StreamThoughts

Progress out at EducateBV work site

2012-01-31T12:22:00.000-08:00

Starting the next chapter...

Yesterday it finally happened. Ground breaking on the EducateBV property and what is the beginning of a new chapter for our family and the village of Buena Vista. For Gina and I, as we stood on the property, praying with friends, and watching the tractor move for the first time it was very surreal for us - seeing the project begin, knowing where we've been, where we are going, and the faith journey that lie ahead. We are excited and are thankful for the encouragement to run hard from our friends, family and everyone who are journeying with us.

We just wanted to share the news, point you to some photos where you can see the progress and a quick video as well. Here are the links to both:

PICASA WEB ALBUM FROM FIRST COUPLE OF DAYS

VIDEO SHOWING THE FIRST DAY AND SOME PROGRESS

Believing for huge things in 2012!!!

Mark, Gina, Corinne, Isaac, Bryn, Eli and Cruz

Taste of things to come...

2012-01-25T19:02:00.000-08:00

Juan and Axel getting some work done...

We are 1 1/2 weeks into the school year for all 27 of our kids... 4 schmidts and the 23 Gateway grads...all are doing amazing. As I type I am out of breath a little, but the work is spread out enough to catch it again, just in time for the next round of kids to come through the house. As we saw the program double from year 1 to year 2 we were anticipating a great ride in 2012 and have tried to be as prepared as possible. Many of our conversations as Gina and I debrief, center around how ready for our for "the bldg", the home of EducateBV and all these initiatives. Today alone we had kids showing up at around 10 a.m., off and on, until 8:15 p.m. when I took them back to Buena Vista tonight.

Gina has been so gracious, helping to parent these kids. I've loved watching her and the other kids "serve" the grads. Not one comes through the home that doesn't get a fresh drink, a snack, or normally a plate of whatever we are eating as a family. This is definitely a "taste" of what is to come for our family, the Harmans (joining us in the fall) and the EducateBV family. We've steadily been feeding a dozen or more kids each of the computer times that we've had and it only excites us for the time where we will have the space to really "feed" them, a place that they can come and enjoy not just the solid meal, but time with our families and sharing life.

HEBER (Ever)

One of the kids who stopped by today was Heber ("ever"). He lives in Tablon and is Milagros' son, family whose husband/father was killed 2 days before Christmas. Just to get to us, to practice his computer skills, he walked over an hour... (watch interview here) We have him and 5 other boys who live in the village of Tablon, walking this distance to get their studies done. Just knowing that makes us eager to have our home / educatebv / located closer and more convenient to all of them.

Pray with us as we continue to love on these teens. They are all amazing people, full of potential and longing for connection and purpose. For more on each of them, check out www.educatebv.com

HARMAN FAMILY - HEADING TO GUATEMALA!!!

2012-01-24T06:50:00.000-08:00

We are the Harman family: Britt and Jodi, Mickey (14), Pierce (12), Clint (12), Kate (11), Meg (8), Morgan (4) and Reagan (2). We have lived in Indiana most of our lives, with the exceptions that Jodi lived in Ohio for a while as a kid, and we lived in Florida for a few years after we got married.

This past fall, we planned a trip to Guatemala to visit Mark and Gina. Our trip came and we had no idea what to expect. We didn't really know what we would be doing and really just wanted to experience life with the Schmidts...the reality of their daily life in Guatemala. Boy, did we ever get the experience. We had no idea how overwhelming it would be for us. There was so much to take in. Every night we went to bed exhausted, but filled. We didn't even realize it, but we were catching the vision, and God was moving in us in an amazing way.

On the way home on the airplane, Britt wrote this draft to Mark (which he didn't send to him until a month after we returned):

Mark,

I found this in the drafts of my gmail account. I wrote it on the airplane on our way home from Guat. I had all of this rumbling around in my head and wanted to write it down before I forgot.

Things I liked about our Guatemala trip: happy little kids in spite of their circumstances, trips in the mule, pizza in Antigua, driving to the grocery store, duck. The weather (really), the view from your roof, seeing things get done that only God could do, delivering milk, Corinne, Isaac, Eli, Bryn, my little buddy Cruz, speaking Spanish (me llamo es. . .? can't believe I said that. I am a dork), coke in a cold bottle.

As I head home I am wondering if your family visiting my house would have as big an impact on your lives as visiting your house has had on mine. I'm pretty sure I know the answer.

Britt

P.S. I thought you might enjoy that. I think about you guys and what you are doing there constantly. Today in our church we were talking about Compassion International. A line I picked up from some of their literature is that "When the darkness of abject poverty engulfs a place, the devil takes over." It made me cry thinking about the people we saw and met when we were with you, and the battles you are fighting. I was having a conversation with a friend and in that conversation, it came up that his grandfather had 21 brothers and sisters and they lived in a 2 room house. I thought of Gelver and his family. That was just in the span of 1 hour. There are countless other examples I would tell you, but I don't want your head to get too big. Does this happen to everyone who visits you?

This conversation started the ball rolling to get us to the point where we are today.

After we returned from Guatemala in October, we knew God was trying to tell us something was going to change. We just didn't know any details. We didn't know if that trip was preparing us for something specific overseas or just a change in how we lived here. After several conversations with the Schmidt's and and lots of prayer, we both felt such a tug on our hearts for the people of Guatemala. So a week in December after a long conversation with the Schmidt's on Skype, we went on a date and both of us agreed and couldn't get around that God was telling us to go to Guatemala and serve. It was just rather daunting and humbling for us to think that God was asking us to do something that only weeks previously seemed overwhelmingly impossible (and rather crazy).

So, this summer or early fall, we will be moving to Guatemala to join The Schmidt family in serving the people of the village of Buena Vista. It has been a big decision, one that involves leaving behind family and friends that we are very close to, selling our house and land that we have become very attached to, as well as selling our business that we have owned for the last 10 years. It has been a decision though, that we have not regretted making. We know there will be a lot of work in the next few months wrapping up our life here in Indiana. We know that when we get to Guatemala there will be even more work. We also know that God has plans for us that we can't even imagine, and we are amazed and excited that God has chosen to use us. We ask for your prayers as we move forward. Pray for us as a family leaving everything that is familiar to us. Pray that God will give us wisdom as we get ready to move. Pray that our family will continue to be effective where we are right now. Pray for our future ministries in Guatemala and pray for our DeepStream coworkers.

For a snapshot of some things we will be involved in daily, check out www.educatebv.com

To help the Harman family financially CLICK HERE

Provision Milagros and Family

2012-01-07T17:51:00.000-08:00


Heber, Milagros, Lucy and Sara

Lastweek we posted a blog (read here) on our friend Milagros and her tragic loss ofher husband, 2 days before Christmas. In that blog I outlined a few ways that we were feeling led to help. We wanted to take a quick moment andgive an update on her situation and how things are going.

Today,Milagros, her children and some of her extended family came to our home for avisit. We had asked them to comeand have lunch and talk through how we could help them as we move forward,loving them and walking with them through this difficult time. It was a great time with them and wenailed down exactly what our next steps are. Here’s the plan:

Heber

Her son, Heber (pronounced “Ever”) will be entering school and continuing his studies, beginning on January 16^th. We were very impressed with this young man, who has been literally forced into the role of “bread-winner” for his mother and two younger sisters. In our other blog we mentioned how he possibly needed to work rather than study. Today they shared that he has the option of enrolling and studying in a program that meets on Saturdays, enabling him to work Monday through Friday. We are excited to share that we have a sponsor for Heber’s education costs, so that burden is lifted off of him and Milagros. At the same time, we can’t imagine walking in his shoes, carrying the burden of studying for a brighter future, while also maintaining the expenses of his home. Pray for him!

Milagros’ two daughters, Lucy and Sara will both be continuing with their studies. Lucy is entering her final year of middle school and will be coming to school in Buena Vista each day, while Sara will be entering fourth grade. Both will have ongoing needs of school supplies and uniforms. After our other post we received the monies needed to help them both with these costs.

Aswe shared with this family today, they shared that there is still a greatsadness in all of their lives as they deal with losing a husband andfather. The younger of the twogirls, Sara, sat and cried as her mom shared some of their feelings. We ask that every one of you reading thisput Milagros and her family on your regular prayer list. Pray for continual healing and peace,and that God will begin to reveal purpose in the sadness.

As a family we are thankful to be walking beside them and thank those of youwho are helping to meet their needs.

Hope in the Midst of Tragedy

2011-12-30T14:14:00.001-08:00

It's Christmas Eve, around 5:00 in the afternoon and we are about to head out to Buena Vista to hang for the evening, celebrate the night with fireworks, an incredible view of Guatemala City, and enjoy time with friends and family. Phone rings and on the other end is a friend of ours... a friend of many of you as well - Milagros (you might remember her from recent blogs and updates - we helped her with a surgery almost two years ago) I greeted her, asked how she was doing and was met with great sadness. She proceeded to tell me that she was very sad because just the day before her husband, while working, had been shot in the chest five times and killed. Gone.

I can't imagine. What do you say? What can you say? As we talked a bit more, she explained that the family had just returned from burying him, from saying their last goodbye - to their husband, their friend, their father. Milagros has three children: Ever (19), Lucy (17) and Sara (9). Just days before, they had plans of celebrating Christmas Even, the biggest party of the year here in Guat, together, but in a moment all was changed.

Today, we hiked over to the village of Tablon to visit Milagros and her family - bringing words of encouragement and hoping that in some way we could speak love and peace into their worlds. Along with us came our friends, the Johnson family, and a team from a partner church in Memphis, TN who was hanging with us for the day. As we showed up at the property gate, Milagros met us and fell into the arms of Gina and I, sobbing, saying over and over that her husband had been killed and that she didn't know how she was going to take care of her children and home. We could only hug, speak soft words and cry with her - telling her that we are here for her and that everything will be o.k.

All 25 of us entered into the property and loved on this family for a moment - a moment that I think will have an impact on each of us forever. We let Milagros share more of the story, but mostly asked how we can help. You see, we believe that God intersected us with Milagros and her family, almost 2 years ago, knowing that in this moment He would have a plan for us in their lives. A plan that includes loving, sharing, and giving. She shared her worry over her two daughters not being able to study this year, due to no income. She shared how her older son who is registered and scheduled to start his career school this January, might need to go to work instead of studying. She shared how she had to go and get a Q2800 loan ($350) in order to claim her husband from the morgue and bury him. We stood and watched as she poured out her heart and worries as her two daughters looked on. We watched as a team who had no idea who Milagros was, opened their hearts to her today and completely erased the debt associated with her husbands untimely death, taking that load off of her mind. Never before in my life has the following verse felt more real and alive to me than in this moment, this morning, in this village.

James 1:27 - "Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction..."

As we stood in her home - my mind was racing as this verse played over and over. What can we do to visit this women in her affliction. These kids who are "orphaned" in a way - what can we do to show that God hasn't forgotten them, that Jesus is present in their world and here for them???

Pause and watch this quick video...

I believe that God intersected each of us who stood there with Milagros today, as well as each of you who have taken to time to read this blog and watch this video, for a purpose. Many who were there were used to help financially today in a way that I know blew this family away. We are all invited to "visit this widow in her affliction" as James wrote. For us, we will visit her, we will pray with her, we have plans to help with many of the needs that we know they will have - we need help as we do this. Here are a few tangible ways that we feel we can be a blessing to this family as we continue to shower them with the love of Jesus.

The Gateway Program is committing to sponsor the 19 year old son (Ever) who is continuing on to his career training - TO HELP CLICK HERE... His education will probably be around $800 for the year, but we will know more info this coming week. Milagros agrees that it is much better for him and the family if he studies for the next 2 or 3 years and is able to get a better job - this will have a greater impact on the family than his working right now. However, this leaves the family with no income.

Educate BV is committing to helping both of the girls with school expenses this coming year which includes around $50 per girl for uniform and supplies. ($100 need) TO HELP CLICK HERE

We are praying for economic ways to bless this family and keep all three kids in school. A possible monthly sponsor for the family would be a huge help, something in terms of around $150 monthly. TO HELP CLICK HERE

As I type, here in my home, with my kids running around, my wife downstairs, I'm thankful that we are all here together and I can't erase the thoughts of Milagros and her three kids back at their home, still in shock of the loss. I hope that today, in some she felt the love of Jesus and His peace. I know that she heard it as we stood there and shared with our words, but I hope that she continues to feel these other burdens lifted one by one.

Milagros will come to our home a week from tomorrow to talk through some "next steps" for us as we help her. Pray for us as we walk with this family through the next weeks and months and if you can - help us help them.

Enjoying the Stars, Anticipating the Sunrise

2011-12-20T19:55:00.000-08:00

Mark and I can hardly believe what is on the horizon. It is like the most beautiful sunrise you've waited all night to see. You know it is going to be spectacular because you see the sunset, spend time watching the stars. You know that all you are watching, all you are witnessing is going to change once that big, orange cylinder shimmies it's way up. Life is being set in motion for that moment the sun is seen.

We feel that way. Over the past 2 months as we've been raising money for the GATEWAY PROJECT, we sense the excitement on how huge the impact will be for the village of Buena Vista. Whether we are talking with local doctors about hosting clinics in the building, or talking to teachers about after school enrichment classes, neighbors about grass to run and play on for free, students who will have access to computers and books, God's Word being read and spoken; lived and modeled, specialists coming in to teach deaf children, families being fed and taught proper nutrition and hygiene, workers being employed, bellies being full, it all is just ginormously,
HUGE

The days have been good. We've seen samplings of what tomorrow brings. We are looking at the stars and dreaming. We are anticipating the new day knowing it is going to be beautiful, but enjoying the stars no matter how far away they may seem to us, they are not out of God's reach.
Won't you dream with us?

Conflicted With Fits of Sweat

2011-12-20T19:34:00.000-08:00

I was so mad that I forgot the camera, but then again I was hit with some frustrating news while walking out the door to take Norma, her son and Cruz, our son to the pediatrician.

Norma's new baby... 3.6 lbs!

When a team was visiting Norma's family's complex they came across her little boy. Norma carried him almost a full 8 months. Even though he was born premature, she never took him to the doctor to be sure he was okay so at 3 weeks he weighs 3.6 lbs. He is the most pathetic, narrow, bony baby I have seen to date. We offered to take her to our pediatrician whom we trust- she worked with us last year to bring health to Alberta Blanca. We know that babies die every day here, every day and so we did not want to wait to see if the baby would slowly improve.

While walking out the door for the apt, Mark said, "Gina, I just want to let you know that Norma brought another lady with her and her small baby since we were going to the doctor anyway she thought she could come. I told her this is a scheduled apt and that the doctor nor us were expecting her. Her aunt then said, but you are such good people I am sure you can find a way to make it work."

So I asked Mark what he planned to do- were we going to pay for this other baby to been seen too? Whey doesn't she just take her 4 month old to the health clinic? Why is it okay to assume that we would pay for her visit? I for sure felt conflicted.

In the car ride I am battling this rude, assumption with the idea of well that's why we're here- to help.
The money always comes in for needs, but how do I know this mom is a true need- I've never met her, don't know what she has been doing for her baby. So my mind was in turmoil, my heart as well.

Norma and her premature son were first. Doctora Norma (Dra.) found problems of fungus in the baby's mouth, on his wiener, thrush on the mom. She said the baby, if not treated for these infections would have slowly stopped eating, and died. Dra. told Norma what to eat, what to drink, how to clean the baby, how to clean herself, what signs to look for in case of an emergency.

I start to sweat.
One, I am holding Cruz who is climbing and crying now for 10 mins. and I know he is sick but I just want him to be quiet and sit with his hands folded and wait!
Two, I am feeling blessed to be a part of changing this mothers life- helping her keep her son alive.
Three, I am just flat out mad that the women there do NOT know how to care for their babies and they wind up dying for no major reasons.
Four, What the heck am I going to do about Glendy sitting in the waiting room- should I just tell her the doctor has no time to see her?

Ater 20 minutes of a lecture, Norma and baby go out and Dra. chats with me about all the meds the mom and baby needs. Then she sees Cruz. He has lost weight and has a throat infection thus, the loss of appetite and body rash. So he's fine. She is telling me about the meds. he needs and I start to sweat again.

My heart is pounding out of my chest.
By principles, I don't want to just let this mom assume we are going to take responsibility for her child from here on out- that happens a lot.
Dra. asks me where Buena Vista is?, how we decide who to treat?, what else do we do etc... I forgot what she said exactly, but my next words were mumbled, shaky, broken.
I proceed to tell her the recourse of what happened an hour ago on our way to her.
I told her I was so conflicted not knowing what to do and explained why.

She put me at ease. Told me she deals with that every day, people just walking up to her office door expecting free treatment because their baby needs medicine. She thanked me for my concern, encouraged me not to worry. She said she would see Glendy and her baby- for free. I told her I could give her the 100q leftover from Cruz and the other apt. and she said, "No, use that towards all the medicine that baby needs." I reassured her this was never my intention, I was a bit embarrassed, but very grateful b/c I did not know what I was going to do.

Glendy's daughter Nataly

Turns out Glendy has been caring for her daughter Nataly very well. Although she only weighs 7 lbs, and needs hernia surgery when she weighs 20 lbs+ she has a problem spitting up her milk. That coupled with mom only having 1 working breast were obstacles the Dra. thought were easily tackled. Glendy HAD taken Nataly to the health center 4 times since birth for help, but she never took her to the clinic ( different places but to us interchangeable). The baby just needs some vitamins and mom needs to drink more fluids and care for the clogged boob issue.

When we left to get the medicine I asked Mark to come with me into the pharmacy so I could tell him more of the details. I was just in tears, feeling thankful and relieved. Both babies are good on the mom's milk only as long as they follow her directions so we'll just help with the foods they need. Although Norma's bill at the pharmacy was substantial and so was Cruz's we were okay- we figured on that. Glendy's was only 29q ($4) and her visit was free.

So I stressed myself out over $4! My principles get in the way so often. I praise God who knits all hearts together to bring healing. I am so thankful we can be apart of watching these 2 cousins grow and learning more and more or ourselves in the process. We'll take them both back in January for a re-check and I am sure I will bring the money we owe our sweet pediatrician.

So I forgot my stinkin' camera, but when we came home we took some video.
Here is the video

GOT MILK???

2011-12-09T14:22:00.001-08:00

Got milk??? Well today there are 19 families who can say they do, thanks to the sponsors of the milk/nutrition program. Gina and I spent a couple hours this afternoon sitting in some of the family's homes and sharing time with them and we get more excited with each visit as we see the progress in each of the kids.

Today, one family in particular reinforced for us the importance of this initiative. Rosa Guadalupe and her mom Maria were added a few months ago and we've been watching Rosa change before our eyes. Not just physically, but the way that she reacts to us while we are there - she is warming up to us and the sadness and fear that we saw on our first visit is disappearing. I shot a video of her today which you can watch below.. We also met Rosa's new baby brother, 3 weeks old, who also will be benefiting from the milk program. His mother drinks the Incaparina (fortified drink)which we provide and this is a huge help to the production of her own milk and ability to feed this new life. We left their home smiling and thankful for the connection with this family.

The program has been blessed with many monthly sponsors, many who've come to us just recently wanting to help with the monthly costs. At this point there are 4 of the families who are still needing an advocate to partner with them. If you would be willing to help, VISIT HERE and let us know which family you would like to sponsor. (You'll see SPONSOR NEEDED noted in green)

www.deepstreamglobal.com

A Morning Of Hope - Gateway Project

2011-12-08T12:08:00.001-08:00

This week we've been focused on getting the students of the Gateway Project registered and ready to move ahead with their studies. It has been awesome seeing the excitement on their faces as we are helping them take one step closer to realizing their dreams. Maybe you remember previous posts about the opportunity these kids have, maybe not. For each, huge dreams exist, as well as a financial barriers that seem impossible to overcome for a family living on less than a dollar a day per person. Thanks to EducateBV's Gateway Project and the many sponsors who are advocating for these students, their future has never looked brighter.

After we registered a group of 7 students yesterday, we went to lunch at McDonalds, first time for each of them to ever experience french fries from McD's (that's what we call "injustice") Seriously though, as I was ordering and recounting some of the morning with Gina I couldn't finish my sentence and stood there at the counter tearing up. Reason was, I was sharing how I watched two of the young ladies, walking out of the school where they will attend. They didn't know I was watching, but they hugged each other in the street, sharing excitement to finally be studying further. (you can watch a video of Angela talking about why it's a big deal for her HERE.) It just reminded me of what a huge difference this is making in the lives of these two girls. A couple months ago, it was only a dream, one they figured would never happen, but yesterday, their hugs for each other seemed to speak volumes to what is going on in their lives.

It was also a cool experience watching three of the young ladies who are going to be studying for the second year in the Gateway Program. Last year at this time, they were clueless, timid, honestly scared to death, never having touched a computer and wondering what lie ahead in the big city of Antigua. Watching their confidence yesterday as we walked into their school... what a difference... talking with teachers that they know, walking into the school office like they own the place, and just an aura about them which also speaks volumes to what is taking place in their lives.

2012 is going to be an exciting year! Working with these 22 young adults will have it's share of challenges, but the reward of watching them succeed, getting to pour into their lives as they become more a part of our family, is priceless! At this point, we've received the commitments that each was needing in order to pay for their school year and we are looking forward with anticipation to what God will do in their lives and hearts.

Pray with us for this group. You can see their faces by visiting MEET THE STUDENTS.

WWW.EDUCATEBV.COM

EDUCATION FOR CHRISTMAS

2011-10-29T09:52:00.000-07:00

As we head into the Holidays and begin to close out 2011, our family is looking to a new year with great anticipation. In early 2012 we hope to begin construction on a multi-use facility which will be the home of EducateBV, an initiative aimed at changing Buena Vista through new educational opportunities. As we begin construction on a facility which will house the middle school, feeding program, computer classes, not to mention our family - we also look to the immediate need that is before us right now - Sponsorships... This year EducateBV and the Gateway Project has grown to include 22 sponsorships for continuing education, kids with huge dreams for a better life, each with an opportunity in front of them to realize those dreams.

Around the Holidays each year, we are presented with so many opportunities to give, we are encouraged to changed our focus from the normal routine of consuming and renew our focus with one of giving. For the past 2 years our family has been involved in various "Advent Conspiracy" initiatives and this year is no different.

INTRODUCING EDUCATION FOR CHRISTMAS!!!

We encourage you to make this Christmas different for a child here in Buena Vista and help us change a life by giving the gift of education. For the months of November and December we are focusing on a short-term goal of raising $25,000, which will benefit two specific areas:

1. Sponsorships - we are excited about the 22 young adults who are in the Gateway Project in 2012 - at this point, we have received commitments for many of them and are still in need of families who will partner with one of these kids to make their dreams reality. You can visit HERE for more information on sponsorships still needed.

2. Land Purchase / Payoff - we have been excited to see the provision for the purchase of the land which will be home to EducateBV. At this point, we need $11,000 to eliminate the debt in full and move forward. For info on the land and plans for construction - CLICK HERE

We ask you to pray about your part - $25,000 will eliminate both of these needs and every dollar that is given is going to raise the level of education for the kids of Buena Vista and will help offer more opportunities for a better life. Remember - YOU CAN CHANGE THE WORLD!

CLICK HERE TO GIVE.

Vanesa-14 Mother of 3?

2011-10-13T09:43:00.000-07:00

When we met Vanesa her situation was very sad.

Josue, Esau, Vanesa holding Esdrys.

Vanesa has 2 younger brothers and a 1 year old sister who are with her all day all night by themselves in a teeny tiny, 2 room shack while their mom is gone all day and all night working. The mom returns for about 12 hours/ week to drop off small amounts of food, change clothes and head back out. While home Vanesa does all the cooking, washing, bathing basically everything that needs to be done to care for a family-by herself. She's 14. When we went to her house a fews weeks ago, Vanesa was completely embarrassed and asked us not to come in because it was filthy. After much coaxing we entered and man was she right! The smell was raunchy, the dirty diapers piled on top of the trash on the floor, the layers of dirt and cooked, old food on the table and stove the banana peels left out, the flies etc...Again, she is 14, left alone to do EVERYTHING!

We enrolled their family in the Milk & Nutrition program and have already gotten a sponsor. Vanesa would love to go to school. Because of this we(Steed family included) have been burdened and praying for wisdom on what to do. After many interactions of just feeling helpless and kinda mad that the mom can be so neglectful, our visit today-amidst the days and days of gray skies, dreary, hard rain- the sun was shining!

We met Grace.

Grace is the grandmother we did not know existed. Through her own turn of events she was living alone. Her daughter then asked her to come and live with the kids and sleep there, cook so that she could work without having to return home to check on the kids.

When we walked in today we were surprised to meet her. Grace may have felt a bit weird at the overwhelming joy in my voice and face about the situation. We asked if we could look into enrolling the kids in school for Jan. and she said it would be fine. There is not an end to her living there, she said. Vanesa said her mom would not be returning for those few hours a day and they have not seen her in a few days. Although the kids must miss their mom and we'd love to see a change on her heart towards her children, Holly put it well when she said," Making sure the kids are well cared for and their needs met is the priority right now."

Josue will need a special needs school.
He will first need to be evaluated by
specialists in a nearby town, then
accepted into the school.

We know Grace was sent by God through His Grace he has for each one of us. There is no doubt He orchestrated each event, the timing could not be more perfect for us to get working on getting them enrolled in school as well as to bring comfort as we've been vexed to know what to do.

Pray with us for this family, please.
If you would like to be a part of
sponsoring Vanesa and her brothers the
GATEWAY PROJECT

will use your donations towards the supplies, uniforms all they need for school. We are at the beginning of this project so hard numbers are hard to come by now, but if you'd like to help, send us an e-mail @

www.deepstreamglobal.com or www.educatebv.com

2011-10-12T10:16:00.000-07:00

Family.
That word warms me.
Sometimes it also stresses me out.
I love the idea of what a family could and should be for each other and I am working towards that everyday. Upbringing and expectations linger in the threads of each family.
Time does not stand still.
Parents, extended family age and pass away. Children are born. There is life and death and none hits harder than within the family.
My family is unique as is yours. Each one in the family has their place.
I look at my kids and wonder what they think their families will be like when they are older.
What would they change? What would they like to repeat?
My Family.

Cruz 9 months,
Elijah 10,
Mariah Bryn 11,
Isaac 14,
Corinne 15

Meet Gelver- Can YOU Help Him?

2011-10-12T10:05:00.000-07:00

Gelver's house. 9 people sharing 3 beds.
When asked the mom said she was thankful
that she has a dry, warm home to keep
her kids safe. She is grateful her husband
has had steady work for 15 years. But even
with a steady job his pay is low as he is
unqualified for a higher paying job.
He works hard- just does not have a way of
earning enough for more than food and
clothes and school supplies.

Mark interviewing Gelver for
the sponsorship program. We are hoping
he and 20 other teenagers like him
will be able to go to the equivalent of
High School / Vocational School.
www.educatebv.com
If he or his classmates do not further their
education, they will not make more than
$ 5/ day.

Gelver with mom and youngest sibling.
Gelver will be the first in his home to go past the
6th grade. What a privilege he
has before him and what a good example
to his younger 6 brothers and sisters.

2011-10-12T09:45:00.000-07:00

I am so thankful we have been here long enough to see some real success stories.
The first is Blanca Alberta and her family.
They have just received a new, clean, safe, dry home.
Alberta celebrated her 1 year birthday healthy and strong in part to the formula and food she's been receiving over the past year.
We got a smile from her instead of tears for the first time. Big success!

Cute Alberta Blanca in front of her new home.

at the 12x12 home dedication

The second tale of joy is Alexander. He looks sooo good and soon will be 1 year old and we'll switch him from formula to regular milk. He lives in Tablon ( a 30 minute hike), but his mom is a trooper and makes in to BV 3-4 times a week to visit with her older children and pick up his supplies.

Alexander will be one year old in December.

2011-10-12T09:33:00.000-07:00

Found out that one of our nutrition families who have 7 kids will be adding their 8th before the year is over. Children are gifts and they bring such joy, but they also need to be fed and cared for. When I see this family I wonder how they can care for any more when they can't even care for the ones they have.
Their 18 month old daughter weighs only 19 pounds, their 3 year old weighs 27 pounds and all the way to their 15 year old, they are small, skinny. They live in a one room house that has 3 queen sized beds for all 9 soon to be 10 of them.

Recently we saw they had mites under their skin. Mom said it was from the mountain, but we've seen this kind before and it is from not bathing, being dirty sleeping on dirty sheets and mattresses. Yes, the dirt from the mountain has bugs. It gets on their clothes and skin. When they come home if they don't wash or change all their clothes the bugs in the dirt burrow in the skin, the mattress and just live there. This family has running water by the pila(laundry/ washing sink) out in the middle of their property, but no place to bathe. There is no bathroom either. I would be certain they are dirty almost all of the time.

So as I rejoice that they will have another baby, I ask myself, how is the mom going to have enough milk to sustain an 8th child when she did not have enough for the 7th? Where is the clean place this baby will sleep? Pulled from one mind process to the other, trusting God to give us strength to give and love as we should, but struggling not to weigh heavily on the side of reason and logic. Find myself wondering if my standards are too high.

Big sister Cristina was carrying Lupe
on her back
first time we met them

Rosa Guadalupe at 18 months- hardly any hair
any fat or energy.

2011-10-11T12:47:00.000-07:00

Back in the States - always a bitter sweet time for me. This past Saturday my son Isaac and I boarded the plane and headed here to Michigan to share at a missions conference. It has been a great time so far, on many levels.

Reconnecting with my highschool baseball coach / spanish teacher, after 22 years, hearing stories of his journey and telling stories of mine. (God has been gracious to us both!)
Time with my boy - hanging out father and son, just relaxing and really having alot of down time together, just being us.
Enjoying the Fall, here in Michigan - colors of trees changing, beauty of the countryside.
The house where we are staying is owned by a new friend, Gary, great guy, beautiful place. He has 5 pet buffalo (never met anyone who I could say that about). Another cool experience for us, to say the least.

Being here in the States, though, always makes me thankful that God called us to do what we are doing in Guatemala. The 4 times I've come back over the time we've lived out of the country have all drummed up the same feelings. While there are many parts of "home" that I miss, there are a lot that I don't. The main one being "BUSYNESS". I'm not saying we aren't busy in Guatemala... life keeps us running, doing plenty of things, meeting all sorts of needs, while sharing faith and life. I'm talking about the kind of busy that distracts - the kind that keeps us distracted from what is right in front of us.

As I got off the plane, it struck me immediately... ipods, ipads, iphones, blackberry's, droids, people glued to them, distractions, fast pace, the rat race... working rather than "being". I'm a big believer in work, but I am becoming more and more a believer of there being a time and place for everything. When I see 3 people sitting for dinner, all texting or emailing rather than engaging each other, I wonder "what are we missing?" How much of life, community, connection, family, friendship, priceless moments pass us by in those moments of busyness and distraction? Moments that can't be redeemed... Only time will tell, as stories unfold around us, often stories of hurt, struggle, failure, which are being told as it is too late, rather than in a moment when we might have been able to help.

Be encouraged today to "put down whatever it is that distracts you from being present in the life of another..." Put it down. Focus on the person who is across the table from you, lives under the same roof as you, is married to you, calls you mom or dad, sister or brother. Listen to what's going on in their world, really listen, and in the end, you'll see more opportunities to pour into other than you ever thought existed.

Love All... Worship One.

Mark

EDUCATE BUENA VISTA - ANNOUNCEMENT

2011-09-17T15:43:00.000-07:00

On August 24th, our family hit the 2 year mark of living here in Guatemala and serving the people of Buena Vista and surrounding villages - two years filled with new relationships, initiatives, and sharing the faith and hope that we have in Jesus. During the better part of the past year we have become very involved in the EDUCATION of the boys and girls living in Buena Vista, helping with sponsorships for continuing education and also beginning various in-school programs. The past 2 months living here have brought us much clarity and vision for the future of Buena Vista.

Clarity - knowing that God is asking us to dig in and commit to change this village, knowing that we will be living in Guatemala for the long-term.

Vision - feeling firm in our call to rethink and reform the educational process here in BV and develop a facility that enables us to see this vision become a reality.

This upcoming week will be a huge step in this process as our family gives a deposit and commits to buying a piece of land in the heart of the village, which will soon become an educational center for the middle school grades (Basico Program). As we've looked for land and prayed over the past year, we continually said let's wait and we will know when the time is right. Well, the time is now. This piece of land found us and when we walked on it the first time we could feel God saying this was the future place of ministry for our family as we seek to reach the students of BV and bring lasting change for generations to come.

To see this vision become a reality we need your prayers and ask you to believe with us for amazing things. We ask you also to step out in faith and commit to helping us with the project over the next year. There is an immediate need of 16k in order to pay the land in full, enabling us to move into the development phase. Visit www.educatebv.com for more of the story on how this is unfolding and for information on the FUTURE OF EDUCATION in Buena Vista, the Construction Project, and how you can become involved.

www.educatebv.com

Recent News from Malawi and the LivingWell Project 2011

2011-09-14T19:30:00.000-07:00

As you may already know, I was blessed to be able to travel around the world this past May to the country of Malawi, Africa. It goes without saying, but this trip was one of the highlights of my year, and probably one of the coolest events of my 38 years of life. The feeling of walking off the plane and stepping foot onto Malawian soil after a few years of helping provide water wells there was surreal.

I have read so much about the country, the need, the people, but to be there, for me was an incredible experience. Today I read an update from my friend Steve Cook, President of Equitas, Inc, (learn more at www.equitas.cc) highlighting two new well projects that are underway in the Gadi and Mwape villages. These villages were where we stayed for 3 nights while in Malawi and I remember walking the trails and scouting out the potential new well projects with Steve, so I was excited when I read that the funding is in place and recently wired.

Another highlight from our trip is pictured in this blog. Just before leaving for my trip, Gina and I had decided that I should take $500 of "discretionary" monies, just in case I encountered a need while in Malawi. While staying with the Gadi and Mwape villages, we were talking one night with the men, asking them to share various needs. One man named Moises (seen above), spoke up and mentioned that they did not have Bibles. I asked how many they needed. 40 Bible would put one in every home in the 2 villages. At a cost of $10 each we could cover it no problem. Immediately I felt that God was saying this was the purpose of the extra funds. Steve agreed and as we left, we shared that Bibles would soon arrive.

About a month ago, I received the photos you see below. One of the shots is of the villagers receiving the Bibles, the other is some of them thanking God for His provision. Our family is thankful for the opportunity we had to fund this small need and we thank each of you who made it possible.

2011-09-11T10:49:00.000-07:00

Our 2 year anniversary of living in Guatemala just passed.

Time does move fast doesn’t it?

Trying to recap the months that make up years is hard, days that make up months that make up years harder. Hours that make up days that make up months that make up years and then minutes that make up hours that make up days that make up months that make up years....impossible.

But it’s these minutes that count soo much.

The minute you smile at someone, or welcome them into your home. The minute you use to say goodby to your kids on their way to school. The minute you kiss your baby before the long nights sleep. The minute you slam the door in anger. The minute you say an unkind word, or a give a dirty glance. The timing of missing an accident by a minute. This is what makes up our days- minutes.

My minutes seem to roll together in such a way that I can’t process what I did with them until the day is winding down and then sometimes it is too late to change anything about the day. Other times it leads me to prayer of forgiveness or of thankfulness. I don’t like days where along the way there is no time to process how I am using my minutes because the minutes are double and triple booked multi tasking. I can do it, but I know that I am missing out on the sweetness, the magnitude, the power encapsuled in each minute God has given for me to use in good, loving, patient, understanding, kind, helpful ways.

Time alone in prayer for myself has been asking God to bring peace each minute for I know where God is there is peace. Life has it’s moments of busyness, of just flat out work, but they are, well should be moments. All day, everyday is not good. Being pulled to allow my life to be that way is not acceptable to me and thankfully over the years of making a stand against it, I have come to notice the warning signs of the triple booked minute which red flag me into prayer.

Years, months, weeks, days count for something and so does each minute.

Update on Alberta Blanca

2011-09-11T10:36:00.000-07:00

Yeh for birthdays! We celebrated a special one for a little girl named Alberta Blanca. When we first met her she weighed under 4 lbs at 3 months old. 9 months later as we sit with her on her 1 year birthday and watch her smile at her mom we are so very thankful for last Thanksgiving Day when God intersected our paths. Alberta is still small, but she is much healthier and stronger, happier. Her mom has grown to look more peaceful too as when we first met her she was preoccupied with the malnourishment of her first child.

Giving this family a food basket last year opened the door to a year long committment of baby formula and breakfast drinks through the Milk & Nutrition Program. Being in their home often, helped us see the great need for a more stable, cleaner home. Since meeting in Novmeber of 2010 we’ve worked as a team to move this family in a healthy direction. Food, formula, medical care, clothing, bedding, helping them pay off their debt borrowed against their land have allowed us to show them love in tangible ways. In 3 weeks she and her family will be sleeping in their new home with full bellies. Our prayer is that they turn all their happiness into thankfulness towards God knowing He loves them so much! (and so do we)

And of course, a 1 year old birthday would not be complete with out the babies crying!!!

The Cattle Project - How it will work...

2011-07-09T11:58:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago we purchased the first 4 of what should be many cows. With the help of a recent donation, specifically towards cattle, we were able to bless 3 different families with their own baby bull, "Chivo" in spanish, which will produce income for these families in the months ahead. (read more here) While we continue building coops and purchasing chickens, this is another opportunity which will help many families. This blog is a quick overview of how the plan will work, and the overall purpose moving ahead of the project.

Connecting opportunities

We look at each family that we are blessed to work with as an opportunity to share of faith. While we want to have an ongoing friendship with them, each family represents a great opportunity to point people to Jesus. In each case, as we connect deeper, we look to talk through life issues, needs, the fact that God knows where they are and what they need, and the most important truth of following Jesus with everything they have.

Economic Provision

A cow, female or male, is a great way to supplement a families needs, as well as eventually sustain a family if the business opportunity is handled properly. There are a couple of ways that this new project will have an Economic impact on the families involved.

As I outlined in the blog mentioned above, the cost for us to provide a cow for a family is around Q1300, or $165. The family will care for it for the next year and it will sell for around Q4000, or $500. The care involved in most cases is minimal and can be accomplished within the normal routine that these families live and work. The plan is that they can buy another with proceeds from the sale, and use the profit for other needs, or possibly grow their "herd" of cattle. Another level of help is with two families which we've identified who have an interest and the time to actually care for more than just one cow. Here's how that part of the project works:

Caretaker Income

As mentioned, we "gifted" 3 families with the first round of cows. As I began talking with one of the men who I know works his own land as his source of income, I asked if he would have interest in caring for 3 other cows. He replied "3 or 4 is no different than 1"... This is where the idea of purchasing more came from. How this part will work is as follows: In addition to his one cow, of which he has 100% ownership, he has agreed to care for the 3 additional cows which are owned by Eli's Chicken Club. He will care for each of them alongside his own cow. As they are sold down the road, we will get the original purchase price back, as well as 1/2 of the profits. So the benefit is two fold..

The Caretaker - he will profit an additional Q1200 per cow, for doing almost the same amount of work as if he only had one. So the income potential and ability to grow his personal business or herd is a great upside and has alot of possibilities.

Eli's Chicken Club - a goal for this project is that it can end up sustaining the chicken club. With time, our plan is that we will have the ability to sell and buy more cows every 2 months, enabling us to use the profits we earn as a means to build coops as needed, buy chickens, and continue the project with the cows.

Where we are now... yesterday we completed a small stable at the home of the first family who will be caring for the cows. It is a small area which will keep them out of the rain and give a place for them to grow. In early August we will be purchasing the additional 2 which will be at this home and will move onto the next family and getting things started there. At this point the plan seems solid and the project is one which will not involve much from us, other than resources on the front end. Updates will come as it progresses so check back with us from time to time.

Micro-Businesses MOOOOOOVING Ahead

2011-06-16T18:45:00.000-07:00

MOOOOOOVE over chickens, there's a new animal on the block. Thanks to a recent donation from some friends back in the states, today we were able to officially enter the "cattle business" here in Buena Vista. Eli's Chicken Club has been providing small businesses for families for the past two years and during that time we've considered other types of animals, so we figured, why not make it happen and explore the potential. The basic business plan... cost of a cow is Q1300 (roughly $130) A family only needs to care for it, mostly taking it to the mountain to graze (often the men can take it to where they work or bring back weeds and food). A year and 3 mths and it should sell for around Q4000 ($500) Ideally, they buy 1 or 2 more with the proceeds and have a little profit. From there it could be a substantial way to earn money and provide for a family.

A few months ago we began talking with 2 brothers who live at the lowest point in Buena Vista, a part that in a lot of ways has been forgotten. Both of their families were blessed with homes through the 12x12 Love Project in 2010, but as we've connected with them we have looked for a way to help with some sort of sustainable income. The idea of cows and the two of them working together to support their families seemed to keep coming to mind. I spoke with both of them and asked if they would be willing to work together if we somehow could provide the cows to get started and both loved the idea and have been eager to get going. Today we bought a young bull and a young female cow, hoping that as they grow they could actually reproduce and have additional possibilities of income.

As we were visiting with another family recently, the wife was sharing with us that her husband is a farmer (Apolenario, seen in photo with Eli) . They also had purchased a bull a year or so back and had been growing it, planning to sell it to supplement the family needs. In late 2010, there was such a huge amount of rain that his entire crop of tomatoes was lost. Due to the unexpected loss, the family had to sell their bull to make ends meet. The whole situation was a huge loss to their family and quite a setback financially. She wasn't sharing with us in an "asking" way, only as a way to let us know more of her story. It was clear to Gina and I as we spoke that it truly was an unexpected event and that their family was struggling as a result. Today, we were able to help them by buying them a young bull. Our family also purchased a 3rd bull which he has agreed to care for over the next year and will share in the profit when it is sold. Another way for them to earn a small income and provide for the families needs.

Why does all of this matter? What's the point? How can a cow or chickens change a world? Every project or initiative that we are involved in here in Guatemala stems from relationship. We do not just go around giving out chickens or livestock, help educate kids or give out milk. Everything is connected to relationship and through those relationships we have the chance to share our faith and to pour into the lives around us. We feel strongly that as we connect with families and we have opportunities to meet needs, we have the greater opportunity to point these people to God's provision and His meeting their need. We testify to Jesus hearing their cries, knowing their need and meeting it. All of these are ways that God shows these families how real He is and how involved He wants to be in their life.

We will post updates on the progress this new initiative here at Streamthoughts. Check back with us. To provide a small micro-business opportunity to a family, visit www.deepstreamglobal.com

Back in Business

2011-06-09T13:20:00.000-07:00

In June of last year, God intersected our paths and hearts with a young family around the corner from our home. I remember talking with Julio Cesar and his wife Vanessa at our front door and sharing with Gina shortly thereafter that there was something different about them. They had asked us if we could come and see where they lived and maybe consider some type of help with a home. This initial meeting has begun a series of events that God is using to show them His love and provision. God provided the home within a few short months, through a partner church of ours. (For more on that story CLICK HERE to watch a short video.)

As we passed time together, Julio Cesar shared his story of his work, an accident that had occurred causing 2nd and 3rd degree burns over most of his body, as well as his desire to return to work as a welder. Only problem, all of his tools had been destroyed in the accident. Since our first meeting we could tell that they were both hard workers, doing their best with what they had, and fighting hard to have a decent way of life. Since we've know them, it has been our desire to help him get back to work, possibly purchase tools and give him a kick start to supporting his family once again. Two weeks ago, God provided the monies to do just that and today Gina and I had the privilege of taking he and his family into the city to buy all the necessary tools to begin. Smiles covered both of their faces as we ventured into the "big city" in search of the place where we could find what he needed. As we arrived at the hardware store, he walked in and began getting together what he would need to do his work. Wondering whether we would be able to get it all, he brought me over the list of prices with a "questioning" look on his face. Everything from a high-end welding machine, air compressor, grinder, drill, cables, welding mask, etc... The back of our car was loaded as we drove away, excited for their family and this new beginning in their home. Thank God for his provision through our friends at Destiny Church in Rio Rancho, NM. This partner church has wanted to be deeply connected with this family ever since their first meeting, knowing that they can have a long-term impact as the connection grows deeper. We stopped by Pollo Campero for lunch, had some playtime with their son Roger, watched Vanessa climb in the playplace with him, and just passed more time talking and enjoying being together.

It's a day like today that re-enforces why we are here - to be world changers. The world is a huge place, but if you look at it in terms of people, in terms of individuals, it gets smaller. As you look into the eyes of this family above, you can see how this connection, time spent together, and a "helping hand" can change their world. Julio, as a man, feels different, like he can now do what his heart tells him he needs and wants to do: provide. Vanessa, as a woman has a restored trust and hope that her man, whom she nearly lost two years ago in the accident, is rejuvenated and ready to work and build his career once again. As a family, their world is changed as we point them to the realization that God saw them in their need, heard their many cries and has provided and loves them unconditionally. Our families world also is changed through this experience as we are reminded what truly matters in this life: Loving God with all our heart and loving our neighbor as ourselves.

Who is our neighbor? Julio Cesar, Vanessa and their two boys and everyone else God places in our path.

Who is your neighbor?

For more info on our family and our mission as advocates in Guatemala visit www.deepstreamglobal.com

Buena Vista School - More Progress

2011-06-07T18:48:00.000-07:00

Today marked the beginning of a new endeavor which we as a family, together with our friend Walda Leiva, are taking head on. You might remember back when the current 13 graduates in our program began their studies in the various schools, they were a decent distance behind the others in their classes, for many reasons, two being Computers and English. We've shared how God provided computers and enabled us to quickly begin an in-home internet cafe / learning time for them to come and get up to speed with where they should be. (He recently provided two more computers for the program, which brings us up to 8)

As we began working with the students back in February, we also realized that in order to get the 2011 graduates ready to continue studying, we would need to do something in the school, helping them to gain the experience they will need in both the areas mentioned. Today was the start of the computer and English classes in Buenas Vista's Basico program.. It went extremely well as we divided the class in half, one group learning computers with Walda for 45 minutes, while the others learned English with Gina and I, then the groups changed and we taught the others. It was a great beginning to what we hope will be a long-term relationship with these students and with the teachers in the school. The Director kicked off our time by praying, thanking God for the help He has provided, as well as thanking our group for being advocates for a better school. As he shared, he fought back the tears - a reminder to each of us how much the investment of time and resources means to the people of this village.

Today brought to our attention another battle that is in front of us as we seek to bring change to the education in BV. Each time we are there working or serving, we have noticed how much wasted time there is in the students day. We see them wandering around with little direction, getting snacks, talking outside the school, passing the time however they want. We are feeling the need to meet with the Director and teachers soon to begin helping them be better organized and make better use of each day.

Pray with us as we work hard on these three fronts. Pray for the continual deepening of relationships with the 13 current graduates who are sponsored by the Education Fund. Pray for the 16 upcoming students who we will be connecting with in the school each week, and will also be seeking sponsorships for in late 2011 / 2012. Pray for us as we look for ways to better the education for the kids who are attending the Buena Vista school each day.

Sandra - Immediate Medical Need

2011-05-30T21:08:00.000-07:00

We could really use your help.
Sandra has a medical condition where if not treated it could eventually result in death.
She has a UTI and Gastritis which we’ve started treatment on those already, but she also has a condition due to an extended time of living with the gastritis where her intestines are diminishing in diameter not allowing her food to pass correctly. In time, if not treated her food instead of going out will come up she will not be getting any nutrition and worse her semi digested food will sit, become septic, she’ll vomit it up and pieces could enter her lungs. A woman in Buena Vista died of this same condition last year because she waited to be treated (due to economic difficulties) and after 3 days of vomitting sludge, she called the doctor, but it was too late.

Sandra is a sister to one of our DS Education graduates and her family has been part of the milk program for almost a year. She has 4 young children Victor, Jacolyn, Cindi and her 7 month old Teresa. (Pictured at the right)

We met with her entire family and the doctor explained the severity of her condition, the risks. Dr. Carlos explained to the family that stress, anger, frustration intensify this probelm so in curing the body her emotions and thoughts also need medical attention too. One without the other will not provide a complete cure and the condition could return. She has been on an IV since early this am making sure she is well hydrated and flushing her system. She’ll start her medicines on Wednesday. Today we delivered baby bottles, bottled water and special milk for the baby as Sandra will have to wean Teresa and for the next 4-6 months she’ll need to drink special formula. Her in-laws and parents have committed to help with caring for the children.

There are a good amount of risks even moving forward with the gentlest of care.
*Medicines we are hoping to clear the intestines may not work.
*Teresa could refuse to take the bottle or become ill if the bottles are not properly cleaned.
*The stress of others caring for her children could lessen the affects of the medicine.

These are just a few listed by the doctor, but we all agree that God is in control of her body and we are doing what we can with the gifts he has given us to make this young mom healthy.

Here is where we need your help- pray for her, her children, her family and the adjustement of a new diet, new way of feeding an infant, patience for all.
Please pray for Dr. Carlos and his assistant Marleny. Pray for us as we help her with encouragement and funds. In addition we need your help financially. The cost should run between $400-$600 not including the formula (thanks to a donation from a family in NC to the Programa de Leche, we figure this cost to be covered for the next 4 months).

Thank you so much for praying for Sandra and her family and for helping in whatever way you can. We have faith that God will not only heal her, but bless her with His presence as we hope to be in her home more often talking of Him and His Goodness.

To help financially click www.deepstreamglobal.com

Graduate News

2011-05-22T17:13:00.000-07:00

We had a great meeting with the 13 graduates this past weekend. Eating and talking together at the table about classes, homework, life. Boyfriends and girlfriends came up and with blushed faces a few of them spoke reluctantly of recent interests. They all each said their names and ages in English answered questions about their hardest classes and their plans for improving their grades before the next report card is issued the middle of June.

We have a surprise for Elida, she is studying to be a seamstress. The skirts, blouses she’s made so far are well done and she shows such an interest in building a business with her skills. Her younger sister also would like to know how to sew and together we are dreaming with them for a bright future. The surprise we have for Elida comes this week with Destiny Team(New Mexico), a very caring and generous church who’s leader, Jerome, has told us is bringing an industrial strength/ size sewing machine. From now until January when we need her to pump out uniforms, we’ll get to know the machine with her and get her prepared.

Mark asked the group “Do you think you are going to continue with your education next year? We are going to start raising funds for you and for the next graduating class and you need to be praying and deciding for sure if you want to continue.” He shared how we understand how hard the adjustment has been and how the work and stress upon them will remain and increase over the next 2+ years. It was very encouraging to hear them express their desire to work hard, to know they have a grand opportunity and they were going to take advantage of it. When asked if their parents were still supportive of their decision to study rather than work, there were head nods and a few of them said they know their parents are proud of them.

One of the sadder conversations was with 16 year old Esbin who is studying to be a mechanic. He was one that we were not sure how serious he would take his studies or how well he grasped this amazing opportunity before him. As he spoke I could see Mark becoming grieved, angry, justified. Esbin, who was bragging about his 3 girlfriends said he thinks he’d rather move in with one of them and start a family and not continue with his schooling. We thanked him for being honest and gave him some advice about his decision, asked him some questions, but his peers jumped all over him. They felt he was being just as dumb as Mark and I did. Honestly, we’d like for each of the students to WANT to do what they are doing and not just use the funds provided for them as a way to pass time in the day.

If you could continue to pray for each of the 13. Safety, good grades, and enjoyement are areas of concern for us. We are also praying about sponsorship for the next school year but instead of just these 13 there could be as many as 31. Along with funds for the DeepStream Education Fund, physical help here to get them enrolled, supplies bought, and monthly needs / meetings at the schools leaves us asking God to provide some physical help. We totally enjoy being thier guardians, but do not want to be stretched too thin that we are neglecting them or too busy to really spend time with them when they come into our home for their weekly computer times and random visits.

Change

2011-05-10T20:09:00.000-07:00

I loved life here before Cruz. Our family was a 6 pack doing school, work, life together. We all enjoyed it and we were so glad to be living in Guatemala. I loved passing hours in the homes of my friends, watching our kids interact and love people. Mark and I enjoyed a good amount of adult time and we’ve never felt closer. We could do what we wanted, go where we wanted, we were loosened from constant parenting.

Then we got pregnant and life changed some.

Now we have Cruz and life is just altogether upside down from where we were this time just a year ago.

No one can seem to focus on school or work. Our time with friends is limited to spurts here and there, less frequent shorter stints of time. Our children would much rather play with their little brother than hold the neighborhood kids. Mark and I have no time and our parenting is intense back to baby stage. We are having a hard time relaxing our minds long enough to have conversations like we used to and running errands together is not easy with baby in tow.

Would I have moved here if I knew life would somewhat regress? Would I have found it as exciting to uproot my family away from a home that was conducive to kids and guests, serenity and comfort had I known my baby would be crammed in our room and living in concrete heaven?
Would I have been so eager to spend my time learning a foreign language and subjecting myself to humiliation on a daily basis because I talk like I’m a first grader?

Change

Does anyone like unpredicted, forced change? I mean people can say they like change when they are the ones controlling it- new job, different house, vacationing in a new place. But most people, me being one of them, liked things the way they were- life was good here in Guatemala, now it’s harder. Life has changed.

Then I think of Mark and I having conversations over our future 10 years ago when the ideals of DeepStream were narrowed down into a few columns to hold up our household. I remember the prayers we cried together to be used together as a married couple and a unified family unit. Still clear are my husbands words of “we will go, Lord, even though we don’t know where and we will live a life that goes against the mainstream. Empty us of what does not need to be in us and fill us with your wisdom to follow after you.”

I had 4 small children then, the youngest was 1. I loved my home, Florida and our jobs.
Change was hard then and it is hard now. I have 5 children the youngest is 4 months the oldest 15 and we are still crying out to be used. We still feel this amazing, fantastic unbelievable, rush of excitement when we share DeepStream when we talk about our crash, when we walk in faith.

So although the surroundings are ever changing, the number of children increases, the people we interact with varies, my prayer, my true heart hopes

*Our desire to follow hard after God-
*Our time and energy for our family to be first priority-
*Our message of walking in faith demonstrated through daily choices-
*Our speaking the truth about our sweet Jesus-
*Our example of living simply, of living with out the excess-

Would never change.

Please God help it be so.

Malawi Trip 2011

2011-05-10T02:05:00.001-07:00

Here's a quick journal of some of the recent days here in Malawi. So many thoughts being processed - hard to know where to begin.

Friday, May 6th - Stepped foot into the Katawa village and visited the Katawa Medical Clinic in the morning - site where a fresh water well was built in February of this year, funded partially by 2010's LivingWell project. Emotional experience to say the least, seeing fresh water pouring out as two of the local clinic workers stood by pumping the well. Steve Cook (founder and president of Equitas, Inc) stood by watching with tears in his eyes as well, both of us thankful for what God is doing through the many supporters of the organization that he heads up.

Saturday - Monday, May 7th-9th - Lived in the Gadi and Mwape villages for 2 1/2 days, sitting and talking with the people, experiencing life as they know it. This is the site of an irrigation project funded by Equitas and overseen by a missionary contact that they have in that district of Malawi. We spent the days just "being" with the people, playing with the kids, eating their foods, worshiping and dancing under the African stars each night for hours, sleeping in the village. On Sunday morning the villages had a worship service together, all of their denominations, Steve and I shared a message with them with the help of our translator and we passed a good portion of the day under a huge shade tree, learning about their culture and fielding questions about ours. Monday we had a rare experience of having lunch with all the men of the village, together with the chiefs of each village, a buffet of Goat liver and intestines (I had the liver) together with beans and Nsima (a dough-like ball used to eat all your food) Monday afternoon the emotions flowed as we said goodbye, but left with a list of projects yet to do and many needs that we plan to meet, to further develop this community as they are shown the love of Christ.

Tuesday, May 10th - heading to Ntenge Village to see the Orphan Daycare Center that Equitas sponsors and to live in that village, with the people, for 2 days. We will also connect with a group of 75 Secondary students that Equitas is sponsoring. Eager to get there and "BE" with the people again.

When Helping Hurts

2011-04-27T07:23:00.001-07:00

We wanted to take a moment and post a quick story that happened to our family on Monday. As I type, we are thankful for God's protection, for His provision, and for continuing to go before us on this journey here in Guatemala.

Monday morning, Gina and I, together with Cruz and Eli, left to head into Guatemala city in order to run some errands and then pick up our friends, the Weiland family from the airport. We made a routine stop into Pricesmart (one of our local "wholesale" stores) to buy some things for the week and while there I needed to exchange some currency, which we routinely do, only this was the first time to actually do it in the city. No worries, no issues, we made our purchases, loaded up the car and started to drive away. A couple blocks up the road, as I was pulling into a mall parking garage to do some birthday shopping for our daughter Corinne, we noticed we had a flat tire. With 45 minutes until our friends would be landing, I figured we had plenty of time to change the flat and that all would be fine. I made my way into the parking garage, found a place that was good for tire changing and started the job. Within a couple minutes a car parked behind us and 2 guys got out, offering to help change the tire. At first, I declined, but one of them continued to hang out offering to help, so together we changed the tire. (in 2 past occasions, I had men help me with car issues, so didn't even think twice about it) Throughout the 30 minutes, Gina was sitting in the car feeding our baby and Eli was hanging out in the general area, helping me and goofing around. The man who was helping me kept telling Gina it would be better if she wasn't in the car, while I was under it fixing the tire, etc... (makes sense right?) After his persistence, we figured it would be better if Gina got out, so she did.

Anyhow, fast forward a few minutes... job done, tire fixed and we are back on the road, heading down to the airport. We pick up our friends and are heading home, and I needed something from my bag which I carry with me everywhere. As I looked in the bag I immediately asked Gina where is the money that we exchanged? Asked Gina if she had put it somewhere else, and then we realized that not only was all the money gone, but our passports were also gone. (A passport on the black-market goes for around $2,000 here in Guatemala) As we talked, it all made sense, we had just been robbed by these two guys. We immediately headed to the embassy to report what had happened and filed the necessary paperwork to get new passports and all and since Monday have revisited the happenings more than once. The basic rundown was that these guys had been watching us exchange the monies (this is something we are constantly warned about here in Guat). They or someone else were watching and planned it all, right down to the slashing of our tire and the "offering to help". While the one was offering to help and our car was opened, the other found my bag and cleaned it out. Crazy but we are thankful that no one was hurt and that honestly it went down this way. We've revisited all of the "what could've happened" situations, the fact that they knew we had the money and had we seen them or resisted that it could have gotten violent like so many robberies here in Guatemala. We've revisited how vulnerable we were with our baby and younger son, in a dark parking garage and are just thankful that God was there protecting us from danger. The money and passports??? Replaceable. Not that big a deal in the big picture of life.

Funny part of the story- I leave for Africa Monday, May 2nd - need my passport, etc... Just put a funny sideline story in the mix this week, as now for the past 3 days, we've been running around crazy, trying to get things done so I can leave. I've already gotten my new "emergency passport", but have a few other things to complete so I can actually leave.

All of this, just a healthy reminder for us that God is in control and that we need to keep walking with Him, trusting Him. There are purposes that we can't see and might now know for a while. It is also a reminder that we live in a country where we need to take precautions that we didn't need to take while living in the States and a reminder that people need to be loved and need Jesus.

Please continue to pray for us as we live and serve here!!!

Relief- Psalm 146

2011-04-23T15:19:00.000-07:00

Walking around our streets it is impossible not to see horrible living situations. When you take the time to visit and listen to the people who live in these homes you can hear their struggles and sense the desperation they have. Some have no money to buy food, medicine or shoes. Others live in crammed homes with 4-6 people in a bed. There are many families who have no working father or husband so the women work to make ends meet while the older children take care of the younger ones. No matter how many homes are constructed or improved, there are more, many more that need attention.

When teams are here walking and taking in the needs, it is easy to notice the poor living situation and want to help. We praise God for all the people who have built homes, helped with repairs or built bathrooms. It is a much needed blessing.
Not so easy to see or to cast a vision for are the needs that don't immediately scream at you. Marriage struggles, disease, sickness, abuse, malnutrition, illiteracy. These needs are more quiet ones but I'd say more painful. They can go unnoticed if we were the type to just band-aid problems. They are needs that mothers and fathers, children and parents are crying out for help to God for direction, for answers, for relief. They are not needs that can be fixed with a crew of men laying block upon block.

We purposefully pray for God to direct us to the families that are crying out to HIM for some relief and are honored that day after day he hears their prayers and ours.

PSALM 146-
"Happy is he who has the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God. Who made heaven and earth the sea and all that is in them; who keeps truth forever, who executes justice for the oppressed, who gives food to the hungry. The Lord gives freedom to the prisoners. The Lord opens the eyes of the blind, the Lord raises those who are bowed down; The Lord loves the righteous. The Lord watches over the strangers; He RELIEVES the fatherless and widow.

Month of Encourgement

2011-04-23T15:15:00.000-07:00

We had dear friends visit and their purpose was not only to see where we lived, how we lived and enjoy some time away to seek God’s face in their personal lives, but also to encourage us. They stated over and over that they hoped they were being a source of encouragement and truly they were. Just their presence was, but their heart to want to love their family deeper, know their future in the eyes of eternity, undertsand how to better work for the Kingdom of God was also an ecouragement.

In talking many hours it was apparent that they had friends at home who they’ve come along side to encourage and friends that have come along side them to reciprocate. Through the love and peace among friends they and we were able to relax, to enjoy, to seek after Jesus on how to be more like Him and share Him, instead of seeking after Him for personal strength and comfort only.

It is well and good to help people DO. It is an encouragement to help a young mom with her chores so she can spend time with her baby. It is such a blessing to have someone mow your lawn, or shovel your driveway, or make you a cake, or file the stack of papers on your desk, or clean your house, or, or, or...there is so much to be DONE!
But in the doing is where the encouragement of BEING naturally takes place. By doing a task for someone out of love and kindness, it touches their soul. That inner being that may have been layered under the TO DO list is set free to BE-

To BE happy
To BE peaceful
To BE loved
To BE special
To BE noticed
To BE still
To BE heard

Encouragement is a gift everyone wants and yearns to recieve. It is a gift of grand measure for many amazing works can be done by the thoughtful, selfless, humble acts and kind words of a soul who wants to bless and encourage others.

Lucky # 13

2011-04-23T14:44:00.000-07:00

Living in the Mayan Culture you learn a lot of superstitions praciticed by the sweet people of Guatemala. But one of the superstitions in the USA - that 13 is an unlucky number- has no meaning here. Through God’s intertwined plans connecting us with Paolina and Alexander, 13 is a special number.

Meet Alexander. He is 5 months old, malnourished, hungry and weak.
He is the 13th child birthed in his family and has become the 13th family in the Milk Program.

Paolina has had 13 children 11 still living. Her oldest, a friend of ours, is 28. Did you catch that? Her oldest 28 youngest- 5 months. That’s a lot of childbearing years! Paolina’s body is tired, her milk supply is low and so is her food supply.

We met her on the street in Buena Vista when she was visiting one of her older children. We had 2 month old Cruz in tow with us. Alexander was crying on her back. She said before she unwrapped him, “ He is very skinny, not fat like your baby.” Well, Cruz really is not a big baby at all, but nonetheless we were prepared for a thin baby, so we thought.

Our first sight of Alexander was sheer horror. He was skeletal, with sunken eyes and the cry of a weakling. We were delivering powdered milk and Incaparina that day so I immediately asked her if she’d like some Incaparina for her to drink so her milk could increase. She was thanful, we talked some more and parted ways. Days passed. I went to NY for 2 weeks and every time I nursed Cruz I thought about Alexander and Paolina.

When I returned to Guatemala, a friend in FL had sent some formula samples to share with Alberta Blanca ( another previously malnoursihed baby) so I decided to split the formula between her family and Paolina’s. Now, Paolina lives in a village called Tablon which, from our house is 10 minutes in the car to Buena Vista then a rugged 25 minute walk. Since we know several of her older children ( 2 of their families are already in the milk program) we gave them the formula and asked them to give it to their mom when she came by next time.

2 weeks after we gave the formula we decided on a whim to take a team to visit another family in Tablon and just stopped by Paolina’s place to see how things were going. Alexander looks a smidgen better, but still ghastly. While there she explained that her milk was a little better (Incaparina is great for that) but still not enough. She then told us she did not want to start feeding him the formula b/c she knew she would not be able to buy more and she did not want him to get used to having it.
That moment we knew they were the next family in the milk program!
Did we really have to think about it more?

So, everyone, meet family #13 in the Programa de Leche. Pray with us for this family and that their needs would be met every month. Paolina and Alexander

Community

2011-03-22T21:50:00.001-07:00

Just sitting on my porch tonight, last couple hours of my 38th birthday, wife and two of the kids are in the states, other 3 are in bed, I’m listening to some of the new passion cd, and reflecting on the past year here in Guatemala. I feel overwhelmed in my spirit tonight with a thankfulness specifically for the community that He allows me to be a part of, one that encourages and stretches me to be more for Him. This community is one that more and more I am realizing is such a vital part of my life. It is a community that includes families here in Guatemala that we are blessed to serve alongside as well as families back in the states who are journeying with us. Whether it is an encouraging email, knowing that you follow the happenings here, or just a quick facebook birthday wish, I am blessed by those of you who reach out to me and encourage me to keep running harder after Jesus each day. I want to put it out there for you all and just say it, “I need you…” “We need you”… “Our friends that serve here in Guat, need you…” and in all reality we need each other. Having a voice in life that is walking beside you, encouraging you to keep going hard is such a vital piece of life.

So thank you! I appreciate all of you, your words of encouraging words, and just knowing that while you aren’t here in person, I can feel your spirits journeying beside me, connecting people to the greatest need of all – Jesus!

Tickets to Africa - Booked!!!

2011-03-19T10:31:00.001-07:00

Well, it is official - flights are booked and in early May I will have the privilege to head to Africa, to serve the people of Malawi and relate Jesus message to them in a tangible way - Clean Water. To say I am excited is an understatement as we've supported the clean water efforts in Malawi for the past year, and the chance to actually see the things first hand - it is going to be awesome!

May 2nd I will leave for the states and meet up with my friend and founder of Equitas on the 3rd. From there we will fly out and head to Johannesburg, South Africa and then on to Malawi where we will spend 9 days looking at projects and researching new ones. I am excited to be able to also bring funds from this years LivingWell Project and to see how God will use these funds for His Kingdom. We still have hopes of hitting our goal of funding at least one well by the time I leave for Africa. Cost is around $7500 for a well and we have currently raised $1,460. For information on the project please visit the LIVINGWELL PROJECT LINK and check out the cause.

If you can help spread the word with us, the clock is ticking and we have alot of work to do. Please forward this blog and the site information to everyone you know and also if you give anything at all, please visit GIVE TO LIVINGWELL and click on the paypal link.

I look forward to sharing more about my trip once I return, so check back with us!

Buena Vista Education - Prayer Request

2011-03-09T08:30:00.001-08:00

Our family and the DS team are now almost 2 months deep into the Education Project. We are also in our second week of opening our home for a computer time where we are hands-on working with the students, teaching them computer basics and helping them work on assignments. During these two weeks of spending more specific time with the kids, we have seen a difference as they are beginning to open up and become much more comfortable. The computers have been an awesome bridge into the world of these students.

While it has been an extreme blessing to be able to do this, it has also been an extreme challenge. On Monday night, for instance, we had 7 students in our home from 3 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. It was a great time, but during their time with us we are becoming more aware on how far behind these students are and how much work lay ahead, helping them get up to speed with the rest of the kids in their classes. We are being exposed to a new form of poverty that exists in the village of Buena Vista, and one that we are determined as a team of families to continue fighting against, knowing that one day we will see the victory. This poverty relates to the education, or "lack of" education. We are realizing that on one level we can define poverty as a 17 year old who has never touched a computer, yet they live in a world which runs electronically. Wealth is 4 and 5 year old's in school's in the western world who have computer time every day. Like the other areas we are involved in, we are hoping to bridge the vast gap that exists between these two worlds. The provision of the 8 laptops are part of that bridge and now we continue to build.

Bluntly put, we need your pray and partnership in this effort. There are 3 main focuses, at this point, that we feel God has put in front of us and we are committed to seeing through.

1) Computer and English education for the 13 graduates who are currently sponsored and studying in the higher learning program. They are behind and we are praying and working to get them caught up. We need pray for these 13 - for increased ability to comprehend so that they do not fall any further behind and lose this school year.

2) Computer clinic in the Buena Vista school - the 13 graduates somehow went through 3 years of the "basico" program and never worked on computers. This has to change and it has to change this year. We are planning on working with our friend Walda Leiva to begin a weekly computer class for the 3rd basico kids who will be graduating this year. This will help ensure that they won't be behind when they begin studying this coming year. Also in the works are classes for the 1st and 2nd levels of basico, to begin exposing them to computers.

3) English help - each of the students is learning and expected to be able to begin communicating in English, especially the 3 girls who are studying to become bi-lingual secretaries. We are helping and will be continuing this effort.

Please commit with us to pray over these 3 areas of focus. Pray for each of the students and please pray for our family and team here as we spend time with the kids, in our home, teaching and connecting with them.

Modern Miracle-Workings

2011-02-23T08:23:00.000-08:00

This past week with the men's team, we visited the HIV home once again, hung out with the kids and had a great time cooking out for the entire group. Normally our visits there start with a walk through the baby room where we get to hold and love on these precious kids. You might remember back in late August/September, I posted some pics of a new child that had just been dropped off, severely malnourished and skeleton like. He was literally at the brink of death when he was brought to Hogar Madre Anna Vitiello. (I've posted the original picture here to the right.)

Well, we visited there again back in December with a team and tears flowed as we saw the new child that was growing fatter and happier with each bottle. We literally couldn't believe our eyes when we saw little Juan Jose back a couple of months ago and were praising God for the work that these ladies are doing in the lives of these children. (Pic from Dec posted on left) He didn't even look like the same child.

Well, on our visit last week, as we walked through the baby wing, I commented to the woman who is always there, "oh, you got a new baby..." thinking that we were seeing another child who had been dropped off. She said to me... "no, that's Juan Jose..." I seriously could not believe what I was seeing and as I picked him up, once again the tears started to flow, just thankful that this little boy was given the chance to be loved and nurtured. (pic of most recent visit, bottom right)

Hanging with Juan Jose and some of the others, again confirmed for us the work that these incredible "hermanas" are doing for the Kingdom. Loving the "least of these" just as Jesus would be doing. We are thankful for the relationship that God is growing with this place and know we will be sharing many more stories like Juan Jose's down the road.

Education Fund - The Computer Project

2011-02-23T08:17:00.000-08:00

We are praising God for his quick and powerful provision of 8 computers for our computer project that we will be using with the students of Buena Vista. After our February meeting with the graduates, checking in with them on their progress so far, we left with mixed feelings. Sounds like all are doing great, but each are struggling to get their assignments done on time. At a 9th grade level, these students don't know how to use a computer, surf the internet, or how to use the "thumb-drives" that each was required to have at the start of the school year. In the states, every class-room has a computer and the kids begin learning how to's of computers and most can run circles around their parents by the time they hit junior high. Not here in Guatemala.

All that said, we sent out a note to some friends about a used computer that we knew they at one time had. We didn't know it, but the week before, this same couple had already been out shopping, planning to bring down a couple of used laptops with them with they came. God was already working in their hearts before He showed us the obvious need here with the students. Fastforward, 48hours later, they arrived in Guatemala with 5 (2 yr old) refurbished Dell laptops, ready to go. Another friend brought 3 others, and we also confirmed with some friends who are coming in early March that they have purchased and are bringing a nicer laser printer for us to set up for the students.

Last night, we had the first session for the students and 3 girls showed up to work. Two are in the picture to the right. As they sat there, at first they kindof just stared at me. I stared back, not quite knowing why they weren't saying anything, then it hit me... this was literally the FIRST TIME either of them had used a computer, of any type. Ended up being a great night helping them learn the basics of researching on the internet, preparing a word document, and saving a file to a memory stick. Our plan is to have 3 opportunities each week for the students to come and learn the basics and also do their work.

For us, the entire story is just a big answered prayer and great start to a new effort which will have long term impact. Also another huge connection opportunity with the 15 students being sponsored, as they come into our home and learn, and as we learn from them.

Our Friend Cesar

2011-02-07T07:33:00.000-08:00

I don't know if I have ever met a person who has impacted me more than Cesar. Our entire team is deeply moved by this man and his family each time we sit in their home and visit. God's word is alive and active in the soul of Cesar and his passion to share Christ with others is convicting and inspiring! Most of the times that we go to visit with them, Cesar shares with us that he is nearly always in a state of severe pain, his bones aching from the cold, his spine continuing to fuse together more with each passing day. He shares, not with a complaining spirit, but as a transparent man, letting us into his world a bit, allowing us to know that life isn't easy, but always sharing that God continues to be his strength. Cesar has a degenerative spinal disease and has been bedridden now for around 7 years. Our friend Brock recently posted more info and feelings about Cesar and his condition. (you can read more of his story here) Much of the pain that he experiences is due to cold conditions here in Guatemala, and as we visited in his home, we quickly noticed the holes in the walls, spaces between the boards, and blankets that had been hung in hopes of keeping Cesar and the family warm.

This past weekend, our team was blessed to celebrate a new home for this incredible family. Thanks to God's provision for yet another family, the 12x12 love project was able to construct a home that would be warmer, safer, and better equipped for Cesar and his family. 4 weeks ago, we moved Cesar to another home nearby while the construction began. During those 4 weeks he had not seen anything of the new home. As we carried him outside on Saturday and brought him to the front of his new place, his reaction shows the kind of man he is. His reaction was not to thank us, to look at his family and say "can you believe it?", but was one of prayer and lifted hands of worship and thanks to his Heavenly Father. We stood nearby as Cesar poured his heart of thanks out before His God, who alone has been Cesar's strength and refuge. Once again, it was beautiful, but it was convicting!

We thank God for this living example of faith that we are blessed to learn from. We continue to pray for a complete healing for this man, while at the same time we are gaining a clearer understanding of God's purpose for this infirmity. He has been used in a such a profound way by God, in the midst of this struggle, and it helps us all see how God is glorified, often in dark circumstances. As a man, Cesar has challenged me to view life differently, to view my "perceived problems" much differently, and to live each day to it fullest. His wife has been an example to Gina and his kids have exemplified what trusting in God is all about.

We have no idea what the future holds for our friend but we trust God's plan, whatever that may be and will continue to keep our eyes on Him!

To view pictures of the moving day and celebration, click here!

ELI'S BUNNY CAGES??????

2011-02-03T07:52:00.000-08:00

Quick funny story from recent happenings here in Guat. Our friends Brock and Kerrie had told us about one of our neighbors daughters, sweetest little girl named Kimberly, who had a bunny but didn't have a cage. They wondered if I might have some extra wood from building the chicken coops, laying around that we could throw one together. We said sure and kind of forgot about it for the past 3 weeks.

Anyhow, fast forward to yesterday, my boys and I figured we had the time so I sat and instructed while Isaac and Eli began construction. We had all we needed and within a couple of hours all was done and we were excited to tell "Kimberly" about her new cage. Well, within minutes she passed by our house and I excitedly said, "Kimberly, do you still have your bunny? We have a surprise for you!" Before I could get the surprise out of my mouth Kimberly says to me... "Fijese que, no lo tengo todavia, lo comimos" - Translation... "The thing is, I don't have it anymore, we ate it!" LOL!!!! I guess her family couldn't resist... Her mother quickly told me that they are going to be buying another one for her, so I guess the couple hours of construction weren't a complete waste of time.

A few valuable takeaways from the experience -

1) Next time someone needs a bunny cage, we better get it built fast!!!

2)in Guatemala, cute little bunnies grow up to be a nice family meal!

3) Kids... don't get too attached to your easter present!

Education Fund Update - February 2011

2011-02-02T11:02:00.000-08:00

The school year in Guatemala is underway and we have begun to see many of our short-term initiatives within the Education Fund become a reality. To say we are excited about what is taking place is an understatement. God’s plans were bigger than we imagined and we wanted to take a moment to “report” to everyone all that has taken place to this point. The 2011 Project had 4 main initiatives which we were hoping to fund. They included:

Financial Assistance for Higher Education
Curriculum Improvement
School materials help for students and teachers
Facility improvement and maintenance

Below is what God has accomplished so far and we are looking forward to the continued relationships that He is growing in the Buena Vista community, through our involvement in the school and village. To date:

The 13 Graduates have all begun their first year of higher learning. All materials have been bought and they are daily heading to their various places of study and working hard!
4 of the girls are studying to become bi-lingual secretaries
1 girl is studying to become a teacher
1 of the guys is studying to become a police officer
1 of the guys is studying to become a Mechanic
4 are studying business administration
1 guy is studying to become a physical education teacher
1 young lady is studying to become a seamstress

The Education Fund is sponsoring a new teacher in Buena Vistas “Basico” program, making the ratio 1 teacher per class. God surprised us with this opportunity to better the learning of many of the students in Buena Vista’s School. A great way to touch many students at the same time.

Purchased new books for the “Level 3 Basico” class. We are hoping to purchase more in the near future in order for each student to have their own textbook.

Shared the expense of a new “locking” storage cabinet to house the books and other items we are helping with.

We have been able to sponsor two local young men, enabling them to finish their next level of learning. (One of the men is married and wanted to finish his higher learning degree, allowing him to seek better employment in the near future.)

We also have received specific funding and sponsorships for two local families and have been able to help them with purchasing the needed supplies and uniforms.

We give God all the glory for what He is doing! Below are some ways you can continue to help and stay in tune with what is happening through the Education Fund.

Each month we meet with the 13 graduates, hoping to connect deeper with each one while offering assistance with their studies and going over their grades and any areas that they need help. Pray for us as we walk through the year with them.

Pray for our family as we begin to work within the local Buena Vista school, helping with English and seeking to improve the overall learning of the village.

Look for ways to help us financially with this program. There is a continual need for monthly sponsors and donations in order for us to accomplish all that is before us. For more info visit www.deepstreamglobal.com/education-fund/

THE LIVINGWELL PROJECT 2011

2011-01-21T08:13:00.001-08:00

The new year is here and with it comes the launch of the LIVINGWELL PROJECT 2011! We are excited to again partner with and support Equitas, Inc and Steve Cook in the continued effort to provide clean water for the people of Malawi, Africa. This year is no different than the past, as our goal is clear, to raise as much funding and awareness as possible in order to aid these people with the most basic, yet important necessity in life - water.

I am excited to share that in May, 2011 I will personally get to travel to Malawi with Steve, to visit with some of the villages which have been helped so far and see some future projects. We will actually be visiting the one village where the funding from 2010's LivingWell Project will soon be impacting.

Each year, this project is very close to my heart and something that I believe in greatly. Anytime the water issue that faces huge parts of our world comes up, my heart breaks, thinking of people who don't have this basic necessity. I continually think to myself that if everyone who reads this post would give a small amount and then ask their friends to do the same on behalf of the project, it is unimaginable the amount of funding that we could raise. Use $25 as an example. If 20 of your friends gave just $25, and asked 20 of their friends to do the same, the figure would be somewhere around $10,500 that could come in immediately, just from you. Now double that figure, triple it... The sky is the limit when people all begin to do a small part.

So - how can you help? Below, I've tried to spell out a couple of quick and easy things you can do to be a part of making 2011's project bigger than before:

* Give and pray - wells can only be build as people are willing to give and help financially, so we ask you to consider sacrificing a bit at home in order to give.

* Spread the word - tell others about our site, encourage them to give and be a part of helping this project.

* Set a goal for your family or work associates - Would you be willing to identify your 20 friends and specifically ask them to partner with you in this initiative this year? Ask you friends to read this blog and consider repeating the pattern!

* Be a co-advocate with me for the LivingWell Project - I need people to help me stateside, raise the awareness and sharing the vision. If you are willing to help, please contact me at deepstreamglobal@gmail.com so we can get started.

In closing, I ask you to pray and believe with me for big things to happen this year and to do your part, spread the word, and help the people of Malawi. Together we could build countless wells and impact people in huge ways. For specific info and to give visit our site. www.deepstreamglobal.com/Africa

Bucket List Item Checked Off...

2011-01-12T13:20:00.000-08:00

Well, I was talking with Gina today on the way home from the hospital that I could check off another one of my "bucket list items" - HAVING A BABY IN A THIRD-WORLD COUNTRY. Yup, really, something I always wanted to do, for as long as I can think back.

Now for the truth... 8 mths ago when we found out we were starting the journey of pregnancy for a 5th time, we were astounded - "Really God, at this point in our journey? Having a baby in Guatemala? Really?" Once again, I found myself in a position where all I could do is to trust. Trust God's plan for our family, for Gina to walk this road again, for this new baby and his life growing up in a totally different culture, and for me becoming a daddy again after all this time. After #4 was born, we had taken the normal measures to "not have another", but God wanted differently, so again, back to trusting.

Today we came home from the hospital with our little "chapingo"...(that is a mix of "Chapin" which is what you are called if you were born here, Guatemalan, and "Gringo" which, of course, is what we are called as foreigners). As I sit now, holding Cruz in my arms, his peace and presence in my life makes trusting all make sense. I am thankful for God's gift of life that sleeps in my arms right now, and I thank Him for this tangible experience helping me to remember that I can always trust His plans for me.

Thank you God!

Kick off Meeting

2011-01-08T07:16:00.001-08:00

On January 8th, we have our first official, required meeting at our home to meet with the 13th graduates. We have one on the calendar every month until October where we will encourage them, check on their progress, give them their bus fare, pray with them and help them with their studies. Just last night, some of our sweet friends who are educated Guatemalans, offered us their services for tutoring the students if they need it, so that will also take place at some of these scheduled meetings. We are looking forward to this regular time to mentor, love, encourage and share with these youth.

This week we've spent a lot of time with the graduates, finalizing their uniforms, school supplies, tuition costs. They have been able to see the amount of money it costs for each of these line items and their comments and thoughts towards their future are worth sharing.

Jeni- I am nervous about accounting because I have never had anything with that subject. I know all the kids in my class are going to know what to do and I'm not.

Evelyn- I am not nervous about the classes, I know I'll be fine, but I am nervous about not having anyone to hang out with for a while.

Leslie- My parents are really excited that I can go to school and travel to Antigua every day, but they are a little scared too. We have to leave Buena Vista at 5:30 every morning because that is the only bus to get us to Antigua by the time school starts.

Magda- My family is really thankful to you guys and all the supporters in North America who are helping us. My younger brother is excited to go to school more now, because he sees that I can go further than what my family can afford.

Oscar- My dad is a police officer so I picked this school to help me get into the Police Academy. I'd like to work with my Dad.

As time goes by we hope to share more of their experience with you. Our goal has been met as far as the Education Fund goes, but there are still ways to stay involved with these special 13

1. Pray for them- print out their pictures, read their stories, make them a part of your family.
2. Know their birthdays, send a message to them that we can share at the monthly meetings.
3. Be collecting supplies for them- backpacks, pens, pencils, spiral notebooks, looseleaf paper, scientific calculators, Span.- Eng. dictionaries, manilla folders, erasers are all supplies they need and schools ask for each year.
4. Give funds to the BV school to help their younger brothers and sisters have a richer, well rounded education.

She's "Gaining" on Me!

2011-01-08T06:34:00.000-08:00

When you see a baby that is not thriving it really does something to rip your heart.
The mind racing questions, “What should be done?” “Are they going to make it?” exist. In Blanca Alberta’s case it was easy to also have questions such as, “Why isn’t the mom, the family doing something to help her?” At least that is where my mind immediately went and over the past month I’ve been given several answers to my questions.

First, this sweet baby is going to make it. She has been on a Pre-Natal (expensive) formula and the mom’s diet has been enriched. This first step was vital for beginning the healing process. The donations from people who support DeepStream have helped so much, but we decided as a family that we would do what it takes to get her well regardless. The second was taking her to a doctor for some meds., encouragement, and instruction on how to care better for Blanca.

At 4 months she is only weighing in at 6 &1/2 lbs, but in the past month she gained 2 lbs- that was half her body weight in a month. The mom, Cristina, who is still nursing, gained 7 lbs in that same month allowing her milk supply to increase as well. At our appointment last week the doctor was obviously relieved and happy to see the change in Blanca, helped diagnose her with some meds. for her stuffy nose and praised the Mom for her more serious efforts to care for her baby. She then commented, “This looks like a different baby! Look at her eyes, her strength. And you, Cristina, you look different too!”

To which I agree wholeheartedly and have been reflecting on why she does appear different- aside that she gained 7 lbs and just looks healthy, what the doctor meant and what we see comes from something aside from food. Aside from medical care. What is different about Cristina is she has experienced love, hope, acceptance.

Cristina, no longer keeps her head down when she is in the room. She no longer cowers away from questions. She no longer defers her responses to her Mother-in-law. Last month she handed her baby over to doctor and sat on the couch at the back of the room and let me handle the interaction with the doctor. This week she placed Blanca down, stood by the table, held her hand, fielded the questions and gave detailed answers. She was beaming when she heard about the weight gain, when the doctor’s kind and encouraging words were spoken.

As Mark and I have prayed many nights for this baby and her family we always feel burdened to help Cristina as much as we do the baby. And it is not just this particular mom. Many women and many young girls are the way Cristina was when we interacted with her the first 5 times- quiet, nothing to say, no eye- contact, uncomfortable, intimidated. For the young girls, no one asks them their opinion about anything so when we ask, they have no idea where to start formulating their ideas. It’s like asking someone if they like Swanilo food? yeah, you get that look of, “I have no idea what you are asking me?” Only the question might be, “What is your favorite color?” “Do you like orange soda?” Many girls, even ones we have spent a lot of time with, still do not have more than a few head nods to throw our way.

Those young girls turn into young women who leave home early to live with a boy they may not have even thought through if they like or not. No one asks them about their future or their plans. When a boy passes by the house to ask a girl to come live with him, we learned it is considered rude to say, anything but yes, even if she is not real sure, or ready to leave. Unless the parents step in and say, “No, she is staying here.” it is assumed she will go live with him. If she does not then she disrespected him, may lose her chance of someone else coming for her, she may never get a man or have a family. Here having children, many of them, and spending every hour caring for them is what women do, and if you are living at home at the ripe ol’ age of 18, well then, can you say, “Old Maid”? So two very young people who may or may not be in love, start living together and having babies, life gets busy and the young girls are now women. Still no one cares what they think or that they think- they just need to do their chores and be available to their man.

Once we started addressing Cristina face to face about what SHE thinks and about what SHE does for her baby she came out of her shell a bit. When we would come and stay in her part of the house to visit with her and her baby and spend time each time we would get more and more from her. So watching her interact with the doctor and offering information and just being a proud mom was just as rewarding as seeing the scale. Her genuine smile is so beautiful, I hope to see it every time I see her.

This family has received hope, love and acceptance from all involved with this “process” beginning Thanksgiving morning. We love, love them and so look forward to watching Blanca grow and play with our son who will be just 4 months younger. There is no condemnation about her mothering skills, instead encouragement to learn what to do for Blanca. We hope to spend time with Cristina’s husband, with the whole extended family showing them the love of Jesus and the hope He can bring into every heart.

“Heavenly Father, thank you for caring for all Your children. Your love towards our family compels us to love others. Thank you for the blessings and the lessons we experience by Your Hand. In Jesus name, we lift up this family, their needs, their relationships with each other and with You and we praise You for what will be done here.”

4 Month Old Baby Girl Finally Has a Name

2010-12-30T20:25:00.000-08:00

Visiting with baby Cristina and hearing she has a name, Alberta Blanca, made us feel so blessed to be a part of this family’s journey, nursing their first and only child to health. Alberta has the smallest roll under her chin, a sign that she is gaining weight. She is also cooing and “singing” with us. When we sang “Feliz Navidad” she joined in with her petite puckered lips and beady black eyes. She is finishing a can of Pre-Natal formula each week and we anticipate this week she will finish the can in 5 days a sign her appetite is increasing as well.

Cristina, Alberta’s mom, is also eating her Incaparina and drinking her liquids to keep her milk supply ample enough to feed her baby girl. The goal is for Cristina to produce enough breast milk for Alberta to wean off formula and solely nurse. The first week of January we are taking Cristina, Alberta and Faustina (Alberta’s Grandmother) back to the pediatrician for a check up as it has been one month. We are hoping to see that both Alberta and Cristina have gained weight. If that is the case than Alberta may be able to be on regular baby formula instead of the pricy Pre-Natal cans she needs right now.

Please pray for this family. All day there are 6 women and all their children on the property cooking, washing and caring for the children. Specifically, Cristina’s extension of the family needs a better home. Currently they sleep on the dirt floor in the room the size of most North American master baths, with an open fire burning all day. We are praying for funds for-

~ Continued donations towards the milk/ nutrition program to keep Alberta in formula and Cristina with a sufficient amount of Incaparina, doctor visits and immunizations as their health improves.
~ A kitchen, stove, beds and bedding for Cristina’s part of the home.
~ A bathroom and pila for all in the property to use.

With much anticipation we will be visiting Alberta in the next few days, taking more pictures & supplies, spending more time with the family getting to know each of the mothers and children better. If you have not read how we met this family via the other blogs, in a nutshell, we delivered a food basket to them Thanksgiving morning as a sponsor asked our group to do that for needy families. Since that day we have been touched by them and Alberta specifically, burdened to help, thankful to have the funds and time to do so, blessed to see the progress.

So Much More than Money

2010-12-03T03:19:00.000-08:00

Money has just been flowing through our hands lately. Between the donations to the Milk- Nutrition Program, the DS Education Fund, the BVSA, the Homes for Christmas, our group has been promised and delivered thousands of dollars to use to benefit the people in our villages.

It is 4:20 am and I can’t sleep. I physically, mentally and emotionally was exhausted after our day yesterday, slept fine for 4 hours and now am mentally recharged due to the bombarding thoughts in my heart. Yes, the money has been coming easily to be able to say,”yes” to the needs set before us daily. Now in my prayers to God for these people, for this place, I ask the money to keep coming...not until the tax donations of individuals is satisfied, but until HE is satisfied and I laugh thinking, “I am asking the God of the universe to make sure there is enough money to keep moving forward?” Really, what I am asking is that I, my family, the group here, will keep moving forward in these big ways not giving money a second thought, because honestly we really don’t think of money as you think we would have to for all these projects to be fulfilled.

When you see a baby dying because the mom does not have enough healthy milk, you think about the best way to get them well. You get her food. This particular mom does not have the desire to eat or drink much at all and when realizing it is because her entire life she’s had beans and tortillas you can see why food to her is not really that important. The cycle of her being malnourished, baby being malnourished continues, and you think of ways to break that cycle.

When you are registering teen agers in career institutes, the smiles on their faces, their words of thanks and the hugs and tears from their parents demonstrate the awesomeness of what is happening, you don’t think about how much it is costing for the uniforms, the supplies, the monthly fees, you are thinking about the little brothers and sisters watching and are hoping they too, will have the same opportunity. You are planning ways to break the poor education cycle as a result of poverty.

When you visit shacks crowded with dirty children 3-4 to a bed, dirt floors, dark rooms, bed frames with out mattresses, smoke filled kitchens, you think, “Where, should we start? Beds, food, new roof, bathroom, new house?” You are thinking of the future of the children intrigued by your language. You are thinking of the best way to regain some decency for this family. You are thinking of ways to connect your own generous community to this self contained, weak community.

But, when you return home and begin to take action towards fulfilling what you KNOW is what you are to do, you do start thinking about money. You do look at the money available and itemize, organize, strategize how and in what order to use it.

I am incredibly thankful for the ability to act on behalf of the people we meet in the above mentioned needs. Advocating for the needy is a privilege and My God has made it financially easy to work for these people. He has laid it on hearts of others to give funds specifically for the projects. for our families.

Money is not what I ask for because I know it will be there when we need it- God has always just worked that way with me and I don’t expect Him to ever stop and so this is my dilemma. The needs will always be here, I know the money to meet the needs will too, but that requires the stamina to connect the two each breathing minute accomplishing what is before me during the days and nights is really why I am awake.

Joy to sadness, to disbelief, to pain, to anger, to dreaming, to regretting, to smiling, to cooking, to organizing, to scrubbing, to hugging, to teaching, to eating, to listening, to typing, to planning, to sitting, to explaining, to happiness, to helplessness, to sleeplessness, to processing was my last 24 hours. Today will be the same.

So yeah, we do need the money to continue, but that is just so not the scope of what really is happening here. We need much more than just the money-

We need the prayers for these people to continue.
We need the interest in these people to continue.
We need the tenderness towards these people to continue.
We need the encouraging support towards our families to continue.

Way beyond the season of giving, our families need the

spirit of brotherhood,
attitude of kindness,
mindset of help,
desire to advocate,
will to obey,
strength to work.
wisdom to discern,
ability to be selfless,
purity to love.

Thank you for being a part of our lives. I truly appreciate your thoughts, your time, your money, your energy, your ideas, your support which you share with us as we all ask God to continue to fortify us and equip us to do what is set before us each day. It's 5:15 am and I’m hungry. My mind is clearer as I’ve made sense of my many thoughts and my eyes are starting to get heavy. After a snack, I’ll get an hour of shut eye and then thankfully face the day ahead.

4.8 lb -3 Month Old- Nameless- Little Girl

2010-12-02T19:27:00.000-08:00

A few days ago we delivered a food basket to a family as part of our Thanksgiving Day. While there we met Maria Cristina and her baby girl who is as tiny as I've ever seen a baby to be. We asked the mom many, many questions and from what we could gather, the baby girl was born 2 months premature weighing only 3 lbs. We visited with the entire family from Grandparents down to grandchildren and everyone in between but when we returned home, we could not get the baby girl off our minds. We prayed about what to do, where to start to help the baby, the mom, the family. We returned on Sunday with some vitamin oatmeal drink for the mom called Incaparina, and a heavy heart for wanting to help this baby.

The father lost his ID card and so the baby has not been officially registered and therefore the mother, Maria Cristina, feels she can't officially name her daughter even though she's cared for her for 3 months. Without trying to alarm the family we asked if they would be interested in going to see a doctor to get some answers as to why the baby is not growing more rapidly. Thankfully the mom and grandma were in agreement that it was a good idea. We returned Tuesday to tell them we had an appointment on Thursday, which was this afternoon.

We headed to San Lucas which is fairly close, like 15 minutes, where we do a good amount of shopping, get our haircuts etc... Neither of the women had ever been as far away from home as San Lucas and it was the first time in a car for 2 out of 3 of our guests. The entire experience you could tell was a lot to take in for them and for me. Just mind blowing to have never had the opportunity to ride in a car, to travel 9 miles away from your home, to take your baby to a professional doctor. The doctor you could tell, was almost beside herself with doubts as to why the mom had never taken her baby to any sort of doctor or medical clinic for help. She also asked several times, "And why doesn't your 3 month old daughter have a name yet?"

I could tell that as they told the doctor the chain of events that happened between us and them over the past week, she was thankful that we met, we were pro active and we cared enough to help. While examining the baby, seeing her teeny, tiny frame, her skinny thighs, her nothing bottom, the doctor several times looked at me with disbelief on the verge of tears for this little girl. She felt as I have felt the past week and we shared the exchange of quiet seriousness for this precious life.

The baby- 3 months old- weighs 4 &1/2 lbs. Saying she is malnourished is an understatement. The doctor, the grandmother and I understood the intense situation, however the mom seemed oblivious to the dangers surrounding her daughter. The mom is malnourished- 10 lbs under weight and grandma admitted that sometimes Maria does not eat or drink anything for lunch or skips dinner. Sadness was in the room but so was hope.

Doctor, not knowing anything about our family's purpose for living here, gave all the credit to God for sustaining this life until this day, for giving the baby the will to live, for helping her beyond what the mom was willing or able to do for her own daughter. As I was processing that the baby I am carrying weighs more than this baby who has been breathing air for 3 months I was thankful for the health of my child, and miserable for the pain of this child.

After a good half hour of discussion between the doctor, the grandmother, Maria and myself a nutrition plan for both mom and baby was clearly mapped out and explained. All left feeling hopeful and cheerful that IF, IF the mom will follow what is prescribed, the baby girl should begin to thrive. We went to the pharmacy for the special formula, drops and prenatal vitamins and shopped for the other things at the grocery store.

In a month we will return for a check up.
Of course, we are all praying that the mom will care for her baby as instructed.
Of course, we are hoping for better health for both mom and baby girl.
Of course, we are thankful for the funds we had in the milk and medical budget to be able to help this family and
Of, course we are thankful for the doctor who thoroughly helped this family.

BUT-
Most of all, We, I am thankful for the Spirit's prompting in the hearts of Jesus' followers.
1. Sweet family in JAX, FL deposited money for food baskets to be delivered to those in need.
2. Prayer of the leadership here, leads us to this very house where baby girl lives.
3. In a week's time appointments, nutrition, hope for this family is available.

Please pray for this family (LOPEZ-MARROQUIN).
Please beg God for life to continue.
Please help by continuing to give to the Milk-Nutrition Program.
Please tell others, so they can be thankful for life we so carelessly take for granted.
And, please, pray that this nameless 4 &1/2 lb. baby girl would be given a name soon.

Magdalena Cooking School

2010-11-29T07:42:00.000-08:00

A buddy of mine back in the states is currently teaching a series in his church called "Ripple". The topic is love, and how a little love can go a long way. I wanted to take a minute and relate a real life "ripple-story" to all of you and introduce you to one of the more recent initiatives that God has birthed here in the village where we live.

Back a couple of months ago, when a church from Indianapolis was visiting and serving here with us, we were out in Buena Vista, visiting with a family. As we stood and talked, learned more of their story, the 19 year old daughter, Violeta, mentioned that she had dreams of learning to bake cakes and other pastries. This church is already involved sponsoring an art school in Magdalena, and Violeta's brothers, Jose and Alex are both involved in the school. Later that week as we were visiting with the family one more time, the Pastor from this church decided that they were going to sponsor Violeta to go to culinary school, so that she could learn the skills and then she could better help support her family and herself. This act of love by IndyMetro Church, was like throwing a small stone into a calm pond. Little did we know or did we see what would become of this. Basically put, a new cooking school has been birthed as a result. Another family came along and threw a stone in the same pond and bought a stove for the school, as well as some supplies needed. More ripples created and the effort grows!

There are currently 8 women who are studying under a local women who is very skilled in baking. Antoinetta and her husband are currently remodeling a portion of their home in order to expand the school and have two classes of women in the upcoming year. All of this because a group of people wanted to help a 19 year old girl fulfill her dreams. As we visited this past weekend with the women at the school they began to share how they are already receiving orders for cakes and other treats for Christmas. All were excited as they are feeling the impact that it will have on their families. Each month, we get to go and "grade their exams", which entails us eating alot of cake and cookies. Each month, they all pass with flying colors!

Anyhow, just a glimpse on how we can all make a huge difference with just a small sacrifice! What ripples are you making?

CHECK OUT PICTURES FROM THE SCHOOL HERE!

Family Vitamins

2010-11-22T09:55:00.000-08:00

I came across this blog that my friend Brock posted a couple years ago and thought I would repost... great thoughts from one of my favorite books on the family. He mentions it below...

The Bible says “a wise man builds his house upon the rock” and goes on to say “a foolish man builds his house upon the sand.” There’s a catchy children’s song that sings along to that verse as well. But what in the world does that really mean? How can we actually do it? What does it look like and what are some tangible ways to put it into practice?

In our home, we believe there’s more to it than the simple explanation it sometimes gets. Yes, the “rock” symbolizes Jesus, and we are to build our home – our foundation – upon God and His word. The “sand” can symbolize the luxuries the world has to offer, which can be washed away and have no eternal significance whatsoever.

We have found that the easiest way to build our house upon the rock of Jesus is by trying our best to emulate his character in our daily home life. Following a religious or moral to-do list cannot get it done. There’s no correct “gameplan” or “blueprint” that promises an end-result home that glorifies God. A rigid set of rules is actually the worst way to aim for such a goal. I know for a fact that generic house rules and behavior mandates don’t go very far with my kids. It may look good to others on the surface, but it rarely penetrates their hearts.

When we take a close look at who Jesus was and what he taught we don’t see an overdose of rules or structure. What we see are character traits that, if mirrored at home, can overflow and rub off on your family. After all, studies show that our children typically don’t grow up to become who we told them to be, they grow up to become who they saw us to be.

We have implemented a necessary dose of spoken “family vitamins” in our home. This concept was learned in Robert Wolgemuth’s book called “The Most Important Place on Earth,” appropriately referring to the home. The family vitamins reflect the character of Jesus, and help us to do our best to try to be more like him.

FAMILY VITAMIN #1: “I LOVE YOU”

If the phrase “I love you” is not regularly spoken in the home, there is a big problem. Without these spoken words, the action of love almost becomes impossible. This heartfelt expression should be a mandatory exchange between husband and wife, parents to kids, brothers to sisters, etc. Every family member should be saying “I love you” to every other family member on a regular basis. A house built on the rock is a house built on love.

“Love ya” as you walk out the door does not cut it. These powerful words must be spoken in full, preferably with the persons name at the end, and looking the person square in the eyes. “I love you Brooke” as I tuck my daughter in for bed assures her that I mean what I’m saying. The words connect the “speaker” and the “receiver” in a special and unique way. The words must be spoken in full, and not in a hurry – or else it doesn’t qualify as a family vitamin. And lastly, often times the words “I love you” need to be said at the most difficult times…after an argument, punishment, or competitive environment.

FAMILY VITAMIN #2: “I NEED YOUR LOVE”

This vitamin is critical in helping members of your family know when someone else needs to be loved. Each member of the family should be totally comfortable telling another family member “I need _____”. And the blank doesn’t always have to be “love.” It might be attention, encouragement, or help. The point is that this essential vitamin is about putting our unmet expectations into words. “I need your love” shouldn’t require explanation or even logic. It’s a practical measure that allows anyone in the home’s feelings to be brought to the table – without hesitation.

When my daughter Maddie says “dad, I need your help” or “dad, I need your attention” it helps me remember that helping her with her homework is more important than Sunday night football. When my wife says “honey, I need you to lighten up a little” it quickly lets me know that maybe I am looking at things the wrong way. Be careful with this vitamin…not to use it selfishly, or get offended if someone uses it towards you. Remember the purpose of this family vitamin is to open up communication and fight against the silence or resentment that can do damage in your home.

FAMILY VITAMIN #3: “I’M SORRY, I WAS WRONG, WILL YOU FORGIVE ME?

“I’m sorry” often sounds like a cliché’ and does very little to actually solicit a response or clear the air. “I’m sorry” only says “if I had this to do again, I wouldn’t.” “I’m sorry” only gets things started. Sometimes the phrase “I’m sorry” doesn’t really mean anything at all. For example, if I do or say something that hurts my wife, and I say “I’m sorry” what do I really mean? Do I mean “I’m sorry your feelings got hurt,” or do I mean “I’m sorry you took it that way”…or God forbid I might mean “I’m sorry you heard me, I should have said that more quietly.” The point is this: “I’m sorry” is a lame, open-ended comment unless it is combined with a follow up statement.

“I was wrong” eliminates the need for any argument. It immediately supports your apology and makes it genuine. And once you have shared how you feel about what you’ve done it’s time to end the matter permanently. “Will you forgive me?” is your request for that release. Once the words “yes” are spoken in response, this issue is over. A healthy home cannot leave wrongful actions or words open-ended. If so, there is a lingering effect that lurks about, waiting to be re-opened again. If not nipped in the bud, these old lingering exchanges will recreate themselves and eventually damage relationships. A house built on the rock encourages admission to mistakes, and forgives those who ask forgiveness.

FAMILY VITAMIN #4: “MAY I HELP?”

This family vitamin has done wonders in our home. Even before I learned or put into practice the “family vitamins” I knew of the power of the words “may I help.” The problem was that I rarely used them. But since making a more conscious effort towards it, I’ve seen the value even more clearly.

Like most guys, I don’t seem to have a lot of energy when it comes time to do the dishes, pick up around the house, or even help bathe the kids and get them ready for bed. For some reason, my meter seems to stop ticking the moment the last bite of dinner reaches my gut. Vitamin #4 reminds me that building my house on the rock is tough work. I have to be unselfish, and I have to make sure I am not only “teaching” but also “living.” “May I help” works like magic in a home. And the beauty of it is its contagiousness. When the kids hear mom & dad say it, it becomes natural for them. When my wife says it to me, it becomes a desire to say it more frequently to her. Amazing how that works.

FAMILY VITAMIN #5: “Thank You”

These two words must be used frequently in a loving home. No task under the roof of your home should be thankless. Laundry, washing a car, cooking dinner, a weekly paycheck, chores, etc. These daily, routine activities should be recognized. Otherwise, they can easily become mundane and feel meaningless. But it’s the simple chores or to-do list that is so critical in making the home a success. Be an example of Jesus, and learn to genuinely appreciate the work, no matter how simple, that helps the home operate smoothly.

This powerful vitamin can be effective in writing as well. It shows the recipient that you took the time to appreciate them. There may be no better feeling in the world than to feel appreciated. And there may be no better enrichment to your heart than to live with gratitude…which makes this last essential vitamin a win-win.

Difference 2 Months Can Make

2010-11-17T17:48:00.001-08:00

Just a quick blog just to show the difference a group of women and love can make in the life of a child. In September we visited the HIV Orphanage, Hogar Madre Anna Vitiello, as we regularly do. On this visit we met Jose, seen in the pictures. At first glance we all had to fight back the tears as he literally looked like a skeleton of a child. He was crying, extremely malnourished and it was just a sad situation. As we talked with the "madre's" there at the orphanage, they told us that many of the children that we know there, who are now totally normal and chubby, were just like Jose when they arrived.

Today we visited the orphanage again, almost 2 mths to the day and were having to fight back the tears once again as we visited with Jose. This time, tears of joy, as we looked into the eyes of a healthy looking, happy baby. He was smiling and laughing as music played from a stuffed animal in his crib. It was just a beautiful moment. We were reminded of the impact that this place is having with these HIV children. They are literally saving lives of children that come to them in this condition and through love and nutrition, their lives are turned around.

Hard to believe, but the 2 pictures are of the same child. Praise God! Our families here at DeepStream look forward to the ongoing relationship with this orphanage and for the chance to love on these kids!

Chicken Club Purchasing from Locals

2010-11-14T18:47:00.000-08:00

Excited to report that we seem to finally be seeing some new kinds of fruits from Eli's chicken club. Now that there are a few families who are actually succeeding with the plan we are beginning to purchase chickens from them in order to help the new families. Today we purchased 8 full grown hens from one of our families (seen in picture) in order to help one of the newest chicken club families. It was great to be able to help both families in the process.

This new addition to the program makes 9 families who are successfully working with us, growing, selling, and purchasing more. Eli's Chicken Club has some big plans for 2011... check back with us from time to time.

A Wonderful Life???

2010-11-14T10:17:00.000-08:00

For most of us, a staple item that goes with every Christmas is a viewing of the Christmas Classic, "It's a Wonderful Life". What a great story, giving us a reminder of what is really important in life; our families, helping others, and using the life we are given to really make a difference. My favorite part of the story is how George gets to see what life would have been like "without" his presence, how the town of Bedford falls was effected by his absence and the difference you see in the lives of those around him. Thinking through the truth of this part of the story is sobering. What would the world be like without you. Or a better question is, "Since I am here, present in so many people's lives, what can I do to make the world around me better, for others?"

This Christmas season, we want to challenge you to do something totally different. Maybe you've heard of "advent conspiracy" and see the videos over the past couple of years, calling people to give to a different cause other than ourselves. There are three specific initiatives this season that we want to challenge you to be a part of. Help with at least one of them, and take part of what you would normally spend on yourself and your family and use those funds to change the life of someone else. Here's how:

HOMES FOR CHRISTMAS - You can give a person a home this year. Where we live in Guatemala, people are living in extreme conditions. For a small sacrifice, your family and friends can together change someones life. MORE INFO HERE.

WATER FOR CHRISTMAS - We've been involved with a powerful movement in Malawi, Africa over the past 3 years. You can help to bring wells and clean water to the people of Malawi, again, for a small sacrifice. MORE INFO HERE.

GIVE EDUCATION FOR CHRISTMAS - Another effort you can help with is our Education Fund. For 2011, we have huge plans that will effect the future of the kids of Buena Vista. MORE INFO HERE.

These 3 are just some good places to start - The main point... make a difference this year in someone's world in a substantial way. Can you think of better news for a Guatemalan family living in a cornstalk home, than that they will be moving into a safe, warm, secure place soon? Or to think of a family in Africa hearing that their village is finally going to have clean water. What about a child in Buena Vista, Guatemala hearing that they can go to school this year, because they will have the needed supplies.

From all of us here, we pray that this Season will be different and one that revolutionizes the way we all live for seasons to come.

Morning with 6 Giddy Graduating Gals

2010-11-12T15:28:00.000-08:00

Our morning began with 6 teenage girls quiet and stoic like finding a spot in our car. Mark and I and the girls had a date to drive them to Antigua to register them for the institutes they've chosen. The car ride is quiet with mostly Mark and I doing the talking and mostly to each other at that.

At the first school, 4 of the girls presented their paper work and all 4 had collected the papers they needed to enroll. At this Mark and I were very happy to see as we were not sure how much they understood what to do after their first initial meeting with the schools of their choice. We left that school felling happy and the girls were smiling and hugging each other so excited that they are actually going to be able to go to this school!

The 5th girl chose a sewing school. She and Mark walked to that school while the others and I stayed in the car and chatted a bit. I could tell they were out of their element- in a car, in a "big" city, being carted around by 2 North Americans. When Mark and Elida returned we asked them if we could take them to McDonalds and show them the free computers, get a snack before heading home. With giant smiles we headed that way.

Mark always walks fast, but especially fast to girls who are holding each others arms and hands trying to cross the "busy" street. So I reached out and grabbed Geldy's hand to make them more comfortable that we would not get lost or hurt and like I had money in my hand, all the girls followed and grabbed some part of me or another girl and we made it across the street and into the entrance of Mc.D's where Mark told them if they are really quiet, "they will hear the angels singing because they're entering heaven."

They all ordered the same meal- a typical Guatemalan breakfast with plantains, beans, cream, eggs and tortillas. I took the girls on a tour of what is truly the most beautiful McD's I've ever been in myself. Ronald Mc Donald was glued to a bench outside where a few of the girls ran and sat on his lap, made jokes and laughed. We found a bench and started talking about the surroundings. None of them had been to a McD's. None of them had ever seen a restaurant so nice. None of them have ever had a meal bought for them outside their home or wedding / party. Mark came with the food to which all was GONE! Not a speck of anything left in front of anyone.
We went to use the bathroom. Oh! how much fun a bathroom could be! We stood outside the door and I showed them to always use the one with the person in a dress or skirt and showed them what the men's room symbol was as well. After using the stalls the fun began. The first 2 girls could not figure out how to make the water come out of the faucet. After some time I walked over and lifted the handle. When the water gushed out they all cracked up laughing and making fun of each other. Standing there with wet hands looking for something I pressed the button for the hand dryer to start and WOW!!! they clustered under the hot air all amazed. After 3 cycles through the fun subsided and we headed to show them the computers.

Most of the girls are fine with going far away from home for the next 3 years of schooling. They are not nervous about being different or being behind as they say they will work hard to get good grades and learn. But they are all nervous about their computer classes as none of them have ever had the chance to use a computer and most of the other kids from Antigua will have had that experience already. Not only had they not used a computer, they had never heard of e-mails so we showed them how it worked. They had never heard of a search engine so we showed them google. They had never heard of Facebook so we showed them our accounts. We showed them DeepStream's webiste with their pictures and they were amazed and I was watching their faces. They looked proud. We assured them that as classes began, we could spend some time with them teaching them more of how to use the computer and the internet and not to be nervous. With their eyes you could see they were thinking, "Yeah, I'm gonna need a lot of help here."

The 6th girl registered in a school closer to home. Only Mark and I got out to help her. Mark filled out the paper work. She grabbed my hand in excitement and we sat there while Mark acted as a guardian for her. She was really thankful when we left thanking us over and over.

By lunch we were home and Mark and I were both so glad to have the time with those girls. We commented how the ride home was much more noisy and relaxed then the beginning of the morning and we thanked God we're able to be a special part in each of these girls' future. The money raised through the Education Fund is truly a blessing to these girls, their families and the other graduate whom we plan to register all by the end of November.

Felix and Petronilia - A Business ReStart

2010-11-02T20:22:00.001-07:00

By now, you all know the story of our friend Esvin, the local Buena Vista boy who God introduced into our lives last year. During the past year Eli's Chicken Club had the chance to bless his parents, Felix and Petronilia, with a new business with 20 chicks and feed, etc... Petronilia showed excitement and incredible "know-how" from day one. After the first 8 weeks, she had sold the 20 and bought 30, showing that she understood the business plan was working and they were off and running. As their son's health began to turn for the worse, one thing led to another and due to selling many of them for family needs and the "flock" shrunk down to 6 chickens which she uses for laying eggs.

We recently had a donor help out with funds to Eli's Chicken Club and felt an immediate pull to give a kickstart to Petronilia's business once again.

Today we showed up with 10 new baby chicks and feed, as well as 4 more full grown PONEDORA's, which are egg laying hens. The look on Petronilia's face told the story. We are thankful to the teens of CO2 and the Orchard Valley Baptist Church in Lake City, FL for making this happen! Their funds are also helping two other families with business start ups in the very near future.

SCHMIDT'S - Last Month or So

2010-11-01T18:35:00.000-07:00

It's been a couple months since we've shot out an update, so here we go. October 1st-21st, we were back in the states for the first time as a family and had a great time, visiting with friends and family. First we headed to New Mexico where we had the privilege of sharing our story with the people of Destiny Center. God has used this church to be a huge blessing to our family over the past year and it was just great to finally be there with the people of Destiny. They have partnered with us during 2010, enabling us to do so much, and will be a huge part of our 2011 vision. While there in NM we were able to go to the Balloon Festival as well as check out the Grand Canyon together with our friend Jerome and his family. You can view the pics from both by clicking the links below:

TRIP TO GRAND CANYON

BALLOON FESTIVAL

From New Mexico we headed to New Jersey and Pennsylvania, where we were able to spend two weeks hanging out with our family and friends in the Northeast. Again, it was awesome. Can't specifically say what was the best part of the trip, other than us getting to share with everyone all that has been happening here in Guatemala. We were reminded of the many friends back in the States who are truly playing a role in what is happening here where we live. Check out some of the PA pics below:

TRIP TO PENNSYLVANIA

Being back in the U.S. was great but after a few weeks we were ready to get back here to Guatemala and return to life as we know it and all that God is doing here. We are currently working hard on the 2011 Education Fund details, meeting with the students who are being sponsored and working with the Director, Mario, on other immediate needs. Check out more on the Education Fund HERE.

We cannot believe that it is already November and are amazed how fast the year flew by. We look to the final months of 2010 with excitement and to the new year with anticipation of all that God will do in the lives of the students and the families that we are connecting with daily here in Buena Vista.

Excerpt from RADICAL- by David Platt...

2010-10-15T07:48:00.000-07:00

The following is a quick excerpt from David Platt's new book, "Radical - Taking our faith by from the American Dream"...

"Let's put ourselves in the shoes of these eager followers of Jesus in the first century. What if I were the potential disciple being told to drop my nets? What if you were the man whom Jesus told to not even say good-bye to his family? What if we were told to hate our families and give up everything we had in order to follow Jesus?

This is where we come face to face with a dangerous reality. We DO have to give up everything we have to follow Jesus. We DO have to love him in a way that makes our closest relationships in this world look like hate. And it is entirely possible that he WILL tell us to sell everything we have and give it to the poor.

But we don't want to believe it. We are afraid of what it might mean for our lives. So we rationalize these passages away. "Jesus would really tell me to not bury our father or say good bye to our family. Jesus didn't literally mean to sell all we have and give it to the poor. What Jesus really meant was...."

And this is where we need to pause. Because we are starting to redefine Christianity. We are giving in to the dangerous temptation to take the Jesus of the Bible and twist him into a version of Jesus we are more comfortable with.

A nice, middle-class, American Jesus. A Jesus who doesn't mind materialism and who would never call us to give away everything we have.... A Jesus who wants us to be balanced, who wants us to avoid dangerous extremes, and who for that matter, wants us to avoid danger altogether. A Jesus who brings comfort and prosperity as we live our our Christian spin on the American dream."

ALL I CAN SAY IS WOW... LOOKING FORWARD TO THE REST OF CHAPTER ONE, AND THEN THE REST OF THE BOOK... LOVE BEING CHALLENGED BY THE TRUTH.

Ripple - Little Love Makes a Huge Difference

2010-10-15T07:17:00.000-07:00

Recently we had the privilege of visiting with our friends at Destiny Center in Rio, Rancho, NM. Over the past year, God has connected us deeply with the lead pastor, Jerome Wade, his family, and now his church family.

While there at Destiny, sharing our story, Jerome began a new series called "Ripple", talking about how our actions have lasting effects and specifically dealing with the topic of love and making your life count. I would highly encourage you to watch the video casts each week. You can do so at http://www.destinypeople.com/#/audio-video-messages

Week one was about how a little love makes a big difference. Some key points that I wanted to share include:

The text: Galatians 5:6b - Paul states..."the only thing that counts is faith expressing itself through love." He says, the ONLY THING THAT COUNTS is FAITH EXPRESSING ITSELF THROUGH LOVE. How powerful is that? At the core of it, what struck me is what a "simplifying" thought it is. This one truth from God could change every other aspect of our life if we could focus in on living it out. A good way to sum this up is our tag phrase at DeepStream... "LOVE ALL...WORSHIP ONE". I've also heard it said as, "LIVE LOVED AND LOVE".

A few questions Jerome asked us that day were:
* What are we doing with our lives that truly counts or matters?
* How are we living that will cause ripples of change in our world?
* What is my faith expressing?

Another great point was that "the true measure of our faith in Christ Jesus is our capacity and ability to love".

I also found that this passage helped me personally reconcile the debate between Paul's "Salvation by faith" message and James "Faith and works" message. Paul in this passage is saying that a true faith will express itself through the act of love. Helped bring cohesion to the two New Testament passages.

From here Jerome took us to the Old Testament passage known as the Shema, in Deut. 6:4-6, and Jesus teaching on this passage in Matthew 22:37-40. Both can be summed up by "loving God with everything we have..." In Matthew, however, Jesus added the powerful aspect of "loving others as ourselves".

Again, I encourage you to watch the podcast that I mentioned above. This series will be going on for a few weeks. Should be great!

Back to U.S.

2010-09-30T17:05:00.000-07:00

We are all packed, house cleaned, and ready to go back to the states for our first time (together) in just over 13 mths. Needless to say we are all excited to travel tomorrow and looking forward to our time of rest and sharing all that God has been up to this past year. Our trip includes:

* New Mexico - a week of sharing with our friends at Destiny Center as well as a quick jaunt over to the Grand Canyon. God connected our family with Destiny last year and they have become a huge part of our serving here in Guatemala.

* Pennsylvania - two weeks of reconnecting with our friends and family in Stroudsburg, PA. Looking forward to being back, hoping to seeing some colorful leaves, and we will make a quick visit down to MD to visit some of Mark's family.

All this said, pray for us as we go. Safety, rest, and just an awesome time as a family. We are hoping that we don't get back into any "old patterns" while we are back, and we know that we are going to dearly miss all of our friends here in Guatemala. Today we spent some time driving around the village visiting some of our closer friends and saying goodbye for 3 weeks. A mixture of excitement and "sad to go".

What Would You Do If Failure Were Impossible?

2010-09-19T19:07:00.000-07:00

This question I recently read in a book* and it has been making me think and think and think, not so much for me, but for my children. I dream for them, but I don't want my dream or any other person's dream to be implanted in their heads as their own. Well intended but cliched dreams as, "Stop world hunger, provide clean water to all people in the world, invent a drug to heal people from cancer." are all fine dreams and I pray they all come to fruition in my life time, but what are those people doing NOW to get to the end of those dreams?

What got me thinking through the way my kids dream is the education before them and most other children in the US. Up until 6th or 7th grade they need the information overload to learn normal applications in life and to function well in society. Beyond these middle years of education, the independence and fearless almost reckless mindset teenagers have, makes them perfect candidates to accomplish amazing things. Although this age group still needs some structure and guidelines so as to not hurt themselves and others, a few years down the road, these same kids are now young adults trapped in a system that tells them good test grades are the measuring stick for how much you've learned, how successful you will be at your career, how much influence you will have towards others. If you've dealt with a normal 15 year old, they question most systems, most blanket across the board, one-size fits all type of anything and education is not an exception.

So, looking at my daughter who is in her first year of High School and knowing in her heart and by her personality she will not be using pre-calc. very much, do I continue her on the path to take that her Senior year because that is what she is supposed to do? She and I both know it does not interest her in the least, so why bother? As an adult, I don't work out long math equations just for fun, heck I am not in an environment that I EVER have to do them. Looking at my 7th grade son and seeing year after year that writing a narrative to express his feelings about some random topic is worse to him than eating sprouts, I say, how much longer should I torture the poor boy, obviously after 8 years of writing he has not developed a love not even a liking, not even a toleration for it so,,,,?

Mark and I evaluate each aspect of our life yearly to discern if we are just going with the flow. DeepStream is swimming against the mainstream- mainstream thoughts of religion, of ministry, of the "American Dream", of parenting etc. We're analyzing the structured education we're providing for our children and want to be sure it is worth their time. Learning can take place everywhere and through many avenues- sports, private lessons, baking classes, helping the elderly, volunteering at an orphanage, photographing nature, feeding the homeless. It is in situations like these that true passions, true dreams are formed, not at a desk with 27 other students listening to the same lecture the teacher has given the last 14 years.

What would you do if failure were not impossible? Have you thought about that? Ask your children to share what they would do. Have your teenager write down his answers, then pray and seek for ways to be able to enable them to follow those dreams. I'm praying that with the freedom to follow through with what they feel as young people, when they are older they will not be comfortable settling into the expected job, the predicted career. I am praying, trusting and working towards having children who will go, do, be, live, a life of excitement, surrender without the fear of failure.

*College Without High School by Blake Boles

"For If You Do These Things, You Will Never Stumble."

2010-09-19T15:40:00.000-07:00

Now, wouldn't it be great to never get tripped up in life? How much pain and struggle, disappointment and frustration one could avoid if there was a list of things to do that would assure you would never falter in faith, in good deeds, in love? Camping around 2 Peter 1:5-10 actually lets us know there IS a way to assure, you will never stumble.

"But for this very reason, giving all attention, add to your faith virtue,
to virtue knowledge,
to knowledge self-control,
to self-control perseverance,
to perseverance godliness,
to godliness brotherly kindness,
to brotherly kindness love.
For he who lacks these things is shortsighted, even to being blind, and has forgotten that he was cleansed from his old sins.
Therefore, brothers, pay even more attention to make your call and election for sure, for if you do these things you will never stumble; for so an entrance will be supplied to you abundantly into the everlasting kingdom of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ."

Many have said, "I want to help people, but I don't know where to start!", or, "I am not sure what God wants me to be doing with my life, with my time." If not sure where to start or that you are where you need to be in faith walking with Him, try applying and practicing what is suggested in 2 Peter 1.

Faith is the beginning of your journey. As you exercise it, it grows like a well used muscle. But just exercising your faith is not enough to assure you will not stumble in your walk with God. YOU have to pay attention and add to your faith truth and knowledge of Him, of people in general, of yourself. Practicing self- control is wonderful, but only when you are listening to the truth God is asking you to exercise. Keeping the faith, moving forward in what you know with discipline takes perseverance. Desiring to be Godly, to remove from yourself things of this world that are not pleasing or helpful to you growing in faith also takes perseverance, self- control and faith. If you are adding these, being kind and treating others like they are your brother can not be avoided and once you can move forward with all of these, then you can pay attention to love. Love is the complete, the ultimate way to be assured you will not stumble as well as making sure your call (purpose) is secure. If you can truly love you are giving of yourself so purely that your mind is not focused on yourself, your heart is not being selfish, your flesh is being kept under control.

To grow in faith is a privilege, one that take attention & diligence. This approach found in 2 Peter is a shove in the right direction for believers who want to assure they will never stumble.

Faith of a Father Named Felix

2010-09-19T15:29:00.000-07:00

Sitting with Felix and Petronilia, parents who lost their 12 year old son Esben in July, we were encouraged to hear their faith so strong and full of purpose.

Felix has preached two times in our local church and says he will continue to do so whenever he is asked. His reasoning was, “God has fed me so much through His love and teaching me so much through the sickness of my son. My entire family as been brought to Jesus because of Esben and his desire to hear God’s word. When I have the chance to share how good God is, how much He has done for my family, how much strength He has given us, I want to share it. This food he gave me is not just for me, it’s for other people too.”
His oldest son, Dani, is also choosing to work at another local church because he feels similar to his father.

Felix also shared that he had apologized to his 4 children for abandoning them when the costs and needs of Esben got so great he and Petronilia had to give all their time, their attention to caring for their sick child. But, he said,
“Us all finding God through the rough years of Esben’s life is much more important than making sure the kids could continue in school.”
Their second son, Omar, never got to finish Basico (which is the secondary education program here) and wants to return to complete the 7th, 8th and 9th grades while his younger brother Marlon has the same desire to continue to be a physical education teacher. Both hope to return to school this coming January. Felix, mixed with regret for his children who have fallen behind and sadness for the loss of his younger son, beamed with excitement when saying,
“But now, I am here for them. They will have all my support, all the finances I can provide for them. I know God has a big purpose for them and for us and we are going to move forward helping each other.”
Our family enjoyed a good hour of sharing, crying, and talking about such beautiful things. May the faith, strength and clear purpose this man sees and feels through such sorrow be an encouragement for you to keep moving forwards as well.

Accidents Happen

2010-09-15T07:28:00.001-07:00

Well - we are a little behind with our blogging, but I wanted to relate a recent happening that is worth telling about - Many of you know, we drive a 20 year old car these days - 1991 Land Cruiser. We've been talking about getting something else with the baby coming and something maybe just a little more reliable.

Last week, Gina and I were driving into San Lucas, a nearby town to do some Saturday morning shopping, 50 miles per hour, as usual, and out of nowhere our left rear tire totally fell off the car!!! Scared the mess out of both of us and I gained control of the car and pulled over to the side of the road. As we did so, our tire went racing by us, down the highway, eventually veering off into the bushes. We stopped, looked at each other and had an "oh my word, did that really just happen?" moment together. We were both o.k., the car was a little dinged up, and immediately God brought some perspective to what had just happened for us. This is what I want to relate to you...

The day prior, we were on the road to the pacific ocean with the Johnson and Moreau families, had decided to take a different way than they did, and half way there our road was washed out, due to mudslides. We had to turn around and head home, kind of bummed that we couldn't go, but knowing that there was a reason. The week after our accident I was scheduled to be in the states for 4 days, and Gina at home with the 4 kids, doing life as normal.

All of this to say, that as we pulled over the morning of the accident, Gina and I were immediately thankful for God's timing. Sometimes accidents happen, and this one seems to have happened in perfect timing. One day earlier, we would have been stranded 1/2 way to the beach, in the rain. Two days later and it would have been Gina, possibly stranded on the side of the road, with me in a different country. The whole experience was a quick lesson in not questioning, but in trusting.

Project Apartment to Third World Rental Part 2

2010-07-24T20:06:00.000-07:00

Days in that apartment complex were very challenging. Our living quarters were very small, very, very small. The boys room was 7’x 8’ barely fitting Iman’s bed and Eli’s crib. The girls room was much bigger, 9’x9’ and Mark and I’s was a whopping 10’x11’. Not bad for a family of 6 but, difficult coming from a 2,000 sq ft home. But it was okay because it was temporary. We knew by the summer we would be in our new, bigger home not in the cramped apartment with no room to move. Space became something I dreamed about.

Late May we started packing. With joy for our new place mixed with guilt over leaving the kids, we prepared to move in June. Trying to explain to the kids why we were leaving was very embarrassing. Because really, moving in was only temporary all along, but to them, they were never getting out of there, that was home for life. One day I remember being exhausted caring for my children, packing, and asking the neighborhood kids to go outside so I could work. I lost my temper and had to go and apologize to the kids. One of the older girls said, “that’s alright, my mom yells at me all the time, only it’s because she’s high. I know you were yelling at us because you were mad that we did not listen and that is a good reason to yell.”

We moved in June and went back often to visit, but it was not the same. We went there to hang out on Saturdays, but the kids did not come around as quickly and as much. We got busy, they adjusted. The bus route stopped- just not enough kids to make the trip anymore. We kept in contact with Shane as much as we could. 2 years later we moved to PA and never have seen or heard anything from any of the kids at Hillwood Pointe.

People ask, when did DeepStream start? How did you teach your kids to accept the conditions they are in now? my kids would freak out! How did you know you were supposed to move to PA or Guatemala?

Well, again, it is hard for me to pinpoint. I do know that the family unit has been the priority since Mark and I married and God has never let us forget the burden he feels for each member of the family- husband, wife, child, each with their own struggles, their own unique roles, and the blessings He has in store for each member of the family.

But I would have to say, living in the projects from 2001-2002 would be the time, the place I would say he burdened us for the lonely, poor, neglected, hurt, dysfunctional people of our society. He loosened Mark’s legalistic heart with each hug from one of those snotty, sweaty kids. He shed my urge for order, peace, quiet with each look at a dirty 6 yr. old girl showing all her stuff under her skirt because she had no one to tell her to put on panties or because she may have been too busy caring for her baby brother, trying to find something for him to eat. He allowed our children at such a young age to love, to play, to live and feel safe and happy with kids who were very different than themselves. I can say in those apartments, our family tasted something we have craved since we lived in Jax and until now in Magdalena, we have not been able to duplicate the same scenario.

We did try. At our new home in FL, on the cul de sac, with our big back yard, we tried to have kids over, but the parents wanted them in their homes watching tv, playing games, or going off to sports where it was safer. We tried to have our neighbors over and 1 out of 12 on our street shared community with us. We had a block party, sponsored by our church which was so much fun and all seemed to be having a good time, but it faded and after 2 &1/2 years of living there, we knew one family well enough to call friends.

I loved my house. We had space. I had order. I usually could find peace here and there. Mark could come home, walk in the door give out a few hugs then crash with out having to entertain before unwinding. It was easier. But we missed community. Our kids wanted to play, but there were no kids around. Bryn would play baby dolls and each of them were named, “Juicy Momma.” Isaac still wanted to play basketball, but it’s just not as fun by yourself.

We moved to PA and again tried to build community and outside of my family and meeting new friends, no real purpose was found. 5 years later, we are here in Magdalena Milpas Altas, Guatemala. We learned to love those who need it in the apts in Jax 2001-2002. We learned to “be”, and simplify in Pennsylvania. We grew out of what we thought we needed, how we thought we wanted to live, what we thought was important and set up our lives in a way that we CAN BE what we know God asks us to be.

10 years later as we prepare to move again into another community with endless kids needing endless attention, malnutrition in almost every home, dysfunctional families more the norm than not, we know with out that apartment experience in Jax we would not be as excited, as prepared to go and BE.

God, in His Sweetness, is making puzzle pieces for you too. You may not be able to make the connection as to where it fits just right now, but there is always purpose. Life with Jesus guiding you, is a life that is complex, thrilling, hard, rewarding and full of questions. Don’t be afraid to soak in and store every experience along your journey as a lesson for now and a puzzle piece to fit in later. The people, the adventures, the decisions you make today are important for now and for later. Life should not be compartmentalized to where you close and open boxes, it should flow as one beautiful stream. Enjoy making yourself uncomfortable. Don’t shy away from teaching your flesh a lesson or two. Be grateful you have the chance to live, to love and look for others who need life breathed into them and loved poured over them.

Project Apartment to Third World Rental Part 1

2010-07-24T19:54:00.000-07:00

We had a group of wonderful people from Destiny Center this week who asked us to share about our move to Guatemala. It seems like an easy request, but for me, I always struggle with where to start. What moved us here has been happening for years, in stages, in sections of our life. Our God is so very sweet. I love the Way He Works and I enjoy putting the pieces of our journey together noticing each piece connecting to another- not always in order, but there is always a connection.

Our family is preparing to move from our rental in the busier town of Magdalena, Guatemala to a smaller, quieter, rural village called Buena Vista. When deciding to move to Guatemala, I wanted to go straight to BV, but God so sweetly gave us time in Magdalena to adjust, live among great neighbors, learn the culture and language in a setting thats more in tune with civilization. We are looking at pieces of land, and excited for the transition although quite a long time away. There have been many moves in our lives- some for jobs, some for better living situations. This move is to just be closer to the people we feel drawn to love, this is not the first time we’ve made a move based on wanting to be with a group of people.

I was preggo- 8 months- with Elijah when we moved from a good size house in a great neighborhood to a very, very small apartment. We were building a more suitable house for our family and for 8 months to a year we needed a place to rent. We looked at a lot of classy places, home rentals with pools, but we were drawn to this one particular apt. complex, Hillwood Pointe, for several reasons; 1) it was close to church, where we shopped, where we lived before, 2) It was cheap, 3) we saw it as a great opportunity to start bringing kids to church from that complex.

We moved in, I should say squeezed in September. Our oldest started Kindergarten. Eli was born in October. November we started a bus ministry taking the kids to church for Sunday School. Life was so, so busy.

This apt. was cheap because it was a government subsidized project. (In NYC we just call them (“the projects”). But it was clean, had a pool and a good patch of grass to use right outside our apt. door. The people who lived there were diverse, but with some common threads- poverty, despair, addictions, too many kids. It was here that we saw a slice of life we had never witnessed, yet alone being submerged in it. As any where else we’ve lived, we tried to get to know our neighbors. After 10 months, we only knew about 5 adults, but about 100 kids. Parents just were not around, kids were everywhere.

It was there we learned to love on the dirty, uncared for, ill mannered child. It was there we learned to not judge parents who left their young children alone all night so they could drink away the evening and sleep away the morning. It was there we learned that kids will eat whatever they have when they are hungry like a tub of icing around 11:00 because mom is not home from “work” yet and that is all there is to eat. It was there we learned that kids want, need, yearn for love. A few specifics situations are etched in my mind.

We would swim at the pool as a family on Mark’s day off and we usually had it to ourselves because the rule was posted,
“No swimming unless you are accompanied by YOUR parent/ guardian!”
Kids would have their sweaty, dirty faces smooshed up against the fence begging us to let them swim with us. Their parents were not around and so all day, they never got to swim. Our kids would ask to let so and so swim and we had to try to explain to them the reasoning which of course was like physics to a 6 and 4 year old. I remember inviting 2 sets of parents one morning to join us at the pool for lunch knowing that would allow their kids to come in and swim. They both agreed. Kids were so excited, all dressed in what they had for swim suits. 11:00 passed, so did noon. By 1:00, after the kids had waited 2 hours to swim watching us swim, neither set of parents showed up. When we left the pool we went by one kid’s house just to see what happened. The big brother (10) said the mom left to run errands and she’d seem them tomorrow.

Shane lived in the front of the complex, but each day when Mark’s car came through from work he walked over to where we lived and chilled with the rest of the kids who were out playing on the grass in front of our place. Shane’s dad was killed at gun point and since then Shane, his siblings and his big Momma just survived. Big Momma really liked Mark..one day she answered the door in her lingere when Mark came looking for Shane. She invited him in to have a drink or two, but sadly, Mark was on his way to work. :) One day Mark called and demanded that I not leave the apt. He knew I would be leaving to get Corinne from school any minute but let me know our apt. was surrounded by police, copters were circling. There was an escaped convict hiding in one of our apts. holding a woman at gunpoint. Sure enough it was at Shane’s house. The escapee was one of Shane’s parents old friends. As Shane told Mark all that happened, he was scared he was going to lose his momma too.

There were little girls who were so filthy all weekend because their mom’s were not home to care for them. Girls who sat with their legs open with a skirt and no panties. Babies whose diapers were so heavy they could barely walk. 7 year olds caring for 3 year olds , 5 year olds caring for babies. Hungry, lonely, dirty, rough, ill mannered, kids everywhere but mostly right at our doorstep, right on our grass, and we loved every minute of it.

When Mark came home from work our kids knew it because from the living room we could hear his name yelled and watched the kids run that way. The number of hugs, and high fives he gave would wear him out before he could get to his own kids. Saturday afternoons when Mark came home from work we would have loaves of PBJ and lemonade ready so we could all sit out there as a big group and know the kids were at least getting some food that day. Kickball, bike riding, ball games, tickling, listening, reading, brushing hair all were apart of those afternoons.

The kids there loved my kids, especially Bryn who was affectionately given the nickname, “Juicy Momma” because of her plumpness. Eli was handed around and played with like he was a doll. Corinne had many, many braids in her hair and it was there that Isaac for some reason wanted to always wear long basketball shirts and shorts.

We brought a lot of the kids to church, but the real connection happened because we lived with them and loved on them. There was a grandma who lived in the complex that came to church every Sunday with her grandchildren. Her daughter worked all the time for the family and grandma cared for the 2 children all day. She loved Mark. We loved her. For Mark’s birthday she had a surprise for him. Saturday am she had a good amount of the kids meet her at her house. After our lunch as described before, she asked if we would walk to her house. It was there that she came out with a “beautifully” decorated cake made by all the kids. The kids were all sooooo proud, so happy, so excited. Mark and I looked at each other and could not stop crying and crying and crying. We shared the cake and it was the BEST cake ever!

Baby Talk

2010-06-08T18:38:00.000-07:00

Well - the news is out and I wanted to take a minute and in blog form try to sort out some of the thoughts and feelings that I have felt the past few days and am feeling right now, as I am letting the news of yet another child being added to our home sink in.

We posted the news on June 3rd, the day before our anniversary, celebrating 16 years together. Can't believe that we've been together that long - where does the time fly??? Here's a review of the post that both Gina and I put out on our facebook account... It read - "S*U*R*P*R*I*S*E*D - S*H*O*C*K*E*D - S*P*E*E*C*H*L*E*S*S* - and.... P*R*E*G*N*A*N*T !!!!! %&#!%% I guess the one feeling that I left off of that post was "EXCITED OUT OF MY MIND!" I can't tell you how much I appreciate all the encouragement and words that all of you have sent out to Gina as she is feeling sick every day and having a pretty harsh bout with the morning sickness. It has been tough for her so far, physically.

Personally I just can't believe that we are going to be doing the baby phase one more time, strollers, diapers, diaper bags, changing tables, one-sies, spit-ups, blow-outs, pack-n-plays, baby backpacks, and on the list goes. I'm sure I've missed something as it has been 8 years since we said goodbye to most of that stuff. The disbelief is also due to God's sense of humor in giving us this new blessing, all while living here in Guatemala. It is always funny to me how God's plans are always much different than mine, but once again we look ahead, not seeing but trusting that He knows best!

My disbelief though in no way diminishes the excitement that I feel and that I know Gina feels (although right now all she feels is nausea). For us, knowing that in spite of my "preventative surgery", that God wants us to have another child is cool. To know that this could have happened at any time in the past 8 years, but for some reason God, in His perfect plan and timing, wants this for us, here, now, in the Guatemala chapter of our life, is incredible. We can't begin to imagine what God is up to with this new plan and what His plan is for this new life! We are thankful, feel blessed, and can't wait for it all to unfold.

If you will, say a prayer for Gina and the baby - for great strength as they "grow" together - for health for both of them - and for Gina specifically to get over this morning sickness quickly. We are blessed to have all of you out there connected with our story and appreciate your thoughts, well-wishes and prayers.

Our Friend Roberta

2010-06-04T09:04:00.001-07:00

If you have kept up with our family over the past 9 mths or visited us here in Guatemala you will know our friend Roberta Marroquin. Her family has been a great blessing to ours as we have grown closer and spent much time together. We've had the chance to help them with some projects and areas of need and they have been a huge help to us, as we continue to learn Spanish, the local culture, etc...

As we've gotten to know Roberta over the past mths, she has often mentioned that she has abdominal pain regularly, sometimes as we visit she is holding her stomach in pain. This combined with other things that we've noticed prompted us to get her a full exam with the same doctor who helped us with our friend Milagros' surgical procedures a few mths ago. We took Roberta to the Doctor 2 weeks ago and it turns out that due to 7 births, the effects on her body, and just the stress on her body, she is need of a partial hysterectomy, which will take care of the chronic pain which she experiences. We also recently took her to get a full array of blood exams which all came back great, so it seems that her physical needs will be soon taken care of with this surgery. As families of DeepStream here in Guatemala, once again we committed to helping this family with the costs of getting the surgery and other needs that will arise with her followup exams, etc. For Roberta, the sooner the better.

The purpose of this blog is two-fold:

First of all, for prayer for our friend, Roberta. For a complete recovery of her health and that her pain will be totally gone. Roberta has shared with us that she has fear regarding this process and we have assured her that God is with her and will take care of her and all of her needs. Many of you might remember that as far as we know, Roberta hasn't fully embraced a personal faith and we are hoping that this can just be another way of God showing her His love and peace.

Second, financially. The cost for the surgery and after expenses for Roberta will run around $2350, exactly like Milagros, and at this point we have had half of that expense covered through a gift that recently came in. If you can help with any of this need for Roberta it would help in a huge way. Her surgery is June 21st, and we have to pay the cost of the surgery prior to that date. We are trusting God to provide this need just as He did with Milagros.

Below are two links which you can visit to help:

You can view the video "Meet the Marroquins" by visiting HERE.

To help financially you can make an online gift by visit our link at www.deepstreampa.com/help

Praying for a Miracle

2010-05-21T17:27:00.000-07:00

Many of you remember Gina's blog recently about our friend Cesar and his beautiful family. As I type, my heart is heavy, but my faith continues to rest in God for His will and healing in the body of our friend. Today we took Cesar to the city to a specialist who we were hoping would tell us that there is something that can be done to help get him restored back to health, the way he once was. The doctor did routine exams and after listening and jotting a few notes, confirmed the previous diagnosis that Cesar has an advance spinal disease which will only get worse and at this point can only be "controlled" with pain meds.

As I watched the doctor telling our friends what they've already heard, Cesar and I caught eyes and just said to each other, "...so we will keep praying for a miracle". The pain that he lives with daily makes anything I have ever experienced seem like it is insignificant. As I lifted him from the car to the wheelchair and back again, his breathing was telling me all that his body was feeling. I hold back the emotion now as I did today with them and just pray that God will choose to restore and heal Cesar. Pray with me. We say we believe so join me in praying like we all believe. Our God hasn't changed. HE is the same today as He was in the stories of healing in the Bible and we just pray that God will once again unleash His power, glorifying Himself by healing this man.

Once again, my interaction with this man, Cesar, encouraged me, uplifted me, and reminded me of how blessed I am. I thank God for putting him in our life.

Continue to pray with us!

2 New Chicken Club Families

2010-05-21T17:19:00.000-07:00

Just a quick update from Eli's Chicken club... This week we had the fun of building and two new chicken coops and getting 2 new families involved in the micro-business program. We have to say a huge thanks to a couple of our friends who made these two businesses possible with their donations! We couldn't do it with out your vision to love our neighbors and support the cause here. Part of the fun of this weeks construction is having the help of Gina's brother Matt and our spanish teacher to "teach as we build". All of us had a great time working together and blessing these families.

To date, we have put 10 families into the program and 6 of the families are doing great, have sold and bought new rounds and are basically running things on their own. It has been really cool as we've had random visits from these families coming to deliver eggs, chickens (both cooked and raw) or just stopping by to let us know things are going great. It is always a victory when we hear that they are taking the steps to "own" the business for themselves, taking the initiative, and making it happen without our help and funds. The picture you see to the left is the finished product. Always nice to see them done after a full days work!

We will keep you updated on these two new families as time goes by.

Mucho in Mayo

2010-05-05T19:16:00.000-07:00

Can not believe it is May already and almost half of 2010 is passed. But then, I look at our pictures and see the many projects completed, the families which welcome us into their home, the teams that have come an helped and I know where the time has gone.

*We’ve had two home additions completed- Mercedes & Juana and Lydia & Luis. This is the Home Fiesta at Luis & Lydia's. Their daughter Chely is also one of the children receiving milk.
*We now have 8 families receiving powdered milk. One family is sponsored by a family in Florida and we could use more sponsors to take on the rest of the families and to add other families who would benefit from this source of nutrition. Victor Alonso, Mario and Jefrey- children part of the milk program.

*We moved Nicolasa and her 4 daughters to a safer home, built her a kitchen, gave her bunk beds, installed a pila, new windows. Men from Destiny Center helped here and with 2 other homes-painting, building kitchens, installing pilas.. All 3 by next week will have new “planchas” which are their version of wood stoves with chimneys in their new kitchens.

*A team from Watershed in Charlotte with help of Merrill Lynch men had an amazing week. This medical team hosted a clinic, saved a boy from severe dehydration, delivered a baby, and met many other medical needs.

*Liliana-a 4 year old deaf child received funds to be taken to a specialist soon.

*Chicken businesses are thriving. In May we plan to add 2 more families.

These are the major happenings, but the “dailies” include much more. Studying Spanish and spending time with our teacher Julio has proven to be invaluable to us and to him. Friendships are growing stronger as we play, celebrate, talk, help, share, with our friends in Magdalena and Buena Vista.
For more specifics or if you are interested in helping financially with any of the upcoming projects please get in touch with us. We feel privileged to share this freeing way of life with our family and friends not able to live here.

Schmidt - May 2010 Update

2010-05-01T08:59:00.001-07:00

What's with a mustard seed???

2010-04-30T06:36:00.000-07:00

This past week, a group of 8 men joined our team here in Guat to serve and love the poor. This group, from Destiny Center in Rio Rancho, NM would begin each day with a daily discipline together, reading a few passages, journaling and seeking God. From there we would all head out together for the days projects, and just "being Jesus" to our neighbors in the surrounding villages.

One morning in particular, in Matthew 13 there was a passage on the mustard seed. We've heard it said that if you have "faith the size of a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, move..." In this passage, verse 31-32, Jesus says "the kingdom of heaven is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took and planted in his field..." This passage refers to the smallness of the seed, but the contrast with how when it is grown, it is large, birds nest in it, etc... What struck us the most however was that the man in this passage actually took the seed and planted it...

One passage clearly refers to a great faith, the other shows an action needed on our part. James says, "Faith without works is dead..." What are we doing with our mustard seeds? Are we planting them somewhere so they can grow? Do we even recognize that we have a seed to plant? We do, and God is asking us to proactively do something with them. Plant them somewhere and look to God for the growth. The point here is about actually "doing something", rather than just going through the motions of faith and spirituality. What is your seed and where are you planting it?

This group of men this past week truly planted some of their seeds here in Guatemala and we can't wait to see the fruit that grows here as a result of their servants hearts, love, and unselfishness.

All for the Glory of One

2010-04-27T06:56:00.000-07:00

Isaiah 26:8 - "In the path of your judgements, O Lord, we wait for you; for your name and your renown are the desires of our hearts"

As I sit this morning in the quiet alone, my soul worships the Lord, my soul is exploding with thankfulness, and I truly want nothing more to come from these words as you read, other than for you to worship Him more fervently, realizing all that He is doing here in Guatemala, and how He is changing lives.

As our two families, the Johnsons and Schmidts, do life here in Guatemala in community together, serving the poor and needy and connecting with them, the ultimate goal is to see lives changed and impacted in Kingdom ways, both physically and spiritually. This is happening every day around us but I think one thing we had underestimated was how God was going to use this experience here to change us and to change our friends. What He is doing in lives is humbling to be a part of.

What do I mean?

Feb 12 - a group of business professionals, mostly businessmen come to Guat, serving the poor and enjoying time connecting with each other. While here, 3 of the bankers, from Merrill Lynch, announce to 3 families that they together with co-workers want to build them new homes, lifting them out of some extreme situations. So, homes built, projects completed, lives physically impacted and friendships started. More importantly, the group consisted of many "spiritual" guys, but most would admit that they weren't connected with God in the way they should be. By the end of the week, guys are confessing their lifestyles, talking about becoming better fathers, leaders, and Christians. For two of the men, it is clear that God began a good work in them and that they are very close to truly committing to walking with Him.

April 17 - a group arrives from Watershed Church in Charlotte, N.C. led by Alex Dunlap. What's the big deal? Alex' first Guat experience was in Feb 2009, with a group of men. Growing up somewhat religious, he had fallen away from it, and didn't want anything to do with "religion or faith as he knew it". After that week of serving here he tells his family, "I want to know the Jesus that I experienced in Guatemala". Within months he had his family back here serving together, and now a year later, he had a team of medical professionals here, literally saving lives. Alex came to know Jesus through serving the poor. By the way, he was baptized here in Guatemala, Feb 2010 while here with the same group of men for a "reunion" trip. Lives of the people on this team are forever changed but all was set in motion last year when Alex came to know Jesus through his experience here in Guat. "God - Your name and Your renown are the desires of our heart".

April 24 - group of 8 men comes in from Destiny Center in New Mexico. Again a group consisting of some successful businessmen, but some who were disconnected from a real walk with Christ. Before we had even set foot in the village, God was up to something. By the end of the week all of the mens worlds had been rocked and re-focused on God in ways that I can't begin to explain. It was clear that each were making commitments to doing more for God and surrendering more to God. Each story is different and in some ways don't need to be shared here in this blog - what is important is how God is impacting us as we seek to impact others.

I mention these 3 teams as a representation of what God is doing. We come here, as "God's Army", armed and ready to make a difference, to serve and love and help people, and it happens, but along with it, we are the one's who are helped. With every group of people who come, WE, THE CHURCH, are seeing more clearly what matters in life. The very lives of the people we are touching are teaching us and changing us in ways that we didn't expect. I feel a good point is made here... as we become servants and lovers of others, God is able to truly make us into what He desires. As we humble ourselves, He is lifting us up and molding us into clearer images of Him and of His love.

As you close this blog - worship God together with me. Thank Him for the work that HE is doing. He is doing more than we ever imagined He would in the lives of all who come here and live here, and as we are impacted and changed it is becoming more clear that together, as changed people, we can make a difference!

Praise Him - "... for Your name (Jesus) and Your renown are the desires of our heart...

THE LIVINGWELL PROJECT 2010

2010-04-16T21:10:00.001-07:00

Tonight our family launched the LIVINGWELL PROJECT 2010 in order to raise some additional awareness and of course funds towards the water crisis that many in our world face each day. Our focus is specifically in building wells in villages throughout Malawi, Africa and we have once again partnered together with Equitas, Inc and our friend Steve Cook, hoping to support his cause and make a new way of life reality for some village in Malawi. I can only imagine that right now there is a village full of people who are just waiting for the good news that "clean water is coming". Jesus words that "if we give a cup of water to a child is His name, we've done it unto Him" ring in my ears right now as I type.

Honestly two months ago I was going to launch the project but talked myself out of it, convincing myself that if I was going to raise awareness or funds towards a cause, why not make it one here in our own village with our neighbors. Then recently I was convicted all over again as I have been reading "The Hole in Our Gospel" by Richard Stearns, current President of World Vision. Again Jesus words have begun to ring in my mind, but this time the words are when Jesus said "Who is your neighbor???" It has helped me realize that no matter where people live, we are all together in this fight and we who CAN do something about the water crisis, NEED TO do something. I read a statistic recently that 26,575 children die every day due to illness and disease that is treatable. A large percent of that number is due to water that is infected with parasites. Mind blowing statistic, and I am realizing that I don't want to view it as a statistic. These children our neighbors. They have lives, futures, families, dreams, but their lives are being cut short due to lack of the most basic of needs, clean water.

Why Africa when you live in Guatemala??? Because I can't imagine not having clean water. I can't imagine being a parent in a village in Malawi, having to walk 5 miles to get buckets of water in order to provide for the family, only to have them get sick due to the water that I am bringing home. So this parent is faced with the decision to let the children die of thirst and hunger, or to get the water in hopes that they won't get infected, but knowing that statistically the chances are high that they will eventually become infected. This being said, there is plenty to do here in Guat and there is plenty that we are doing, but we want to also help our friends on the ground in Malawi, and our friend Steve at Equitas (www.equitas.cc) fight the cause and we know we can make a difference and our friends can make a difference. We want to raise awareness of what he is doing and what God is doing through Equitas.

So please join me in our 2010 effort of raising the awareness and the funds towards more than one well. The cost of one well is $7500 and I know we can blow the roof off that figure. Pray, spread the word, and give towards LivingWell Project 2010. CLICK HERE for more info.

God Bless,

Mark

VISIT WITH MILAGROS - UPDATE HERE!

2010-04-11T18:06:00.000-07:00

This past Friday we took a hike out to the village of Tablon to visit with some of our friends who are living out there, one of which is Milagros. We were so happy to be greeted by her at the entrance to her property and to see that she is feeling great and on her feet. We asked how she is and she replied, "great with no pain!" What a blessing to see that she is doing well and that God is continuing to strengthen her and daily she is improving.

Another awesome part of her story is how she has gotten more and more "warm" with us, with each visit. The first time we met she was probably a bit overwhelmed by the 15 gringo men who were surrounding her, but since that time she laughs with us, talks to us, and it has been encouraging how the relationship is growing.

One more time, thanks so much for all the prayers and support! God is good!

A WEEK IN GUATEMALA - Guest blogger Matt Schmidt

2010-03-29T19:26:00.000-07:00

Consumed by the typical noise that tends to drown out meaningful thought, I decided on a whim to meet my buddy Chad in a cool October evening in Destin, FL about an hour away from my home. Not thinking anything of it, I was just looking forward to chilling and catching up with my bud. Knowing that Chad’s brother and family had been in Guatemala for over a year, and that my brother and family had just moved there, I knew we would have plenty to talk about.

It’s hard to put into words exactly the emotions and the questions that dominated my mind when I learned that Mark, Gina, and the kids would be moving to Guatemala. A little fear, a little guilt, a little frustration, and a lot of uncertainty left me only guessing; but when August of 2009 rolled around . . . It really happened. “Wow! Unbelievable! My brother just moved his entire family to Guatemala! No Way!” “I know they will expect us to visit, but I don’t think that’s going to happen any time soon. I’ll probably wait at least a year maybe two, until I know they’ve got everything figured out, that will be safer.”

Back to Chad . . . the part of the conversation that matters here went something like this. . . “Matt, I’m arranging a men’s trip to Guatemala. You gotta come down there with us.” “Well, Chad, I want to go one day, but I can’t go this soon” . . . “Well, it’s just not going to work out financially, and I am already taking time off of work for a trip with Kathryne . . .” the excuses were flowing freely. What I didn’t realize was that I was playing right into his hands. "Dude, you need to do this. . ." he told me. We spent some more time together, I said goodbye and didn’t think anymore about it, until a November email hit my inbox letting me know the dates of the trip and that every excuse I had mentioned earlier no longer held any water. Chad is a master. It took me weeks to make a decision, but I knew what I needed to do.

When February 11th rolled around, I drove away from Pensacola still focused on the uncertainties, unable to anticipate or visualize anything positive about this trip. In the midst of that, I got honest with God, that I didn’t want to do this, but that I trusted Him. Somewhere, between Miami and Guatemala city, realizing that I was about to be disconnected from all that I held dear, I finally began to really trust God and feel some excitement what He was doing.

For the next five days, I underwent spiritual surgery as God opened my eyes to the world that is, vs. the world I was born into. I felt God showing me over and over . . . THIS IS WHAT YOU NEED . . . BUT THIS IS WHAT I’VE GIVEN YOU. . . and asking me “NOW, WHAT?”

Have you ever agreed to do something just because you knew that it might be the only way to get the people involved to stop bugging you about it? Can you imagine being so impacted by that same thing that now it’s the only thing you really want to talk about? Isn't it just like God to turn something that inside out?

FELIZ CUMPLEANOS

2010-03-22T14:37:00.001-07:00

Celebrated my first "Guatemalan Birthday" yesterday and what a memorable experience. One of our friends, Christian, turned 12 on March 11th and we had decided we would celebrate together. So, yesterday we all got together, Johnsons, Schmidt's, Marroquin-Lopez family, and some of their extended family who live in Buena Vista as well. It was an amazing day and probably my favorite birthday ever. It wasn't about gifts, cake, etc...(although those things were present) I've been telling Gina since we met this particular family, that my dream is to see them begin to come together, eat together, smile and laugh together. For me, the birthday party was that dream coming true in many ways. It was the first time that I have seen them hanging out like this and it brought a different feeling of joy to my heart.

I was also overwhelmed by a line of little girls, waiting to give me their gift. One by one, I had another little gift in my lap and it was hard to hold back the emotion. Then to top it all off, the grandmother, hands me a gift and I upwrap a beautiful T-shirt. What's the big deal???? She is a widow, who I know has absolutely nothing. I've seen her son, our friend Julio, in tears as he expresses a desire to help her financially, but just can't. I know that we held off the party for a couple of weeks b/c she wanted to be able to bring something. I didn't know that what she had wanted to bring was gifts for Christian and I. Christian yes, after all, he's her grandson, but ME? Needless to say, full of emotion, and filled with a sense that this is what life is supposed to be about.

I loved the day yesterday. I love these people with whom I celebrated, my family and friends here in Guat. I love the fact that relationships are growing, and doors are beginning to crack open in these relationships. God is good.

Recent Chicken Club Update

2010-03-22T14:20:00.000-07:00

Cool story from Eli's Chicken club that not only represents the need of people here in Guat, but also represents the hearts of so many. One family, Jorge and Maria and their kids received a coop around 2 mths ago. They just completed their first round of growing and selling the chickens and we are happy with the "results" for lack of better words.

Last week, on Tuesday evening, there was a knock on the door and Jorge and Maria had come to give us one of their chickens, freshly slaughtered, as a gift. They told us that it is a gift from the first round and that she would be going to the market to buy more chickens in a couple of days. She was excited to tell us that her plans were to buy a different kind of chicken, used for producing eggs. We always love it when the families show some ideas of their own, and as she had come to "ask for permission" to buy different kinds, we said "absolutely!". Anyhow, this a.m. there was another knock at the door, and there they were with 6 eggs, one more gift from the "first eggs" that the new chickens had laid. We hate to take these gifts for obvious reasons, but at the same time it is such an amazing gesture of appreciation and gratitude.

Of the 8 families that we have put into the program, as of now, 6 are continuing to do well, learning the process as they go. Three are now doing the "egg producing businesses, while the others are growing and selling the "meat" chickens.

MILAGROS DOING GREAT

2010-03-22T14:08:00.000-07:00

We visited Milagros yesterday afternoon at her uncles home (where she is temporarily staying in order to be closer to us) When we walked into her room she was resting, just as the Doctor ordered and we were so happy to see her smile and tell us that she is doing great and feeling no pain. A week ago, if you remember she was sitting on two years of pain, with the problems she was experiencing, and today she has none. Her words were awesome to hear and we are so thankful that our friends in the States and we, here in Guatemala, were able to help her with this get well. Most importantly we give thanks to God for making her well and for connecting us with her.

Wednesday we take her to the Doctor for a follow-up visit and afterwards to her home in the village of Tablon where she will need to continue her rest and recovery. Keep praying for her as she gets back to normal life as she knows it, and for us as we continue to stay in touch and pray for greater things to be done in her life.

OPERATION DAY! SUCCESSFUL!

2010-03-17T16:17:00.001-07:00

Today at 4:30 a.m. we rolled out of Magdalena to go and pick up Milagros, her sister, and her husband. When we got to our meeting point, they were all smiles, ready to go and get this thing done! You could see it on Milagros face that the day was finally there. When we asked if she was nervous, she said a simple "NO", and let us know that she was ready. The three of them had left their home in the village of Tablon at 4:00 a.m. to walk a very long and dusty road, in the dark, to meet us at 5:00 so that we could arrive at the hospital on time.

When we arrived at the hospital all was smooth and they prep'd her and around 7:30 rolled her down the hall into surgery. Before she left we had the opportunity to pray with her and over her, with her family. It was kind of funny, as we walked out the door of her room, another woman who had watched us, asked us (Brock and I) to come into her room and pray over her daughter. Was another cool opportunity to represent to these people what the "church" should be all about. The surgery went extremely smooth and shorter than expected and the Doctor was able to do everything he had planned and actually didn't have to remove all that he had expected. We were excited to hear that she was in recovery and waiting to come out of the anesthesia. Her husband and sister were relieved and happy to know that all went well and that Milagros is now on the way to a full recovery.

On Friday, we will head back to the hospital to pick her up and take her to a home near us, where she will stay for a week, away from her regular duties and responsibilities. From there she is looking at around 4-6 weeks of taking it easy and then back to life as normal, but free from pain!

Thanks again to all who have supported this effort through your prayers and support! Together God has used all of you to do a miracle in this woman's life.

ON THE EVE OF SURGERY

2010-03-16T20:06:00.001-07:00

Quick update as I sit at my computer tonight about to shut things down. We here in the DeepStream Community in Guatemala are blessed and thankful to have so many people with whom God has connected us, people who have huge hearts and have helped to make tomorrow happen for Milagros Ramos. As I type, we have had $2,875 donated towards her medical needs, which will allow monies for the meds after surgery and follow-up appts.

This might be "old news" to many of you, but I just found out today that "Milagros" is the Spanish word for "Miracle" and I think it is no mistake as we are getting to walk alongside God as He is performing this miracle in a woman's life. To think that 3 weeks ago, Milagros knew she had this condition but had absolutely no hope of getting it taken care of. After all, how would anyone in these villages come up with $2,375 (equivalent to 19,000 Quitzales and well over the average annual income for these local people). A group of men show up, walking through her village, one of which starts this process in the hearts of all of us, motivating us to give and help make her well.

Tomorrow at 5:30 a.m. we will take Milagros to the hospital in Guatemala City and at 7:30 a.m. (Guat time) she will be in surgery and we ask for each of you to pray. Pray for the Doctors and for Milagros body, for healing in the upcoming weeks, and for God to use this in her life, proving to her that He is there for her, and that He will always be there for her. Pray for our families as well as we will seek to continue the connection, pointing her to THE ONE who has made all this possible.

God is faithful!

The More We Learn, the More My Heart Aches

2010-03-15T21:19:00.001-07:00

Taking a woman and her baby to a clinic because of obvious cases of scabies, opened up a gigantic window into the difficulties of being a woman in these small pueblos of Guatemala.

Mom had scabies but also a list of other female issues. She was prescribed pills ( so was her husband ), but the doctor gave us a mini lesson about the culture of women here. This was a crash of freezing, water dumped over my head making me feel immediately drowned.

The doctor’s talk was,
“Here, you do not speak of womanly things with anyone, your mom, your sister, your aunts, your friends- no one. There are taboo topics such as how much you should bathe, how you should handle your menstrual flow. The only person that women here may accept a word of teaching or advice is from the town mid-wife when she comes to deliver their baby. Without being able to talk about hygiene in general, the STD’s, infections, and such will just keep spreading and spreading. The ladies need to know how to care for themselves and understand how to tell their daughters the same.”

Listening to him explain that he has medicines that will safely cure symptoms and diseases, but they can not afford to purchase them. The medicines do buy cure an ailment like diarrhea, but cause permanent teeth stains, damage the bones etc..
Since most of the women can’t read they do not know this nor that they should not take it while nursing or being pregnant nor administer these drugs to children under 12, but they do it, because they can afford it and it stops on of the ailments.

Feeling helpless, crying and just in shock at the lack of knowledge, education and understanding which is the norm here led me to quickly remember that the gigundo task at hand is not too big for My God, the same God that created these women and loves them. He knows what they need. There is prayer, work, relationships that will naturally take time to see to fruition, but it is not hopeless. Nothing is hopeless with God, but it is very sad.

Relationships is the center of what our family “does” here. Even more after today do I feel like that is an avenue God has provided for me to start with my closest friends approaching the difficult and necessary topics of hygiene and self-respect. As I hugged on my usual group of kids this afternoon I counted the young girls that I knew just right in this one section of Buena Vista. There were 13 between the 4 houses we visit the most. While rubbing each one of their backs I silently prayed that God would allow a change in the community to come through them and that He would show me how to start. And for their moms, I asked God if we could all sit one day and share the difference between women from my county and women here and it could evolve into more intimate conversation.

I want nothing more than for these women to feel loved, valued and special not because of their beauty, but because they ARE.

“Jesus, through your grace, through your love, grow in me so I can show them the freedom and equality you bring to the human race. Holy Spirit, lead me to whom I should begin this difficult task, prompt me daily to pray for them. And Dear God, thank you for creating women. Without your uniqueness in us, we would surely be nothing more than animals.”

Bed Ridden Cesar

2010-03-15T21:16:00.000-07:00

As we walked with our neighbors they spoke highly of Cesar. Cesar was a working, hard working man with 3 children, a wife and a normal life. His back problems had him working with pain but he was able to provide, be a father and husband. But slowly his disks have fused to his spine and the doctors here say there is nothing they can do except give him medicine for the pain.
So, Ceser has lied in bed for the past 5 years only to get up to use the bathroom with the help of his wife manipulating his body into his wheel chair. He can move his arms okay from his elbows down and can turn his head very slightly. He is in constant pain but cheerful.
While our family and our neighbors were visiting him he said,
“I do hope to walk again one day, but if I don’t walk here on this earth, one day I will walk on streets of gold with my new body. I will be able to move my arms, my head, my legs without any pain.”
Cesar likes to sing, so when his pain is severe he said singing songs to God helps relieve the pain. He continued to share after a song,
“It does not matter how strong a person is, if they don’t have the strength of Jesus living inside their hearts. You could have all your food, all the money you want, but if you do not have faith that you are with Jesus than you have nothing. I thank God everyday for all His blessings like my family. Each day is a gift and I wake up and thank God I get to see my children who are growing up without their dad to play with them, and to see my lovely wife who takes care of me and I thank God for friends like you guys who come to visit me.”

This man, physically weak, was so immensely strong in his faith. We came to spend time with him, to give powdered milk, to support our neighbors who care for their friend and to pray with him. We left feeling encouraged, humbled, joyful and amazed.
Pray for Cesar and his family.
Thank God for the screaming example of faith in a God who hears, comforts and provides, and pray with us as we wait to see how God would have us help this family.

Milagros Ramos Surgery Update

2010-03-15T20:16:00.001-07:00

What a day today! My first time experiencing something of this nature, since moving here to Guat. I'd heard about this type of stuff, but not personally been involved up to this point. It blew me away to see the reaction of Milagros and her sister as we drove them into the city, far past anywhere that they had ventured out before. As grown 31 and 37 year old women, neither had ever traveled outside of one of the nearby areas. At one point, her sisters phone ring and we could overhear her saying "No conocemos donde estamos..." which means we don't know where we are. Both were just along for the ride, trusting and knowing that the time had finally come for Milagros to get help and feel better. At the appointment when it was time to fill out paperwork, Milagros wasn't able to read or fill out the forms for herself, and for a signature they just took her fingerprint, as she doesn't know how to sign or write her name. The entire experience blew me away and reminded me of the challenges that these people face, and that we face as we seek to share the love of Jesus through actions and words. One other quick highlight was taking them to Wendy's for a cheeseburger and fries, which you could tell was a once in a lifetime treat for them. (yes, Wendy's fast food!!!)

Now on to the medical status of Milagros - We took Milagros in for all tests today, as well as an ultrasound, and got the confirmation that she does, indeed, need the surgery and a complete hysterectomy. The tests showed large cysts on both ovaries as well as other complications which confirmed the original diagnosis of two years ago. We were able to schedule the surgery for this Wednesday, March 17, at 7:30 in the a.m. which was also a huge blessing to be able to get all of this done this week and get Milagros on a quick road to healing. The Doctor is convinced that the pain she has been experiencing is due to these complications and that she will be feeling great quickly.

Here's a Financial Update - At this point we have $1,000 of the $2,375 needed for the procedure. Today we had to pay half of that expense and the rest is due on Wednesday when we go in for the surgery. Pray with us and help us if you can. Visit http://www.deepstreampa.com/help/ in order to help. You can also visit http://www.deepstreampa.com/other-projects/milagros-medical-project/ for the latest updates throughout the surgery and healing process.

God Bless!

THE "MILAGROS RAMOS" PROJECT

2010-03-12T19:51:00.001-08:00

Wanted to take a minute to share this story with you and to introduce you to Milagros Ramos, a new friend of ours, from the village of Tablon, Guatemala. Tablon is a remote village that we have visited now multiple times, but for reasons such as accessibility and closeness, we only seem to make it there one or twice a month. Each time that we have been there, it has been very clear that God led us and wanted each interaction to happen.

A month ago, when a group of men, all of whom are friends or family visited to serve with us for a week, we hiked to Tablon for the day, and met this wonderful woman, Milagros (the women in pink) and her sisters. When we visit a family or person for the first time, we always ask how can we help or pray with them and it gives the family a chance to share a part of their story with us.

Milagros' story for us this day was sad. In my opinion, medically, she is a timebomb, just waiting to explode, heathwise. I'm no Doctor, but her story his us all very hard, as we come from a culture where good medical help is a quick car-ride or phone call away, and for most, procedures will be covered by some HMO, PPO, etc... 2 years ago, Milagros visited the hospital after experiencing heavy pain in her abdomen/lower stomach area, and she was told that she was having some serious issues with her "female parts" (for lack of better words) and most likely needed to have a hysterectomy. She was told that she would need to go to a follow-up appointment which was going to cost her Q300, which is an equivalent to roughly $37.50. She didn't have the money and never had the appointment 2 years ago. On our first visit she told us that since that time, every day she has extreme pain which at times feels like childbirth and is unbearable. She hasn't had a menstrual cycle in 2 years as well and as she conveyed it all, in that moment, we knew we, as a group, needed to help, and committed to line up all the procedures and to pay for everything trusting that God would provide.

As we walked away that day, it was once again hard to believe that a person has lived this way for such a long time, in a state that could easily be taken care of if she had the means to do it. For us, we know why God has initiated this new friendship and we are excited to help. Today (Mar.12) we visited Tablon again and spoke with Milagros, letting her know that on this coming Monday we will be coming to pick her up, take her to a series of exams, followed by an ultrasound and will hopefully have her surgery scheduled for next week. The past few weeks have been spent emailing back and forth, researching available procedures and prices and we finally are moving forward.

As I type I want you to know that we need your help. The costs of the procedures are all outlined below and we are hoping to have all funds in place quickly to completely pay for the surgery and all, up-front.

* Tests and Exams for first consulation - $150
* Ultasound - $75
* Surgery and hospital stay - $2,000
* Follow meds and misc - $150

* TOTAL NEEDED - $2,375

As I said, we know that this new connection is of God and we know that her surgery is very important and the time is now. Please pray about having a part and if you can do something, visit our site in order to give online and help. As I mentioned earlier, we feel that this needs to happen quick as it can only get more serious.

Thanks for taking the time to read this and praying for Milagros and all of us as we walk through this process with her.

TO GIVE VISIT:

Seeing God in a Broken Arm

2010-03-11T12:50:00.000-08:00

Well - it finally happened - our first visit to a Guatemalan Hospital. A bit nervous? Yes, for Isaac and just for the entire process, not knowing exactly what to expect or even where we were going. Wanted to convey a "God-sized" story of provision and His "going before us". I feel with all of my heart that our experience last night at the hospital occurred in such away that it was as if God Himself, walked into the hospital about 15 minutes before us, and had a conversation with the Doctor on duty. It might have gone something like...(obviously this conversation took place in spanish, but to make it easier for all of you, I'm translating it)

God: "Dr. Vasquez... You might know me... I'm God... I just wanted to ask you to do something for me if you can..."

Dr. Vasquez: "Sure, God - anything, just name it..."

God: "In about 15 minutes, one of my children is going to walk through that door, and when He does, I need you to take care of him, to help him feel my peace, and make this child and his father know that I am here with them, and that you are going to make sure everything is good."

Dr. Vasquez: "I'm on it..."

And the rest happened in the exact way that I know God set it all up before He left the hospital that night.

When we walked through the door, there were people in line, filling out the typical hospital paperwork, which we all love, and others waiting in the clinic area. My friend Brock, who had been to this specific hospital when his daughter broke her arm, nudged me and said, "see that guy over there? He is the doctor who took care of Brooke's surgery and entire process". Right after saying that, they made eye contact and approached each other, Brock mentioned that his friend's son had hurt his arm and we were here to check it out. Without even thinking, the Doctor immediately waived us past everyone who was there, took us into a private exam room and looked at Isaac's arm. He then walked us down to the X-Ray area, personally lined that up for us, and returned in 15 minutes to look at the X-Ray films. (At this point, no paperwork filled out - no lines waited in - and a total peace of mind and spirit had fallen on all 3 of us) It took the good Doctor all of 30 seconds to see the broken wrist and he asked us to walk up to the 2nd floor, where his personal office was and said he would be there in 15 minutes. He showed up, had Isaac's arm in a cast in no time at all and we were on our way.

I don't know how this conveying of the story hits you, but for me, as I type I am still tearing up, knowing that MY FATHER was there with us last night, had gone before us, making sure that we would be O.K. I was thankful that He showed us the truth that in "our weakness, He is able to show Himself strong". The lack of Spanish, being at night in Guat City, never having a medical emergency, etc... just a few of the "weaknesses" that we felt last night, but God showed us that it is in His strength that we can rest and need to rest, not in any of our own abilities. This event was yet another item on the list of amazing confirmations that we are where we should be, doing what we should be, and that we should just continue to trust in our God who led us here.

To Him be all the Glory!

OLD PURITAN PRAYER

2010-03-05T20:43:00.000-08:00

Came across this Old Puritan Prayer while reading a site of an old college friend tonight. Thought the words were so powerful that I wanted to share with all...

An Old Puritan Prayer

Holy Lord, I have sinned times without number,
and been guilty of pride and unbelief,
of failure to find Thy mind in Thy Word,
of neglect to seek Thee in my daily life.
My transgressions and short-comings present me
with a list of accusations,
but I bless Thee that they will not stand against me,
for all have been laid on Christ.
Go on to subdue my corruptions,
and grant me grace to live above them.
Let not the passions of the flesh
nor lustings of the mind bring my spirit into subjection,
but do Thou rule over me in liberty and power.

Having the 5 in Focus

2010-03-05T19:01:00.000-08:00

Good friend of mine ordered me a book back in November of 2009 after visiting here and experiencing Guat for the first time. The name of the book, Divine Mentor, by Wayne Cordeiro, for me was perfectly timed and I feel is a must read for all. Wanted to convey one thought that the author mentions in the book, which has stuck with me and which is food for thought for each of us.

He talks about the fact that in life, around 80% of all that we do could be done by someone else. Around 15% of what we do, could be done by someone with similar training, education, etc... Then there is 5% left which really can only be done by us. It is this 5% that has made me think. The idea is that the 5% consists of the marriage that God has placed me in, the father role, your personal walk with God, etc... It has caused me to look a little deeper at the roles in my life that truly ONLY I have been called to do. Powerful when you think about it deeper in your own life right? What roles make up your 5%? I would challenge you to make a list, grade yourself, and see where you stand. Realize that the other 95% could possibly be done by someone else, so don't make too much of it. Not saying to let them go, not be diligent or a hard worker by any means. We are called to give our all for God's glory, no matter where that is, but sometimes we sacrifice the parts of life that matter most, for those that really, in the end, won't amount to much at all.

Take the challenge! Re-focus on the 5% in your life!

My Crash...

2010-03-05T17:18:00.000-08:00

Been a while since I posted anything and just wanted to quickly share an item that has been on my mind these past couple of weeks. If you follow our Facebook or Twitter comments you will know that we recently hosted a group of guys that was made up of friends and family of Brock and I. It was incredible, to say the least, and if interested you can view the video here - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6aVfWxNFSS0&feature=sub

One huge encouragement and blessing that came out of the trip, from my perspective, and something that has been in my mind since that trip, is how we as men need each other. Many of the guys on this trip, make up "my crash". The term "crash" is given to a group of Rhinos that run together. The more that run, the faster they run, and the cool part of the story is that they can only see 30 feet in front of them. It is a great picture of faith, as well as "stirring up one another" to love and good works, as the Bible says. I personally have a handful of guys in my life that I know I can turn to in any situation, who will be real and truthful when needed, and who will offer the encouragement needed to live and follow hard after Jesus. They provide a great accountability structure in my life and I could feel a re-charge taking place as I was able to spend some good time with them. Over the past 6 months since moving here to Guat, God has allowed me the opportunity once again to actually live 3 doors up the road from one of my Rhinos!

Each of us need others and need to remember to not face life on our own. It is so easy to be tricked into hiding out and wading through our days alone, but that is so far from how Jesus wants us to do it. Even He was an example to us as He surrounded Himself with a group of men. It is so great to know that these guys have my back in prayer, and I have theirs. We, while living all around the world, are walking this life together, and that motivates me to live harder and love more. If you don't have it, ask God for it, seek it, find it! To those of you out there, my crash, thank you for the role you are playing in God's plan for me. I am blessed to run beside you!

Year In Reflection

2010-02-19T18:44:00.000-08:00

Just thinking back of the past year or so these past few days... Many of you might remember that around Dec 2008, our family decided that God wanted us to make some changes and serve people around the world in some way, and that we didn’t know exactly what it might look like or where it might be. At that point though, we had already booked our first “family missions trip” to come to Guatemala and serve with our friends, the Johnsons, for a week in Feb. 2009. Since it is February and almost a year to the day of when we made that trip, my mind has taken some moments and looked back at where we’ve come as a family and all that God has done. I’m thankful. It was at that time, on that trip that we realized the specific pull in our life as a family to come to Guatemala. It was one of a few times in my life that God’s voice was so clear and specific for me and it was the same for Gina. It was one of those times in your marriage where God shows you both the same step, at the same time, and you just know.

I mentioned that as I look back, I’m thankful. Thankful, for all that God has done in the past 12 mths since that moment. I remember being asked questions by friends and family that we could only answer by saying, “we don’t know” or “at this point we too have more questions than answers”. Well, all along and during those times of wondering or trying to figure it out, He was working out all the details. He sold all of our “things” for us, the house, cars, furniture, toys, and excess “stuff” that we wouldn’t be needing for this part of our journey. While doing this, He was preparing the perfect place for our family to live, here in Magdalena, Guatemala, just 3 doors up the street from the friends we would be serving with. We left Pennsylvania without knowing “how” we would financially live, but KNOWING that our God is faithful and He wouldn’t ask us to Go without having that worked out. For me, this was probably the most difficult area to just “trust” in, but again, I’m thankful. Thankful for my God who has shown me in a very personal way that when I trust Him, then He is able to show me that He is in control, and then HE is able to work His plans and purposes.

In Scripture God tells the Israelites time and time again to “Remove not the ancient landmarks, which their fathers have set...” He is instructing them to keep a remembrance of all that He has done in the lives of those who went before them, and in their own lives as well. He constantly had the people building altars to the Lord and you see them giving places names which have significant meanings relating to exactly what God did in that place. For me, taking a bit of time to reflect on God’s work in my life and in the life of my family, is taking the time to remember old landmark moments or to set up some new landmarks for us to be able to look to. My desire is that our family would always be willing to take the next step of faith, and the more I reflect on all that God has done as we’ve taken previous steps, the easier it is to move forward. I want our kids to one day be able to say to their kids, “remember when God did......”

Chicken Club - Victories!!!

2010-01-31T18:12:00.000-08:00

Just wanted to post a quick note reporting on some of the recent happenings in Eli's Chicken Club and the micro-businesses. This round we have had more ups than downs as we've seen the 4 original families which we started with do a great job with round two.

On to a couple of victory stories...
Family #5, which was looking a little bad to be honest, approached me 2 weeks ago, asking if I would take her to get the chickens when she had the money. I, of course being somewhat skeptical, said absolutely, "when do you think you will have the money?". Honestly I didn't think the day would come, but today we were visiting at their home, hanging out and she pulled out a wad of money and asked me if I would get her a second round of chickens when I am in Antigua this week. I was ecstatic and shocked. Her husband has been out of work, the kids are going back to school, and she has many other ways that she could have squandered that money away, but it was clear that she has her heart in wanting to keep working at the business and trying to sustain her family. She actually asked me to purchase a different kind of chicken which will produce eggs, versus the kind that are just for meat.

Another quick story this week as I was visiting another family. Actually this family is one who sold the first 20 and bought 30 for the second round. Her business is going great and while we were visiting she asked me if I could buy her chickens some food. Once again, I was a bit skeptical, as I am getting used to being asked for stuff anytime we are in homes, even with people who know us well. So I assumed she was asking me to buy the food with my own money. My response, "I don't have the money..." She quickly stopped me and said, "no...I'm not asking you to buy them with your money... I have the money and will give it to you...I just need you to get it for me. She then said, "it is my business and my responsibility to buy the feed for my chickens..." YES!!! She gets it...

Needless to say, in both of these cases we are very happy with the progress and the heart involved in seeing these businesses grow.

Also, in the next 2 weeks we will be adding 2 new families into the micro-business program as well as helping a family who already has a coop and 20 chickens, get 20 more to grow the business.

YOU Are an Answer to Someone’s Prayers

2010-01-28T21:37:00.000-08:00

Today we saw a mother cry over a small gift given to her enabling her 2 older daughters to go to school. The best translation of what she said, “I thank God so much for sending you to help us.” Then the tears came, the head hung and shook and the hugs began.

At another home where the oldest 5 out of 7 children received back packs with school supplies the father said, “We wanted them all to go school, but we did not know if they could because we don’t have the money to buy what they need. But....we pray to God and He knows what we need, so....”

People here are praying to God and asking Him for their DAILY needs to be met, trusting He will do as He promises. They fully know they are not able to do so on their own. They have shared that sometimes it happens directly like a better job, or free beans found drying in a field, but most of the time, God chooses to use people like YOU to help meet the need before them. Guatemaltecos are expecting God to help them and when YOU get involved as He leads you, YOU are an answer to their prayers.

Items purchased to give to children who need helping getting ready for school. $15/ child bought all the supplies and a backpack. We are keeping this in mind for next year as well. Maybe start thinking of ways now that your school could help.

Wonderful Lunch

2010-01-28T20:36:00.000-08:00

About half of the kids who received backpacks and supplies thanks to caring kids in Jacksonville and San Fran.

Listening in on my children’s excitement about the two projects we were completing this week (handing out school supplies and inaugurating the new playground) just warmed me all over. Since we have been here, 5 months now, we have been able to “do”a lot for others and we have had time to “be” what we desire as a family too. None of us are comfortable being referred to as missionaries because we really don't feel like we are actually. We do know we are here to share our faith in Jesus and we do feel we are representing our home land, our sending state - GO PA! (For this reason we kept the “pa”at the end of our www.DeepStreampa.com address). We believe we can be a bridge between the people here in Guatemala and people in the USA.

The conversation evolved into more ways we can help, “Let’s collect baby dolls girls don’t want in the states and have them shipped here!” Or, “Let’s collect back packs at the end of the school year and hand them out here!” Great ideas don’t ya think? More conversation about people we know here who need clothes, shoes, food, electricity, water, medicines, therapy, dental work, beds, jackets socks, etc..., and people we know in the states that can, will and want to help meet these needs as we share with them the best way to help.

We’ve had the privilege to witness first hand the funnel effect that is beginning here in our part of Guatemala. Connecting North Americans to Guatemaltecos, being a bridge for family, friends, friends of friends, churches, businesses to funnel resources from there to here observing both parties as they feel the blessing of such generosity and thankfulness is amazing, a rush that becomes addicting and asks for more and more. So as we explained to the kids, we are not really missionaries, we are more like bridges, no funnels, no ADVOCATES!

ADVOCATE- One that pleads the cause of another.
One that defends or maintains the cause or proposal.
One that supports or promotes the interest of another.

PLEAD THE CAUSE- How else will any one know a family needs a new roof, a mattress? If no one speaks up for them how are the widows, the fatherless/ motherless, crippled to know that people care? How will others know parents here need help educating their children, finding jobs to support their family?
DEFENDS/MAINTAINS the cause of proposal- God “proposes” we are to love our neighbors as ourself. We are to help to the widows and the orphans, feed the hungry, shelter the homeless. It is our duty to defend others from harm, from abuse, from humiliation.
SUPPORTS/PROMOTES the interest of another- DeepStream prays and trusts God to connect us with families that need our support emotionally, financially, physically- you know all the “allys”. They have interests in having a safer home, a bathroom. They have special talents they want to use to support their family. The children have dreams of working in the city one day, having a family of their own, maybe getting a Tele even.

How privileged we are to be put into this position of justice, help and advocation. By the end of lunch feeling and honored and thankful to be put in such a position of love, we asked God to help us not forget our purpose here and for Him to multiply our efforts to help others in His Name.
The day we opened the playground!

A Week to Remember

2010-01-28T18:52:00.000-08:00

I will try my best to make this "week-in-review" short, but I have to say up front that it will be hard.

Playground Project

Monday - Install begins - Playground shows up - All hands on deck - Missing parts??? - Wrong roof??? - All is o.k. - Tuesday comes - Roof is correct - Missing bolts for concrete - Frustrated - Excited - Tired - "No Tocar!!!" (Don't touch) - Kid's keep touching - Kid's Excited - I'm Excited - Did I Mention Tired? - Wednesday is here!!! - Opening Day - Can't Wait til 3:00 - Get there at 2:00 - Install slides and final pieces - Kids are waiting already - Energy is high! - Share Jesus with all the "ninos" - Estan Listos??? - 3,2,1, Go!!! - Kids take over - Muchos Ninos - Ecstatic - Tears - Watching - Smiling - Playground Packed - Kids Smiling - More kids coming!!! - Everyone happy! - Thankful for friends who believed this could happen!

Back to School

What would you do if you had children who had the option to go to school, but in order to go needed basic supplies which add up to $15, but you weren't able to afford it so they can't go? Would you hope for help? For someone to be an advocate who can come between your need and your lack? We are thankful to some recent friends who gave and enabled us to sponsor 20 children with their "back to school" needs. It was a fun day today to go and hand out some of the backpacks. One mother of 4 girls, 2 of which are school aged, literally broke down as she hugged Gina, thanking us for helping. Such a small amount of money, but what a huge investment in the life of a child.

12x12 Love Project

Our day today ended by celebrating 2 more homes which were built through the 12x12 Love Project and the many families and individuals who have made this a reality. Once again it was an overwhelming joy to see the keys handed over to two families who were living in extreme poverty. It was personally emotional to stand in both of these newly dedicated homes today as our family was there when our team first visited this site. We all remember the feelings we had when we left that first day. Both families living in homes that were literally collapsing all around them, constructed out of corn stalk and mud bricks. You can see the family before in this photo, and in front of their new home above.

What a great week! As I type - just thankful for the experiences that this week brought our way - even the challenges.

Every Dad's Dream

2010-01-18T17:53:00.000-08:00

Well - it happened a few weeks ago and for me it was a dream come true... first, a little background for you. Gina, back in the states used to have a Bible study with Corinne and some of her friends in that "tween" age group. Shortly after moving here she did the same here with Corinne, Bryn and the Johnson girls. As a result of that one day my 12 year old Isaac comes up to me and says "Hey Dad, do you want to do a Bible study with me?" I paused, stuttered, and when I picked myself up off the floor said "absolutely buddy..what do you want to study???" Every Christian Dad's dream I would think. For me it absolutely was, but I have to admit that I felt immediately guilty for the fact that he had to ask me. Convicted by the words of my child and his coming to me asking me to study the Bible with him, rather than I being the proactive father that I should be, leading my children regularly into truth. Anyhow, another cool part is that the first night which was last week, Eli (my 8 yr old son) came up to me and said, "Dad, can I study the Bible too with you and Isaac?"..."Absolutely buddy!!!" So off we went that night, reading, talking, journaling our thoughts and sharing together. We are working our way through James and having a great time together. I have to admit that after dinner when I am ready to unwind, hang out with Gina, etc... I can come up with a dozen excuses, but as soon as the boys come walking up with their Bibles and we get going we are always so glad we did. Parents - I highly recommend that you try it. Don't buy into any lie that you can't do it or that you won't know what to say and so on. Make it happen and teach your kids and let them teach you. You will be soooo glad you did.

Corn, Beans and Time

2010-01-17T18:33:00.000-08:00

Lydia was working on getting corn off the cob when we stopped for a visit so the girls and I pulled up a “banco”-and learned. The corn was fresh so it was firm in the cob. With our thumbs we were pushing each corn kernel out as we turned the cob and rubbed and rubbed. The boys thought it looked like fun so they joined in as well. After about 15 minutes I had done 1 whole cob by myself so proud I tossed the empty cob onto my friend Lydia’s pile to which I realized she had already cleared 4 cobs! As I watched her I understood more that it is an art form, one she has been practicing since a little girl when she helped her mom do the same task. She has very strong thumbs as a result years of “de-cobbing”. I was at a disadvantage as I have straight thumbs ( my massage therapists friends may remember) so no matter how hard I try to bend my thumb to cover more area- it ain’t happen’! We stayed until the entire bag was emptied. 3 buckets were filled with our work. Lydia said one and a half buckets makes enough tortillas for her family for one day. If we were not there for the hour, I wonder how long it would have taken her to clear enough cobs for a days worth of tortillas? Her family owns a lot that grows corn so she has the privilege of fresh corn daily for her tortillas, but the responsibility to get it ready for the mill. They take the whole corn kernels carrying them in these buckets on their head to the closest mill where the kernels are ground, mixed with water and kneaded into dough. They take this dough, pat out tortillas, cook them over their drums fueled by “lena”, rub with salt and voila! LUNCH!

Her neighbors and other friends of ours, Roberta and Julio had beans drying on their roof for a few days and were now ready to get them out of their pods so as we passed by we sat to help. ( I really am feeling like there are specific terms for these acts like maybe shucking , or something like that, but I am unlearned when it comes to farming, gardening and harvesting so bear with me!) We separated large red beans from small red ones, purple from pink, black from black and white. The conversation about beans was short lived and as usual with them, we spoke of more important things- Julio finding work, kids going back to school. 2 hours passed and as the kids played in the tree and the adults talked and had their version of coffee, it was a good time.

I was thankful we had TIME to stop, to be with them, to learn from them, to help them, to build friendships. Time is a precious factor of life we may seem to forget just how special it really is every day. We can choose how we spent it, but we can’t make it go faster of slower. We can decide what we do with it, but we can never get it back. We can wish it away or wish for more of it. At the end of each day, the time you spend making friends, helping others, learning new things is time well spent. We are spoiled with the amount of time we have to use as we desire- may we always use our time wisely.