“Dear children, let us stop just saying we love each other; let us really show it by our actions.”   1 John 3:18

It’s hard to believe nine months have passed since I was in Guatemala serving at Eagle’s Nest.  Since returning my daily prayer has been to serve at Eagle's Nest (EN) annually. After much prayer and reflection I have booked airline tickets and will be returning to EN to serve from January 13^th through February 10^th of 2013.  To say I am excited to hug and love on the kids would be an understatement. 

I never understood when someone said they felt “called” to do something – until my first trip to EN in 2007.  Webster’s definition of “calling” is:  “a strong inner urge to follow an occupation, profession, or trade.”  The inner urge I feel to serve is simply too strong to be ignored, PERIOD. The bottom line is, if I could work out the details of financing this trip I wouldn’t need to trust in God to make it happen;  I am depending on God 100% for not only financial support, but for health, safety, and strength on this trip. 

Don't worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Phil 4:6-7

People often ask why I am serving in another country when so many children are in need in the U.S.  The fact is - we do have starving, neglected, hurting children in the U.S. that desperately need assistance. It’s hard to imagine they aren’t taken care of with the abundance of wealth and resources here in the U.S.  Actually, it’s harder to imagine children going without basic needs here than it is in Guatemala.  Poverty in Guatemala surrounds you.  You don’t have to drive across town to find it.  It is a way of life.  Families live in mud huts, many children start work at extremely young ages, and many never have the chance to go to school.  There is no welfare system, food pantries, Coats for Kids, Bikes for Kids, Side by Side after school programs, and the list goes on.  David Platt quotes in his book “Radical” that God’s heart is for the World - the United States represents 5% of the entire global population.

“The harvest is plenty but the workers are few.” Math 9:37

I have shared in the past that I would never have served as a “missionary” if I waited until I felt qualified or perfect enough.  That will never happen. I recall a quote that says, “He doesn't  just call the ones who are qualified, but He qualifies the ones He calls.” My prayer is to try and follow the path he wants me on. It is my long term vision that God opens doors so that I can work for a non profit or business that serves not only in the U.S. but in Guatemala, Haiti, Africa, and India. 

I am writing to ask for prayers as I prepare to serve in Guatemala.  Prayers that my actions, thoughts, and words convey God’s love to every person I meet.  Asking for financial support continues to be the most difficult part of following this calling.  I ask that you prayerfully consider if my mission work is something you would like to support.  It will be an investment in the lives of the Children at Eagle's Nest; I consider it an honor and privilege to be able to represent you. 

A tax deductible check can be made out to Austin Christian Fellowship with Guatemala in the memo line or you can make the check out to me personally.  Either way please mail the check to my address: 1300 West Lakeland Drive, Austin, Texas, 78732.  As always, the funds raised will only be used for my trip to Guatemala. Any excess funds raised will be used for projects and supplies needed at the Children’s Home while I am serving.

More information on Eagle’s Nest is available at
 www.eaglesnestint.org.

My blog from my 2012 trip can be found at
 www.d-guatemalajourney.blogspot.com

I will be posting updates during my trip again this year at this same address.

With heartfelt appreciation,

Denise

“God doesn’t call us to be comfortable.  He calls us to trust him so completely that we are unafraid to put ourselves in situations where we will be in trouble if he doesn’t come through.”  (“Radical” by David Platt)

Getting Adjusted

Well, my intent was to continue blogging when I  returned from Guatemala.   Three weeks later I am finally finding the time to do so.  I have been able to share with many friends since my return.  

Seems once I start talking about Eagle's Nest it is hard to stop - so be warned should you run into me somewhere! 
 It  was great to spend time with my twin brother last weekend.  We went to visit our other brother Doug and visit with our nieces and nephews.  It was so wonderful to spend time with family and our adorable great nephew, Tristan. 
                                  
 The rain has made everything so green and the  bluebonnets and wildflowers are beautiful!  I heard that because of drought and seeds laying dormant a couple years that this will be the best blooming of wildflowers in a decade!  Even got to jump in boat with the Present family last week and watch the kids play on the water - yahoo!  Good times.

But, the children and people that I love dearly at Eagle's Nest are always in the back of my mind.  Getting adjusted after a two month trip has been a bit different than coming back after a week.  I don't think that one is neccesarily easier than the other, but it is different.  I will have to say what I miss the most is seeing and loving on the kids every single day.  I am blessed beyond measure to have wonderful children in my life that I adore, love and cherish with all my heart.  The difference is I am not with them every day.  

                                                                     

I miss the the hugs. I miss the laughter. I miss playing. I miss our fun exercise classes.

 I miss trying to communicate with them. But more than anything I miss their love.
                                              
 I miss Eliceo turning his head every time I tried to take a photo. (this is a good one)
                                      
 I miss sweet Maria running and hugging me when I went to the Home.  

I miss Juan Carlos saying "Denise" in a very sing song voice. 

I miss Ever saying "it"s okay" in almost perfect English to most anything I did. 

 I miss loving on the sweet kids that came to the Manna Feeding Program. 

 And most of all I miss Marisol calling me "Mamma".

The other day a friend and I were discussing poverty in the United States compared to third world countries.  What seems to be the basic difference is that poverty is a way of life for majority in other countries.  You don't have to drive somewhere to find it nor can you turn your head to avoid it.
                                    

  Let me stress that in no way does that mean they are unhappy!  It also goes a long way in proving the point that Money does not buy Happiness.

A dear friend that is a Teacher shared today that most of the children she teaches live in poverty - in Leander.  Although most students look forward to spring break, many of hers don't.  They get two meals a day at school - what will they get the week of Spring Break? 
 So no, I don't have to go to another Country to serve children in need.  None of us do.  It is my prayer to find a place to serve Children in need here at home.   Hopefully some of you will have a desire to do the same.  A quote I have shared before, but worth sharing again.                                                                                 

                       "I can't do everything, but I can do more than Nothing"

I am so Grateful

Well, I arrived at the airport Thursday afternoon and my twin brother picked me up in my car.  It was detailed and full of gas, he and my dear friend Jay had paid for many repairs to be done while I was gone (transmission, brakes, upholstery fixing, etc.  I tried to repay them but neither would let me.  I am so grateful.

Room view in Guatemala the morning I left.

I drive up to my house and think the yard looks like it is out of  House and Gardens.  Really!!  It was mowed and I didn't see one single leaf on the ground. Jay and Dennis helped get this taken care of before I came back.  They had also cleaned up the trees on the back fence-line!!  I am so grateful.

Sweet Marisol - I miss her terribly!

My dear friend Jules had cleaned my house and left me some food items in the refrigerator!  She also checked my mail and paid some bills for me while I was gone.  Her and the other girls in my bible study had left me flowers and a sweet welcome home card.  I am so grateful.

Miss them, miss them, miss them.....

Jay lent me his small laptop to take on the trip which was my only form of communication via email and skype.Would of been lost without it and am so glad he let me use it.  He also brought beautiful flowers to
welcome me back!  I am so grateful.

Cindy made dinner for me, Steve, Cayden, Coltyn, Jay and Carol.  It was great not to have to cook after a long day of travel that started at 4:30 a.m.  Dinner was a wonderful - "wilted" salad and lasagna.  Since I was gone Valentine's Day we had a chocolate fountain for dessert!!!   Yummy!!
It was a fabulous evening with wonderful friends that are family.  I am so grateful.

Paola and Raul - last day hugs

Before I left for dinner I stepped out my back door and witnessed this magnificent sunset.  Thank You God for the wonderful reminders we have around us that You are in control.  I am so grateful.

I had dinner with dear friends friday night, pancakes with a dear family this morning, and have meetings set up this week with more friends to share and hug necks.  Getting home from a week long trip to Eagle's Nest in the past has been quite an adjustment so I was concerned about returning after two months.  My awesome friends and family have made it very easy.  I am so grateful.


Once again Thank You for the  love, support, prayers, and encouragement to take this journey.
It would not have been possible without you.

On a side note, if anyone sent financial support and didn't receive acknowledgement please let me know!!
I look forward to sharing more stories and photos on my blog about this wonderful experience.

                                          I am so Grateful

Homecomings

Arrived home late this afternoon.  Instead of sharing about my homecoming - I would like to share about a very special homecoming that occured today at Eagle's Nest in Guatemala.

Ever and Jeni were brought to Eagle's Nest about a year and a half ago on the very day that I was leaving with an ACF team in June 2010.  So grateful Claire snapped this photo of us right after they arrived.
Mynor, a younger brother was brought to Eagle's Nest in the past year so he could be with his siblings.
Earlier in the week Felis had shared that they youngest of the siblings, Kevin, had been located and was living in another Children's Home.  The decision was made to move him to Eagle's Nest so he could be with his siblings. 

Felis had told me about this at the beginning of the week and of course I was praying he would arrive before I left so I could witness the reunion.   That didn't happen but who cares.  Look at these wonderful photos of Ever, Jeni and Mynor being reunited with their brother Kevin after two years. 

Ever had told Felis and Claire that he worried about his little brother and it would make him so happy if he was with them.  He knew nothing of him coming until his arrival today.  Not to take anything away from Jeni and Mynor, but Ever being the oldest  I am sure he feels responsible for them all.  I assume that it has weighed heavy on his heart and I am overcome with joy and happiness for them to be reunited.



Jeni, Mynor, Ever, and Kevin.

                                                      Ever said now his life was complete!  
Wished I could give them all a big hug and tell them that I love them and am praying for them!!
Will just have to wait till next time I go - and for sure will be a next time.

Even though I am no longer at Eagle's Nest I have many stories and photos to share so will continue to blog about my journey for awhile.  Will share about my departure and homecoming tomorrow.
Thanks for keeping up with my journey - it means a lot!!

Last Day

Well, today is the last day.  I depart at 4:00 for Guatemala City, stay at hotel and have a 7:30 flight out Thursday morning.  The past few days have been full.
 The water in the pool has been warmer and I was able to really teach the older boys and then the older girls how to swim. Will have to say many have made great improvement!!  It was awesome and they love it.  It is so great that the property has that for the kids since they don't have the occasion to leave the property.  Some of the kids have taken the opportunity to take photos while I was in pool.
Thought I would share a few:

I was very excited to see this photo on my camera for Eliceo has not let me take many photos!  He always ducks his head.  I attribute it to the fact he is thirteen years old - regardless he is a sweet young man and I will miss him.

Swim with the boys

Swim with the Girls

Sweet Nahum self portrait.  He was an excellent swim student
and swims great!!

Not sure why they took this, but thought it was amusing.
Stall in the cabin the boys live in.

Nahum self portrait in mirror.  He has the cleft hands and feet.
Doesn't stop him, he does everything!!

Jose Luis self Portrait - he has finally started opening up to me and I am leaving:(

Add caption

Door from the boys room and out to the Pool.  They outgrew the Home so are using a room by
the Pool storage area and Laundry.  The third floor of Home is in progress.  Yea God!!

??????Boys being boys!!!

Pretty much a miracle, a photo of Eliceo

Projects

This morning I went into Solola as early as I could to get more paint to finish painting the girls room and run a few errands.  The taxi dropped me off and I couldn't pass up one last walk through the Market. I absolutely love it.

 

The girls were soooo excited when they got in from school yesterday and saw me painting.  I had told them it wouldn't be painted until the next big group came to Eagle's Nest so they were surprised. (Hope you like it Mama Clarita!)  Amy said someone was making comforters with pink in them so hopefully she has enough to make curtains too!  Will really look great. 

As I was walking from the paint store to the carpenter store I stumbled upon a Parade!

Had no clue what they were celebrating but was glad I had my camera handy.  As I am posting this and looking at photos I realize it is for Mardi Gras!!  

Got really lucky on the photo collage, thanks to Ronne who brought the prints to Guatemala! Took it to the carpenter Thursday and begged to have it ready today so I could put it in Home before I left.  He had it ready and turned out great!!  The "Mamma's" saw me unload from taxi so got to see it first.  They really liked it.

I really had just put the paint lid on the can when the kids started coming in from school so I rushed to get camera.  So adorable watching them find themselves on the collage.  A couple of them came up and said they weren't on it but I had checked and double checked to make sure no one was left off so helped them locate.  It's the small things.

 

Since I have shared about some home decor, will show you the cute hangers I finally found.  Had been looking for something that would like okay with rest of Home.  They were originally plant hangers and Claire and I thought some cute wind chimes or something might work.  Found these cute hangers and they look great.

The Rocking chairs are a long story.  Basically, have been looking for some sturdy wooden ones since I arrived.  One in the Home needed replacing badly.  Have looked, and looked, and looked every time I went to town.  Finally last thursday driving down the road Felis and I passed up a truck loaded with rocking chairs!!  Followed them on highway for quite a while, then lost them.  Then had to stop for errand.  Then get into the little village of Solola on the narrow streets and tada!  The truck had pulled over and stopped.  Made a quick deal through the window while cars honked.  He followed us to Eagle's Nest.  Put them together and polished them up (got 2) and took them inside for us!!  I had pretty much given up hope and had told Felis I would just leave her funds for them so was elated to find them before I left.   It's the small things.

So today, Tuesday, I went down to help with Manna and let the kiddos know I was leaving tomorrow.
Ends up after they ate a lot of kids got pushed in pool.  Many giggles and laughter for about a half hour.
Swim day for the Manna Kids is Wednesday so they bring a towel and bathing suits are in a big plastic bin that EN provides and they leave each week.  Very few ended up staying dry, including me.  Not sure what I did to deserve it but this adorable little girl, I believe she is the child of Domingo who helps prepare and serve the Manna meals, clung to my neck while we watched and giggled too.  It's the small things.

After pool festivities all the Manna Kids started walking home.  I said good bye to a few and then went on ahead of them to take photos of the 3rd floor addition that is being worked on at the Home.

 As I came down walkway a big group of Manna kids had just come up from pool and they came over and said "Adios" one by one and each gave me a big hug. It was so unexpected and truly touched my heart.

                                                          It truly is the Little things in Life.