A Blessed Christmas Celebration

God just keeps showing up for the Field of Grace ministry, and for whatever reason I continue to be amazed and astounded! Last night I held a Christmas celebration for all the folks who had completed a survey and indicated that they wanted to be kept informed of Field of Grace activities. I mailed out nearly 80 invitations, and by Saturday afternoon I had received confirmation for 78 persons (adults and children) who would be attending. As it turned out, there was also scheduled for last night a snow storm. A number of folks called to see if the event was still on, and the response was "yes." Despite the snow, folks started arriving prior to the 6:30 hor d'oeuvres time and continued to arrive. From a rough count I received, it looks we had approximately 30-35 people in attendance. We played ice breakers, sang songs and generally had a really good time. Many folks expressed their thanks and some indicated that it would be the only Christmas celebration that their family would have. We had fun, folks were able to get to know others who had expressed an interest in the ministry and there was a sense that a community was beginning to from. Some of the interesting stories included a man who had come with his lady friend, not knowing anything really about the church. It turns out that I had met his son when I had the table at the Farmer's Market over the summer and was asking people to complete a survey for me. This young boy came up and wanted to do one, but I told him that he would not be able to put any contact information without his parent's permission. He indicated that he would get permission and return another week. One week when I was not there, he did indeed return and completed the contact information. A number of other occasions, he would visit the table to say "hi." As a result of the information he provided, I sent a Christmas invitation to his father. At the celebration I explained to his father how it had come about for him to be invited the gathering. This man was one of those who was very thankful to have been invited and has been searching for a faith community of which he could be a part. The night was amazing and the catering by the hotel was fabulous. (If you are ever offered the option of having a "mash potato bar" at a catered event do not pass on this incredible opportunity for those who love mashed potatoes--white and sweet!) The food was great, the decorations great and the fellowship between strangers incredible. Throughout the night and into today, I could do nothing but praise God for having provided another event beyond my expectations! People were excited about the Field of Grace ministry and the upcoming opportunities and a number completed the response sheet indicating their interest to participate in the small groups that will begin in the new year. I shared the mission and vision with them and let them know that the birth date for the church is Christmas Eve 2010: This also generated a degree of excitement among the folks. I'm thankful my coach encouraged me to do a Christmas mixer rather than a the small prayer time I was going to offer on Christmas Eve and the small luncheon similar to the Thanksgiving luncheon. And thankful for his advice to have it catered at a nice place. I give praise and thanks to God for continuing to show up and shape this new ministry! This event has definitely tuaght me to think bigger and to expect more from God! Photos will be posted on Facebook by day's end. Hasta Luego.

I am posting the reflection that I placed in the Field of Grace newsletter today. "Then he told his servants, 'We have a wedding banquet all prepared but no guests. The ones I invited weren't up to it. Go out into the busiest intersections in town and invite anyone you find to the banquet.' The servants went out on the streets and rounded up everyone they laid eyes on, good and bad, regardless. And so the banquet was on-every place filled."

Matthew 22:9-10

This passage very aptly describes the Thanksgiving Luncheon that we had planned last week for college students and others. Flyers had been posted on the campuses and e-mails sent to staff whom I knew, asking them to share the information with students with whom they had contact. We even had the event posted in the local newspaper. We had the capacity to seat and feed 24 persons, and I would have been happy if 15 to 20 attended. The two turkeys were ready, the rolls heated, homemade cranberry sauce, the sweet potato pie awaiting the first cut (O.K., I was waiting for that pie to be cut!). And we waited. Well, nearly an hour after the posted start time no one had arrived. So, following the lead of the passage above, I invited one of the helpers to come with me to walk through downtown Wilkes-Barre to offer an invitation to whomever we met. One of the other helpers remained at the site and her task was to invite anyone who passed by to come in and enjoy a home-cooked Thanksgiving meal, free of charge. And so rather than waiting for people to come to us, we went out and took our invitation to the people. First to arrive there were two young women walking with a baby, and their male friend; then the two youths who had been skateboarding across the street; men from the transitional home next door, and a steady stream of folk continued to arrive until most of the food had been consumed, and we had run out of plates. Blessings were exchanged, prayers requested, laughter and stories shared, and new relationships formed. Was it the luncheon that this slightly OCD control freak had planned? No. Was it more than I could have expected? Most definitely, yes! I was reminded once again, that even my best best plans, or no match for the plans of God. And, that at times I will need to step outside of what I would like to happen and be willing to follow an entirely different approach that God has laid out. The day was a wonderful one and I am so thankful for the direction it took. Sure, it would have been great to have hosted the students, but those who did attend were ones who really needed a meal and company that day. One was an older woman who after over 30 years of marriage found herself "evicted" (her term) by her husband and feeling forsaken by her family. She never imagined that after so many years of marriage she would find herself in her current situation. She was so thankful for the meal that was offered and hugged me tight as she repeatedly voiced her disbelief at her situation. She firmly pressed money into my hand saying that she felt that she needed to give something to support our efforts. When I later looked at what she had given me it was a crumpled $1 bill, probably more than she could afford to give away. As I looked at the bill I was reminded of Jesus' story of the poor woman who placed all that she had into the offering plate in the temple. Another young woman who felt that God had led her to the luncheon, also felt compelled to give something to support the ministry. She herself had been homeless not too long ago and is currently trying to find employment to support herself and her daughter. As we were cleaning up, she left us only to return several minutes later. She went into the prayer room and left a couple of dollars as a love offering in the donation box. Women, men, young, old, homeless, seeking employment: each one that came in had a story, and I am thankful that God allowed me to journey with them for that short span of time. Several asked about the ministry, taking away literature and wanting to know about other gatherings and Bible studies. Some ate their meal, said "thank you" and were on their way. I may never see many of them again, but I am thankful that our ministry was able to offer a moment of refuge and community, regardless of how brief. Hasta Luego

Continued Blessings

God just continues blessing this ministry! He has provided us with a space which we are able to use rent-free. The owner only asks that we contribute something towards the cost of utilities. The space consists of two rooms: One we will use for gatherings, Bible studies, fellowship activities. In the back space we have created a prayer room which we will use for weekly Taize services. We will also open it up a couple of days a week for people who just want to come in for private prayer. Another blessing came this morning while I was at the gym. The trainer knows that I am a pastor and has allowed me to place flyers at the club and also offered to allow me to use the club for a fundraiser. Well, this morning we were talking and the conversation came around to churches. He indicated that he has been put off by other Christians at the club who have been quite aggressive in their approach to trying to get him to attend church, and that I haven't been like the others. He stated that he would like to attend gathering that our church will have because I haven't been trying to "recruit" him. He has been really turned off by the hard sell approach of others. I'm thankful to God for the opportunity we had to talk and look forward future conversations and his participation in our community. Please continue to pray for the ministry and that God will use me to reach others in this community who are looking for a place to belong. Hasta Luego

I Love this Place!

I LOVE IT HERE! I'm in love with this area: It's probably the first place that I have served in that I would consider staying for a LONG time. I was thinking about why that is. First, it's a really nice are and even with the 6% sales tax, the cost of living is pretty low (monthly rents for apartments start in the 400's). I think the other reason is that I have had the time to get to know the community and make connections with folks other than folks who will be part of the congregation. In most other communities my first and primary contacts were with the church folk. Since there is no church yet, I have been able to cultivate some other connections. I've switched gyms and am part of a smaller club where the owner really works at building a sense of community among those of us who work out there. Sunday there was a paintball outing, but I couldn't go because of other commitments. I'm also just really comfortable here and feel really at home. People have been fantastic and I'm learning my way around. It's a great area for walking and mornings when I don't go to the gym I take my bike out to ride through the park and along the dike. I really like it here! Things are going well, and next week I'll have the first group meeting of all the folks I have been meeting and telling about the church. It will be a time of informal conversation about the mission and vision of the church and a time for them to ask any question they have. The free pizza should provide an incentive for them to come! Next Friday I also hope to begin weekly Taize services for the students (and faculty) on the two college campuses downtown. I continue to be so thankful to God for calling me to plant a new church in this area, and continue t pray that I woudl be faithful and up to the task. But of course, since it was God who called me here, I need to remind myself that God will provide what I need to accomplish the task. Hasta Luego The search goes on for a music director, but I am confident that God will send the right person at the right time.

Update

I am on so many sites that it's a challenge keeping them all updated. I just finished signing up for a PayPal account for Field of Grace so that our web master can add a donation button to the website. I have also just finished creating a donation page on FirstGiving so that we can promote the ministry and request donations and financial partners. I'm going to try to put that link here on my blog page. One of the things that was emphasized a new church planter training was the importance of raising funds to help finance the ministry in the early stages. This will take some of the financial pressures off while the congregation is still small and growing. If we can have significant resources in the bank then the folks can focus on the ministry and growing in their understanding about giving and not worried about raising money to fund the ministry. I have finally finished the draft for my Ministry Action Plan and am in the process of getting a three-year budget worked out. Although planting a church is hard work and am enjoying it and loving being here in the Wilkes-Barre area. I think this is probably one of the first times in my ministry that I have lived in a town where I felt that I might like to live for a long time. We'll see what God has planned. Fr now I am enjoying being here and working with God to bring this church to birth. The planned birth date for our first public worship service is Dec. 24, 2010. I will be working really hard to make as many contacts as possible so that we can have at least 200 people at that first service. I have a contact list of about 60 people and at the end of this month will have a "Pizza with the Pastor" gathering to meet and talk with them about the ministry and answer any questions they have. I will also start Taize services at the end of this month and will offer them every Friday evening. Those will be specifically geared towards reaching the college students in town. There is a space that I can borrow for all of these gatherings, but there is also a sace that I would like to lease and eventually buy to serve as a permanent ministry site for us. It would not provide worship space but woudl be a great mission and outreach center. There are two buildings on the lot. One would serve as office and administrative space and could be used for small group meetings, Bible study, etc. There is also a room that could be finished off to serve as a prayer room and could be used for the Taize services. The building is fully furnished ad equipped and is in move in condition. The other building needs quite a bit of work, but with some "green" renovation my dream would be to place "Grace Cafe" on the upper floor and offer snacks and free internet access to the community. The lower level could be used for youth group and to provide educational enrichment programs to children and adults. So please keep this in prayer. The space meets all of our criteria for serving the downtown area. It sits on the edge of Wilkes University and is within walking distance of Kings College. It is on a busy street and has great visibility and it is on a couple of well-travelled bus routes. I love this space but need to move through United Methodist process in order to sign a lease. Church starting and leasing property is a new process for folks here so there need to be meeting and lots of discussion. Prayers, prayers, prayers, please! Well, let's see if I can get this donation link uploaded. Blessings and hasta luego, Marcelle

Love this Journey

It's been a while, but things are going well in Wilkes-Barre. Right now I am sitting in the airport in Phoenix waiting for my 10:30 pm overnight flight to Philly and then to Scranton. I have been at church planter training in Twin Peaks, CA and it has been great! It filled in a lot of gaps I have had in terms of some of the specifics I needed to know in order to proceed with the work in W-B. While in the airport, I am using the time to take the information I have learned and begin writing my new church proposal and my strategic plan.

In addition to the practical information that I received at the training, I think the most valuable take-away came in the form of the theological perspective the was presented. It has really helped me to adjust my approach to thinking about the church plant which in turn will keep me focused on the right objectives.

1. Missio dei: God's mission. A church plant is all about participating in God's loving work in a particular area, and the ministry in which a planter engages is Jesus' ministry, not the planter's. The work of the planter is to help people in their area to know that they are already loved, saved and accepted by the work of Jesus on the cross. My role is to guide them to see and accept that fact. God loves them and wants to restore a loving relationship with them, so how can I represent that radical love of Christ.

The answer is, by engaging in "Incarnational Evangelism," living out the love of Christ in the cultural context of the people. Not approaching them with all kinds of "God talk," but listening to their needs and engaging them in their context, no matter what that is. Farmer's Market, bowling alley, in the park, where ever, and then remembering that it is not my job to convert them, the Holy Spirit will do that. My job is to provide an environment where they can experience the love and presence of God.

I don't have to save them, I don't have to convert them: what a relief! My job is simply to love them in such a way that the Holy Spirit can begin to work in their heart.

As a result of the training, I have a lot of ideas on how to approach the ministry in W-B, and how I need to live out an incarnational approach to evangelism: loving them and being the representative of Christ among them.

So now, my focus will not be so much on starting a church, by looking at the ways in which I can most effectively share that love of Christ with the ethnic persons of W-B, especially those persons who are in inter-racial relationships and have bi-racial children. I know from experience (friends and relatives) how difficult it is for these children to find a place of belonging and where they feel they fit in. Field of Grace Community of Faith will be the place where they will experience the full embrace and love of the God who created them in God's own image.

I have lots of work to do, but I am excited and energized for what lies ahead. I also realize that it's going to be a lot of hard work. Part of that work will be navigating the expectations of supervisors who will be looking for numbers and wanting to know when the church is going to get started. Unfortunately, none of them have attended the trainings, so I will have to do some educating as I explain the approach that I will be following.

Pray for me that I will remain open and responsive to God's agenda and not charging ahead with my own. And pray that God would grant me the voice and the grace to engage folks in their context, stepping out beyond my own introverted nature.

Hasta Luego.

Wow, there is so much to do in starting a new church, it both almost overwhelming as well as very exciting! This week I am in Chicago attending the School of Congregational Development. I just finished m last session of my ministry track, called the Pre-Launch. It was ed by a pastor who was very successful doing a new church start and is a very resourceful fellow. The sessions wee great and provided me with a lot of information I was lacking in terms of these first few months. One of the things I will try to get started on while I am here is my ministry plan. I had started one before, but was not quite sure what were some of the activities I needed to be engaged in doing. I have a much better idea now and want to put it down on paper before my head bursts with all the information. I also learned that for the most part I am on the right track. In addition to my ministry plan I want to start working on funding sources that will help me to have the funds needed to fund the music ministry position. Although I have reviewed dozens of resumes, there have been few that would meet the needs of the Field of Grace ministry. There is one that looks very promising and I would like to offer him the position, but I have not been able to obtain any clips or videos of his work. Someone I know might also be interested in the position, but there is more conversation that would need to happen around that. Being here has also connected me with people and resources that I needed for the FoG ministry. I met one woman who is willing to edit my Spanish translations of the website and met another who might be able to connect me with someone to do any translations I need. Right now as I try to make sure everything I produce is in English and Spanish, it takes some time. There are still some translations needed on the website, but it is mostly complete. The website logo is also now done and I am very excited because it provides us with a way of branding ourselves and increasing our visibility. Check us out at www.FieldofGraceUMC.org. Well, before heading to dinner, I'm going to work a little on my ministry plan and also give the fellow a call about our music position. Hasta Luego

When starting a new church it is very important to offer activities to the community that not only meet the needs of the community but help to raise the visibility of the new church. Along those lines I had been reflecting on what type of non-threatening ministry Field of Grace could offer to the community in order to start to build relationships with folks who live in this area. One of my thoughts had been to offer some type of financial program that was from a Christian perspective. Well today I was speaking to a friend of mine and he told me about the Financial Peace University (first part of the blessing). It sounded like a great program and one that would be a good thing for our church to offer. I went to the website and was very impressed by what I read. Then came the shocker: The cost for the kit to offer the 13-week training was $299. After I caught my breath, I knew that I would have to decide between paying for the kit myself or getting the bank information from our treasurer in order to pay for the program. (they do not accept credit cards because their whole premise revolves around helping people to make sound financial decisions.) I decided to wait on the program and gave them a call to find out if they had bilingual material. In the course of the conversation, the very nice rep on the other end told me that because we are a new church start and the company understands the financial restraints of small and new churches, he would sign Field of Grace for the program and we would not have to pay the $299. for the facilitator's kit!!!! (second part of the blessing). We would just need to try to sign up at least five families to take part in the course. Field of Grace is registered and we will offer the course starting in September. The timing could not be more perfect: Next week is our first week at the Wilkes-Barre farmer's Market where we will have a table to distribute information and survey folks about what they would like to see a church offer to the community. The rep has sent me the promotional materials and next week we can start promoting the event to those at the Market. After the conversation, I was overjoyed and almost moved to tears of joy as I just kept thanking God for responding in such a way to our need to offer something to the community. Our God is absolutely amazing and always faithful! Today I was also blessed with meeting a woman who runs a Christian T-shirt store called "3:16 Athletic Wear." I was thinking about ordering a green shirt with the Field of Grace name and our tag line, "The church as God intended it to be." I wanted something to wear while at the Farmer's Market and to wear around town. She had a t-shirt of a nice shade of green and said that she could create the t-shirt in just a few minutes while I waited. We googled the sunflower graphic that I have been using and in a few minutes I had a really nice t-shirt with our name and a logo on the front and our tag line on the back. It looks really great! Ask and you shall receive, knock and the door will be opened, often with God providing beyond what one is seeking. Thank God for unexpected blessings! Hasta Luego

An Angel in Disguise

I had the most interesting encounter today. I had gone to the UPS Store to mail a few items only to discover that the store was closed. Thinking I had arrived before their 10:00 opening time I decided I would go back home and then return. As I was leaving I saw an older woman approaching the store and I told her that it was closed. She asked what where I was going and I told her that I was going to return home and then come back a little late. She asked if I would like to sit on her steps and wait with her until the store opened: I declined and then she asked again and if I would have a cup of tea. I said "yes" and accompanied her to her home. This dear soul was named Agnes, and she told me stories of growing up in England during the war (WWII) and coming to the US with American soldier whom she had married. It was a delightful time hearing of her life since coming to the States as she showed me many photographs of her children and grandchildren-of whom she was very proud. She repeatedly invited me to stop by anytime for a visit, and I told her I would. With the slightest hint of a British accent still in her voice, Agnes shared her stories, her life with this complete stranger. She even surprised herself that she was sharing so much. I enjoyed the time and feel blessed to have met this wonderful woman. I will indeed stop by to see her again. May God bless you with an unexpected encounter. Hasta Luego.

First Steps

I now have business cards that I can hand out and Field of Grace has a page on Facebook. I am now working on trying to get a website uploaded. I tried working with a "green" group but that did not work out because their software would not allow me to create a website nor make any changes to the domain name so that I could use another website host. So I have asked for a refund for the hosting services as well as the domain name registration. I am now using a pastor who was part of a new church start and works with other new churches in designing and hosting their websites. What a 360 degree difference. He is very accommodating and willing to work with all of my ideas and requests, including making the site bilingual. It should be up and running in about two weeks. I have registered for the UMC School of Congregational Development training later this month, and will also register for new church start training to take place in August. I have lots of ideas about what I need and want to do but need the training and a coach to determine the best course of action. On Sunday I will have the first meeting with the remnant of folks from the closed churches. I hope to gather an initial group of 12 to start meeting and to serve as the core group. These folks I will then deploy to serve as the group leaders for 6-8 additional groups. We will use the Wesley class meeting format with a little updating, and will follow a multiplication model for discipleship and evangelism. Please keep us in prayer as we move forward, sepecially that God would send us someone (bilingual) to lead our music ministry. I will also plan to spend 1-2 hours each afternoon on Spanish review. Hasta Luego.

Stll adjusting

Wow, I can't believe I've been back in the States for almost a month. It's been a very interesting past few weeks: adjusting to being back in the States, attending a four day meeting upon my return; preparing to move to a new state, moving and doing the ground work for the church I am starting. I am in PA, moved on June 14, and I have some of my belongings here. The majority of my stuff is in my storage container in MA. I will call this week to have it moved down to teh Scranton storage facility. Since the apartment I am in is fullu furnished, I don't need to take anything our of storage except for some of my ministry resources. I really do love being here in the Wilkes-Barre area although it has only been a two weeks. But i am very excited about the new church start. Last night I conplete our Facebook page as well as started a group page for us. Our page and group are callred Field of Grace Community of Faith. We will be a multi-ethnic/multi-cultural church seeking to represent the Reign of God on earth: radical hospitality and and no divisions based on color, ethnicity or social/economic status. I've contracted with a Christian web-hosting site and the fellow who runs it will design and post a web-page for us. I tried to do it myself through a secular green group, but ran into too many problems with their software. Paul will design it and host it for us at a very reasonable price and he will also be able to make it a bi-lingual site. Since we will be a multi-cultural church, it is very important that all that we do be in English and Spanish. Over time we will add additional languages depending on the needs of the congregation. Next week we will have our first "official" gathering as the Field of Grace Community. We will gather as a small group at my apartment following a Wesleyan class meeting format. These first few months it will be essential for me to work with the folks to help shape our identity as Field of Grace and to help them to develop ownership of the values and priorities of the community. They will then become the class leaders for groups that I will ask them to develop in their own homes. At this time, it looks like we will have an initial core group of about 6-8 people. I'm impatient and as with all of my other caminos, God is teaching me to be patient and not run ahead of where he is leading me and what he is doing. So I am intentionally trying to practice patience and attending: paying attention to what God is doing and then aligning my steps with His. Keep me in prayer: Every now and then I find myself jumping ahead and God reminding me to pull myself back. Also keep this conception period of Field of Grace in prayer that we would listen closely to God in preparation for our birth into a church faithfully serving the greater Wilkes-Barre, PA area. Hasta Luego.

Heading Home

Today is my last day in Antigua and it is a day of cleaning, washing, reserving my shuttle to the airport, finishing my packing.  My flight is at 8:00 Sunday morning and I will need to take the 5:00 shuttle.  

I have truly enjoyed my time here and can't believe it has come to an end so quickly.  There are certain things that I will definitely miss about being here; there are other things that I will not miss at all.

What I will not miss about Guatemala/Antigua:

--the pollution 

--the pollution

--the pollution

--periods of no electricity or water

--having to buy a "garrafon" (5 gallons) of drinking water each week

--things that bite in the middle of the night

--very large spiders

--firecrackers going off all the time

Things that I will definitely miss:

--the affection and generosity of the people

--the lovely disposition of the people

--banana bread

--banana bread

--banana bread

--the fact that almost all prices are negotiable:  there's always a "discuento y buen precio para ti."

--free movies and dinner combinations

--meeting new people from around the world

--tamales

--the women of the literacy program

--the view of the volcanoes

--new friends

I have loved my time here and have formed some good relationship with some Guatemaltecos/as.   I know that if/when I return, I will have friends here.  However I am looking forward to my new camino and the new church start in Wilkes-Barre, PA.  While here in Antigua I have been able to do a few reparations, including creating a bilingual brochure to advertise a mid-week bilingual dinner and Bible study; and I have also posted on every imaginable online job site a posting for a music director (preferably one who speaks Spanish).  My first hit was from a fellow in the Philippines  with quite a bit of experience.  I need to write him and ask if he speaks Spanish.  I have planned out the Bible study topics for 10 weeks and planned my sermon topics for the next three months.  I am ready to be in Wilkes-Barre and start making connections in the community.

Sad to be leaving Antigua, but excited and ready to start the new journey in PA.

Hasta Luego

Que Les Vaya Bien

Well, yesterday was my last day at Camino Seguro.  On Wednesday the women gave me a wonderful "despedida,"--the common practice in many Latin countries of having a good-bye celebration when someone is going away.  It really tore at my heart:  not just having to say good-by, but particularly the sadness and concern of some of the women that no one would continue to help them with their reading, and for some that they would not get help when they struggle with math.  I reassured them that the other teachers would help them and that at some point another volunteer would come (as of my leaving it was still unclear when or if another volunteer would be able to come to the women's program).  

The last two days were days of hugs and kisses, tears and gifts, homemade cards and prayers.I also now own more jewelry than I have ever owned.  These women who have so very little buying some small token for me to have as a remembrance of them, or using their scant resources to make a piece of jewelry for me.  Some wanted to take a picture with me so that I would remember them.  I have tried to think about what parting gift to give to them, and have decided upon purchasing some office supplies as well as some items for the reading room:  an alphabet chart, and once I am back in the States I will order several copies of some of my favorite children's' books.  In order for the women to practice reading together, there needs to be at least four copies of each book, and for the most part they only have one copy of each.  They also need more early reader books for the women who are just starting to read.  For sure I will order a few copies of "The Runaway Bunny," in Spanish, and I fund a site with some other really good stories (they teach some type of lesson) that are in Spanish.  

I will really miss the women, but have their gifts and many pictures for remembering them. (The pictures are posted on my Facebook site.)  Although I had mixed feeling about Camino Seguro when I first started,  my time with the women's literacy program turned out to be a true blessing.  More important than what satisfaction I was able to receive, was the fact that I was able to share my gifts and love with the women in a way that helped them to feel encouraged and supported.  My love for them is great, and for that reason, I would consider returning to that program at some point to visit with them or bring a team for a visit.

Hasta Luego

Managed to stay healthy for my entire stay here in Guatemala, but now I have come down with a cold!

Last Few Days.

I'm in my last few days here in Guatemala.  Next week is my last week at the project.  I will finish up on Thursday and use Friday and Saturday to prepare for heading home on Sunday.  My flight leaves at 8:00 am which means I should take the 4:00 shuttle. I really don't want to hang out at the airport for all that time, not do I want to be up at 3:00.  I'm pretty sure taking the 5:00 shuttle will get me there still with plenty of time to spare.

As I reflect on my time here, a phrase used by someone at the small church I attended stays in my mind.  When we were discussing the number of people begging in the streets of Antigua, and how difficult it is to walk by not knowing who to give to, he commented that he does not give to those he considers to be "professional beggars."  

What exactly is a "professional beggar?"  Are there people who choose to be poor and therefore decide that they want to provide for themselves and their children by sitting on hot sidewalks all day long breathing in the fumes and exhaust from the inordinate number of cars and buses that are on the roads of Antigua? Do these women, children, disabled and elderly folks decide that they would prefer to spend their days looking at hundreds of people pass them by who barely notice their existence? Is there some reward to watching other people walk by eating the sandwich or some delicious treat from the ice cream store while one's children look on with hunger in their eyes?  Professional Beggar:  I wonder what type of benefits entice someone to choose that line of work?  Is there special training that one must receive before taking up their place on the street corner, or in the middle of the park, or at the entrance way of the church?  

"Professional Beggar:"  May God lead us all to work towards the day when no one will need or want to take such a position.

Hasta Luego

Mother's Day

Today we celebrated Mother's Day with the mothers of Camino Seguro.  It was such a beautiful day.  It was such a lessing to see the women laughing and enjoying themselves, having a day where they were served a lovely breakfast and treated to good music, dancing, laughter and fellowship with one another.  They didn't have to look after children and all attention was focused on them. They particularly loved the dancing competition and also dancing with the male staff of the program.  But I think that the part that received the greatest response from the women was when each male present had to stand before the group as the women shouted for them to do a "sexy turn!"  Some of the guys really had a great time trying to solicit the loudest response from the women!  

For 3 short hours the women were able to forget everything and just enjoy themselves and one another.

Hasta Luego

Continued Prayers

I just returned from visiting my friend Fiona in the hospital. She is doing well but will require anywhere from 3-6 weeks for recovery. Please continue to keep her in your prayers. She and a friend were robbed at knife point and while they were trying to run away fell over a ledge, with Fiona shattering a vertebrae.

Fiona and her friend were visiting a common tourist site called "The Cross." When walking north in Antigua this cross can be seen up on a hillside. It is one of the "must see" places of Antigua. Unfortunately the thieves also know that there are lots of tourists there. I was warned by a friend that the best time to go is very early in the morning (7:00 am or before) to avoid trouble with thieves. Fiona was there in the mid-afternoon and the police had gone on a lunch break. The friend who was with her suffered an eye injury as the result of the thief punching her in the eye.

Fiona was in good spirits and thankful that her injuries were not worse. She says that tomorrow the doctors want her to try to walk.

Keep her in prayer as she embarks on her journey back to good health. Thanks!

Hasta Luego

I left the service at Iglesia del Camino a little early so that I could go to the little group that I had been attending at St. Michael's.  I was going to tell them that I would no longer be with them, but I didn't have the heart to do so.  The faithful three were there along with myself and two visitors.  I did tell them that I have started to attend another church, but that I would still come to the service, but a little later to provide the Eucharist.

What a contrast to the service at la Iglesia del Camino where it was standing room only again this Sunday.  The Bible study that I attended on Wednesday night had between 90 and 95 people present; and the Mother's Day celebration yesterday must have had nearly 100 people present.  I posted a video clip from the celebration on my Facebook page.

I ask for continued prayers for my friend Fiona.  I went to the hospital this afternoon, but was told she was in surgery.  I can only imagine what she must be going through.  First the trauma of being attacked, but then to have it in a foreign country and to be far from family and friends.  She has been in language school for the past few weeks, but I don't know about the strength of her Spanish for this type of situation.  I know that I would be at a lost.

I continue to give thanks that my stay here in Guatemala has been without incident.  A number of people that I know have not been fortunate.  In addition to Fiona's situation, other people I know have had wallets stolen, computers stolen, handbags sliced open (a common occurrence here), had stomach problems, parasites, lice and undiagnosed illnesses.   I am daily grateful to God for my safety and well-being for these past couple of months.

My heart is heavy thinking about Fiona and her situation, and so I keep praying for her physical as well as emotional healing.  I will try calling the hospital later to see if there is any word, and then if possible return to the hospital later this afternoon.  Keep her in prayer.  Thanks.

Hasta Luego

Prayers Needed

Please keep Fiona Smith in your prayers.  Fiona is a woman I've met here in Antigua who is from England and traveling around Central and South America.  She was scheduled to leave Antigua on Monday to continue her travels.  Today I received an e-mail from Fiona's housemate informing me that yesterday she was attacked here in Antigua and suffered a broken back requiring surgery. She is in a hospital here in Antigua and I am hoping to be able to visit her tomorrow.  Please pray for her physical and emotional healing over the days ahead.

Hasta Luego

Jewelry Day

Jewelry day is very exciting at the women's program.  I think I mentioned before that many of the women have learned to make jewelry using recycled materials (magazines and paper) and have been selling the items as a way of making income.  As a result, many of the women no longer have to rely on working in the garbage dump to support themselves and their families.

On Thursdays the women bring their jewelry in to have it inventoried and put on display in the back room.  All the women (and those of us who work there) are very expected to see what is being brought in.  The women gather around each other admiring what each has done and marveling at how someone has used different color combinations of paper and beads, or impressed at the originality and uniqueness of some item that a woman has made for the first time.  They are quite encouraging of one another in their praise of each other's work.  

They do bring in some incredible pieces of jewelry/art and some of these women demonstrate an incredible gift for choosing colors and designing their jewelry.  The other day one woman brought in some rigs that she had made for the first time.  She only made two because it was a new venture for her.  These rings were absolutely amazing!  When I looked at them a I thought they were made of tiny wooden beads, but they wee in fact made from tiny beads which she had made from paper.  ¡Qué calidad!  They were incredible.  

If I had more disposable cash I would certainly be buying more of their jewelry.  Not only because of the quality and originality, but also because it would support the women in realizing their dreams to better their own lives and that of their children.  In fact, one of the pastors in Wilkes Barre has expressed an interest in our working towards selling the jewelry in PA.  We will work more on this once I am there.

Hasta Luego.

Great Night

I went to the Wed. evening Bile Study at La Iglesia del Camino and what an evening.  The Bible study is called Cuerpo y Alma-Body and Soul, and consists of a potluck dinner followed by Bible study.  I was expecting maybe 12 or so people (thinking about Bible study in the States; to my surprise there were probably between 60 and 80 people there.  The evening started wiht the praise team leading worship and while they sang (with words projected in English & Spanish) people were served buffet style.  The team continued to play as people were eating.  After dinner, people were asked to work as a group at their tables on the Bible study question that were on a handout.  After working in small groups for about 45 minutes, there was large group sharing of the responses.  It was only a sharing out with no opportunity for folks to respond to what others had said, and the pastor indicated whether or not the responses were the "correct" answers.  As with everything else in the church, the Bible study was also bilingual.  The whole evening lasted about two hours, but afterwards people hung around chatting.  I met a woman who invited me to another gathering that meets every Thursday evening, so I will attend that tomorrow.

The blessings of the evening were several.  First the ability to gather with other Christians and study the Word.  The second was the dinner itself.  It was quite good, but it also will provide me with a very good meal once each week at the time when my funds are low and I can't afford to buy too much for preparing meals at home.  The other blessing was the opportunity to meet some Christians and have some fellowship with like-minded people, something that does not happen when I am interacting with the other volunteers.  In fact, I don't attend any of the social gatherings for the volunteers because they are usually focused on drinking and talk how drunk they got  or how late they stayed out.  Just not my thing.

On Saturday the church is hosting a fiesta in celebration of Mother's day, but it will be a celebration for all women.  It will include a time of praise, teaching, music, Hebrew dancing and "more."  I have invited some women I know and am looking forward to the time.

Although my time here in Guatemala is almost over, I am thankful to God for providing this Christian community for my last few weeks here.

Hasta Luego

Iglesia del Camino

Today I worshipped at Iglesia del Camino which I discovered quite by accident on the Internet when I was looking for movie schedules.  It was a great worship experience:  totally bilingual.  There were over 100 people there and it was standing room only.  The music was really good and the praise leader was quite skilled at moving between the English and Spanish verses of each song (which were projected).  After service I asked her where she obtained her bilingual lyrics because I would like a resource for my new church.  She handed me the copies she had used during the service and said that if I need any songs in particular I could send her an e-mail!  Some were already translated when she arrived; when she wants to use new songs she has a translator with whom she works.

The church is quite active and offers several Bible study opportunities.  I hope to attend the mid-week gathering which includes a potluck supper, and also the Saturday afternoon gathering which is in Spanish.  The church also offers a number of opportunities for volunteering and assisting in the ministry.  Next week they will pass out information on the ministries that are available.  

I really like the service and the format, and I found the people to be very friendly.  The congregation was an even balance of foreigners and Guatemalans, including a Korean fellow. Some parts of the service were in English and interpreted into Spanish; other parts were in Spanish and interpreted into English.  There was also Sunday school for the kids (tons of kids!). The age mix was also very diverse.  To a certain extent, it resembled the church I hope to have in Wilkes-Barre.

I think I will find myself there every week until I leave Guatemala.

Hasta Luego

Inspiration

"E" is a 75 year old woman who stands about four feet tall and has an incredible smile.  She is always pleasant and the day just lights up when enters a room and greets everyone.  E is a petite woman and when she entered the Women's Literacy program three years ago she signed her name by placing her thumb print on documents.  Three years ago as E was watching television she saw a story about a woman in her 90's who was learning to read and write.  She felt that if this woman could do it then so could she.  At that point she joined the literacy program so that she too could learn to read and write.

E travels 1 1/2 hours  to the program every afternoon on the bus.  Mind you, this is no Peter Pan or Greyhound bus that she is taking.  It is more likely one of the chicken buses, which is just that, a bus the poorer people take to get around and on which they can bring their animals.  They are usually four people to a seat and as many people as possible are squeezed in:  sitting, standing, hanging out the door.  Think of an old yellow school bus with worn down tires, poor maintenance and belching black fumes:  this is E's commute everyday to the program, and after three hours at the project, her ride back home again.  Violence and robbery are common on the buses,  yet this committed tiny 75 year old woman rides the buses twice each day, everyday, because she wants to learn to read and write.  

After three years, E is now reading and writing at about a fifth grade level.  She is in the beginner's reading group, but really should be in the advanced group.  I've told her that but she just laughs and says, "O no, seño (a word used to indicate respect)!" and tells me that she is not that good a reader.  In fact, in the beginning group she is often reading ahead or helping the other women in the group.  

E is such a delightful woman and such an inspiration.  Would any of us be willing to follow her example of determination and commitment to pursue our dreams?

Hasta Luego

Amazing Day

I attended church today at a church called La Vida y Fe:  What an experience.  I spoke a little about it a couple of weeks ago, but then I was only able to stay for an hour.  Today I was able to stay for he entire service:  al 2 1/2 hours!  After the praise team led singing for an hour, there were some prayers and more music.  The pastor started preaching some time a bit after 10:30. He preached for a little over an hour and the service ended at noon!  Other than being very repetitive, the sermon was quite good.  He preached about our being works of God with a purpose and always with the opportunity to do more with our lives for the glory of God.  That were each created for the purpose of doing good works and when we fulfill pour purpose, our lives will be blessed.  The music was excellent and included the spanish version of many praise songs that I know,  and many Hillsong spanish praise songs.  The praise team leader was a woman who song with incredible passion and conviction and the lead guitarist was one of the best I have heard as part of a church praise team.  In fact, one of the women at the project had given me a Hillsong CD and many of the songs on the CD were ones that were sung at the service; however I believe that the praise team offered better interpretations of the songs than I hear on the CD.

After the service I had lunch with my friend Andrea.  If you read my blog entries from my time in Spain, you will remember my describing this over the top Italian fellow: well that was Andrea.  We learned through Facebook that we were both in Guatemala and have been trying to set up a way of meeting.  Well last night while I was settling down to have dinner and watch TV there was a knock at the door and it was Andrea.  Needless to say, I was completely blown away!  He was only in Antigua for a couple of days, so we spent quite a bit of time talking last  night, and then met for lunch this afternoon.  Since returning from the Camino, he has met up with several other of our Camino companions in various parts of the world.  

This past week was a good one at the project.  I have set up a reading room and started reading groups for the mothers to be able to practice reading.  The women are excited about it and look forward to the time.  One of the goals will be to also help them to start reading to their children.  Reading is not a common past time here in Guatemala and efforts are underway to try to get the people to start reading more.  I have four groups for the women:  2 beginner groups and 2 advanced.  I'm using a combination of children's books that we have, passages from the Scriptures and some writing from latin-american women writers that I found on the internet.  Last week I started labeling the books based on their reading level so that the women will be able to choose books to read on their own.  We have also arranged the room to create as nice an atmosphere as possible so that it is inviting and a comfortable place, that way reading will not seem like a chore but will be associated with relaxation and tranquility.

Hasta Luego

photo links

The following links should bring you directly to my photo albums on Facebook.

Lent:  http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2007889&id=1398931251&l=a1f417d1b4

Holy Saturday:  http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2007892&id=1398931251&l=eb2b6f64bb

Making an "Alfombra:"  http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2007833&id=1398931251&l=d4d3091dec

Alfombras:  http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2007829&id=1398931251&l=cfe1bdb9f5

Guatemala:  http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2006358&id=1398931251&l=f73db83aa7

Camino de Santiago:  http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2001509&id=1398931251&l=aa6efbf0fd

I was beginning to loose my excitement about being at Camino Seguro, the lack f structure, no clear direction as to what I was suppose to do, and no moral compass giving direction to the work  I realized that if I need it to be something different, then I would have to take the initiative.  So, this week I resented an idea to the woman who oversees the women's center.  I asked her if I could create reading groups for the women to have the opportunity to practice their reading skills and offer assistance and encouragement to one another.  The women currently learn to read by writing simple sentences over and over, but that is neither very exciting or advances them along.  The coordinator agreed, and on Monday morning I begin the first of four groups.  There will be a beginning and advanced groups on Mondays, and again on Thursdays.  Since most for the women are Christian, I will use a number of short Bible passages in a simple translation as well as short stories and poems with encouraging messages.  And of course a key piece from the Bible will be Proverbs 31 (see the previous post).  I'm am really excited about the groups, making my going to the project more satisfying.

I find it hard to believe that I am half way through my time here in Guatemala.  I have 6 weeks remaining before returning to the States.  I love the apartment we are renting and I will sorely miss it when I leave!

Beauty

Beauty is the 65 year old woman looking older than her years and learning to read and write.

Beauty is the 38 year old woman, missing most of her front teeth and the remaining ones decaying, as she carefully considers what letter comes next as she attempts to print her own first name.

Beauty is the 33-year old mother of 7 children as she attempts to complete her math lesson while attending to her 3-year old and nursing her 18-month old.

Beauty is the woman whose blouse is covered with permanent stains as well as those from her morning of working in the dump, coming to learn how to do simple addition.

       "A woman of noble character, who can find?  She is worth far more than rubies....She is clothed with strength and dignity...." (Prv. 31:10, 25)

Beauty are the women who despite their life in the city dump are committed to improving themselves and providing a better life for their children.  

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and the God who created all of these women in God's own image has pronounced them good and beautiful.

Happy Easter

Easter was not quite what I expected.  before going to the english-speaking fellowship that I attend, I want to go to a full service with Easter music, flowers, a celebration of the Resurrection.  I also anticipated that the streets would be decorated in celebration of Easter.  What I found was that the streets were silent and empty and the church I planned to attend was closed.  The black and purple Lenten banners were still hanging from windows.  At the fellowship gathering I learned that the big day here in Antigua is Good Friday.  In fact the biggest processions take place on Good Friday.  The day of Resurrection sees less of the celebration and enthusiasm that is seen earlier in the week.  Elizabeth told me that things are better then they used to be and now some of the priests do preach a message of hope on Easter Sunday. Stores were open and things seemed like business as usual.  It felt rather anti-climatic given all that had been going on during the week.  

Later today there will be two processions, but not much more to recognize what I believe to be the height of the Christian year.  In the afternoon I did hear some bells ringing.  

The church where I did find a service was at what looked like a storefront protestant church called La Vida Y Fe.  It turned out to be a large warehouse-type space, seating between 100-200 people.  There was a praise team led primarily by the pastor.  There was singing and praising that lasted for an hour, interspersed with prayers and exhortations by the pastor.  After an hour someone joined the pastor and began to interpret into english what the pastor was saying.  I had to leave at that point in order to get to the english-speaking service because I was leading that.  I look forward to going again to La Vida and being able to remain for the whole time.

All in all I am still processing the whole Easter experience in Antigua and what it means for the people.

Hasta Luego.

Holy Week

Today is Friday of Holy Week, and like all of Lent, Holy Week is something one must experience in Antigua to really appreciate the contrasts and complexities of the observances.  I will do my best to describe in words what the expereince is like, but I will also post photos and video clips to bring you closer into the exppereince.

So, let me describe for Holy Thursday in La Antigua.  But, first you need to know that now that Holy Week is here, processions are everyday and will conclude with the large procession on Easter.  Each day a procession begins at a different church and has a different theme and a different route.  Wednesday was "Jesus Nazareno del Milagro," yesterday was "Jesus Nazareno del Perdon," and today's is "Jesus Nazareno de la Merced."  They usually begin early morning and last until anywhere between 10:30 pm and 1:00 am.  Yesterday's began at 1:00 in the afternoon and was not concluded until almost 12 midnight.  The procession for today began at 4:00 this morning and is suppose to conclude at 2:00 this afternoon.  

As I mentioned in another post, the people and will make "alfombras,"  in the streets for the procession to pass over. Picture carpets of flowers and colored sand or sawdust instead of palm branches.  Because the procession last night did not completely conclude until after midnight (that includes the cleaning crew following behind the procession to clean up all the trampled alfombras) some people began making their alfombras for today's procession last night.

Well, back to Holy Thursday.  I went out early in the morning to walk around and take some photos in a part of town I had never been to.  In that section people were already hard at work creating their alfombras.  I was there between 8:30 and 9:00, and it was obvious that some of the folks had already been at work for several hours.  I took some photos and made a few video clips of the community and festive nature of alfombra creation.  It is a community affair in that neighbors work together to create the alfombra that will cover the street in front of their homes.  In addition there was often music playing:  Some played recordings of the processional music, while one group was playing "oldies" from the States.  Vendors were out selling little toys and cotton candy and others had set carts, booths and makeshift kitchens in the park and church courtyard, cooking and selling tortillas, and a variety of hot foods.

In the afternoon around 1:00 I went to my language school to watch the beginning of the procession from the San francisco Church.  The procession was scheduled to pass in front of the school upon its return to the church.  The scheduled time was 10:30 pm.  Work started on our school alfombra just before 2:00 in the afternoon and was not completed until around 7:30 or 8:00.  I worked for most of the day, but returned home about 7:00 to get something to eat.  The finished product was absolutely amazing to behold.  On either end we had the school logo and in the middle were representations of Jesus praying and "Jesus the Good Shepherd."  That evening as people were walking around viewing the alfombras, many people stopped to view ours and commented on how striking it was.  The others on our street were also beautiful, but were less intricate and made with flowers and evergreens.  The others also took far less time to make and therefore were not started until just about 2 hours before the procession was due to pass.

The making of an alfombra is a very exciting and interesting experience.  Everyone knows that once the procession passes over, the alfombras they are completely destroyed.  But yet, there is a love and devotion that goes into creating these incredible works of art.  I know that for myself, as I was doing my part there was only the fleeting thought that what I was doing would be destroyed in just a few short hours, never to be seen again.  The beauty and creativity put forth in a few hours, viewed by many, only to be gone forever within a few short minutes.  It was not a futile effort and it reminded me of the transitory nature of life itself.  However, although life is transitory, a life lived well is never a life lived in vain.

The life of an alfombra consists of the creation of the alfombra, viewing the finished product and watching others enjoy it, watching the procession pass over and destroy it, and then seeing the cleaning crew come along and shovel away the remains into a dump truck.  And in that experience my emotions were many:  The joy of creating something that had a specific purpose (at the time we did not know what the end product was going to be or what it would look like, we were only told where to put the different colors); there was also a sense of joy and some pride upon seeing the finished design, mixed with a feeling of awe.  And as I watched the procession pass over, it was a bittersweet experience: sadness as the image was brushed away by the shuffling of hundreds of feet over it carrying the image of Jesus carrying his cross; but also a satisfaction that the alfombra had served the purpose for which it was created.  It was in a word a sacramental moment.  And after all, it that not what life is all about? Making something of our lives and living it in such a way as to fulfill the purpose for which God placed us on this earth, and in so doing experiencing the grace of God.

An alfombra has a short but beautiful life span: born of the devotion and love of many hands, admired by many, everyone knowing that within a few short hours it will have passed from existence.  But for the devote Roman Catholics (and some others) the alfombra will serve the purpose of carpeting the path of the representation of the Savior and the Holy Mother.

As I said early on, words just cannot convey the experience:  You had to be there.  And I'm glad I was!

To view the photos and video clip just click on the Facebook link in menu on the left.

Hasta Luego,

Enjoy a blessed Day of the Resurrection

New Home

I am no longer with my home-stay family, but moved last Wednesday into an apartment here in La Antigua.  I was approached by one of the other volunteers who was looking for someone to share an apartment he had found.  The price seemed a little high when he told me about it, but upon seeing decided that it was well worth the price.  It is a two bedroom apartment with two bathrooms.  All utilities are included, which also includes trash pick up, a television with cable (about 70 channels, about 15 from the States, including HBO and Cinemax; regrettable no Sci-Fi channel!) internet access, and a washing machine.  The place is also fully furnished including all dishes and cookware, sheets, and towels.  In order to get it for the price we negotiated, the cleaning lady is not included (we told the owner that we each have hands and can do the cleaning ourselves).  Rather than an apartment, it feels more like a small house.  There is a small enclosed patio in the back where the washing machine is located and there is a nice patio table with two chairs.  I really like the place and in fact living here will save me a little bit of money because I no longer have to go someplace and buy food in order to use their free internet, and I no longer have to pay to have my laundry done.  Although I will no longer have meals provided, a bowl of cereal works well for breakfast, and since lunch is served at the project, instead of bringing my own, I will eat what is served there.  The real food expense then becomes dinner, but rice, beans, avocados and vegetables can go a long way.  I am currently waiting for my frijoles to cook (an all day endeavor!).  The rent was $600/month, but the owner was willing to let us have it for $500, $250 each.  Everything is negotiable in Guatemala!

The place is really nice and quite comfortable, and I also really like having a bathroom and shower that are indoors; no more walking through the cold early morning air to get to the shower.  Now if I want to take a shower at night, there will be light other then moonlight

My room-mate is from New York, and when I leave in May, he will remain in the apartment until he leaves in July.  

Hasta luego from my new digs!

Reflection

Who Is More Deserving?

Who is more deserving, who should receive the coin in my hand?

Do I help the mother with two children who sits with hand outstretched just a few yards from another woman who sits alone also with hand outstretched?

Do I help the mother with two young children by her side or the one who who soon will have another baby to join the one that sits by her side?

Who is more deserving, who should be helped?

Do I help the the man blind man who sits day after day, sometimes offering music in return for some type of donation?

Or perhaps I need to offer my coin to the man who sits on the curb beside his crutches?   But what about the man who sits beside the device that helps him to move his legless body?

Who is more deserving, who needs the help?

Should I give the coin to the elderly woman who sits in the midday sun with a cloth over her face as shelter from the heat?  Or perhaps the child who stands alone when he should be in school.

Who is more deserving, who should receive the single pitiful coin that I can offer? 

Jesus said that the poor would always be with us?  

But did he mean like this?  Homeless, rejected, ignored, passed by with out even a glance.  

Desperate people coming each day to work at the same corner or patch of ground in hopes of some act of kindness, charity, goodness, or guilt from those who pass by.  

Who is more deserving, who should receive the coin I hold in my hand?

Violence in Guatamala City

This week was a short week for the volunteers of Camino Seguro due to shootings in the capital.  On Tuesday afternoon we were informed that the school might be closed on Wednesday due to the murder of four bus drivers that morning.  Unfortunately the killing of bus drivers is a common occurrence it he capital, but the four that morning brought the total to 30 for this year.  There was concern not only for the safety of volunteers and Camino children and families, but also concern that the bus drivers might go on strike as a way of demanding that the government do something.

The reason for the shootings?  Extortion by the gangs of Guatemala City.  The gangs in the capital are large and very organized and they charge business and individuals to pay them "impuestos", taxes, to keep form being killed. When people refuse to pay, the "mareros" kill them.  Because the buses are so heavily travelled, they carry a large amount of money from the cash fares people pay when they board.  As a result, imposing impuestos on the buses can be very profitable for the mareros.  Their approach is to board the bus and demand an impuesto; if the driver and/or passengers refuse, they are killed on the spot.  In the case of Tuesday morning , four buses in different parts of the city were boarded between 6 am and 9:30 am.  As a result everyone was sent home early on Tuesday, and we were told that we would not come in Wednesday and again for Thursday.  

People are worried because this year's killings are more than last year, and the violence seems to be increasing.  Last week a Korean couple was found murdered in their home and there was at least one other murder.  Even the churches are not immune.  Last week, one of the churches was approached and told to pay an impuesto.  The pastor has refused, and now folks are waiting to see what might happen.  Please keep that church and their pastor in your prayers that God would protect and deliver them who would attempt to hold control over one of God's churches.

Most people believe that the government is ineffectual in dealing with the gangs and that the gangs out-number and are better armed than the police.  There is also the widespread belief that because of corruption in the government, there is little motivation to address the issue.

And so the people carry on, riding the buses, trying to make a living and hoping that all will be well.  Just as so many people depend on the buses for getting to work (many coming from outside the capital), the capital's economy and functioning are just as dependent on the folks being able to get to work.  If the bus drivers were to refuse to drive, and workers were not able to get into the city or travel around the city, there would be a great deal of chaos.  If you live in a large metropolitan center such as Boston, try to imagine all the public transportation shutting down for a day or two.

Going back to the church that was threatened, I heard from someone in the city that some of the churches had started to think about how to respond.  It looks like they might try to plan some type of prayer service  at the church.  They do not want to do anything that might bring more attention to the gangs, since that is what they love.  For the sake of the church that was threatened, and for the sake of the unity of the body of Christ, I pray that they do respond in some way. My feeling is that there needs to be some type of visible witness that they church only bows down to God and no other, and that the people of God are a united force against evil.

For the time being, Camino volunteers have been advised not to use buses.  The only other option is to use taxis--which sometimes have their own way of extorting money out of foreigners.

Please pray for the peace of the city, not only Guatemala City, but other cities where evil seeks to gain a foothold.

Hasta Luego.

Pictures

I have added a Facebook Badge to my homepage.  If you click on it, (in the menu bar on the left) you will be brought directly to my Facebook page and will be able to view my Camino and Guatemala photos.

Hasta Luego.

End of the Second Week

This has been a very interesting week.  I spent most mornings helping with the mothers and  the afternoons helping in a third grade class.  I do a lot of one-on-one work with a  woman named "Betty."  Betty is 51 years old and is just learning to read and write;  she is probably at about a second grade level.  Betty is amazing to watch:  She puts so much effort into writing her practice exercises and really wants them to be correct.  During English class this week, she copied down everything that the teacher wrote on the board, even though she could not understand most of it. 

Betty is a small Guatamalteca, who wears traditional clothing and who stands a bit under 5 feet tall.  She has an infectious smile and always has something humorous to share.  When she is having difficulty doing her exercises, she blames it on not having had her coffee that morning.  Betty is also a woman of faith and so for some of her writing exercises I give her simple Bible verses to copy.  If I can find some simply written Bible texts, I will bring those for her to practice her reading.  Like many of the other people of faith that I have met here, there confidence in God is the source of their strength and encouragement.

"Murray" is a young man about 17 years old.  He is in the senior high class that I have sometimes be in.  Murray often brings Christian CD's to play while the students are doing their homework, and carries his Bible in his backpack.  Murray was visibly upset the other day, when one of the other boys was playing a secular rap CD and later a popular secular radio station.  He is actively involved in his church and sings in the choir.  He can often be heard singing in the classroom or as he walks by outside.  Please keep Murray and two of his friends in your prayers.  Murray said that they are all going through some difficulties and has asked for prayers for family and the families of his friends.  I asked him if it would be OK if I shared the request with my friends, and he greatly appreciated that others would be invited to pray for them.  So please keep "Murray," "James," and "George" and their families in prayer that God would grant them deliverance from their current struggles. 

I also ask for prayers for the many people who are on the streets of Antigua begging for food and money.  It is so difficult to walk by them everyday-sometimes more than once a day, knowing that I don't have the resources with me to be able to give something to each one.  It is an overwhelming sight, especially the mothers who are there with their very young children.  Children who are able to walk and talk, are also at work along side their parents asking for food and money.  Regrettably, one becomes somewhat accustomed to the fact that every day at the same spot will be the same blind fellow with no legs holding out his hand for some type of offering;  or that the elderly woman with tattered clothing will always be in front of the ruins of one of the churches hoping that someone will respond to her pleas for assistance.  I guess, I could use another street--most of the people are on 4a. Calle-one of the streets for tourists who want to shop.  However, habit and a fear of getting loss keep me on 4a. Calle; but also to take another street would be to deny the reality that there are many in this tourist-ladened town who have no visible means of self-sufficiency.  

And where is the church in the midst of the hunger, the spousal abuse, the poverty?  Well, according to some of the Guatamaltecos with whom I've spoken, the church, in general, is not being very helpful.  Many have of negative view for two reasons:  1.  Some feel that the Roman Catholic Church is not doing enough to help the people, and in some cases, i.e. spousal abuse, the church through its rigid teachings often leaves people in dangerous situations.  2.  In terms of the Protestant Church-the majority being evangelical churches, some people believe that in those churches the primary concern of he pastors is gaining more money and material possessions for themselves.  Like the government and most other structures in Guatemala, some people eye the church with suspicion and see just as much corruption there that they see in other aspects of the society.

Here in Antigua, I have been hard pressed to find a Protestant church to attend.  There is a large one in Guate, but it would require taking a bus and a cab to get there; and I have been advises over and over again not to travel alone into Guate (unfortunately, there is a serious problem with gangs, and just the other day a cab driver along with a police officer swindled approximately 280Q (about $35) out of some volunteers from the project.).  A friend of my homestay attends an evangelical church, and if I can find out more about it, I will ask about attending with her.  I have also received information about the Primitive Methodist Church here in Guatemala, and will be in touch with the contact to see if there is a church near to Antigua.  

But all in all, the Church needs a more visible and more gospel-oriented presence here.  By that I mean that people need to see the churches out and addressing the most pressing needs of the people.  Here in Antigua there is one church that runs a medical facility and works with those with physical and mental disabilities.  It also happens to be the church that provides space to the St. Mark's Ecumenical Fellowship.  That is the worhip service that I attended last week.  It consisted of 11 people and caters to english-speaking tourists.  It is lead by a former RC nun-Elizabeth, using the Book of Common Prayer.  There is no communion because there is no ordained person.  I told Elizabeth that I am ordained in the UMC and would be willing to assist and also consecrate the sacraments if she would like.  And rather than a sermon, it is a time of each sharing his/her reflection on the scriptures that have been read.

I think that is all for now.

Tonight, it's off to see "The Dark Knight."  There is a place here that offers free movies with dinner.  Last week I saw "Mama Mia," and had a great dinner for 42Q, a little over $5.  If one does not have anything to eat or drink, the movie costs 15Q, a little less than $2.00.  Can't beat that! (The exchange rate is $1=8Q.)

Hasta Luego

Reflection

Jesus Says...

Jesus says, "let the children come to me..."

The 10-year old boy whose clothes are dirty and smell of garbage;

the 9-year old girl who can barely reach the sink as she scrubs and washes clothes to make them clean.

Jesus says, "let the children come to me..."

The 11-year old girl who must now care for a child of her own;

the girl who studiously copies from others the answers for her homework.

Jesus says, "let the children come to me..."

The 10-year old boy who hungrily and hastily eats the food discarded by others;

the baby who lies limply in his mother's arms as she begs for money for food.

Jesus says, "let the children come to me..."

Those with flees, those with lice; those covered with unexplained bruises and those covered with bites from rats within their home; those who shriek regularly for no apparent reason.  Those who make their home in the city dump and whom others view only as garbage.

Jesus loves all the little children: All the children of the world.

"People will know you are my followers by your love."

Photos

Finally, as promised, here are the urls to my photo albums on Facebook.

Guatemala:  http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2006358&id=1398931251&l=f73db83aa7

Santiago:  http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2001509&id=1398931251&l=aa6efbf0fd

The links are not active, so you will need to copy the information into your browser and click "enter." 

Hasta Luego

First Week

This has been my first week volunteering at the project and it has been very interesting.  The first day I spent the entire day in one of the classrooms.  The first half of the day the teacher had high school students; the second half of the day she had third graders.  At the end of the day, I was a bit disappointed, because of what seemed to me a lack of teaching or instruction with the students.  The next day at a volunteer meeting we were reminded that the program is not a school, but a "reinforcement center."  The explanation served to slightly abate my sense of disappointment.  However, I still believe that the students would receive more teaching because of the disadvantages they face in school compared to children whose circumstances are different.

The second day, I spent the morning in the Women's Literacy Program and I loved it there.  The center helps the mothers of children in the program to learn to read and write, as well as teaching them basic math skills.  Many of the women have also learned how to make jewelry from materials they collect at the dump.  They create beautiful pieces made of recycled materials and have been able to sell those pieces, making more more with a few sales than they can make after days of working in the dump.  Subsequently, the women are in the process of creating their own cooperative for selling their jewelry.  It is very exciting being with them, and today watching how they carry out their "business."  My assignment from this time forward with be with the women, first working with them only in the mornings, and within the next week of so, working with them for the entire day.

Tomorrow, there are no classes because of staff and volunteer training.  One of the speakers we are expecting is Patch Adams, (no, not Robin Williams!).  On Saturday, I begin my weekly Spanish classes for 3 hours each Saturday.

The week at the project has been very interesting.  While there is hope that the children are receiving an opportunity for changing their life circumstances, there is still an underlying sadness for me.  As I watch them voraciously eat their meals, knowing that the meal they receive at the project may be the best or only meal they receive that day.  As I watch the children eating their lunch, often if a child does not want the rest of her meal, she will give it to another who will eagerly eat it along with what she already has (the servings are large servings, even for an adult.)  Today I watched one little girl receiving meat from other students and placing it in plastic bag she had in her "mochila," backpack.  Meat is something that most kids do not receive on any kind of regular basis at home, even those who are not poor.

The other and probably greatest sadness for me is that there is no Christian education.  It is a secular program, and there really is no teaching for the children on their value as creations of God, or on the fact that God loves them.  Instead, Hanley Denning, the founder has an almost venerated status.  Her picture hangs in every classroom, and in the corridors there are either large paintings or photographs of her.  

Today, it also occurred to me what a challenge it is for me to be in a completely non-Christian environment with little contact with other Christians.  There really are no apparent values that bind the volunteers together in terms of why they are here and what motivates them to offer help to the children.  The conversations are also a bit limited and usually center around parties and drinking, and going out drinking.  I realize a part of it has to do with my "advanced" age compared to the majority of them, but part of it, I believe, has to do with the fact the the motivating factor for their being here is that it gives them something to do while they try to figure out what to do with the life.  Or maybe,  I'm just out of touch with the life of 20-somethings.

This week contained a lot of images and impressions, so I share in the next post a reflection with you as a summary of my week.

Hasta Luego

Volcan Pacayo

Why did Marcelle climb Volcan Pacayo?  Because it was there.  

Yesterday there was a group trip to visit and climb Volcan Pacayo, the smallest of the active volcanoes in Guatemala.  Antigua is bordered by Volcan del Fuego to the west, and one of the largest,Volcan de Agua to the south.  It is quite a beautiful and magnificent site.

For our school trip we made the hour-drive to Volcan Pacayo and were led by our guide up the side of the volcano.  It took about 90 minutes to climb.  The guide was only allowed to take us up to a certain point because of the risk of going further.  There had been an eruption 8 says ago and there was a lot of soft and loose dried lava.  However, if there were those who wanted to continue higher, they could do so, but without the guide.  So, a large group of us headed up to a level just a few hundred meters below the crater at the top.  it was basically on top of a mound of dried lava from a few days ago.  It was quite amazing to climb as well as difficult.  It was like trying to walk in very deep snow, as my feet sunk with each step.  Where there was not the "sand"  there were the lava stones and rocks which were not very secure.  (the reason that the guides were not allowed to bring us any higher was because there had been an avalanche of loose stones a couple of weeks ago and 12 people were hurt.)  It was probably not the wisest thing I have ever done, but once we reached the landing, it was well worth the risk and the climb.  It was quite hot and there was a fissure that we could look into and see the red and glowing flames beneath the surface.  Some people place their walking sticks above the fissure and they ignited within seconds!  It was worth the climb and the risk.  Coming down was also a bit dicey, but we basically made it in one piece.  We then hiked down the volcano in the dark, which in itself was also quite an adventure.  And yes, I did take pictures.

Hasta Luego,

Marcelle

Life in Guatemala

I decided it would probable be a good idea to tell you a little about life here in Guatemala.  First of all, it is a very beautiful country.  I am living in Antigua, a town full of ruins from the colonial days of Guatemala.  The streets are cobblestone, making for very bumpy rides.  People who do not have cars travel by chicken buses (literally) or by the very abundant elaborately decorated school buses.  These are usually packed beyond capacity.  All along hte streets of Antigua are many vendors, selling everything from traditional Guatemalan clothing to candy, papaya, and all kinds of other "stuff!"  

I live on 7ma. Calle Oriente, No. 29, and it is just a two minute walk to the school where I have Spanish classes, La Union.  There are a quite a few people in my language school,  but it is just many of many throughout the town.  Antigua is a very popular spot for tourists, some here for a while, others just passing through as they tour around Latin America.   Subsequently, many of these tourists are taking language classes so that they can better communicate with the locals.  The schools also provide opportunities for building community among the students.  la Union sponsors various "actividades" so that we have opportunities to improve our language abilities as well as learn more about the culture.  

As one walks along hte streets, it is amazing the number of tourist who are here from all over the world.  Things are especially busy now because people are here in anticipation of "Semana Santa"-Holy Week.  Easter is a big deal here in Antigua and thousands will flock to the city for the Semana Santa celebrations, in particular the processions.  Every Sunday there are now processions during "Cuaresma," Lent.  These offer a prelude to what will happen during Semana Santa.  A major part of the processions -and one of the reasons so many people come to Antigua during this time, are the "alfombras."  These are made with colored sand and sawdust arranged into beautiful designs and them sprayed with water to keep them from blowing away in the wind.  Each home or business on the streets through which the processions pass, will create an alfombra in the road in front of their home for the procession to pass over.  The designs are very elaborate and can be quite big, sometimes taking up the road for an entire block.  I am told that on Holy Thursday my language school will be creating an alfombra and all the students are invited to participate in its creation.  If I don't have to be at the project working, I hope to take part.

Because of the influx of people during this time, and especially Semana Santa, many local leave town.  The police have also set up check points at all entrances to the town and they charge a tax to enter to all who are not residents of Antigua.  This has proved to be a big money maker for the town.  However, many residents have mixed feeling about it:  It ties up traffic, but also, they are not so sure where the money is going.   

Just being here a week, I have heard a lot about corruption in the government and other policies and practices that seem unfair or unjust.  For example, there are many poor people living at the Guatemala City dump (where I will do my volunteer work).  The people there earn what little money they can by collecting those items that can be recycled (milk jugs, cardboard, tin) and selling them to companies.  Not only do they not make much money for their work (less than $1 dollar for two days of work to fill one large bag) they must pay the municipal workers in order to "work" in the "basureo," dump.  The municipality has set a clinic and day care for the people, but again, they are charged for the services.  As a result many of hte people go without medical treatment, and children who are able to walk are also workers along side their parents.  

Another point of irritation is the new power plant at the foot of the Pacayo Volcano.  Electricity is generated using the underground heat of the Volcano.  The plant was built with donations from Israel, and the energy is used to power Mexico and El Salvador, not Guatemala.

The other interesting thing about Antigua (I do not know yet if the same holds true for Guatemala City) is the number of United States expatriates living here.  It is quite astonishing. Many came for vacation or as part of trying to figure out what to do with their life and ended up remaining.  Some are here until their money runs out, others have made a life here, have married and are raising (bilingual) children.  In fact, the majority of the people in my language school are people in their twenties who are searching for something in life.  At this point, all of the people whom I have met who are also here to volunteer with Camino Seguro are teenagers and people in their twenties.  I am the "old lady" of the volunteers, and even the paid staff. Most of the volunteer staff and paid staff are "estadounidodenos" (US citizens) in their twenties.

These are just some of the tidbits that I have learned in my first week.  As the weeks pass, and I learn more about "Life in Guatemala," I will share my findings with you.