two things that stuck out to me in it was Trust God, trust your hopes not your fears. Wow, God knows what you need :) The scripture was Romans 15:13- May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit. So refreshing.

Please say a prayer for Zac. He is having a hard time with a family friend who is battling cancer. Bubba and Zac went to visit him yesterday and Bubba said Zac just cried and told him that he loved him. My prayer is that nothing will happen while we are gone.

The boys we had at our house!

Just an update about last weekend - Zac had a blast last weekend during Disciple Now for 4-6 graders. We were a host home and had 9 boys all weekend - I was very nervous - but the boys were very good and well behaved. I could not have asked for a better first time! Just a little funny leading up to last weekend. I was cleaning our bathroom on Friday and broke our faucet in the shower - so Bubba had to do plumbing in the midst of 9 boys and he did a great job :)

Blessings,

Stacia

Firgured it out!

I just wanted to let you know I figured out how to allow comments and not have a google id - so you can add comments if you like :)

What a Busy Week!

Well we got another round of shots last Friday. I was so nervous but the first round was worse!

I had a women's meeting Saturday morning. I had a wonderful time and was able to meet some of the women of the church. What a sweet time of fellowship. I am looking forward to the women's retreat in April and hearing Sarah Palin speak about her faith!

We had lots of errands to run Saturday to get ready for our trip. We both needed pants, t-shirts and shoes for the trip. 2 blessings that happened while shopping:

Some people would write it off as coincidences but I don't believe it. I believe God orchestrates everything. We went to a store called Essex to get out pants and was planning on the bill being $50.00 ($10.00 a piece for 5 pairs of pants). Well pants were 50% off this day. Praise the Lord. I believe that was a blessing. We also needed shoes - we went to Shoe Carnival because I thought we could get 2 pairs of shoes on the buy one get one half off sale that they normally run. Well I asked when we entered the store and she said no they weren't running it this weekend. We walked around looking for shoes and the manager came over the loud speaker saying for the next 30 minutes all shoes were buy one get half off. Can I get another Praise the Lord!!

While we were at the mall, Bubba spotted someone that looked like John Smoltz. I told Zac to go ask him if it was him and he did and sure enough it was!! Where is a camera when you need one? Well Zac got to shake his hand though! He thought that was so neat.

In a previous post, I had told you that we found out that we were going to be a host home for the D-Now weekend this coming weekend. We had a meeting after church and found out that there will be a total of 10 boys at our little house!!! Hoping for a good first experience as a host home :) But I am so excited for Zac - he is so excited. Please pray that God will prepare the hearts of the kids and they will hear what God has to say to them. It is so hard these days to be a kid in the world we live in.

My fact from the marriage series this past Sunday is - You can't get what you need by depriving your spouse of what they need. So very true. I am so thankful for a pastor who will get up and preach what God has to say about sexual intimacy. That is not an easy subject to preach on. But Bro. Tommy did an excellent job.

More to come later :)

Blessings
Stacia