El Basurero

El Basurero is the Guatemala city dump. It's a huge, stinky vulture-infested place. You can't get into it without a special pass, but Joel VanDyke took us to Cemetario Central, which overlooks the valley. He asked us to observe and reflect, thinking about what our heart tells us. Here are some pictures:




Then we spent some time in the Word... Genesis 16. We looked at the life of Hagar, servant to Sarah and concubine to Abraham, and asked some questions. How does Hagar see the grace of God? How does God speak to Hagar in her circumstances?
Well, Hagar was an undervalued woman who was forced into relations with Abraham solely for the sake of having children. Then she is mistreated and flees from her mistress. Hagar runs and ends up at a Spring, where the angel of the Lord (whom some say is Jesus) comes to her, calls her by name (something no one has cared enough to do so far in the story), and asks her what she is doing. The angel tells her to return, and assures her that he hears her misery. The angel says that she will have many descendants. But he also says that there will be hostility between her son and his family. But for the first time, someone has calle Hagar by name, and understood her tristeza (sorrow). So what does Hagar do? She gives the Lord a name. The one who named her is being given a name. And what does she 'name' God? The God who sees me. Have you ever felt that someone understands you so well that they 'see you' for who you are? Or have you ever felt 'seen' by someone when no one else saw you? God brings Hagar comfort and hope when the rest of the world is treating her like trash.

How does this apply to the Basurero we were looking out upon?
Well, in the dump there are 'scavengers' who sift through trash to look for recyclable materials. They collect the items and sell them to recycling companies. The maximum wage that can be earned at this job is equivalent to $3.oo/day. Not much to live on. These 'scavengers' are sifting through trash (which includes used toilet paper, because it can't be flushed here) and looking for treasures. They are treated like trash by the rest of Guatemala... they stink, have diseases, hoard garbage, and are considered the lowest of the low. Hagar was also treated like trash and it was culturally acceptable. So let us ask some questions about the people of El Basurero: What might the good news of God look like to the 'scavengers'? How might they name God if he were to speak to them? How can we be 'Jesus' to these people... bringing the message that the Angel of the Lord brought to Hagar?

This is just an ejemplo(example). There are 'Hagars' and 'Scavengers' in every culture, in every circumstance, in every country. Who in your life is in need of the good news from a God who sees?
Remember: Christians aren't supposed to 'preach at others' or 'do ministry to others'... they seek to share the good news of hope with those who have none. By doing this, they begin to understand 'the God who sees' more deeply, and others also recieve the hope of being 'seen'.

Any thoughts? Questions? Disagreements? Applications? I'd love to hear from y'all. paz y amor,
Kim <><

Training at Kairos!

Today was a HUGE blessing from the Lord.
We had a professional develop[ment training for the teachers at Kairos... and I have to say that the teachers at Kairos are really awesome, considering they have never had teaching classes to equip them with 'teaching tools'.
Sherry Olivares, a teacher from Texas, is visiting Guate right now and holding trainings in various schools. I had the unique experience of helping her coordinate the training (yesterday we spent the day talking and planning) and hosting an event at Kairos.
We talked about lesson planning and practiced writing lesson. We also discussed classroom discipline-- staff was charged with the responsibility of creating a school-wide system that provided consistency in management and discipline across all grades. The teachers were able to express the things that are most challenging for them in the classroom (including everything from frustrations about the overly talkative and passive/disinterested students to expressing frustration about diversifying instruction to accomodate various academic levels). It was a blessing to see them get excited about teaching and their immense love for their students shined brightly.
Keep them in prayers as they attempt to implement some of these new ideas and techniques in the coming months!

I also had the opportunity to cook lunch for all the teachers... which was for me a way of showing them how much I appreciate them! I made brocolli with cheese, rice, and a creamy chicken dish, plus some brownies. Thre were about 16 of us total. It also confirmed to me that i love to serve through the means of hospitality. Here, it is at tims difficult because I am living with a host family and don't want to be a burden to them. But just recently I had a conversation with mama and discovered that hospitailty (sharing her home, cooking, and taking care of others) is one of her passions. This brought us close because I too love to serve and love on others in this way. Today we teamed up and it was a beautiful time-- God created an atmosphere of fellowship, unity and joy among everyone.

I was also blessed to get to know Sherry (the teacher from Texas) in the course of planning and teaching this training-- she has an incredible testimony that highlights what only the Lord can do in a person's life. She also encouraged me to take on a 'coaching' role with the teachers at Kairos whenever possible... something I would love to do!! This basically would consist of observing and reflecting one-on-one with the teachers to help them brainstorm and implement strategies that make their classroom a more enjoyable, structured, and/or productive environment. I have to confess that this is definitely up my ally.
I trust that God will open the doors for these conversations if that's his purpose in having me here!

That's all for now... thanks for reading and praying! :)

paz y amor,
Kim <><

The first half of June....

It has been busy these last few weeks! I have to watch for chances to use the compu because it's in high demand with my sisters (chatting, homework, etc..)

I have come up with a few ideas for projects and sustainable ways to serve here. There is the possibility brewing of having an 'arts camp' for the middle schoolers, focusing on how to use art to glorify God and share the Gospel. This would include courses in dance, drawing & painting, floral design, and even graffitiing. But it's still just an idea that needs developing. And it's still without funding, which might mean it stays as just an idea. If it does end up happening, it would rock. Many of my students have a lot of talent, but it's not being used for God's purposes...

My church here is also planning a conference for September for the youth in the community. It's their first attempt to do so, and they've got a great team working on things. They're using a Star Wars Theme and choosing something relevant to the Christian life from each movie... like the idea of being in a 'pod race' where there are lots of things trying to make you trip and fall. And the 'New Hope' we have in Christ.. a better hope than any movie can portray, and that the Good does conquer Evil in the end. Or the fact that we too need to learn and 'disciple' under the Master (though not Yoda, haha). It makes for a really clear and relevant way to explain the Gospel... I'm excited to be taking part int he planning. They've let me join the team even though I am not going to be here in September for the conference. :-(

I went to a birthday party last weekend for a one-year-old.. it was probably the biggest birthday party i've been to for a one year old. They had two clowns come (I'm a bit terrified of clowns), but these guys only had face paint and were very friendly. They made an embarrassing scene right before they left to single me out for a hug and a picture (some little bird told them my phobia)... but I found out later that this guy is one of the most famous clowns in all of Guatemala! So I guess it wasn't so bad. They also had pinatas and the whole Guatemalan rigamarole. What a great time of celebration!

Everyone here is sick with a stomach bug or a cold. I was sick my first week or two, and now I feel bad because everyone else is sick and I feel great! But praise God for keeping me healthy so far this month. Pray that my family gets better... a lot of them are feeling under the weather. They've become really dear to me... God has really allowed me to feel like a part of this family while I'm here-- something I can't thank him enough for. My mama (mah-mA) has a beautiful heart, always looking for ways to serve her family. My sisters have all promised to come visit me for my wedding if they can, haha! It's a full house here, but that's what I'm used to. It's like a home away from home, and we have lots of laughs and memories already.

This week is vacation in the schools (mid-year break and b/c of the swine flu) so I have had a little extra free time. I'm working with a professional teacher from the States to coordinate a training for the teachers at Kairos this Friday, and I'm planning the art camp details (trustng the funds will come!). I also hope to visit the other four interns in the city and see what they're up to in their ministries, and maybe visit the women's prison with the chaplains... and spend extra time building relationships here.

There's also a 'campamento' coming up for the middle schoolers and they asked me to be a counselor. I'm very excited-- Anna (the other intern) and I will have about 10 gals in our charge for the three day camp, and from what I hear it's an intense time of relationship building and spiritual discussions. Pray that God gives me the words (language barriers can be frustrating...) when the need arises to counsel or share the gospel with these kids! They've really found a place in my heart... something I never thoguht would happen with middle schoolers. But these kids have really snuck in somehow! =D

Also, pray for my body (haha)... I played futbol with the girls from the church, and played hard. It was quite a comic sight... 10pm at night, a bunch of girls tripping over the ball and screaming... The actual guys futbol team from the church came to watch and were rolling on the ground laughing at us. I'll try and upload a video or something... it was just so funny! But ever since I have felt like an abuelita (little grandma) and been walking gingerly up and down stairs... until today-- I was invited to a kick boxing class with some church peeps and they convinced it would help... which it did, but now I ache more! Pray that my muscles heal before school is back in session. =D But I must say, it's bearable and I do feel healthier and more energetic because of the exercise! Praise God for giving us bodies that know how to heal!!

This weekend we're hoping to have a 'pijama' with some gals from the church... a sleepover. It's a chance to connect with the girls personally, and even welcome others that are 'on the fringes' into the community. We'll be having s'mores (the American element!) and playing some games... Pray that it is fun, and a chance to build relationships!

Also, for those of you from New Life Church reading this... I reached a milestone this week! I'm finished memorizing Philippians 1 & 2... every Weds. morning I devote myself to learning it, as well as spend some time playing hymns in the English church where the interns gather for debriefing. It's a precious time to look forward to each week, communing with the Lord.

Getting in the groove

Well, having been here over three weeks, I am really getting into a rhythm, thank goodness!
Each day of the week is full morning and afternoon, almost.
Mornings I help out at Kairos, afternoons I am either at the Youth center or at Kairos with the middle schoolers.
The past week there were a lot of special events... Last Friday the middle school (ms) had a beach-themed celebration, during which they threw all the teachers into the water (and nearly every student too).

Anna, another CTM intern, also arrived here in Pinula recently. She is working at the youth corner (Rincon Joven) full time, living with the pastors family. It will be great to work with her a bit. She isn't quite as crazy as I am, but we get along great.

I also got the chance to go to La Limonada, the bigegst slum in Guatemala city, and visit the Christian school ministry there. They are having me translate some stuff on their webpage. It's a really great outreach that works to help kids overcome the challenges of growing up in the slums, and break the generational poverty. I really love the minsitry they've got going on.

Weds. night and Friday night I had a chance to attend Ensancha, a pentecostal conference/congress for leaders in the Spanish-speaking church. It was a packed out time of worship, and the worship was very... well, pentecostal. On Friday night when we went, people all over were shaking, laughing, crying, and passing out. I felt a little uncomfortable, but I really do think that the Spirit used that time to work in the hearts of many. Some of it may be contrived emotion, but it brought me to appreciate the way the Holy Spirit teaches us and works in our hearts, which I believe primarily comes through the Bible and conscience. I had my Bible along and so I meditated on some verse in Romans and Hebrews. Praise God for Christ Jesus, and for giving us his Spirit once Christ left earth! AFterwards I go the chance to go to Quiznos... nfortunately they don't have my favorite sandwich, the Chicken Carbonara. But the Mesquite chicken was just great. :-D It was a comforting little taste of home.

I also have been to a good number of futbol (soccer) games while I'm here... which is no surprise since it's the love of many people down here. I have a lot of soccer game pics on file, to say the least.

This past thursday I sang a song for the middle schoolers to kick off their English concert/contest. It went pretty well, considering I've never studied voice or singing or anything... and I hope the message really came across clear to everyone. The song was 'Mirror' by Barlow girl. Here is a link to the Lyrics, if you're not familiar with the song. I'm still debating if i should upload the video or not... we'll see. :-)

Papito also went home yesterday. He is the father of my cousin (the one I share a room with) who fell off the horse. He had been staying at our house this past week to recooperate. He had a pretty nasty lung injury and was always exhausted... but God has given him continual recovery and they have collaborated as a family to pay for all his medical needs. They left for the volcano (home) yesterday.. pray that he arrives safely and that this week is full of continued recovery. Also pray for his soul... he's not a Christian. We are praying for him here, and when he lived here it was a chance to minister to him as well! My host mom and grandma are truly examples of Christ and served him wholeheartedly!! They do the same for me, and I am so grateful. it is a bit frustrating that they won't let me wash my dishes or do my laundry, but they tell me I serve in other ways and this is their way of serving. Praise God for their beautiful hearts!

So overall it has been a busy week! I have tried to focus on coming up with some ways that I can serve here in such a way that once I leave, I will have left something that can continue once I'm gone. It's a tough thing to do... we like to have other dependent on us, expecially in ministry. But I have some ideas percolating. One is to help the school develop a school-wide discipline plan. They have had a lot of theft lately (laptop, ipod, etc...) and structure in the classroom would simply help the teachers enjoy their jobs even more. This would be a team effort and involve brainstorm sessions, as well as some pretty radical changes for students.
I also thought of creating computer files that contain all or some of the materials teachers are using.. they do have printer and copier access, and that way if a teachers gets sick or has to quit for some reason, they've got some materials for the next person. i think it would really help the school run like a well-oiled machine. I've also agreed to be the liason between Kairos and West Side Christian School in West Michigan. They are sister schools and WSCS has donated a lot of resources to help Kairos grow into a fully functional Christian school. Kairos is eternally grateful, but there isn't anyone who can continually update them in English.. the principal and most teachers only speak Spanish. So I have agreed to translate emails to pass on to WSCS. This will be something that probably extends beyond my stay in Guate... and by doing so I also can stay updated on how things are going here!
If you think of any 'sustainable' ways to help... shoot me an email or leave a comment! I would love suggestions!

One last prayer request. Last weekend a man from the Pueblito hung himself. He left behind a very young wife (26, I think?) and four children. One of them is in the first grade class at Kairos, and I can't imagine what is going on at home and in her heart right now. Pray for the mother of these children, that she is able to cope and provide for her kids, and pray for the kids as they deal with this very unexpected and tragic event.

¨Masquerading¨

This is a slight deviation from the normal posting... more of a reflection than a summary, so read it at your leisure.

My devotions have been coming from ´Whiter than Snow´ by Paul Tripp, a devotional that reflects on Psalm 51 & the nature of sin. Tripp shares that ¨sin lives in a costume¨ and that makes it hard to recognize. In fact, he pointed out that the costume sometimes looks like Christian virtues. Some examples:
Sometimes impatience and anger masquerade as zeal.
At times, lust masquerades as love of beauty.
Gossip often wears the costume of concern, even prayerfulness.
Craving for power and control can mask themselves as Biblical leadership.
Fear of man (and the opinions of others) may dress up in the costume of a servant heart.

But there's more. Because sin masquerades, we don't often see it. In fact, we don't really see it except with God's help. He gave us consciences, the Bible, and Jesus, as well as others around us, all of which help us see sin for what it really is.

Now I am the first to admit that these deceptions can be found in my own heart. But the beautiful thing is that I can see my sin, acknowledge it, turn from that path, and be forgiven. This can happen every day, over and over (and yes, it does!). In fact, Psalm 51 is a somber prayer asking for this forgiveness. But it's also a thankful prayer from a man who has been able to see through deception.

There's one really big implication to this masquerade. I think we'd all agree that sin is harmful to ourselves and others. If sin is masquerading at times in the clothing of the Church(Christian virtues), then it's possible the church has hurt some people. Thus, as Christ's representative here on earth, it's of the utmost importance that we stay on our guard against the dangers of deception.

So this got me to thinking... What would it look like if I asked God to help me accurately self-assess? Am I ready for what I might see in the mirror? This trip has already, in two weeks, reflected to me some of my sinful desires masquerading as Christian virtues. And personally, I hate being deceived so I want to flee far from sin. I pray that God will also help me put on 'new clothing', that doesn't mask sin.
Romans 13:14:
"Clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the sinful nature."

Just some food for thought that I've been chewing on lately. That and a lot of frijoles (beans)! =)

paz y amor,
Kim <><