Tuesday, August 27, 2019
WRITTEN BY ROBERT MERTES
Working with the people in Mya Itza to pour the new concrete floor for the church became very symbolic for me later in the trip. Concrete is made up of four key elements; rock, sand, water and cement. Although cement is the lightest and least of all the elements in the mix, it is what gives concrete it’s strength. While rock, sand and water are available in many places in the world cement is a rare element. Cement must be mined from deep within the earth, milled into a fine powder, dried for days on a large table and placed into bags.
Corinthians 3: 10-11 teaches us “Like an expert builder I built the foundation of that house. I used the gift that god gave me to do this. Others are building on that foundation. But everyone should be careful how he builds. The foundation has already been built. No one can build another foundation. The foundation that has already been laid is Jesus Christ”.
The teachings of Jesus and the love of God are like the cement. We have taken many years to learn the teachings of Jesus and realize God’s love but if we do not share this with others it is like a bag of cement stored in a warehouse, useless to anyone. Mixing large blocks of concrete and sending them out to others will not build a strong foundation. Only when we bring the cement to others, combine it with the rock and sand and then add water can we form a solid concrete foundation in God. A relationship without God is like concrete without cement. It forms a very week mud brick that cannot be built upon and can easily wash away.
WRITTEN BY TOM YELLE
Yesterday was our last day to unwind before heading back to. Guatemala City.
I went downtown with a group to finds some pictures to take home. It was a beautiful day to walk around.
We all seemed to unwind and relax more yesterday eventually gravitating to the pool for some heavy laughs.
In the picture, Pastor Steve was encouraging Jeremy to breathe underwater using the cup quoting Martin Luther, “If your to sin, sin boldly” :)
Last night we debriefed with the ILAG staff the week. Provided input and feedback for next visit. (ILAG, Pastor Karen and the staff did an amazing job!)
We finish with all sharing one word to describe our experience and what we’ll do with it?
Mine was “forward” as in “Pay it forward.”
Today we head back. So very grateful and in awe of our experience. I look forward to sharing that experience with all of you!
Monday, August 26, 2019
WRITTEN BY TOM YELLE
I thought I’d share some experiences while working with the men in Mya Itza on the church. We helped pour a concrete floor with them.
While we didn’t speak the same language, the language of working hard is universal. A pat on the back, gracious, a smile.
One of the things that stood out was how the men were very skilled at what they did with very few tools. One tool they used especially well was the chainsaw. When we looked at the benches and sides of the building, it was clear, something was different. There were circular marks throughout the cuts. That’s because everything was done by a chainsaw. Every cut was perfect and straight, but they all had the marks.
Robert asked that some forms be cut to pour the concrete in. We gave the dimensions and the watched in delight as Marco used the chainsaw to cut perfectly (both the right length but also straight) the boards requested with nothing but a chainsaw. Watching him cut a straight line from a huge board down to smaller 2 x 3’s was a treat.
The wood in Mya Itza was the hardest wood I’ve every experienced. Every nail we used to create forms and stakes bent. 100% of the time. We would often have to use 2 or 3 nails to get one in. One of the men smiled and joined us to help put the forms together. Through hand signals, he smiled, took the nail, rubbed it against his nose (to put sweat and oil on the nail) and then drove the nail straight in. No words, just a smile and sharing.
Things like this happened all day. Each of use sharing what we knew and encouraging one another.
The men of Mya Itza had never poured concrete before, and we did not understand the challenges they faced cutting, nailing, no electricity, water that is turned on every other day and oppressive heat were just a few. The truck that delivered stone and sand did not have reverse. We were reverse :)
What an amazing learning experience for both of us.
Yesterday we fully turned into tourists!
We had a great walking tour of Antigua. Many interesting places to see and several interesting stories and facts about the Mayan’s.
During our tour, we noticed one of the many live Volcanos blow a couple puffs of smoke as if to give us a show.
I took the afternoon to grab some pool time and get a massage.
Last nights devotion was again deep and meaningful.
Sunday, August 25, 2019
WRITTEN BY JERRY & SUE FRIEST
As we journeyed to Maya Itza, we learned that it is located about 300 miles and about 15+ hour drive on a mixture of paved and gravel roads north and west of Guetamala City. Even though it was 104 degrees with high humidity on August 22, we were embraced with even greater warmth and smiles and the very generous hearts of the men, women and children of San Marco Church.
While Robert, Jeremy and TY worked with several of the local men on the concrete floor, Sue and Jerry had the privilege of accompanying Pastor Karen, Pastor Steve, on a couple of home visits and were go with them to the school where we met an impressive and passionate principal and another teacher. After lunch Pastor Karen, Sue and Jerry spent the afternoon with several of the children of the church, their mothers and a couple of the fathers. Sue prepared some activities involving crayons and beads and the children added their own painted hand prints to the tee shirts we brought from Easter. The beach ball was a big hit with the little ones. It was evident that the children of Maya Itza are the same as those of Eagan – always eager to try something new with smiles that would melt any Minnesotan’s heart even on the coldest winter day. One surprising event was the Ice Cream truck coming down the road. Yes! It came complete with real ice cream and the real ice cream truck song that announced it’s presence. We ate dinner late that night since the concrete crew worked well past dark. Following dinner TY led a men’s group while Pastor Karen and Sue lead a Bible Study/bead activity with the women. What a joy to have this time to just be together and build relationships with our brothers and sisters of Guatemala.
Today we had an inspirational worship service with the congregation of Salvador del Mundo in Guatemala City followed by lunch at the church and final good-byes. On to the city of Antiqua for time to relax and see a different part of the Guatemalan culture. The people here are also engaging. As Pastor Steve painted near Central Park a group gathered to watch him. A little girl about 3 years old engaged Jerry in an impromptu game of catch, laughing and smiling the whole time. The people in the markets were especially engaging as they hoped we would choose to purchase their goods. Which we did.
Tonight for devotions we reflected on our experiences and how this trip has impacted our lives. It’s been amazing to accompany our brothers and sisters in Guatemala on our common faith journeys and find relationship with them. Even though we speak a different language and live in different countries we have the same dreams and concerns for our children, our churches and our countries. We have been blessed by the leadership and insight that Pastor Karen and Diego have provided. Thanks be to God!
WRITTEN BY TOM YELLE
The team moved from mission trip to tourist yesterday.
Attended the church service and provided lunch for the congregation (20 people)
It was a warm and welcoming congregation. The service was nice. Done in Spanish and English. We exchanged gifts.
We took our bus to Antigua and the environment changed immediately. It’s a tourist area. Quaint, narrow roads, cobblestone roads.
We went tot he market, some shopped, some walked around and then we settled back at the resort for a nice dinner and unwinding.
Saturday, August 24, 2019
WRITTEN BY JULI YOUNG
Our group came together this evening after 4 days of separation. We wondered how the conversation would get started in the large team after doing so much as two separate teams. Well, that wondering didn’t last long. Once we all gathered in the communal kitchen with guacamole, chips and cold drinks, the stories came pouring out from everyone. An observer might have thought we were long lost friends reuniting after a long separation – and to me it did feel like that. So wonderfully unexpected :)
Our large group talked continuously through our meal, clean up and then we all headed up to the roof for devotion. After more discussion through each of us sharing our high’s and lows, Jerry lead us through the reading of The Acts of the Apostles 10:9-44, the story of Peter and Cornelius. What struck me in our discussion of that reading and our individual perspectives through the eyes of our experiences this week is how blessed I am to be on this trip with such amazing people. Hearing the group discuss what part of the story resonated and why provided insights and thoughts that I know I will be pondering for several weeks to come. Between the experiences with the people of Guatemala that we have been introduced to and the openness of this team to share themselves, I have truly been expanded in ways I am sure I don’t even understand yet.
Tonight is a point of transition for us. We have completed our time with the congregation in Maya Itza and with the Milagro Center. Tomorrow morning will we will experience worship service with the Salvador del Mundo congregation and share a meal. Then is it off to Antigua. We will have an opportunity to see a different part of Guatemala, learn more about their history and continue to build on our relationships with our large team.
Honestly, I don’t know the right way to end the blog for today as my mind is whirling with so many thoughts so will leave it at this – Thanks be to God for bringing this group of people together for this mission and I can’t wait to see what He has in store for us next!
WRITTEN BY TOM YELLE (MAYA ITZA)
We make the final leg from Coban to Guatemala City. 6 hours seemed like a light day.
It was awesome to stay at a nice hotel. No AC but a ceiling fan and lower temps. Slept like a rock.
Robert is feeling better after the heavy heat and Jermey is back on his feet after what he thought might have been a meal that didn’t agree with him.
We had huge temperature shifts while going through the mountains.
The 2 teams gathered for small party to share stories and get reunited.
Both teams have had a great experience. Funny lines that stick with the teams. “We plan, God laughs.” The Mya Itza teams favorite saying was, “I could do that” (Eat, bathroom break, go to sleep)
Taco night at the ILAG tonight!
WRITTEN BY JULIA YELLE (GUATEMALA CITY)
We had a fun animal day at El Mirador school! As we arrived, all of the children were so welcoming and happy to see us, shaking our hands and kissing our cheeks. With all ages gathered in the courtyard, I read the story of Noah and the Arc while the rest of the group redeemed their acting abilities. \
After the story, each student was able to make an animal mask of their own. Even though the kids at El Mirador are the most well behaved group of kids I have ever seen, their excitement could not be contained. The kids were so proud of their creations, their smiles beamed.
As closing to animal day, we decided to sing the hippo song. Although the words were in English, the kids giggled uncontrollably to the fun hand movements and dancing like a hippo. Speeding the song up and slowing the song down was a hit! All age groups could bond over the silly hippo song.
Desserts and devotion on the rooftop was a wonderful ending to another successful day!
Friday, August 23, 2019
WRITTEN BY TOM YELLE
The visit to Mya Itza was awesome.
Some highlights:
Working and worshiping, we had “Howling Monkey’s” screaming around us.
It was amazing to see the level of hospitality afforded us by people of modest means. They cooked for us, cleaned up and provided space for us to sleep. When I say modest, I mean they had electricity, which consisted of an outlet (really an extension cord) and 1 light. Water was very limited. We ran out one day.
We did good work on the church. Robert was able to form two slaps for concrete floor for the church. He was able to teach our hosts how to do the rest when we were gone.
Jeremy is my seeking on person (translator) He’s done an amazing job and worked his tail off at the site. (Concrete is heavy work)
We on our way back to Guatemala City now. Back at ILAG tomorrow.
Thursday, August 22, 2019
WRITTEN BY KIM BECKER
This is my 4th trip to Guatemala in 12 years. I sit hear and ponder the changes I have seen. In 12 years I have seen the Lutheran Center grow from one building that was the home and office of Lutheran church leadership to include a guesthouse for us, a kitchen for us, a chapel, classrooms, a home/school for young girls and now new offices. I have seen the staff of the ILAG (Lutheran church of Guatemala) change and evolve from a focus on recovery from 30 year civil war to focus on empowering women to be voices in their community, to respecting and honoring each other and to growing their faith. I have seen women who it took days to get them to smile and play, now only take hours. I have seen the grade school of ILAG flourish and marvel at the quality of education they are able to provide children in cramped quarters on a tight budget. These kids would not otherwise probably be going to school.
Life in Guatemala is hard but I do see progress, which to me is one of the values in repeat visits. I also am thankful to see new things through the eyes of my travel companions who are here for the 1st time. Word of the day for me is change. One thing that has not changed is the overwhelming hospitality of the ILAG staff and the people I meet in Guatemala.
Wednesday, August 21, 2019
TEAM BLOG POST
There is much for us to learn, that was the feeling of the group after the Milagro girls taught us how to make homemade tortillas. This started with having us make the dough, which is corn meal and water blended with one hand until it formed a ball. Watching the girls chop wood, clean and prepare the outdoor stove and start the fire was very impressive. They then showed us how to form the tortilla and this is where the hilarity ensued! Their torillas were very thin and round, ours – well, not that. We learned they make tortillas this way three times a day and when we told them we would starve if we needed to do this, they giggled.
In the afternoon, we used Pictionary as an icebreaker as Sandy brought cards that had both Spanish and English words. We broke into 2 teams and after a slow warm up, the girls really got the hang of it and were shouting out their words. The team named “Winners” ended up beating the “Strawberries” team by 3 points even though the ”Strawberries” had lead through most of the game.
The girls enjoyed adding their handprints and decorations to the t-shirts from Easter. Julia read the Bible story, Luke 5:17 – 20. In the story, a man was paralyzed, so his friends carried him to Jesus while he was teaching in a church. The friends lowered him through the roof to get to Jesus. This led to a discussion about when friends have helped us and then lead us into working as friends on a personalized jigsaw puzzle with pictures of ILAG and Easter. This was a new experience for them and after they understood how it worked, they went to work and were able to get several sections put together.
We ended the night with a home visit with the Monzōn family. What a blessing to have them share their home, their families and their stories with us!
We all agreed the word of the day was teamwork, thus this team blog!
Tuesday, August 20, 2019
WRITTEN BY JULI YOUNG
Day two started with team fellowship over breakfast and then quickly moved to separation as the team heading to Maya Itza departed at 9am. The team remaining at the Lutheran Center got down to business discussing the plans for the upcoming days at the El Mirador school and the Milagro Center.
We arrived at El Mirador school mid afternoon to a wonderful surprise – it is Flag Day in Guatemala and the school children shared their celebration with us. There was singing and dancing and smiles shared all around – what a joyful event.
Then it was our turn to put on a show (see photo on right). Julia read a bible verse in Spanish while the others acted it out… poorly as we “actors” couldn’t follow the Spanish ;) This resulted in smiles by the children and teachers, and wow are those smiles beautiful! The smiles extended into giggles when paint was put on each child’s hand and they added their handprints to those of the Easter families on the donated t-shirts. Kids proudly put on the shirts and posed for pictures.
The kingdom of God surely belongs to the children and thanks be to God that we can be a part of their world.
WRITTEN BY TOM YELLE
I woke after a good nights rest to learn that Royce had an episode that appeared to be a relapse of his Lyme’s disease. As a result, he would not join us on the trip to Mya Itza. The team had bonded quickly and this hurt.
We were able pray on him before we left and that felt better
The city traffic was crowded, intense and crazy. As we left the city, we drove up and down the mountains, turn after turn, pass after pass. Our driver was amazing. Very skilled and made us feel safe.
The farther we got from Guatemala City, the more scenic it was. It also became more economically depressed. Watching women carry water along the side of the road was hard. Seeing crops planted on mountain sides looked strange.
We arrived at our resort for dinner around 6:45. It was quaint, clean and welcome. Dinner was outside. Dinner was awesome.
The people are friendly and engaging. There are countless food stands along the road. You make eye contact with he vendors, smile and nod as you go by.
There is a constant reminder that we are not home. Armed guards. At the shopping mall, in front of churches. As I write this blog outside by the restaurant (the only Wi-Fi and it’s 2G) the guard for the resort came up and is unloading his gun at 5:45 am.
We reach Mya Itza today. We are excited because we are going to cement the church floor. That’s Robert’s wheelhouse so I’m excited to contribute.
Monday, August 19, 2019
WRITTEN BY TOM YELLE
Nothing bonds a team better than getting up at 3 AM and rushing off to the airport for a Monday morning AFTER they change the TSA and regular lines.
Things went very smoothly and we were blessed. The trip to Atlanta was on time with just enough time to grab a bit to eat before getting on board to Guatemala.
While boarding the international flight, they took your picture and my boarding pass printed out. They must have been using facial recognition to verify things matched.
Once I got on board and English was the 2nd language, I was feeling a little out of sorts until the woman in front of me handed me her boarding pass and was able to communicate, I can’t read this. If she could do it, so could I.
The ILAG center is amazing. Historic, beautiful and everyone is welcoming.
It’s off to Mya Itza tomorrow.