Well, I am finally back home. It's really different... I have a car to drive, super hot showers, a dishwasher and other amenities... as well as a cell phone that isn't affectionately called a 'frijole iphone' (literally 'bean phone'... the term for a cheapie).
I have had the chance to catch up with a few peeps here, especially from church. I do love my church... the community is unique, we love each other, and fellowship is always sweet. And they really love Jesus.
I have maintained contact with those i left behind in Guate... my mama called me about 6 times before i left ground in Guate. Almost every time she was crying and tell me she loved me, and that she would be praying for me all day! I definitely shed lots of tears the night before I left when my family did goodbyes.
The principal of the school, Caren, and her husband (the youth pastor), William were my 'bosses' in Guate. They had a lot going on the weekend I left, and William got really really sick. They didn't make it to the goodbye dinner, nor did we really say goodbye. It wasn't until after I left that I realized how much I missed them... they have given me much counsel, encouragement, and also pushed me to do hard things. I'm really thankful for them! My conclusion is that the Lord wouldn't let me say goodbye because he is bringing me back very very soon. God is moving in my heart-- he has been all summer-- and teaching me that he has shaped me to serve him in foreign missions. I have a lot of choices to make.
Please pray for me as I make these big decisions.... they have lifelong implications!!!
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Sunday, July 26, 2009
Last update de Guate...
Well, the Lord has certainly been teaching me a lot in very little time. I was stretched a lot this past weekend at camp, given a cabin full of girls at night and a co-ed team during the day. Ironically, all the teachers/counselors had 2-3 team leaders, but on my team I was the ONLY one. Way to throw it all at the gringa at once! But the Lord certainly shone through when I was weak, and taught me how to rely on him. I got to think on my feet a lot, speak lots of Spanish, and we got third place at the end of the weekend 'competition'.
I also had the chance to taste some very cultural worship. Crying is a central element of worship, and I found myself drawn to join the students as they wept tears of suffering, thankfulness, and repentance before the throne of God. I cannot describe how close the community has grown since the campamento this weekend.. and I truly believe a BIG part of it was the worship that we shared, and the vulnerability of the students. Many gave testmonies, and a number of the students have experienced some MAJOR u-turns in their heart, back toward the Lord. Praise God for using the camp as a time of change, healing, and unity!
The Art Camp was this past Thurs. & Fri. at Kairos also. Something that must be understood about Guatemala in order to understand how things went down is that flexibility is of the UTMOST. Thus the ability to think on me feet has become invaluable.
Well, this week half the pueblito is sick with the flu, mild food poisoning, or respiratory problems. That includes about half the teachers I was planning on for talleres(workshops). So at the last minute, I had to find a new drummer, the balloon artist never showed, and there were two workshops that received no interest whatsoever despite their formerly indicated popularity. But all said and done, God really used the 'hiccups' to teach me, and they actually led to a beautiful extended worship time with the middle schoolers, a lot of personal/ministry/leadership lessons, and a bit of last minute supply purchases and workshop modifications. But everyone kept a great attitude and really walked away with joy and lots of expressions of creativity and thankfulness!
I also said my goodbyes to my students. It was very difficult, and I felt a strong desire to say something to them and wasn't quite sure what... there is really SO MUCH to say! I also got the chance to talk with many parents today at the art 'celebration' for the community. I pray that the students continue to grow in their walks with the Lord, and hope to have inspired them to continue learning English as well! It certainly opens a LOT of doors here in Guate to be bilingual! There are quite a few kids at Kairos with the 'knack' for language, and others who work very very hard to do well and thus their accomplishments are well-deserved. Every student is precious to me and I will miss their smiles, hugs, and and constant calls of 'kiim, kiim, kiim!' in the streets. Everyone here knows my name.. I only wish I knew all of theirs! I've got about half of them down by now.
Also, just a little 'fun' note you might appreciate: I went on a ferris wheel at the fair near my house last night. It appears as though they have wired a crude car motor to the ferris wheel, and they use gas and brake pedals to control the wheel. It goes SUPER fast, too... I wouldn't exactly say its the safest thing i've ever done.. but it provided a great chance to connect with some friends over screaming and laughing.
Well, I had better get going because it's pretty late here (and even later where y'all are at!)
I will be home Monday night-- which is coming up FAST-- and hope to spend the coming week catching up with lots of friends and family. I already know I will be missing my 'family' here... but of course nothing can replace the place my friends and fam in the States have in my heart!
The transition will be weird... I often catch myself supplementing Spanish words when the English doesn't come to mind, or doesn't describe what I'm trying to say as well... and I certainly love the food down here. I won't miss the chuchos (dogs on the streets), the early-morning cohetes (firecrackers) for special occasions, or the steaming-hot 'trickle' in our shower. I will miss the community, the walking to school, the weather, the soccer games, the flowers sold on the streets, the constant need to drink agua pura, the beautiful countryside of Guate, and the excuse to hug and kiss everyone you love every time you see them.
God knows that Guate has stolen my heart... and only he knows if I will have the privilege of returning. But for now, I am focusing on the opportunities to take what I have learned and what I love and apply it to the mission field he's presently got planned for me.
The sermon (yesterday) Saturday night was about a parable Jesus told... about a man who discoevered a pearl in a field and sold everything in order to buy the field and have the pearl. Guate is much like a pearl... the culture here, the minstry I have been privilieged to take part in, and the relationships I have built.. they are a huge treasure. I will certainly cherish them in my heart!
Paz y amor to all... see you soon!
-kim
I also had the chance to taste some very cultural worship. Crying is a central element of worship, and I found myself drawn to join the students as they wept tears of suffering, thankfulness, and repentance before the throne of God. I cannot describe how close the community has grown since the campamento this weekend.. and I truly believe a BIG part of it was the worship that we shared, and the vulnerability of the students. Many gave testmonies, and a number of the students have experienced some MAJOR u-turns in their heart, back toward the Lord. Praise God for using the camp as a time of change, healing, and unity!
The Art Camp was this past Thurs. & Fri. at Kairos also. Something that must be understood about Guatemala in order to understand how things went down is that flexibility is of the UTMOST. Thus the ability to think on me feet has become invaluable.
Well, this week half the pueblito is sick with the flu, mild food poisoning, or respiratory problems. That includes about half the teachers I was planning on for talleres(workshops). So at the last minute, I had to find a new drummer, the balloon artist never showed, and there were two workshops that received no interest whatsoever despite their formerly indicated popularity. But all said and done, God really used the 'hiccups' to teach me, and they actually led to a beautiful extended worship time with the middle schoolers, a lot of personal/ministry/leadership lessons, and a bit of last minute supply purchases and workshop modifications. But everyone kept a great attitude and really walked away with joy and lots of expressions of creativity and thankfulness!
I also said my goodbyes to my students. It was very difficult, and I felt a strong desire to say something to them and wasn't quite sure what... there is really SO MUCH to say! I also got the chance to talk with many parents today at the art 'celebration' for the community. I pray that the students continue to grow in their walks with the Lord, and hope to have inspired them to continue learning English as well! It certainly opens a LOT of doors here in Guate to be bilingual! There are quite a few kids at Kairos with the 'knack' for language, and others who work very very hard to do well and thus their accomplishments are well-deserved. Every student is precious to me and I will miss their smiles, hugs, and and constant calls of 'kiim, kiim, kiim!' in the streets. Everyone here knows my name.. I only wish I knew all of theirs! I've got about half of them down by now.
Also, just a little 'fun' note you might appreciate: I went on a ferris wheel at the fair near my house last night. It appears as though they have wired a crude car motor to the ferris wheel, and they use gas and brake pedals to control the wheel. It goes SUPER fast, too... I wouldn't exactly say its the safest thing i've ever done.. but it provided a great chance to connect with some friends over screaming and laughing.
Well, I had better get going because it's pretty late here (and even later where y'all are at!)
I will be home Monday night-- which is coming up FAST-- and hope to spend the coming week catching up with lots of friends and family. I already know I will be missing my 'family' here... but of course nothing can replace the place my friends and fam in the States have in my heart!
The transition will be weird... I often catch myself supplementing Spanish words when the English doesn't come to mind, or doesn't describe what I'm trying to say as well... and I certainly love the food down here. I won't miss the chuchos (dogs on the streets), the early-morning cohetes (firecrackers) for special occasions, or the steaming-hot 'trickle' in our shower. I will miss the community, the walking to school, the weather, the soccer games, the flowers sold on the streets, the constant need to drink agua pura, the beautiful countryside of Guate, and the excuse to hug and kiss everyone you love every time you see them.
God knows that Guate has stolen my heart... and only he knows if I will have the privilege of returning. But for now, I am focusing on the opportunities to take what I have learned and what I love and apply it to the mission field he's presently got planned for me.
The sermon (yesterday) Saturday night was about a parable Jesus told... about a man who discoevered a pearl in a field and sold everything in order to buy the field and have the pearl. Guate is much like a pearl... the culture here, the minstry I have been privilieged to take part in, and the relationships I have built.. they are a huge treasure. I will certainly cherish them in my heart!
Paz y amor to all... see you soon!
-kim
Thursday, July 16, 2009
Final Stretch
Well my final 10 days are upon me. They are packed full:
Friday-- Campamento/retreat with middle schoolers
Saturday-- Campamento/retreat with middle schoolers
Sunday-- Campamento/retreat with middle schoolers
Monday-- more or less 'normal'
Tues-Weds-- Interns Retreat at Lake Atitlan
Thursday- Saturday-- Art Camp at Elementary and Middle school
Sunday-- Church and goodbye dinner
Monday-- Fly out of Guate in the morning.
Iyyy caramba! I am already feeling the stress and speed of things.
Please please please pray that everything goes smoothly with the Art Camp.. I've never planned anything like this before and the Lord has been oh-so-Gracious to me in making things fall together. Just today, I miraculously found someone to teach two more courses that I really wanted to include, gracias a Dios!
I have also had a chance to grow closer to my family through some personal stuff going on at the house. My sisters all have plans to come visit me, either to learn english or just to visit. They're a pretty special crew.
Keep praying also for the Congreso that the church is hosting-- their first EVER! They are looking for sponsors and planning all the details they can. There will be some top-notch bands coming, which is very exciting. They postponed the conference until November, for the sake of logistics, and already Anna and I are talking about returning in order to help out. They really want us to, plus it works because some supplies are being ordered from the States can't be shipped to Guate. And a week later is the wedding of a sister in the church... the gal in charge at the youth corner where I've been working. How special it would be to be involved in those two events... Because now they are being planned and I've taken part..and then to be here when it culminates... ahhh!
I know, I know. Its all just dreams at this point. But I certainly understand the fruitfulness of ministry-- through the events and through the relationships.
Well, I hope to accomplish all that I can to glorify the Lord with my remaining time here. There are lots of people helping me, teaching me, praying for me... but I know that ultimately it's the Lord working through my thoughts, actions and words. Pray especially about the words part... language still has its hiccups at times. But for the most part I really understand everything and never have trouble explaining myself. On top of it, we have our share of laughs when I invent or mispronounce words. There is much joy in my language-learning experience!!
paz y amor, como siempre (as always)!
Kim <><
Friday-- Campamento/retreat with middle schoolers
Saturday-- Campamento/retreat with middle schoolers
Sunday-- Campamento/retreat with middle schoolers
Monday-- more or less 'normal'
Tues-Weds-- Interns Retreat at Lake Atitlan
Thursday- Saturday-- Art Camp at Elementary and Middle school
Sunday-- Church and goodbye dinner
Monday-- Fly out of Guate in the morning.
Iyyy caramba! I am already feeling the stress and speed of things.
Please please please pray that everything goes smoothly with the Art Camp.. I've never planned anything like this before and the Lord has been oh-so-Gracious to me in making things fall together. Just today, I miraculously found someone to teach two more courses that I really wanted to include, gracias a Dios!
I have also had a chance to grow closer to my family through some personal stuff going on at the house. My sisters all have plans to come visit me, either to learn english or just to visit. They're a pretty special crew.
Keep praying also for the Congreso that the church is hosting-- their first EVER! They are looking for sponsors and planning all the details they can. There will be some top-notch bands coming, which is very exciting. They postponed the conference until November, for the sake of logistics, and already Anna and I are talking about returning in order to help out. They really want us to, plus it works because some supplies are being ordered from the States can't be shipped to Guate. And a week later is the wedding of a sister in the church... the gal in charge at the youth corner where I've been working. How special it would be to be involved in those two events... Because now they are being planned and I've taken part..and then to be here when it culminates... ahhh!
I know, I know. Its all just dreams at this point. But I certainly understand the fruitfulness of ministry-- through the events and through the relationships.
Well, I hope to accomplish all that I can to glorify the Lord with my remaining time here. There are lots of people helping me, teaching me, praying for me... but I know that ultimately it's the Lord working through my thoughts, actions and words. Pray especially about the words part... language still has its hiccups at times. But for the most part I really understand everything and never have trouble explaining myself. On top of it, we have our share of laughs when I invent or mispronounce words. There is much joy in my language-learning experience!!
paz y amor, como siempre (as always)!
Kim <><
Sunday, July 12, 2009
"Saturday"
Much has happened this past week in my heart, mind and ministry. I will attempt to share some thoughts with you all.
Wednesday we had an intern meeting with Joel Vandyke and discussed the Biblical premise for the following quote: "There are two things that awaken the heart of God: Affliction and Beauty." -Simone Weil
We discussed how evident the Lord is in the beauty around us.. creation, the people we love, art, order in the world, etc... This is something I don't think many would disagree with. But do we believe that affliciton awakens the heart of God? Does is bring us closer to him and show us his grace? I think this is a Biblical concept... the Psalms are full of honest expression of afflictions. Jesus himself suffered extreme affliction on behalf of us. God understands affliction.
If affliction awakens us to the heart of God, how should we respond to it in our lives? Say, for example, someone has lost a loved one. Should we respond by assuring them of God's goodness, and that this affliction is far outweighed by the joys of glory? This would be a 'Mr Fix-it' response, trying to make the affliction go away and bring on the joy.
But let me suggest another option, the option I think the Bible suggests. We are to enter into affliction with those around us. We are to weep when they weep as well as rejoice when they rejoice. We are to sit and grieve with those who suffer. We are to listen, wait, and agonize with them in affliction. This is Jesus' love. I love the metaphor of the days of the week: Friday is when affliction comes... and the pain and suffering weighs one down. Sunday is the day of rejoicing, when the suffering is lifted and hope is visible. This will truly occur in heaven, but on earth we do also have 'Sundays' when our suffering is alleviated. What flls between Friday and Sunday? Saturday. 'Saturday' is a time when we are to sit, wait, ask questions, weep, and struggle. It is not meant to be done alone... we are beings created for community! Saturday is a day shared by everyone.
Bottom line, I have realized that I too often try to escape or 'make better' the afflictions of those around me. The reality is, we do not show love by doing so! We must also patiently travel the journey with them... Friday, Saturday, Sunday. We can't skip over the affliction and only focus on the beauty... because BOTH reveal to us the heart of God.
I heard a beautiful story this week that exemplifies this idea. There was a man in my community here who was murdered three years ago. He was an involved leader in the church, and very loved by his family. He played in the Mariachi band, and though he lived in Pinula he traveled a few hours to his home to work in the family business. Early in the morning on one of these travels, he was attacked and killed by thieves. He left behind a wife and three children. Someone shared with me the other day that for almost a year, whenever the Mariachi band played at the church, everyone began to weep (though Mariachi music is meant to be lively..) The gaping hole that this man's family felt was shared by the church community. They wept for him, and also for those in affliction because he was gone. They spent 'Saturday' with thos who were suffering.
Permit me to share a few more thoughts. Jesus' ministry was among the least, last and lost of the world. He ministered among the outcasted, marginalized, and ostracized people. In his day it was prostitutes, tax collectors, samaritans ('half-breeds'), lepers, blind, shepherds, fishermen... The people who stunk, were dirty, manipulated others, took advantage of others, and were rejected, or just plain ignored.
Here in Guatemala, Strategy of Transformation has made it their mission to identify these people within the culture and begin to work among them, and seek transformation. One of the most outcast, hated, and rejected people groups in Latin America is gangs. There are two key gangs, Dieciocho and MS-13. On Friday, I had the chance to visit an MS-13 prison with the chaplains who frequent the place, and talked with the gang members incarcerated there. It is important to remember that these men are hated and blamed by society for all of the crime and corruption. They are the marginalized and ostracized. Even within the prison, they are crammed into tiny quarters with a small patio area, though the rest of the prisoners have roam of the grounds. The guards have come in and burned all their belongings as a sort of 'pogrom' or demonstration, to keep them under control and/or appease the people. Everyone hates them, and even in prison the justice system treats them unjustly.
It's also important to remember that some of these homeys deserve every little bit of what they're getting. They have robbed, extorted, raped, and murdered, and finally someone caught them.
Yet...... we too have screwed up. I may not have taken a life, but I've lied, cheated, manipulated, and stolen (maybe not materially, but otherwise) from those around me. The beauty of grace is that I don't get what I deserve. I get forgiveness, at the cost Christ paid, and a changed heart. That is incredible.
So anyhow, I got the chance to chat with these 'homeys'. We made a big meal, listened to some rapping, and they shared their stories. I had the chance to hear stories from a number of guys. They too have suffered, lost ones they've loved, and had rough childhoods and teen years. One of the homes, Marvin, was only 19. Of course they're not innocent, but they world hasn't exactly tried to prevent their struggles from happening, or been on their side in any way. I even got to see the room of one of the head honchos (he let me use his bathroom.. that really makes for a funny story!!). He is the mastermind behind much extortion, corruption and many murders, and after chatting with him a bit you would never have know. He's a pretty normal guy who's had a tough life.. some of it brought on by his choices, no doubt. But God gives us grace... and he's changing the hearts of these guys, even the gang leaders, and changing their perspective on life and purpose and responding to conflicts. God's meeting them where they're at. And it's really exciting to see.
There is more to share, but it will have to wait. This is long enough. I'd say!
Keep me in your prayers, that I will 'aprovechar' (take advantage of) my short time left. Pray for the communities I've visited and I'm working it... and ask for his grace on my feeble efforts to advance his kingdom. I know it's only by his power that true transformation happens.
Paz y amor a todos!
Kim <><
Wednesday we had an intern meeting with Joel Vandyke and discussed the Biblical premise for the following quote: "There are two things that awaken the heart of God: Affliction and Beauty." -Simone Weil
We discussed how evident the Lord is in the beauty around us.. creation, the people we love, art, order in the world, etc... This is something I don't think many would disagree with. But do we believe that affliciton awakens the heart of God? Does is bring us closer to him and show us his grace? I think this is a Biblical concept... the Psalms are full of honest expression of afflictions. Jesus himself suffered extreme affliction on behalf of us. God understands affliction.
If affliction awakens us to the heart of God, how should we respond to it in our lives? Say, for example, someone has lost a loved one. Should we respond by assuring them of God's goodness, and that this affliction is far outweighed by the joys of glory? This would be a 'Mr Fix-it' response, trying to make the affliction go away and bring on the joy.
But let me suggest another option, the option I think the Bible suggests. We are to enter into affliction with those around us. We are to weep when they weep as well as rejoice when they rejoice. We are to sit and grieve with those who suffer. We are to listen, wait, and agonize with them in affliction. This is Jesus' love. I love the metaphor of the days of the week: Friday is when affliction comes... and the pain and suffering weighs one down. Sunday is the day of rejoicing, when the suffering is lifted and hope is visible. This will truly occur in heaven, but on earth we do also have 'Sundays' when our suffering is alleviated. What flls between Friday and Sunday? Saturday. 'Saturday' is a time when we are to sit, wait, ask questions, weep, and struggle. It is not meant to be done alone... we are beings created for community! Saturday is a day shared by everyone.
Bottom line, I have realized that I too often try to escape or 'make better' the afflictions of those around me. The reality is, we do not show love by doing so! We must also patiently travel the journey with them... Friday, Saturday, Sunday. We can't skip over the affliction and only focus on the beauty... because BOTH reveal to us the heart of God.
I heard a beautiful story this week that exemplifies this idea. There was a man in my community here who was murdered three years ago. He was an involved leader in the church, and very loved by his family. He played in the Mariachi band, and though he lived in Pinula he traveled a few hours to his home to work in the family business. Early in the morning on one of these travels, he was attacked and killed by thieves. He left behind a wife and three children. Someone shared with me the other day that for almost a year, whenever the Mariachi band played at the church, everyone began to weep (though Mariachi music is meant to be lively..) The gaping hole that this man's family felt was shared by the church community. They wept for him, and also for those in affliction because he was gone. They spent 'Saturday' with thos who were suffering.
Permit me to share a few more thoughts. Jesus' ministry was among the least, last and lost of the world. He ministered among the outcasted, marginalized, and ostracized people. In his day it was prostitutes, tax collectors, samaritans ('half-breeds'), lepers, blind, shepherds, fishermen... The people who stunk, were dirty, manipulated others, took advantage of others, and were rejected, or just plain ignored.
Here in Guatemala, Strategy of Transformation has made it their mission to identify these people within the culture and begin to work among them, and seek transformation. One of the most outcast, hated, and rejected people groups in Latin America is gangs. There are two key gangs, Dieciocho and MS-13. On Friday, I had the chance to visit an MS-13 prison with the chaplains who frequent the place, and talked with the gang members incarcerated there. It is important to remember that these men are hated and blamed by society for all of the crime and corruption. They are the marginalized and ostracized. Even within the prison, they are crammed into tiny quarters with a small patio area, though the rest of the prisoners have roam of the grounds. The guards have come in and burned all their belongings as a sort of 'pogrom' or demonstration, to keep them under control and/or appease the people. Everyone hates them, and even in prison the justice system treats them unjustly.
It's also important to remember that some of these homeys deserve every little bit of what they're getting. They have robbed, extorted, raped, and murdered, and finally someone caught them.
Yet...... we too have screwed up. I may not have taken a life, but I've lied, cheated, manipulated, and stolen (maybe not materially, but otherwise) from those around me. The beauty of grace is that I don't get what I deserve. I get forgiveness, at the cost Christ paid, and a changed heart. That is incredible.
So anyhow, I got the chance to chat with these 'homeys'. We made a big meal, listened to some rapping, and they shared their stories. I had the chance to hear stories from a number of guys. They too have suffered, lost ones they've loved, and had rough childhoods and teen years. One of the homes, Marvin, was only 19. Of course they're not innocent, but they world hasn't exactly tried to prevent their struggles from happening, or been on their side in any way. I even got to see the room of one of the head honchos (he let me use his bathroom.. that really makes for a funny story!!). He is the mastermind behind much extortion, corruption and many murders, and after chatting with him a bit you would never have know. He's a pretty normal guy who's had a tough life.. some of it brought on by his choices, no doubt. But God gives us grace... and he's changing the hearts of these guys, even the gang leaders, and changing their perspective on life and purpose and responding to conflicts. God's meeting them where they're at. And it's really exciting to see.
There is more to share, but it will have to wait. This is long enough. I'd say!
Keep me in your prayers, that I will 'aprovechar' (take advantage of) my short time left. Pray for the communities I've visited and I'm working it... and ask for his grace on my feeble efforts to advance his kingdom. I know it's only by his power that true transformation happens.
Paz y amor a todos!
Kim <><
Friday, July 3, 2009
Lots going on right now!
Well,
I feel like a lot is going on right now!
I had the chance to visit the department (like province) of Jutiapa for two days, and this weekend I am going to Quiche with the Mariachi band from the church. We will also be visiting Lake Atitlan for two days with all the interns, and will be going to a men's prison and a women's prison before the end of the month. Along with that, Kairos is having a middle school retreat/campamento July 17-19, and I have the privilege of being a counselor!
I'm also working hard to prepare everything for the art camp at Kairos. We decided it will be both morning and afternoon... for the elementary and middle schoolers. The theme is 'expressions', something basic and personal. A lot of the students at the school are not Christians, and do not come from Christian families. We don't want to 'preach' at them, and this gives the teachers a chance to understand their students better, and make relational ministry possible. Plus self-expression is never intimidating. Because God does care for the minute details and the struggles in our lives, 'expressions' is a theme that opens the door to sharing the Gospel, instead of forcing the message upon them.
We will be doing a lot of neat activities surrounding this theme, and I'm debating whether the camp should have a 'theme verse' or simply bring the scriptures into the different classes in various ways. I'm taking ideas.
My host papa is also currently out of a job. He had more that 15 days without work (things are tight in the family right now!) and decided to take the 'break' as an opportunity to visit his daughter in Orlando... he has not visited her in over 5 years, since her children were born! So he is currently stateside and I am here... kind of ironic!
There is also a big celebration the 4th of July in the curch for the youth. They are having guest speakers and bands come, and its a HUGE deal! Pray that it's relevant to the youth and provides lots of opportunities for relationship building. I won't be able to go, but the important thing is that the leaders of the local church are using this event as an opportunity to connect with the youth that would norally never set fot in the church. It's a picture of Jesus' ministry... which happened most often outside the walls of institutional Christianity!
Other than that, not a whole lot is new. :) For those praying for me, please keep me, my family, Kairos school, Nueva Jerusalem church, and my loved ones back home in your prayers. I'm so thankful for them all...
Only 24 days left in Guate.........
paz y amor,
Kim <><
I feel like a lot is going on right now!
I had the chance to visit the department (like province) of Jutiapa for two days, and this weekend I am going to Quiche with the Mariachi band from the church. We will also be visiting Lake Atitlan for two days with all the interns, and will be going to a men's prison and a women's prison before the end of the month. Along with that, Kairos is having a middle school retreat/campamento July 17-19, and I have the privilege of being a counselor!
I'm also working hard to prepare everything for the art camp at Kairos. We decided it will be both morning and afternoon... for the elementary and middle schoolers. The theme is 'expressions', something basic and personal. A lot of the students at the school are not Christians, and do not come from Christian families. We don't want to 'preach' at them, and this gives the teachers a chance to understand their students better, and make relational ministry possible. Plus self-expression is never intimidating. Because God does care for the minute details and the struggles in our lives, 'expressions' is a theme that opens the door to sharing the Gospel, instead of forcing the message upon them.
We will be doing a lot of neat activities surrounding this theme, and I'm debating whether the camp should have a 'theme verse' or simply bring the scriptures into the different classes in various ways. I'm taking ideas.
My host papa is also currently out of a job. He had more that 15 days without work (things are tight in the family right now!) and decided to take the 'break' as an opportunity to visit his daughter in Orlando... he has not visited her in over 5 years, since her children were born! So he is currently stateside and I am here... kind of ironic!
There is also a big celebration the 4th of July in the curch for the youth. They are having guest speakers and bands come, and its a HUGE deal! Pray that it's relevant to the youth and provides lots of opportunities for relationship building. I won't be able to go, but the important thing is that the leaders of the local church are using this event as an opportunity to connect with the youth that would norally never set fot in the church. It's a picture of Jesus' ministry... which happened most often outside the walls of institutional Christianity!
Other than that, not a whole lot is new. :) For those praying for me, please keep me, my family, Kairos school, Nueva Jerusalem church, and my loved ones back home in your prayers. I'm so thankful for them all...
Only 24 days left in Guate.........
paz y amor,
Kim <><
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