Cowboys and Indians

Struggles For Faith

2010-10-15T15:12:00.000-07:00

Some of you may remember these previous posts...

Monday, March 24, 2008
Well I have been debating about writing about this but all your prayers will help. A couple nights ago I was praying about the adoptions and I told God I knew he could do it in the blink of an eye and if he can do it in the blink of an eye then he could do it in 35 days (Aaron and Katie's wedding reception) which is like millions and billions of blinks of the eye, then it just like came to me Hope, Abagail's middle name is Hope!!! It felt so good to know that God was listening and he does care and that we will be able to go as a family to the states now. There are a few reasons why I am telling you these things, 1 is for prayer that it might go through, 2 is that I feel like if I write this then it is like saying "God I do not doubt what you have said and I stand strong in it". So I ask you all to continually pray that these adoptions would go through before 35 days is up. I definitely believe it will happen or else I would not be writing this, all prayers help. Thanks Rachel,

Wednesday, April 23, 2008

Thanks you guys for all the support and prayers (and comments), it means a lot. I am really confused and feel like a complete idiot and of course I'm extremely embarrassed that it didn't happen. I have no idea why the adoption is not done yet but I think maybe it is a test and like all the others, I hope I ace it. It's hard, because I am still sure he gave me that word, maybe I was just wrong about the timing, I don't know. I am really sorry to get your hopes up and then completely let you guys down....

At the time I was really confused and upset, and I sort of felt let down. And now I realize that it wasn't really about the adoptions getting done, it was about the lesson I would learn later. Faith isn't just believing that He can, but knowing that He will. And continuing to have faith, through the rough times, even when it's not His will to do something, it doesn't mean you give up. You accept it, you keep going in your faith. You have faith in Him with something else, and each time it's not His will, it gets harder for the next time, but you continue to have faith no matter what and it gets stronger. You grow. When it isn't His will you feel betrayed but sometimes it's not about the present problem, it's a test to help you grow stronger in your faith. Stronger for the next time when something harder comes along. It's hard to have faith, especially when you know there is a strong possibility that it's not His will. But you do, you believe, and things happen.

"...I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you."
-Matthew 17:20

LIFE 2010

2010-07-24T13:44:00.000-07:00

Well I just got back from the trip about a week ago! I went to Pennsylvania to spend 2 weeks with Adrienne and go to a youth conference with her church. It was amazing. I got there on the 1st and spent the first couple of days with Adrienne. We got ready and packed and got all we needed for the trip. Then on Monday morning everyone in the youth group (about 60 of us) got together and after praying over the trip, we all loaded up into the coach bus and started off for Kentucky. We stopped a couple of times along the way and went through Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio then Kentucky. We spent the night in a church and then the next day we drove to the Creation museum (creationmuseum.com). The museum was really cool. Then at 1 we all headed to Louisville, to our hotel, out to eat and then to the Kentucky Exposition Center where LIFE was held. So there were seminars and sessions. The sessions everyone had to go to, and there were a lot of different seminars you could choose from. So the basic schedule was breakfast, session, seminar, lunch, seminar, supper, session. And you had some time in between each of those and that's when you could go to the activities hall. It was 4 full days. It was really really good. There were 6500-7500 teenagers depending on the day. The conference was for Alliance churches and missionaries. The worship was amazing and there were some really good sessions and seminars. It was a really good experience for me. I got to meet some new friends but it was so cool to be in one room with 6500 other kids my age, at one time, singing the same song, worshiping the same God!! So after the conference was over we drove through the night and got back to PA in the morning. I spent the rest of the week hanging out and doing fun stuff with Adrienne then we packed up and came home on the 16th. For some reason I can't get the pictures to upload...

Storm Agatha

2010-06-24T15:31:00.000-07:00

Many of you have probably heard about Storm Agatha. It didn't affect us very much in our area but there are many bridges around the country out and some areas are islands. Here are some before and after pictures of the Rio Grande. Amazingly even though the water went up over the bridge it's still standing.

Before

After

Before

After

Before

After

Before

After

Adoptions!

2010-05-21T15:45:00.000-07:00

Ryan and Katie are here! It is so nice to have them here! They came on the 10th of April and have been settling in pretty nicely check out their blog, it's fickerfamusa.blogspot.com.

You probably heard already but Hannah is getting married! She is getting married to Matt Brouwer and they are planning on getting married in Houston on August 29th! We are super excited for her and planning the wedding!

And today we got Abi's birth certificate!!!! Grace and Abi are finally adopted!!! We have been a working on it for 4 1/2 years and it has been a struggle but it's done!! The adoptions are actually done! So now all we have to get are their passports and visas and we will be all set to go to the US!! We are pretty excited!

Enduro Race

2010-04-05T10:39:00.000-07:00

The boys have been setting up the track for the Enduro Race for a couple of weeks. They set it up for Holy Week and just raced it last Saturday. It was fun and thankfully everyone is alive!! David won again and Joseph helped everyone on the mountain. There was no clinic for Holy Week so the girls got to see it this time too! Cali and I took pictures and she set up these collages of David and Joseph. David is in the first picture and Joe's is in the second.

2010-03-29T07:51:00.000-07:00

A fellow missionary couple has become good friends with us. His wife was pregnant and was only 26 weeks along when they had their baby last night. Their baby girl weighed only 2 pounds. Dad and Mom flew her into the city to an intensive care unit but she did not make it. The Mom has lost a lot of blood, but is stable in the hospital in Quiche. Please pray for them and for her safety and health.

Time to update...

2010-03-07T07:38:00.000-08:00

A lot has happened lately...

English class is going good. I am getting to know them and they are getting comfortable. They just finished their bimester (their semesters are every 2 months here) and passed. So now I know a little better what and how to teach them at their level. So that's good.

The Allisons came back down! They were a huge help! Don helped Mom in clinics and Lori caught up on all the financial stuff! Their kids are as sweet as ever and were a little sad to go. It was fun having them here again! They got here on the 18th of February and stayed for about a month.

Katie's parents came down and stayed with them for almost 2 weeks. They came to see their first granddaughter! They had fun and were sad to leave her. Then on the 15th Becca (Katie's sister) and Charissa (Katie's sister-in-law) came down! They were a lot of fun and really nice! The day they came in they gave the boys the movie they have been waiting for. Craig ordered the Romaniacs 2008 movie! They were so excited! It's been really hot lately so they decided to use the projector and use the side of the Pete (Peter-Built truck) as the screen! So they set it up and invited all of their motorcycle friends from town over. It was good actually, one of the only motorcycle races that I think is pretty cool.
So for 2 Wednesdays we went to the Rio Grande. To get there there are 2 ways you can go, the long way in a car or you can go on this path with motorcycles and 4-wheelers. It is really pretty and the first time we all went on the path. The first day it was really really hot so it was really nice, we swam a lot and the water was cool. The second time we had a picnic again and the weather was a lot cooler and a little clouded over so we didn't swim much. The river is big (hence the name) and pretty deep in some spots. So in the rainy season the river gets really high, and before there was a bridge they used this basket thing. It's just a cable strung across the bridge and it has a basket on it and you can pull yourself along easily. The basket was stuck in the middle so we tied a rock to a rope and threw it up to hook it on then pulled it to the side. Then of course all the boys took turns and rode across and back. So that was fun!

We are planning on postponing Easter until after Ryan and Katie come!! We can't wait!! They are coming on the 10th of April!! It will be so awesome to have them here! We are all really excited!

New Arrivals!!!

2010-02-16T15:25:00.000-08:00

Both Katies had their babies! Yay! They are both amazingly cute and perfectly healthy! Thank you everyone for your prayers, and thanks God for answering them!
So Mom went up to the states and Katie Ann had her induction. It went really well and Joshua was out! Then the next night Katie started having some pretty serious contractions. So we bought Mom a ticket home and the next morning Aaron called me at 7 and announced that Anna was born! So at 5 in the morning Katie was basically in labor and Dad rushed over there and they thought they were going to have Anna there. They flew out in the dark and it was cloudy the whole way. They landed, 2 minutes later they got to the birthing center and she immediately had Anna! Mom came home at noon and we met our new niece at 2 in the afternoon! So both births went really well and with no problems, and they are only 2 days apart! Here are some pictures of my niece and nephews, aren't they adorable!!

Joshua Ficker, February 9th 2010

Catherine Anna Ficker, February 11th 2010

Behind...

2010-01-24T07:40:00.000-08:00

Hi everyone!! Sorry I got really lazy and I haven't blogged in forever!! Okay um where to start...

Mom and Dad's trip to Israel was Amazing!!! Dad wasn't really that excited about going at first but when he came back, oh my gosh!!! He could not stop talking about it! They took 996 pictures so they could show us everything but the night they came home they couldn't find the camera. So somewhere along the way it either got lost or stolen.

Then a week later (November 25th) I went with Aaron and Katie to Houston!! Katie has family in Houston and all of her extended family got together for Thanksgiving! I went up to spend 2 weeks with Hannah and see her graduate from PA school!!! The trip was awesome!! It was so cool to hang out with Hannah for 2 weeks! We had a lot of fun. I also got to spend some time with Katie's family and got to know them a little better. The first week we just hung out and had fun. I saw snow for the first time in 10 years!! Hannah took me ice skating for the first time...it was kinda fun but freaked me out!! I did manage not to fall. I got to meet her boyfriend Matt (who is really cool), we went to see a movie at the theater ( it was a little nicer than the one in the city), and I got to hang out with Hannah's roommates (I swear I laughed the whole time)! So we just did fun stuff like that the whole time. Then all of Katie's family went back to work so Aaron went up to Marine and Katie hung out with us for the second week. He went to Marine to help get the truck ready for the drive down. So then on Dec. 4th Dad, Mom, Ryan, Katie, Jacob, Aaron and Aunt Jeni all came to Houston at about the same time. It was awesome and we just went to their hotel and talked then the next day Hannah graduated! Everyone went home on Sunday and we came back on Monday. It was perfect timing because by the end of the second week we were ready to see everyone and get back to our routines.

So then we started Christmas. We decorated and listened the Christmas music and made gifts as usual. Then on Christmas eve I gave my dog away to missionary family in the city. She was a good dog but she constantly had litters and we couldn't find a vet to fix her. So we gave her away and picked Hannah up. Then we had a good Christmas the next day.

On New Year's day Dad went up to the Marine. Our church had a missionary conference for a couple of days. So Ryan and Katie and Craig helped Dad and they ran a booth. So Dad had an amazing time at the conference. Bob put 4 CD's of Israel pictures together for us and Dad brought them. So the night he came home we set the projector up and Mom and Dad narrated the slideshow of pictures. Israel is so cool!

Uncle Tom had been sick so the day after Dad got back, Mom went up. She and her sisters stayed with him and then a few days later he died. So that was really sad for everyone.

The next day she came home with Pastor Phil, Kent and Bob. Pastor Phil and Kent stayed for a few days then went home. It was really good! We had some good worship and prayer time while they were here. Bob stayed a few extra days at Victors drug re-hab center and ministered to the the men there. Then Dad flew him and Roy Espinoza (a friend that used to live in Chinique and was visiting) back (from Quiche) with Victor's dog. He didn't want her because she has to much energy but she is a good dog. She needs to be trained and her name was Chispa (spark) but we changed it. She didn't respond to it anyway so we named her Hazel. She is an 8 month old Weimaraner. That night a few of David and Joseph's riding friends from town came over with "Caballo Loco" (Axel is his real name). So we put on some rap and he break danced. He is the only break dancer we have ever seen here and he wasn't a professional but pretty good. The next morning Bob and Roy left. It was good to see them.

A couple days later Matt came down. He could only stay for a few days but we got to know him a little better which was really good.

Last Tuesday I started teaching English for the local high school. There are only 4 girls and they all want to be bilingual secretaries but they can't speak English. Like they know the grammar and spelling but they don't know how to speak it, understand it or read it and understand what they are reading. I am teaching an hour on Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and I am still trying to figure out what they can and can't do. So it will be a challenge but it will be good for me!

The latest news is the Katies are getting close!!! They could go any day now and I can't wait to spoil my nieces. So please pray for non-complicated quick births.

You are now officially up to date and I'll try to update more often!

Israel

2009-10-29T13:30:00.000-07:00

The interior is finished! It looks really good! I will have to get some pictures...

Mom and Dad have been gone for about 10 days, they are in Israel! First they went to the states and spent a couple of days helping Ryan and visiting everyone. Then they left on last Sunday, it was the shortest birthday of Dad's life! These really good friends of ours from the church paid all expenses for Mom and Dad to go. It was really nice of them!!

We have been really good here. The girls have been surprisingly good with Mom and Dad gone. They are coming home on the 16th and I can't wait to hear about their trip!!!

Heidi has been in Chichi for the last week and wasn't able to come visit us so we visited her! Yesterday Aaron, Katie, Grace and I left at around 11ish and drove to Quiche. The roads were actually pretty good and we got up to 45 mph on a little stretch of dirt road!! Anyways we met her and then ate at Pollo's (Pollo Camperos). Then we went to the Agape house by the hospital to pick up some parts they had brought for us. We dropped Heidi off, went to the bank and then came home. It was really good to see Heidi! We were a little sad Matt and Isaac didn't come but way glad to get to see her!!

They are home!!!

2009-10-24T11:39:00.000-07:00

David and Joseph finally came home! They were only supposed to be there for 2 weeks but ended up being there for 6! Man it was so boring here without them at nights. I felt like an only child! Anyway they went up and began by finishing painting the house, barn garage, etc. Then they got a truck ready for Martin to bring down on his next trip through Mexico. So they packed up some dirt bikes, medical equipment, took apart the grain bins, loaded them and fixed a truck. Don Barton, a good friend of ours, let us use his shop to fix the truck, we are really grateful! So they finished with most of what they had to do and were ready to come home. They finished that night and left at 3 in the morning to get to the airport. They had buddy passes and they got on both flights!! Everyone was really thankful they didn't get stuck in Atlanta again! So they came home on Thursday and yesterday was Josephs birthday. Craig left to the states on the 14th to go home and see his family and will stay for another week.

Juan has started going out to the villages to gather information for the Corn Project and we are trying to get a little organized with system.

Nicolasa, our worker that has worked for us for 7 or 8 years went back home to San Andres. Her kids were ready to live there and be with their father and family. So Thursday morning we helped her pack up all her things and load it onto a truck, they left that afternoon. They had mixed feelings they were going to miss life here and were excited to leave also. It was a sad and chaotic day.

Yesterday we went and played Volley ball for Jo's birthday, there were only 5 of us and we are way out of practice!! Oh well I guess we will just have to catch up!

Corn Project

2009-09-29T16:53:00.000-07:00

As you know we have been calculating and figuring out how to get a container full of corn down here to store so we can feed the poor. So Craig just set up a blog for the corn project. In fact it's called Corn Project! I put a link to it and it will tell you all the information updates about the corn project.

First Class, Spanish Class and Independance day

2009-09-15T07:11:00.000-07:00

The boys made it to the states! They kept monitoring the buddy passes and they finally made it on Sunday. They kept almost trying then the flights would fill up so they waited until Sunday and got on. Then they were stuck in Atlanta for the night and the next morning they walked around from flight to flight until they made the 4:30 flight. So they are there and happy I'm sure (not that walking around the airport all morning isn't fun :D).

I had my first day of Spanish class yesterday. I am taking an online class at a site called Potters School. The first day went great the teacher was really nice and there were about 10 other students. So you might think it's pointless because I am fluent in Spanish but that way I can see how I like the school and see if I will take a class in any other subjects. And since I already know Spanish there isn't much chance that I will fail it.

And today is Independence day!! We don't really celebrate it but people here sure do! We just got back from the parade in town. Here are some pictures.

The Golden Stripes!

2009-09-07T08:05:00.000-07:00

Yesterday we finished painting the Aztec!! That's the last step to painting now we have the interior and clean-up you know little stuff like that. It looks great! We took off all the plastic and it was like opening a Christmas present, only it was bigger and had a lot of tape on it!

Catching up...

2009-08-27T07:32:00.000-07:00

Okay time to catch up! So the team was great and we had a lot fun with them. Everyday (besides the clinic days) they were here we went out to schools in different villages and taught about the stars and the universe and how much bigger God is. So the team came in on the 9th and Aaron and Katie picked them up and then spent the night. On the next day they left the city and over lunch we all had bets on when they would come and we were all wrong!! They were early! So all in all we went to 4 different villages and there were 3 clinic days. On Wednesday we left for Pana we got there around lunch time and checked in at the hotel. Then we ate out and then we all went in pairs and shopped up and down the strip. All except for Mom because our friend Debbie Sweet called, Mom's aunt Aunt Verna was in the hospital again...Mom called her sisters and Ryan and found out that the doctors had thought she had a heart attack but she hadn't and that her heart was failing. So we made arrangements and Mom was to go to the states when Dad dropped the team off. So the next day David met us at Los Encuentros and and picked up Jo, the girls, and I, and they left. So from there we went to Chichicastenango and picked up Heidi and Chris (a medical student that made the trip with her) and came home. The next day Katie, Craig, Heidi and Chris all had a trip to San Pedro. So Dad flew them out there and they spent the day in the heat seeing patients.

Mom got on the first flight and got stuck in Houston but eventually got to St. Louis. Over a couple of days Aunt Verna did not respond to treatment and she passed away. There were many tears but it was the best it could be, everyone of her close family was there and the hospital was great. She was buried on Monday and then Mom came home on Tuesday. It was good to have her back but Ryan and Katie missed her soon afterwards. Please pray for uncle Tom - he is sad after losing his wife. They were married for 60 years. Pray that he is at peace. We are so thankful to the friends that helped them through that time.

Joseph has been studying a lot for his private pilot's test these last weeks and Ryan is overloaded with work so Joseph and David are going to the states. Joseph will get his driver's licence and pilot's license and David will help Ryan repaint his house and maybe fix his car. Today Malachi and his sister Rachel are coming in and the boys thought it would be a good time to go, so they went to the city with their buddy passes and had no luck. Every single person on the flight showed up. So right now Dad is flying back with Joseph, Malachi and Rachel and David will hitch a ride with a friend to Quiche and Dad will pick him up there. It stinks that they didn't make it but they will try again next week.

The Katies are 5 months pregnant now! Well those of us who voted boy against girls on the poll are losing but I still think it's a boy. I also know Mom is always right about that kind of stuff and so it might be a girl. We checked today and couldn't get a good shot so next week. We will see!!

Plane Pictures

2009-08-21T07:30:00.000-07:00

I got them uploaded!

The Red Stripes!

2009-08-06T13:12:00.000-07:00

Okay the white is done! We made the red outlines, and we taped around the N number and taped plastic on the rest of the plane. Then we painted the red on and it looks great! So right now we are taking off the the little speckles of paint that got through the plastic. Next we have to do the gold. It's going to look awesome when it's completely finished!!Sorry I can't upload pictures but I will try later!

Adrienne and her friends Stacey and Darell are here! They are going to be here until after the team and they are all a lot of fun (even though Adrienne is making me do double math).

Aaron and Katie are going to go to the city after clinic. They will go to a doctors appointment and also be there when the team comes tommorow. They will be staying for about a week.

Painting Pictures

2009-07-19T19:38:00.000-07:00

Here are the pictures of them painting yesterday. This is the filler primer so it's only in patches. Today we will probably paint a coat of white.

Painting!!!!

2009-07-18T18:34:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! Today we started to paint the Aztec!!! Aaron and David started to paint on primer at 10:00 this morning and they went non-stop until about 3 in the afternoon. Sorry in a hurry I forgot to take my camera but I will get pictures tomorrow. They had 2 cans of primer and towards the end we didn't think we would have enough, but as usual God was faithful to get us by. It would have been a huge pain but it wasn't. It finally feels like it is almost done! That's the first time since the landing gear failed 3 years ago.So that's really exciting!

Katie's parents Dave and Cathy are here! They are helping with whatever needs and they are spending time with Aaron and Katie. All 4 ( well 5 with the baby!) of them are going to go to the beach for a couple of days before they leave so that will be a nice little vacation for them. They are really nice people and it is good to see them.

Some WAY to exciting news!

2009-07-10T11:32:00.000-07:00

Hey! Guess what...Katie is pregnant!!! Which Katie you might ask?BOTH!!!! And with the exact same due date!!! I can't wait! So fun... it will be awesome! Go to Katie's blog (walking on) to post your opinion!

A night in the park

2009-07-10T10:58:00.000-07:00

These past few days I have been looking for something to blog about, and I just thought of something. Craig is going to show a movie in the park tonight. He has planning on it for a while and has been waiting for a Friday. With the projector and the huge 21ft. of white sheets sewn together by friends of ours, it makes it easy to show a movie. He will be showing Fireproof (in Spanish of course) right near the park. Pray that it doesn't rain! We have done this very little and it is great he has decided to do it. Here is Craig sewing a tear in the sheet...it takes concentration!!

The River

2009-06-18T13:32:00.000-07:00

Well last week (I know last week but I lost my camera cord!) we went to the river for the day. In the morning we packed hot dogs and a picnic lunch and then headed down to the river. You know how we play volley ball at the "beach" well just around the bend there is a really nice swimming hole. I wrote about it like a year ago it's the place with the huge spiders. This time there were no spiders because it is rainy season so it was way better! Anyway we swam in the decently deep river. Then cooked hot dogs and afterwards we played Volley ball in the pouring rain. It was really fun aaand here are some pictures.So I don't know if I have actually shown you a picture of our beach but here it is.All the men cooking and of course talking.Getting in the "cold" water and trying to stand on tippie toes so you don't get wetter.
Just chilling

Bee a part of the apartment!

2009-06-06T07:48:00.000-07:00

Well Craig is the official bee keeper! There has been a huge hive in one of our ficus trees and Craig decided he wanted to catch them for honey. So yesterday he "dressed up" and put a cardboard box under them, he shook the tree and it fell into the box. There were bees all over him! They started to sting the dogs and they were going crazy. Then like 15 or 20 minutes they started to settle into their box. Craig and Joseph made a wooden actual apartment. Not that the cardboard wasn't luxury.

Dad ducktaping Craig's hands.

The bees swarming

Craig attempting every possible thing to get them off him.

In the clinic room there is an extra wall that was really just wasting space so we decided to knock it down.

Today is Wednesday so we had a fun day off! All this morning Heather and I painted the bathroom. It is extremely bright blue! I like it though despite what David says...

Marble/Unilla

2009-05-28T14:12:00.000-07:00

Hi! Well Thursday (21st) some marble guys came from the city. They came at around 8 pm and the next morning they started work! All us girls kinda moved out to the clinic for the next 2 days. We had been planning on getting formica but the marble was cheaper, prettier and from Guatemala. So the kitchen looks way better now. We thought the sound of power tools would never end but it eventually did and it was well worth it.

Last Thursday all the medical people went to Unilla for clinic. They got there and there was no people so they started to pack up and little by little people started coming. So it started a little unorganized and the people kind of crowded in. The people cut down all of the trees around the building so it added to the unbearable heat. They said it was hotter than it ever has been and the heat just sucked the energy right out of them.I am glad I didn't have to experience that one.

Heather Sutton came the 16th! She is a lot of fun and a big help. She will be staying for a month and a half. Malachi Courtney came the 24th and he will be staying 3 weeks. He is also a big help and has a heart for the people.

Rodi (the pastor of the church we go to in San Andres) is having a big activity in the park. He brought in a marimba team that will sing and play some worship songs.He also brought in a special speaker. It will go on all day today, they did it last night to and Heather got a picture. Mom and Dad are there this morning they really felt they should be there.

The Gallows

2009-05-21T07:37:00.001-07:00

Well Dad has been working on the swing for a while and he just put them up yesterday! The few people that have come while the swings hadn't been put up asked what the gallows were for. I have to say I would have asked to if I hadn't known any better! We say it's for the little kids but everyone swings on it! Here are some picture of the "little kids".

Yes!!!!

2009-04-16T12:13:00.000-07:00

Mom and Dad left around 9 yesterday morning and took Abi to to the judge in Chimaltenango. They went in and the judge that had given us a ton of trouble was on vacation!!! It was still a pain though, they gave us trouble about taking her away and then said they needed a recent health bill and Abi wasn't doing very well after sitting still for an hour and a half!!So they finally agreed only because our situation was so unique (Americans but citizens here, working on it for so long, etc.).So the papers are signed and the only other step is going to the CNA for the final approval!

Easter

2009-04-14T11:55:00.000-07:00

Easter was fun! Adrienne came for the week which made it funner.We did our usual scavenger hunt. The teams were 1-The Allisons, 2-Aaron,Katie, Joseph, 3-David,Adrienne and me. We barely won! Then we had a really good lunch.

Adrienne left yesterday morning, and Dad just flew the Allisons to the city and they will be going home tomorrow.We already miss them a ton! They were a huge help and also a lot of fun, I hope they come back soon.

It is soo Hot and Hazy here!! We can barely see the mountains! Anyways we are taking Abi in for an appointment with the judge on Thursday, for her adoption. Please pray with us that it will go well.

10 Years

2009-04-01T07:44:00.000-07:00

March 31st is the date 10 years ago we came down here!!

This is a picture of us the day we left.

Also we got the props for the Aztec and they started it a couple of days ago it sounds great!!

Panajachel

2009-03-26T11:55:00.000-07:00

Arlen went home on Monday morning, and all of us were pretty tired after doing 4 straight days of clinic. So after clinic on Tuesday we decided to go to Pana. So we stayed 2 nights and just came back. The drive was only 3 hours long! It's usually about 4, and the last hour of the drive wasn't as boring because I discovered a game! So you have a full bottle of Gatorade and you look ahead of the road and wait for a little part without potholes and speedbumps then you try to take a drink. I am happy to say that it passed the time and I didn't spill once!Haha anyway it was fun and nice to think about something other than work.

Unilla

2009-03-23T11:01:00.000-07:00

On Thursday morning we were all ready to go and Rudolfo (head of unilla) called at 7 and said the skies are clear so dad to the first trip out.We landed on a long path they call an airstrip and as soon as we opened the doors of the airplane there were people everywhere. The Men and boys gathered around the plane while the women stood hiding in the shelter of the woods. We walked a short distance from the airstrip and got to the centro where we would be doing clinics. As soon as we set up we prayed with the people then prayed together. Then we started clinic. We had the teachers of the school translate for us. They would teach all week leave on Friday and get to their homes 7 hours later. Since there are no roads it is all by foot. They have Saturday at home then return on Sunday.We did clinic until about 12 then they took us to one of the many thatch roofed huts and we had caldo de pollo with of course tortillas. Then we worshiped and went back to work.Dad did the eyeglasses and then it started to rain. It calmed down a bit and then Dad left to spend the night here with Grace and Abi. Then we finished for the day and we set up the projector but we had forgotten a cord. So Arlen stayed with the medicine and Craig rigged up the projector while Don, Mom, Katie, and I went to the creek to cool off.The water was nice and refreshing and we saw a baby turtle! We got back and they served us Beans and Rice for supper, then Craig had it all set up and was starting the generator when the rope to start it broke. So we ate some good bread Lori made and then went to sleep. The sleeping part wasn't that simple the concrete was kinda hard. It started to rain early in the morning they said that this was normal and that it being clear so early was rare.So Craig played some Spanish songs while people trickled in with the rain.We did clinic until midday and it being Friday our translators started their 7 hour walk home. Then we were done just like that we had seen all who dared to come. Sadly many who were sick didn't come when they needed it. So we packed up and looked for a blue patch in the clouded sky. When a little one cleared up at around 12 we called Dad and he picked up the first load and took us home. By the time he picked up the second load it was clear.We were pretty glad to be back. Okay I took a ton of pictures so here are a few.

Tums!

The Dons

2009-03-11T20:12:00.000-07:00

The Allisons (we call them the Dons) went to the kids home is San Andres on Saturday afternoon and while Hannah was ridding her bike she fell and caught herself with her wrist. As you can see we waited a couple of days not worrying because she moved it and said it hurt a little.Well it hurt a little more last night so they took her in this morning. It's broken, she is so tough!Anyway they are in the city for the night and they will go to the hospital have it set and then have it casted. Please pray for peace and all to go well.

The Buro

2009-02-26T11:26:00.000-08:00

Recently we have been taking the Wednesdays as our Sabbath. It's really good you can rest and have good family time (and not do school!!). This week we went to the Buro, it's a place up in the mountains where the canal starts and it's really pretty.It's really fun and this time we made a water fall! You know we don't really work on the Sabbath but most times the boys have to get around that rule.So we left at around 11 AM and drove till we couldn't then hiked up to the place.We had a picnic lunch then got in the really cold water and made the waterfall!

Bob and Jodi Gay came and stayed for one week their friend Hue also stayed. It was good to have them and they encouraged us as always.

Here are some pictures of the Buro...

Our Waterfall

Before

Had to move some big rocks in the process.

The Result

Manos de Amor

2009-01-27T06:58:00.000-08:00

Manos de Amor is a Guatemalan group from a big church in the city. They do mission trips to help their people.Friday night the church of God did worship in the park and then a pastor from Chimaltenango (it's a big town about 30 minutes out of the city) preached a really good message.It was really loud so everyone in town heard it, which was good. The little hotel in town didn't have room for 30 people so we put some mattresses down in some rooms and got it ready for them.They then got in at 12:20 making it 12 hours of driving for them. They had a bus and the roads here weren't a great combination! The next morning the Allison's gave up their rooms in the clinic and spent the day in the house so there could be more room for them.That was really nice of them I don't know if I could have done that.The day immediately started after breakfast, setting up and getting things in line. We set up 4 doctors and nurses in the first to rooms then a psychiatrist in the next room. Then we put up some curtains and made a dentists office in the living room. The Pharmacy was under the canopy and the rest of them were assistants and helpers wherever they could be. A few of them did activities with the kids waiting.Us in the house helped with the kids and helped Manos de Amor with anything we could. We have a lady that made a lot of Guatemalan food for them and they took shifts for lunch.The day went on and around 5 we set up the volley ball net in the yard and played till dark. Then finally around 7:30-8:00 they finally finished!We mopped and cleaned and put the clinic back in order, and then they gathered around us and prayed.They were all really cool people. We never heard one complaint and they were so happy to be there and to help us serve their people. The next morning they left. They were Awesome.

The Bells! Matt and Isaac came at around 10. Isaac is sooo big!!! He is so cute and he talks but he never really talks he just sings his words. He didn't like me but then he liked me after I had the Gato.Heidi flew in and Dad went to pick her up from the city. They stayed and left after clinic on Sunday.It was really good to see them.

I am sorry I don't have pictures of Manos de Amor. I would have taken some but it makes me feel like a tourist. They left a ton of garbage bags full of donations like rubber boots and clothes. I have some pictures of them dropping the bags off at a pastor in towns house.

Day Away

2008-12-30T06:57:00.001-08:00

Hello! Yesterday we had a day away. We went up to a waterfall with a beautiful view! I forgot my camera but luckily Katie (Ann) brought the flip. So you all can see for your self if I can figure out how to get them on here! If not then let me describe. You drive up a beautiful mountain and when you get there. You get to a school and a "soccer Field" (its more of a flat spot and if the ball goes off then it goes down the steep mountain) then you have to go down a steep incline and then cross the river and go a little ways up. Or you can go the long way, you go around in a less steep incline. Well Hannah,Grace,Abi and I went the short way, Joseph,Craig and David went who knows where with their motorcycles and the rest of um went the long way. Well Dave,Jo, and Craig got there first and we met up with the other when we were almost there. To get there you walk down through this pretty forest and then you get to the river and you look to your left and you see a mountain with a Big rock and then you look to your right and you see almost the whole valley and the waterfall.n So we started a fire and had steak and potato salad. It was nice and relaxing. I just took this picture from our yard. ->

View from clinic in Chiminisijuan
Jacob on Christmas Day

Cutest little baby!

During the Activity Giving cupcakes on the way out

Singing Christmas songs

Birthdays...

2008-12-28T10:22:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas!! We had an awesome Christmas! On the 23rd Ryan and Katie left at 5 pm. They started on the road to Chicago and ended up getting there 8 hours later. It should have taken 4 but the roads were icy and the traffic was slow. The combination wasn't good. So they got there at 1 and spent the night. The next morning the flight was delayed 2 hours so they left at 9 got to Houston and were 10 minutes late for their connecting flight. So they spent the day at the airport and when it was finally time the flight was delayed another hour and a half then at 8:30pm on Christmas eve they made the flight!So they got to the hotel on Christmas day at one in the morning. Then early that morning Dad picked them up and we started Christmas!We ate our usual traditional Christmas casserole and then opened presents, then we started lunch. After we ate the really yummy lunch we went and played Volley Ball! It was fun. It was an end to a fun day. Aaron and Katie left for the US on the 22nd so they could have Christmas with Katie's family. Jacob turned 1 on the 21st! He walks now and he is sooo cute!!Hannah came in on the 13th!David's Birthday was the 11th and Hannah's birthday was yesterday. Craig just came today!! So yeah pretty exciting. Happy New Year!!!

To much to put in a sentence

2008-12-10T10:22:00.000-08:00

Jeez-a-weez I need to write more often!!! It is nice that I am not the only one now that writes updates!

Well lets see Rotten Ricky went back to the home, we still see him often though. Another reason we kept him was to figure out his milk. He couldn't drink the usual Nan so we gave him this stuff called Nutramigen. I think it smelled like cat food but the crazy kid liked it! Anyway that was really expensive and hard to find, so Don (Allison) had this great idea. He said we should try goat milk, so we did and he liked it, so now we have a goat! She is black with yellow eyes and she has the cutest little kid!!! He is adorable! Her produce it going up and we have separated the goat and kid.At first we tried to put the goat with the cow in the pasture but the cow went psycho! She was the maddest I have seen her, she charged at the poor goat and broke her horn. I guess she was either scared of being replaced or mad at the goat for going near her calf.So we cut the rest of the horn off and then it was squirting blood so we put Cayenne pepper on it.

Yesterday Mom had clinic in Chiminisjuan and during Dad,Grace,Abi and I flew to Quiche where Dave and Joseph were waiting for paint. They had worked on it the day before and when we got there we painted the roof. That took up until about 3 in the afternoon but we got most of it done and the babies were great.

Last Saturday our translator got married!! She has been our translator in SAS for a long time. It was a very American wedding. She looked beautiful of course but I kinda missed her Corte. It went well, and after they were married they walked down the aisle and kneeled under a Styrofoam bell. Then the 2 mother pulled the strings and confetti came down then they pulled harder and 2 doves came out!It was really cool. I wish I had better pictures but my camera doesn't do to well at night.

Hannah is coming on the 13th only 3 days left!!!! She will leave in the first week of January. Ryan, Katie and baby Jacob are coming on the 24th the tickets were terrible and that's the best they could find. They are going to try a ticket change when they get here but if they have no luck they will leave on the 2nd of January. I can't wait to see everyone!

Right now we are listening to Christmas music and thinking of gifts. We are doing advent and we are making ornaments. Here are some interesting facts that some of you probably know.

You know the sign of the fish that Christians use? Well way back 2000 years ago when the Christians were being persecuted for their faith they used this sign. If they met someone new and wanted to know if they were a Christian then they would draw half a fish in the sand with their foot. If they were Christian than they would finish it.

The wreath symbolizes the alpha and omega (hence the circle) and the color green symbolizes everlasting life.

Most people think that Xmas is only a way to take Christ out of Christmas but really X is Christ in Greek.

Those are only a few but I thought they were interesting.You know I heard a preacher say in this teaching that if somebody from a foreign country were to go to America than they wouldn't think oh well this is the birthday of their savior. They would probably think well you exchange gifts,sing songs, and have trees in your house. He had a good point.

Okay well I the pictures won't upload so I will have to do it later. See ya!

Thanksgiving

2008-11-27T10:03:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone and Happy Thanksgiving!To most this is a time of rest but... We started out the day with some quiet and we started cooking lunch. Then Mom got a call from a man in San Pedro. He said there was an emergency, a woman had her baby but no placenta (my favorite subject...not). So Dad flew Mom out there, she is still there and we haven't heard any new news. We continued with Rotten Ricky screaming and Grace and Abi whining while "Watching a movie". Then someone was at the gate, she was having labor pain. So yeah kinda crazy!Katie took care of the lady with labor pains she is fine. The babies are happy and good food is coming along. Later on we will go down to the "beach" and play volley ball! Simple is never fun it has to be complicated!

Springtime!!... Kind of

2008-11-10T06:05:00.000-08:00

It feels like spring! My dog Josey had 11 puppies, we have baby chicks and a baby calf! The puppies were born like 2 weeks ago, and the chicks only a couple of days ago and the calf was born yesterday! She is the cutest. Davids finger looks "great" (in doctor language of course. I think it's ugly) the check up went well and it is healing good. Here are some pictures of the puppies,chicks and of course the calf!

The Dry Season

2008-11-05T12:46:00.000-08:00

Well the rain has finally stopped. We were fortunate to have it for longer than usual. It is so clear and there are pretty blue skies. At night the sky is clear and you feel as if you can see every star God made. You can just lay on the trampoline and feel the cool breeze as you gaze up at only one of many of God's wonders. In the evening you usually get a beautiful sunset, another one of his wonders. I love the rain and the green but the dry season has it's place also. Even if it is dry and dusty and you feel so sick of it at the end of every dry season you become even more thankful for your blessings. David will be having the other apointment at the hospital on friday, to take off the ace wrap and check to make sure it's healing properly. Here is a picture I just took, and a better picture of rotten ricky. Thanks again for all the support and prayers.

Rotten Ricky

2008-10-30T11:43:00.000-07:00

Well I feel kinda weird writing now that we have 4 blogs (the ministeries, Katies, the Allisons and mine). I am afraid we all might write about the same thing. We are taking care of a baby from the home. His name Enrique but I call him Rotten Ricky because every time you put him down he cries. He is a little underweight for a 4 month old and very fussy. It is hard for Oralia to take care of him when she has to take care of the other 30 in the home. So we offered to take him for a while. He is adorable!Here is a picture.I'll get another one when he is awake.

Alls Well

2008-10-23T11:30:00.000-07:00

Thank you guys for all the prayer! Well they got the bad report when the first doctor saw them but when the hand specialist came in he said it was no big deal. They thought part of the bone was missing and were worried about a bone infection. The hand specialist said it had just ripped off the nail and a huge piece of skin but it just missed the bone. So they graphed a piece of skin from his lower arm and sewed it on. They bandaged his whole lower arm so it wouldn't move and then they got back around 5. So it went as well as possible! I think it's kinda funny that we had a really bad report and then I blogged and emailed a bunch of people asking them to pray and what do you know you got a good report. Think theres something to that :D?Anyway he is not in any pain now and everything is great! Thanks again!

David

2008-10-22T07:16:00.000-07:00

Last night David was working on the truck and the jack fell. He got out from under the truck but his finger got caught in the spring. so mom did all she coul and they left at 6:30 this morning for the hospital in the city. The hospital said that part of his bone is missing so they will have to do an operation. Please just pray that all goes well.Thanks

Sorry!!

2008-09-15T14:00:00.000-07:00

Okay so this time it really isn't an excuse. Things have been of course crazy with hurricane Ike then our Internet was down then this thing wouldn't let me sign in! Hannah evacuated Houston when her school shut down on Thursday. She went to Dallas and stayed with her roommates parents. So sorry about that. Where to start...Lately we have been trying to update on the web page (http://www.adonaiinternationalministries.org/) about once a week. So that should keep you guys better up to date. The team went great! They were really fun I had a good time. In the mornings that they were here they built our neighbors a little wooden house with a concrete floor. The house that the old couple were living in cracked at least twice down their adobe house. The house had been there at least 100 years. It's hard to imagine a house made out of mud could last that long. In the afternoon's we would go out to a village and the team would do plays and puppets but mostly they would spend time with the kids out there, even if just playing soccer or duck duck goose. The kids loved it. Our good friend Arlen Blaylock came down and helped us with clinics. When he was here they went on a Zona Reyna trip. 3 more of us would have gone but they said there wasn't to many people. They had a full days work and they made it back right before dark. Then he left to go back to the US. The Allison Family have finally arrived! They will be staying with us for about 7 months. They feel God has put them here. Don is a PA so he will be a help in the clinic and Lori will help us with whatever needs helping. You can go to there blog at allisonfamilyinguat.blogspot.com. So that will be good. It has been raining here pretty much. Yesterday it sprinkled all day and it was clouded over. I think that's pretty much it... I have some pictures! There was a ton of birds flying around.

This is lighting sorry it's a crappy picture.

Update on... well everything

2008-08-17T15:22:00.000-07:00

This morning we woke up to fire crackers! It's Craig's Birthday! Mom and Dad put the firecrackers right outside of his window. Then right after the firecrackers Mom put the really fun song "Birthday" from the Beatles on. It was hilarious! Hannah and I woke up to the fireworks and then the music and we both busted out laughing. So then we were all up and laughing. It was the first time we had done that. They do that here on birthdays. So that was our gift to him since we had no presents! We ate then we (not the boys of course) all went to San Andres. I helped the girls in the orphanage and we hung out. While I was helping them, Mom, Hannah, Adrienne (a good friend of ours), Stacey (a friend of Adrienne's),Craig and Katie saw 70 patients. So we had a pretty good day. Adrienne Stacey and Darrell (Darrell is Stacey's husband) came 2 weeks ago. They will be leaving tomorrow so that’s not good. Hannah and Craig leave to the states again on the 21st so that’s not so good either! But then a team of 13 will come on the 19th so that will be good. We will be pretty busy, in a good way.

We just had a San Pedro trip too. Mom, Dad, Katie, Adrienne, Craig, Hannah and a friend of Katie’s, Sarah, all went on Thursday morning at around 7 AM. They saw about 200 patients. In the middle of their morning Dad landed here to get more fuel. So he switched Adrienne with Stacey and took a really sick little baby to a hospital. The little baby had pneumonia. Dad dropped them off and went back to San Pedro. When they finished Dad brought Mom, Katie, and Sarah home. Then he went back and left to come here but it was really cloudy and rainy. He was over us but couldn’t break through the clouds. So they went back to San Pedro safely and spent the night. The people were really nice. Three different families brought them food, they had tortillas Raman noodles and hot milk :). The next morning they came back. Here are some pictures from San Pedro.

Heidi and Matt

2008-07-22T17:53:00.000-07:00

Well you all have probably been on Heidi and Matt's blog, to find out that they are leaving. Last weekend was our last for a long while. We will see Matt in September but Heidi is indefinite. On Saturday when they came we cherished it. In the morning the medical girls did clinic and finished early. Right after our lunch we gave Heidi her going away presents. Friday Morning we went to the market in Cruz Chich. We went to show John and Alexander (they are good friends that came down for a week) the market and for Heidi's presents. We bought her a Corte, Whipil, and a Panuelo. The whole Traje. Oh and Corte is their HOT 5 time wrap around skirt,Whipil is their Mayan Indian shirt and Panuelo is a thing they wrap around their head. So we did that and after lunch Katie finished the scarf she made for Heidi out of Guatemalan yarn. The yarn is just a little thinner. I painted Heidi a flower painting then I put it in a frame Dad made. Notice we only gave Heidi gifts. Well Matt doesn't care and after marriage 2 shall become 1 right? So she opened her presents and then we went to play volley ball! It was fun... as usual. When we came back we ate dinner and then Craig did worship, and we all prayed for them. The next morning they left after clinic in San Andres. They are still in Quiche but Matt leaves Friday and Heidi Sunday. We are sad. We are going to miss looking forward to them coming every Saturday morning. When we prayed we prayed that Guatemala would forever be imprinted in there hearts, that they would always remember sacrificing there favorite band or Heidi's job. That they would never be able to forget what God has done around them and through them. So many people come down that we always miss... they are now in that list.We will always look forward to seeing them again.

The Family Song

2008-06-30T18:27:00.000-07:00

The picture wouldn't upload but it's just the family picture in my last post.

I hope it makes you smile!

It is a poem when read but it's 10 times better when sung.

The Family Song

“Sung” by Jacob

Written by Katie Shaw and Rachel

Hi my name is Jacob, I like to drool,

This is my new family, I think they’re pretty cool.

This is my Aunt Grace, she is only 3 years old,

Then there’s Abi, she’ll eat anything… even mold.

I have an Aunt Hannah, did you know her name is a palendrum?

And next to her is Jo-jo and boy, he can’t run.

This is Tiger, but the kind that doesn’t bite,

and did I tell you about Aunt Rachel - man can she write!

Then there is Katie, she kinda’ just appeared

And then she married Aaron, who has a full grown beard.

Holding me is Dad, he’s pretty nice

And next to him is Mom, when it’s hot she gives me ice.

Last but not least is Duane and Leslie, Grandma and Grandpa to me,

We all think they’re pretty great, they’re at the top of our family tree.

Pictures!

2008-06-21T16:41:00.000-07:00

Here they are!
This is Martina a couple days before she left to the stukenburgs

This is another cool picture from here.
This is our most recent family picture

Here are some of my favorite sunset pictures.

The guys cleaning out the pond.

Busy busy

2008-06-16T14:03:00.000-07:00

Well things have been really busy in a good kind of way. My best friend and her family the Scaggs came down on the 30th of May and left on July 9th. They had a good stay and we had fun. David had gone to the states to bring a truck down from Mexico and Craig (his buddy) went with him. They came back safely on the 7th so that was good. The Scaggs left a little while ago and we got back into the routine. This weekend was fun. On Saturday we had clinic here in the morning but in the afternoon we went down to the "beach" and played Volley Ball. It's fun it has become our weekend routine. It used to be that we only played on Christmas but since last Christmas we decided we should do it more often. Anyway I haven't told you about Martina. Ever since she has moved in the house she has been better and recovering. We had been praying for a place where she would get all the care and attention we don't have. Then our good friends the Stukenburgs said that they had Martina on there hearts and they wanted to take her in and give her the care and attention she needs. So now she is at the Stukenburgs being well taken care of. It is kind of weird not having her here. We know she is better off there and it takes a huge load off of Mom.
A couple of days ago we pumped out the pond because the fish were dying. We took all of them out and put them at the pond at the airport. Now they are dying there! We need to fill it up again and figure something out. We will be hosting a team on August 19th. I think I filled you up on pretty much everything. I have a few pictures for you but I can't upload them right now the internet is really slow, and when I say a few I really mean a ton! Some sunset pictures to I'm a sucker for those!

Plans,Trips,Family...basically Everything

2008-05-20T10:28:00.000-07:00

Hey! Well I don't actually have an excuse for not blogging this time :D, so let's just say I had to (only some liars get struck by lighting right???). Anyway it was great going back up to the states and seeing everyone and everything. Even if only Dad,Joe and I went. Then we came back home, and I was glad to be home again. A week later Ryan,Katie Ann,Jacob and Hannah all came down! They came on the 10th, and we are happy to be as a family again, it's been 6 months but they are leaving the 27th :'(. Today is clinic day in Shwan (chiminisijuan) and Mom, Hannah and Katie are taking care of patients. Some of you probably already know but we have felt like we are supposed to be doing clinics and most of all ministering in San Pedro (Zona Reina (the jungle) ). We have taken 2 more trips out there since we came back from the US and I can't really tell you much cause I didn't go. So after clinic we will leave for Pana and have some family time so that will be good.Uh I think that is pretty much it that's interesting at least right?? :D

Confused

2008-04-23T14:13:00.000-07:00

Thanks you guys for all the support and prayers (and comments), it means a lot. I am really confused and feel like a complete idiot and of course extremely embarrassed that it didn't happen. I have no idea why the adoption is not done yet but I think maybe it is all this test and like all the others I hope I ace it. It's hard because I am still sure he gave me that word, maybe I was just wrong about the timing, I don't know. I am really sorry to get your hopes up (or did I ? :)) and then completely let you guys down. Anyway even if it would have happened all of us wouldn't have come because Abi is a mega terrible 2 and hard to control and it would be a lot worse when she is out of routine. Anyway the plan is that Dad,Joe and I will go up there the day after tomorrow and come back the Friday after that. Mom,David,Grace and Abi stay here (which really sucks), and Aaron & Katie left this morning and will be staying for 2 weeks. So that's the plan and maybe we will all come as a family in November or something but that's a big maybe. I am getting excited I can't wait to meet my 1st nephew and see everyone else. Thanks again for the support.

Abigail Hope Ficker

2008-03-24T06:16:00.000-07:00

Well I have been debating about writing about this but all your prayers will help. A couple nights ago I was praying about the adoptions and I told God I knew he could do it in the blink of an eye and if he can do it in the blink of an eye then he could do it in 35 days (Aaron and Katie's wedding reception) which is like millions and billions of blinks of the eye, then it just like came to me Hope Abagail's middle name is Hope!!! Some of you might know but we now have verbal conformation on Graces adoption. We have nothing on Abi though until now. After that I like cried for 5 minutes and I have never felt tears of joy until now. So I went and I told Mom and she was really happy about it to, then I went back to my room and cried for another 10 minutes. It felt so good to know that God was listening and he does care and that we will be able to go as a family to the states now. There are a few reasons why I am telling you these things 1 is for prayer that it might go through, 2 is that I feel like if I write this then it is like saying "God I do not doubt what you have said and I stand strong in it". So I ask you all to continually pray that these adoptions would go through and easily before 35 days. I definitely believe it will happen or else I would not be writing this, all prayers help. Thanks Rachel,

San Pedro Chaila

2008-03-05T11:51:00.000-08:00

So I would have blogged sooner but it hasn't let me publish it. So don't blame me :).

The trip went really well. It is sooo Beautiful there! Then again it is so hot there too :). We all left Monday morning in the plane, on the first flight Dad took Mom, Hannah and Armando (our evangelist) they got there and started setting up. Dad came back and took Beth, Katie, and Heidi (and Isaac with Heidi). Then on the 3rd and 4th trip Dad took Beverly, Charlie, and me and last Dad took Matt, Tomas, and equipment. When I got there they were doing clinic. We stayed in this very spacious hut compared to other times. Anyway they did clinic most of the morning then they needed more meds so Dad and Katie went back to get more. Then we ate some sandwiches and snacks and they went back to seeing patients. I was helping a little with Isaac and taking pics and just helping with whatever. Then at around 3-4 Dad and Katie came back with the rest of the meds. Me and Dad didn't want to sit around so we asked where this stream was that came straight out of the mountain . Dad had gone before and they showed him it when he was there. So he wanted to show me it and of course I wanted to see it, so we found a kid that knew and he took us there. It was awesome! It was only 5 minutes away and it was crystal clear. We went back and they were done for the day so we went down there to bathe. It was so cold but nice and refreshing since we had been showering in sweat all day. Then we came back and snacked a little. Then Dad and I went down to the river because he had been getting the projector ready for the Jesus film so I went and held the flashlight while he took a shower. There was a bunch of people watching and they were really glad to see a movie. Then Tomas and Armando stayed up and put the projector away when it was over and we all went to bed :D. No, we didn't hear any jaguars I can't decide if I should be happy or sad, and thank God we didn't see any snakes! In the morning we ate a little and prayed and were sad Craig wasn't there with his Guitar :(. Then all medical people started clinic and patients just trickled in. While they were doing clinic Dad, Matt and I went to the runway and took a little dirt here and put a little there and cleared weeds here and stuff like that and a few guys came and helped us. Then people stopped coming and we packed up and came back. The trip was real fast and I am glad to be back. We are going to go play volley ball so enough of this boring writing I'm outta here.

ps Hope you think it was as pretty as I do and I will put more on soon.

Looking out from San Pedro Chaila
Houses there

More Ducklings/ plan

2008-02-27T15:42:00.000-08:00

My duck just had ducklings again. She had 13 but 2 died because they couldn't figure out how to climb up the board I put in there. So the next day Dad put a bigger board in there. They are really cute and as cute as they will ever be :). This afternoon the Mom and 8 of the ducklings went over to the other side of the fence. So I found them and put them back. Then the other ones couldn't figure out how to climb up out of the pond and I thought they could probably get out but later on they started to drown. The dad wouldn't let them up on the board. So me and Nicolasa and Lidia ( our house workers ) got them out and they were about to die. So I put them under a lamp and blow dried them. Then they were fine I am surprised none of them died. On Monday we plan on going to the Zona Reyna again. This time we are going to a town called San Pedro. The guy said that there are snakes and tigers (most likely Jaguars) there but they run away if they see you. He said they call at 3 in the morning cool but yikes! Anyway Hannah (my sister) and Beverly Rounds (a friend like an aunt) are coming tomorrow yay! This time we don't plan on taking any cars just loads in the airplane. Then that day will be all clinic and we will stay the night and then come back the next day. Not a very long trip. I hope it goes well. I will write after the trip. Here are the pictures of the ducklings and the kittens.

To those who like cats

2008-02-05T07:29:00.000-08:00

My cat just had 4 kittens! Yesterday morning when I was changing I thought I heard purring but I didn't think anything of it. Then later on when our worker was making my bed she heard the cat meowing like crazy, so she told me and I went and looked in my dresser and there she was. So me and Mom put her in a cardboard box with rags. We watched her have 2 then she had the other 2 while we were doing school. They are pretty cute huh. Shadow is being a really good momma it's kinda weird that they are all gray striped and none black. Oh and by the way when I grow up I am planning on being an Ornitholologist haha just kidding :D. I don't even know what it is. I think it has something to do with ducks.

Martina

2008-01-27T05:49:00.000-08:00

I have been looking around for something to write about when someone suggested Martina. I don't think I have ever written about Martina. When Martina was little she had a high fever, and after that she started having seizures. One of them threw her into a fire, and she got extremely burnt, mostly in the face and some on her arms. After that we started helping with her surgeries by bringing her to a hospital and helping pay for them in the city. Her parents kept saying that they didn't want her anymore. So finally Mom, Dad and Tomas went over to her house and found her abandoned in a room tied to a bed. They talked to her parents and asking if they should take her in, and all three of them got the same verse.
“I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine you did unto me."Matthew 25:40
So we took her in. She was doing great, laughing and she started walking again. Then all of the sudden she got sick and we thought she was going to die. She gradually got better but ever since she has gotten worse. She has stopped laughing and walking, and she can't sit up without support now. She needs much more attention than we can give her and lot's of TLC, but there is no place else to send her in this country. She can't talk and we think she is sad, but we don't know what she thinks. Please keep her in your prayers.

Jacob!!!

2008-01-06T16:08:00.000-08:00

Isn't he so cute! Get more later.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

2007-12-25T17:09:00.001-08:00

Actually we are postponing Christmas this year cause RYAN AND KATIE JUST HAD A BABY!!!! YAY! He is a cute little boy and they named him Jacob Duane Ficker, he was 6 pounds 8 ounces and he was 17 inches long. I can't believe I am an aunt. Mom went up there and couldn't get on with her buddy pass so we bought her a real ticket and she didn't make it for the birth but she made it right after. Dad wanted to go with her but he didn't want to leave us here for a whole week and he couldn't get back earlier. So the plan is that Mom comes back late on the 27 and Dad flies up (to the city) before dark cause he can't fly in the dark. He can but he has to sign up for it or something complicating like that. Then the next morning they come back early and we have Christmas then. So we only postpone Christmas for 3 days not bad
Merry Christmas again.

Abi and Grace pics

2007-12-15T10:15:00.000-08:00

Pics

2007-12-14T06:30:00.000-08:00

The ones on top are from the Zona Reyna and the 3 of the new calf.Hope you like I gotta go get the Christmas Tree!!!

What's New?

2007-12-14T06:11:00.000-08:00

Hannah came in on the 9th and she is staying for 3 weeks! That's exciting :) and we have a new calf! Actually this one is from the other cow meaning the one I wrote about is now a grandma and a mom at basically the same time.Make sense? It's a boy and he was born on Tuesday. When we got back from clinic he had been born for like 45 minutes. We have been decorating the house a lot and Mom let us off school for like a Christmas break it's the first time. After breakfast and when everyone is fully up we are going to go look for a Christmas tree. I hope we can find the owner of the place where they have pretty many pine trees. Dad says we are probably going to cut it this time cause it is so hard digging it out and they hardly ever live. It is fiesta time now in town they have fiesta for a week close to Christmas. They have a lot of stands and candy and stuff like that. I love Christmas it's fun.

Zona Reyna Trip

2007-11-29T12:41:00.000-08:00

Okay I write a week later than it happens so what :). This time it was just a little different. Alren Blaylock, Deb Sweet and Grenias (Craig Phoenix) came on the 20th and Aaron and Katie came from there long trip through Mexico with their new truck that night. It actually wasn't a long trip but they had been gone for like 2 months or something. Anyway the next day Heidi and Matt came then at noon Dr. Jeff (from Houston) came later on some of the Stukenburgs came to. The Stukenburgs are a family that owns an orphanage across from Lake Attitlan and they went for evangelism. It is so amazing how much we have in common from being German to all are cars breaking down monthly. That night we had Thanksgiving dinner since we would be having Thanksgiving in Saquixspec. The next morning everybody but Heidi, Isaac, Dad, Dr. Jeff, Joseph, Katie, Grace, Matt and me left at 4 in the morning and drove there. When we got there everybody was there already. It is so cool that we can get there in only 15 minutes. We started to unpack and get situated it was at a big school with 5 big rooms. We had 1 personal room where we ate and had our stuff then there was 2 rooms used for clinic and 2 just for sleeping but we pretty much used all of them for sleeping. Then we started clinic and there was like nobody there. So we saw the few that were there and while we did that the Stukenburgs did dramas and games ans songs with the kids there. After they were most done with seeing patients the Stukenburgs and some of us went to a river and had a nice FREEZING cold bath at least I thought it was. It was fun though cause it took some of us a while to get more then knee deep in it. Then the other car came and and they were all too wussy to get in except for Katie. Then we went back and changed and the Stukenburgs started the Jesus film in Kekchi (the language there). We had some tater soup for dinner and then I went to sleep while most of the rest stayed up and either talked or stayed up for the film. For those of us who went sleep I have no idea how we got to sleep with the film right there and all the firecrackers and the generator running. Then the next morning we had breakfast and did some worship. The medical people saw more patients while the Stukenburgs did some more kids activities then we packed up and left at noon. Luckily I got to go back in the plane with some other lucky people. On the drive back for the rest one of the cars broke down and it took longer to go back cause they had to leave it there. When they got back I was sleeping so I don't know what happened. In the morning the Stukenburgs left and so did Heidi and Matt. Jeff left the next day and Deb, Arlen and Grenias left Tuesday morning. All in all I bet we only saw 200 patients and the last time we saw 1200 ( I think we actually see 1600 but it rhymes better that way:)). I'll try to get pictures for you when I can.

Dad's Birthday!

2007-11-09T05:38:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was Dad's birthday (I would have written then but I didn't make time for it :) ). Mom made fried potatoes with eggs and bacon on top and she made pretty braided cardamom bread. Pretty and braided or not cardamom is still not my favorite spice. Then while we did school Dad did a flight for 3 people to the city. When he came back we had fried chicken and mashed potatoes again and for desert we had cheesecake later on hmmm. We didn't have any presents for him which was all good for him I think. I am pretty sure he liked it although he really wanted to forget he is 50 now... but that's okay you gotta get there sometime.

Little Compication

2007-11-07T18:16:00.000-08:00

We had a little complication with the cow that I don't want to go into detail with but it all went well and the cow is fine now thanks a lot to my great Uncle Clarence. :)

We finally have a calf!!

2007-11-05T06:02:00.000-08:00

Our cow just had her calf this morning. It's a pretty little female. Isn't she cute.:). We had been excpecting her in October but we were wrong. I really like the brown and white for a change. So enough talking. Hope you liked the pictures.

Joe Joe's Birthday

2007-10-22T15:04:00.000-07:00

Today is Joseph's Birthday! He is 17. I got up and put flowers on the table then when I started blowing up balloons Grace ran away screaming because she is afraid of balloons. Then Mom made Cinnamon rolls and fried potatoes with onions and peppers. We just got done with eating Fried chicken, mashed potatoes and gravy, green beans and fruit salad with nuts, cream cheese and sugar. Right now Dad and Joe are flying for practicing and for fun they are doing touch and go's. Tomorrow is really his birthday but today we are celebrating because tomorrow there is clinic. It is hard having birthday's here because there is nothing here good that we like that we can buy but as long as we have fun it is just as good if not better. I gotta go so we can play kickball or baseball or something.:D

Wedding

2007-10-07T14:04:00.000-07:00

First is right behind the wedding on the same property that day. The second is Katie with the babies at the end. The third is Mom hugging Katie with Aaron crying. :). The fourth is Aaron and Katie during the ceremony and the fifth is Katie and her Dad walking down the isle. Sorry I don't have more right now but Shea ( the photographer) has a bunch I will put on when we get them or you can go to his sight or something I don't know how that works.

The wedding was very nice, pretty and fun. It went really well. We all went up in trucks a little before it started and we were all set. It was not that long and I think it was as happy as I have seen Katie in a long time. It was so perfect. Right now Aaron and Katie are on their Honey Moon in some part of Mexico on the beach. For the rehearsal dinner we put Christmas lights up and candles on the pond. Then we had steak, scalloped potatoes, salad and homemade rolls.Hmm. See ya later.

ps This is really random but do you think that you could add one more thing to your prayers? We would really like to be able to go to the wedding reception in the states in May but the babies adoptions have to be done because we can't leave without them so could you please pray that they get done before May.Thanks a lot.

Wedding Plans

2007-09-28T07:23:00.001-07:00

Remember when I told you that Aaron and Katie are getting married? Well that is in 5 days. So we are planning and getting ready and some of our guests are coming today. Shea the photographer and Mike Lovell his dad are coming today. They arrive at like 11:30 in Guatemala City and Dad will pick them up when they do. Dad already left and is running errands while waiting for them. Tomorrow Hannah (my sister) and Craig Phoenix (Davids best friend) are coming and Dad will have to pick them up too. Sunday my 2 aunts (Mom's side) will be coming here for the first time. Then Aaron and Katie are going on Monday to pick up Katie's family when they arrive on Tuesday. So we will be getting full over the weekend. It is going to be really fun. I better go start painting the wedding reception cards. So I will talk to you all later. Oh and please be praying for Dad while he has to do all this horrible flying stuff. :D Haha just kidding.

City trip

2007-09-14T07:31:00.000-07:00

When I told you that I would try to upload the pics well the next day we went to the city for 3 days. The first day we left at like 8:00 and we stayed at this missionary house because that is what they do but we thought it was going to be a separate house. So while Mom, Dad, Aaron, Katie and Abi ran errands all afternoon. Me Dave, Joe and Grace stayed at these peoples house. They had a TV and we watched some stupid show called pinks about competing there cars and trying to get the other guys. So we left the next day and told our hosts that we feel like we were in on there privacy (which I am sure we were). They were extremely nice people and they just wanted to help. So than we went to Randall Darbie's place. The hosts knew them and we had known them before but we lost contact for like 4 years. They had been in the process of building and really nice house for there teams. So we stayed at there (separate) house and were planning on leaving the next day. Then the next day Mom and Dad started feeling really bad for us (David Joe and I) because this whole wedding of Aaron and Katie's has been really hard for them (Aaron and Katie) and Mom and Dad had been focusing on them. So we didn't leave that day we went to the zoo in the morning and stayed there until we saw all that we wanted to see I think it was all ( the zoo is not as big as in the states). So we left the zoo and ate lunch at a nice restaurant. Then we went roller blading in a new place in the mall. It was pretty fun. Then we went back to Randall Darbie's and stayed another night and left in the morning. I think the third day was the funnest day I have had in the city. So that is why I didn't get the pictures on soon.

Pictures

2007-09-10T06:40:00.000-07:00

I know there is a ton.:) Hey I gotta go so enjoy and I will tell you guys why it took so long to upload the pics later. Enjoy!

2007-09-04T14:02:00.001-07:00

Uh for some reason the pictures won't upload so I will try a little later if I can. Sorry

Another flight

2007-09-04T13:10:00.000-07:00

Yesterday Rodi and his family came over. He is the Pastor of the church we go to. He is a good friend of ours and he has had lots of prophetic dreams for and about us. Recently they started a little business in there town. They sell slushies they are the best (not that I have tried any others) :). First they crush up the ice and put some in a cup, second they put berry and cream flavored juice in it, third they give you a choice of what kind of cooked sweet fruit you want on top (pineapple, apple, strawberry, plantanes, and maybe blackberry to) , if you want they put sweetened condensed milk on top. Or you can have an interesting combination of lime flavored slushie with salt and chips on top."- Doesn't sound as good. So back to the point. They came over and gave us all one of the slushies (the fruit ones) before lunch. We all ate lunch. Then we went to the airport to take them up in the plane. The first flight they took Jason, Bibi, and Lyndel (Rodi and Marli's kids) with Dad flying ofcourse. Then Dad took Rodi, Marli and Jason up (Jason liked it a lot). After they flew Dad took Joseph and I up because he wanted Joe to practice for being a pilot. It was good Joe did good and it was fun. Rodi and his family liked it a lot. One of the best parts was this time I brought the camera! Enjoy. Oh and these pictures are of mountains in our area. It is one of the best ways to see Guatemala.

The Plane

2007-08-21T06:48:00.000-07:00

Dad and Joseph got back safely. They got here Wednesday 15 August. I know I should have blogged about it earlier but I just havn't gotten around to it. The Cessna 182 is really nice and equiped just for this terrain. I like it better than the Aztec even though it is a lot smaller. It can hold 4 people (including the pilot) and some luggage (I am not sure how much). I have gone on two flights since it got here. The first time Mom, Dad, David, Abi and me all went up to fly around the valley and yesterday we went to fly around the Zona Reina (I hope you remember where that is. I talked about it in other posts). Joseph, Dad, Mom and I all went. It is amazing that we were there in 30 minutes instead of 7 hours. It is so beautiful up there. Yesterday I wished so bad I would have brought the camera so you guys could see too. There will be many chances I am sure though. I will try to remember. Alright, well I am going to go eat breakfast before Mom and Katie leave for clinic in Chiminisijuan. I think we might have a picture of the plane. I will try to put it on here later.

Aaron and Katie

2007-08-03T09:18:00.000-07:00

Aaron and Katie are getting married! They are getting married on a mountain in Guatemala (real close to us here) and having a reception in the US in the spring. It would be really nice if Grace and Abi's adoption would get finished then our whole family could go up to the reception and see everybody at the same time. It will be in October only 2 months away. My job is to take the flower girls (Grace and Abi) down the isle. That will take at least 2 months for them to learn so I better go start practicing.

Empty

2007-08-03T08:56:00.000-07:00

Well you guys probably don't know Beverly Adrienne and Heather but they are really good friends of ours and they were down here and they left a couple of days ago. Dad and Joseph left in the same 2 days to go buy a Cessna 182 that can get in AND OUT of La Tania (the Aztec is too big) and Craig left 2 weeks ago. So now it is only Me Mom, Aaron, Katie, and David. It is so weird not having anybody here since our house is almost like a hotel all the time. So only 2 months till our house is full again because of the wedding and that makes me happy. I like it when there is a lot of noise and confusion in the house.

ps Oh and here is another picture of the ducklings. You might wonder why there are only 4 ducklings in the picture. Well that is because the other 4 were suicidal just kidding they either died of hunger or of eating the chemical seed in our garden but don't worry we have both of those things taken care of.

Luau day

2007-07-28T13:37:00.000-07:00

Today we celebrated Hawaiian Luau Day. We had chicken and pineapple shishkabobs with potatoes and green beans. And we all had to wear leis and the girls had to wear flowers in our hair (we would have taken a picture of the boys but none of them cooperated). Right now you are probably wondering why in the world we knew and celebrated Luau Day. Well that is because of Bev (she comments on this blog a lot). She comes down and brings stuff for us to celebrate weird holidays we have never even heard of. Last time she came we celebrated the Chinese New Year. She is really fun. So the picture of us girls might not be the greatest but they did it for me and I did it for you.

Puppies, Kittens and Ducklings

2007-07-25T07:49:00.000-07:00

:) My duck hatched her eggs yesterday! They are really cute as you can see. There are 8 because one died of some defect. It is the first flock of ducklings my duck has had since she has been here. Oh and by the way we had to go on the Internet and see if flock of ducklings was correct. And that is my new kitten I named her Shadow. She is a perfect kitten she even purrs when Abi is holding her by 4 inches of her skin. And those are my puppies they were born on May 25 and I have been trying to sell them since. Josey had 8 of them but I sold 5. I was really lucky because there was 6 males and 2 females (males sell a lot better that females). Alright well I better quit blogging and start doing school. I will have to get you some more pics of the ducklings when they are bigger.

ps Sorry I could not get a good picture of the Puppies I mean come on there puppies.

Baby Isaac

2007-07-12T13:30:00.000-07:00

Our good friends Heidi and Matt Bell (I think you all should have heard of them by now) just became parents. We are very happy and excited! They have named him Isaac Edward Bell and he looks just like his father. So if you guys have not already gone to their blog then their blog is Agapeenaccion.blogspot.com. Check it out!

Chiminisijuan

2007-07-06T06:41:00.000-07:00

On Wednesday Mom and Joseph and I all went up to see a dying lady that was supposedly 15 minutes away from the clinic that we built in Chiminisijuan (45 minutes away from our house). Dad went with us too because he needed to go to Grace's Mom's house so she could sign one last paper for Grace's adoption. We split up at the clinic because her Mom's house was not that close to the clinic. So Dad and Mom and Tomas (our worker and sometimes translator) all went in our black truck. Then Joseph and I went on David's four-wheeler ( a really fast racing mud throwing four-wheeler). There is a river down the hill next to and a guy in a car said the water was too deep to cross. We didn't think much about it when we saw it - it didn't look deep. But when we got to the middle of the river, we got stuck. So we got off and the water was 2 and a half to 3 feet deep so we pushed and lifted it up and after a couple of minutes 2 guys came over and were going to help us but we got it out as soon as they came. When we got to where the main road turns off to go to the to the clinic, we had to stop and take the other four-wheeler ( we had it in the back of the black truck) because the road was pretty washed out. So we got real close to the clinic and there was this big deep long mud puddle so Dad got on and his tires were going 25-30 miles per hour while the four-wheeler was going about 5. He made it though. Then we split up and we met 2 guys at the clinic that were going to take us down to the dying ladie's house. We took the four-wheeler a little farther and than started to walk down the mountain (it took us 30 minutes to walk down to the ladie's house). We went into the ladies room (a small wood shack with a fire inside it to keep warm) and Mom saw her. She didn't look too good but she probably wasn't going to die that soon . After Mom finished with the medical part she asked her if she knew where she was going when she died and the lady said "no". By the time Mom and Tomas finished she and 2 men had excepted Jesus. Then we trudged up the hill (which took us 40 minutes) with a man so we could give him medicine from the clinic to give to the lady. We gave him the medicine and he left and we left for home. So our trip was real worth while.
ps Later on we found out it was 4th of July.

Sarah

2007-06-27T13:50:00.000-07:00

You guys remember baby Sarah that I wrote about in one of my posts. Well we talked about keeping her a lot and we really didn't feel like God was telling us to keep her because with Grace and Abi we knew there was no doubt that we were supposed to keep them. So we were praying and waiting for a door to open. Dad had talked to some people and we have friends 5 hours away that have an orphanage that adopt kids out. We really wanted some of our real good parent\friends to adopt her because they have 4 boys and from the start they have wanted a girl. That door didn't seem to open. So after much debate we decided to give her to the Stukenburgs (our friends that live 5 hours away) so they could adopt her out to a couple that want a perfect Guatemalan baby girl. It was hard for us to say bye but we knew it was the right thing. So now Sarah is with the Stukenburgs waiting for just the right couple to come along.

Panajachel

2007-06-12T06:26:00.000-07:00

Wow I am a horrible blogger I have not written forever. So remember the place I told you about that we went to with Chrystal and Cristian - Craig's Mom and brother? Well, we went to Panajachel, a tourist place. We went back there and took a 2 day vacation when Hannah came back. We went in 3 different trucks. Dad and Mom and baby Sarah all went in one truck and they left at about 5:00 because they needed to grocery shop before Hannah came back at noon. Aaron, Katie and Abigail went in Aaron's truck and David, Joseph, Grace and me went in the forerunner. Then our trucks went at 8:00 and got to Panajachel at about 12:30 1:00. Then we checked in and took care of the babies and waited until about 5:00 and then Mom and Dad and Hannah and Sarah all came in. Then we asked them what took them so long it was traffic they came in and were 1 hour and a half late ( not that they had a schedule) . Then that night we all hung out and ate some pizza they bought in the city. The next morning we went to breakfast and went around shopping then we went kayaking. It was really nice blue water and when we were coming back it was like 1:00 so the waves were really choppy it was fun. We went back to the hotel and played Chinese freeze tag ( You know the one where it's freeze tag but you got to go through the frozen persons legs to free them). Then we went out to eat at a steak house place and just read and played a long game of hearts and then we went to bed. Then the next morning we ate breakfast and came back home. Sometimes it is good just to take a break.

La Tania

2007-05-29T06:34:00.000-07:00

We left last Wednesday to go to a village in the rainforest called La Tania. So we had 7 hours of drive on dirt roads but it was a very pretty drive. We had to take five cars and there were 16 people (including 7 big boxes of medicine all of our backpacks and generators, stuff for the projecter etc.) Mom and Dad had gone to La Tania some months before and checked out the clinic. It was about 100 times better than the last place where we stayed. It had like 10 rooms not very big but it was nice because 4 rooms were for us and 6 for clinic. We got there around six and setup our sleeping and clinic areas. The next morning they started clinic and then Dad, David, Joseph, Aaron, Adam and me all went on a walk to find a river for later on that night (because when it is not raining it is hot and humid). It was a beautiful walk. The water was so clear and in deep spots it was really pretty blue. The medical people were seeing people while I helped take care of Grace and took some pictures. As you can see I did a whole lot:). At the end of the day we all went to the river and took a bath. It was really nice then when we went back to the clinic we counted all the numbers up and found out the medical people had seen 600 people. Then the next day the medical people started clinic again and Aaron, Joseph, David, Craig and Adam went on the fourwheeler (Aaron brought his truck with the fourwheeler in it) to the place we had stayed the time before which took them about an hour. They went to look at some property there. I stayed, moped and took care of Grace while Dad and Matt went out to see if the sick people reported to us were really sick and could not leave or if it was not that bad. They were not very sick. Then the medical people saw 400 people by 2:oo and no one else was coming so we packed up in about a half hour and drove our 7 hour bumpy but pretty drive home.

Sorry long time no talk :)

2007-05-17T12:59:00.000-07:00

I have not written in forever. I have been trying to get on this for a couple of days now but the Internet sometimes is really slow. So I have 3 excuses for not writing in a long time. 1 is up there. 2 is because me and my mother just got back from the states (we had to unpack and get back into our routine etc. :) ). 3 is because we have a new baby here. Maybe. Wellll the Tuesday before me and my mother went to the states it was clinic day in Chiminisijuan as usual but as Mom and Katie were packing up to come back home, a lady came after everybody left clinic. She was pregnant and it was a secret. So the lady asked Mom if Mom would want to buy her baby when it delivered and Mom said NO! Then Mom asked her if her husband was around and she said "no he left me". Then Mom said "well don't hurt your baby if you don't want her. We can take her for a while". Then the lady left. The next Tuesday (the day after we had left for the states). Katie was stopped on the way home from clinic and the lady jumped out of the bushes and just handed Katie the Baby. So now the Baby is here with us.We have named her Sarah but we are not even sure if we are supposed to keep her. So if you want you can pray and ask God if we should keep Baby Sarah.:)

Please pray

2007-04-25T12:31:00.000-07:00

There is alot of violence going on in SAS our next store town. We just got a call from our paster there that has a church we go to he told us about it and was going to come with his son but the roads are blocked. So please pray because they have killed a man and we dont want anymore. So please pray right now for san andres and that this violence would stop. I dont think this has happened before.

Swimming hole

2007-04-17T09:23:00.000-07:00

It has been so hot lately so we found a new swimming hole at the river. It is fairly large and deep I don't much like it though because there is 2 big spiders that were on the wall by the water. Then there was this 2 inch long leech looking thing that was in the water. The deepness I didn't much like much either because you don't really know what is under you after seeing the spiders and leech looking thing. I am glad I swam in it once. I would rather stick with our pond to swim in I know what lives in there.

US

2007-04-17T09:06:00.000-07:00

Sorry I haven't written in a while. Me and my Mother plan on coming up to Illinois for my oldest sister Hannah's graduation in 13 days. Yes I am counting days.We will be there for 1 week.We leave here the 30 of April and come back on the 7 of may.

birthing a calf

2007-04-09T15:02:00.000-07:00

This might gross some of you out so you might not want to read it. I just came back from our neighbors house. His cow was in labor. When I got there they had the hands out and they were pulling on them with a pulley. They tried but couldn't because the mom was not pushing. So they pushed the hands back in after pulling with the pulley after a while.They waited for a while and then a couple other men came to help. Then we got her and tied her up one of the guys tried to pull the calves head out but the head was under his hand so he couldn't. Another guy tried a got it luckily and all the while everybody kept saying oh it is probably dead. He pulled the head and front legs out and every man that was there including Dad and David all pulled then it came out. The calf would not come out because it was bigger than usual.The owner said it was a miracle from God.

2007-04-03T19:54:00.000-07:00

Alright I am sick and tired of thinking about what to write and having a deadline on the blog. And especially all the stupid comments. Oh Rachel it is so nice you have a blog , Oh Rachel it is nice to be updated while your in Guatemala. I cant wait to hear more of Rachel's adventures. BLA BLA BLA BLA BLA. I quit writing on my blog that's IT. happy April fools. Ha ha I had you guys going for a while didn't I. Sorry that might have been kinda harsh.:). Alright so 2 days late so let me get by with it. Have a good day.

Another vacation

2007-03-22T18:41:00.000-07:00

I just got back from panajachel another tourist trap. We went because we had Craig's Mom Crystal and Christian Craig's brother. Also because we wanted to go. It is very similar to Antigua it has a volcano and a lake in front of it instead of just a volcano. Then it has other surrounding volcanoes (like 2 or 3). It is similar in another way to it has all the items and more that I named off in "busy week". It is really pretty and I like it there.The first day we came at like 12 then we checked in and went out to eat. When we finished eating me Dad Katie Mom Grace Craig Crystal and Christian went to shop. While David Joseph and Abigail stayed at the hotel to watch TV. I found a green wool purse with designs on it, some leather sandals that Joe says look like bible time sandals and a t-shirt that says panajachal on it. Crystal and Cristian found a little basket and I think a wall hanging. Then Cristian found a turtle stuffed animal. Later on me and Katie went out shopping by ourselves because we wanted to and because we were going to get something for Moms birthday.The best thing I think about panajachel is the bartering. I think it is so fun. Here is how it works. Say I was going to by something and his starting price was 125 so I would start little like 70 and he would say no 120 and I would say 90 and he would say 115 and I would say 100 and he would say 115 and I would say 100 and he would say 110 and I would say 100 is my last price and he might say okay or keep going. Sometimes you do better than other times though. It always helps if another guy told you that his rug was 150 and you went away and asked somebody else what there price was for say a rug you like better and they say 200 so then you can say that other guy over there offered 150 and then usually they say okay 150. Sometimes it works to if you walk away and they call after you.Not to get off subject. Katie bought some earrings to. The guy told us right now it is special it is only 10 because it is late tomorrow it will go back up to and before he could say anything his friend interrupted him and said 40. Then the guy that was selling said don't be a liar it will be back to 20. I thought that was pretty funny. Anyway this morning we got up and were going to go across the lake to see our friend and his wife that have an orphanage. So we got a boat ride it was smooth and we got there in 20 minutes the first time. We stayed and talked to them until like 11:30 then we went back to the boat got in and said bye. We only went a little ways until it started getting really choppy. It may not seem that bad but it was not long before I was waiting for the boat to break in half and I was saying Psalms 23 in my head after a while it calmed down and like 1/3 of the way back it was calm. We came back to panajachel and Mom bought some sandals exactly like mine because she liked mine. Then we ate lunch and took the long trip home.I thought it was fun even if I had to say Psalms 23 over and over in my head on the boat ride back.

Dry season

2007-03-17T17:31:00.000-07:00

Here there are 2 seasons one is dry and one is rainy. Right now it is dry. It is hot and dry our yard is dry and we need to flood it as we say here. It means since we have a canal we need to block it off and use the water in our yard or where it needs it. I kinda miss the rainy season when everywhere you look it is green and the horses and cattle are fat. Now whenever you go on the four wheeler and you come back if you run your fingers through your hair they either get stuck or your fingers come out brown. Although it is dry there is a kind of pretty that is hard to explain. It is the nature.

busy week

2007-03-11T17:35:00.000-07:00

You are probably wandering why I have not written in like a week. Well it was a pretty busy team. They were good no one complained and they were pretty flexible. It was a team of female nurses and one of them even taught some Korean to me she was really cool. Another plus was that Hannah (my sister) and Julie (Hannah's friend) were here with them. They came in on on Friday at like 8:00. The next day we had clinic here in Canilla. On Sunday we did clinic in San Andres Sacabaja, On Monday our good worker Tomas invited us to his village to do clinic (not that we were not invited) in village. On Tuesday we went to our other clinic in Chiminisijuan. Wednesday they went to a school in a village 30 minutes of driving and 15 minutes of walking. I don't know what happened on Tuesday or Wednesday because I was not there.Then on Thursday we went to the home where we used to live the first year in Guatemala. We had fun with the kids. We made cookies and they painted and we played basketball and soccer and just played with them. One of the kids is Bartolo he is my favorite he is like 5 or 6. Well Bartolo Julie and I were throwing the soccer ball to each other and I don't know what hit him but he got this bright idea that we had to throw the ball to each other with our eyes closed. So we were like okay and the first throw was at me from Julie and of course when you have your eyes closed you have no aim and the victim (me) has no idea when the ball is coming so Julie throws it and it hits me smack in the nose. It didn't hurt that bad but later Katie asked me why my face was red so I had to tell her. It was pretty funny. Then some of the kids came around and put star stickers on all of every body's faces. On Friday we went to Antigua a tourist place with a volcano where they sell Guatemalan things like necklaces, bracelets, rings, earrings (mostly of beads).Then they sell qortes, wipiles, paintings, skirts, shirts, wall hangings, normal earrings, scarfs, purses,and other things I can't think of. That night we stayed at a not very good hotel that smelled like suer gas and rotting coffee because there was a coffee plant behind us. Mom, Dad, Hannah, Grace, Abi, and I all were in one room.So Abi had a fever at like 1:00 in the morning and started screaming so Mom got up and found out that we had no Tylenol with us so Mom and Dad quieted her but she still screamed so at six I just got up.That night Mom and Dad did not sleep good. The team left at five that morning and Hannah was going to leave that day at 2:00 so we left got breakfast and went to the city which is only 30 minutes away. We got groceries and then dropped Hannah and Julie off at the airport. Then we came home. So today we did clinic came home ate lunch and played a lot of basketball. Now Joe Dad Aaron and David are watching a national geographic on quick sand. So that is why I have not written in forever.

team

2007-03-01T19:04:00.000-08:00

Tomorrow we are having a team of 12 nurses and Hannah (my oldest sister) and Julie Hannah's roommate that are coming down. Mom, Dad and Aaron are going to pick them up in three cars.Whenever teams come down we have to make room clean sheets make beds and plan meals stuff like that. So we are basically all ready. When teams come down sometimes I have to translate for them in clinic . I kinda like it. The team should be here around 8:00 because they come into Guatemala around 1:00-2:00 then you have to drive 4-5 hours so they will come late. When teams come I try not to have expectations because you could be disappointed.

Clinic

2007-02-25T14:30:00.000-08:00

Today I went to clinic to paint flowers or something in the pediatric room. I decided to paint squiggly looking suns around the window and door.We thought it was good for a pediatric room. Mom and Craig saw a bunch of sick kids While I painted on the pediatric side and Matt Heidi and Katie saw pregnant and grown people on the other side (the boring side) :). When we were finished David came because he had to talk to a pastor friend of ours. Our worker Nicolasa had told us earlier that she would like to come back to work because she was on her day off. So when we finished she was ready and waiting. Well David teases her a lot and she teases him back. David was of course was being a pest so he took some water that was there and started throwing it on everybody mostly her then mom told him to stop and he did and he was about to get into the car when she runs up to him and throws a bunch of water on him. Which we all thought was funny especially her. Then we came home and ate lunch.I am in the middle of the day so that's it.:).

Pictures

2007-02-23T18:55:00.000-08:00

Here are some random pictures.

abi

david and aaron

llesinia

grace

beverly and a girl at clinic

sylvia

our plane at ixcan

on the way to the ixcan

me and joe

debbie and katie painting

the ruins

The Ruins

2007-02-23T07:26:00.000-08:00

Yesterday instead of painting, we decided to have some fun, so we went to the Mayan ruins. The ruins are about twenty minutes away, half way to San Andres. There are 7 or 8 mounds that are supposed to be tombs. We went inside this cave... well actually it is just this hole that the Mayans dug along time ago because they were scared of the horses and Spaniards. They dug the hole, put food and important Mayans in there, and some other Mayans covered them up so that the horses and Spaniards would not get them. We went down into the hole that has bats in it. You can see the rocks that the other Mayans used to make a rock door. It is really cool because you are standing on history. So later when we got home we watched the National Geographic video on the kingdom of the lost Maya. It said that some people think that Mayan Indians back then were nice, kind people but they were not. They were actually warlike people, always fighting and being scared. Some say they are lost but they are still here. Maybe their culture changed a little, but they are still here in Guatemala and our neighboring countries. They have survived for thousands of years.

Today

2007-02-22T10:58:00.000-08:00

I was telling you that Matt and Heidi help us at clinic. Well when they help it gets kind of crowded. They are a big help :) but the room is not too big. So we rented the room across the wall. After breakfast Deb, Bev, David, Katie, Grace, and I went to San Andres to paint the walls and let them dry before Sunday. We had to brush the walls and take hot glue off the walls that people before us used to put up pictures. Then we all took sections and we all got full of paint and almost finished but we ran out of paint. So David went around looking for that same kind of paint but he could not find anything so we came home because we have some here.People here like bright colors so there is paint but There is no white. We will cook and eat lunch then some of us plan on going back today and painting some more. Nothing is ever easy!

Guatemalan money

2007-02-21T17:54:00.000-08:00

The money here is very different. There are 5 cent coins, 10 cent coins and 25 cent coins. Then there are 1 Quetzal coins. There used to be 1 Quetzal bills that were green but they stopped making them. 5 Q bills are purple, 10 Q bills are red, 20 Q bills are blue, 50 Q bills are orange, and 100 Q bills are brown. They all have important Guatemalan people on them. The rate here changes all the time but right now it is Q7.61 to a dollar. If Guatemalan money changed to dollars than everybody would be hurting because the rate is so bad. Many people do not have work but those who do get work usually get paid 40 Q a day, which is five dollars a day. Think about that.

Market

2007-02-21T07:49:00.000-08:00

Here we have market where we get most of our food.We get the fruits and vegetables at market.We have 2 market days a week, one is on Friday and the other is on Saturday. On Friday it is in the evening and on Saturday it is in the morning. They have stands for fried chicken and french fries. They have random stuff like toys or earrings. They have sugar cane stands and clothes that they sell in trucks that people just root around in. Then they have slushy stands where they crunch up the ice and put blackberry and creme flavor on it and sell a cup of it for 1 quetzal which is the local money. They have places where there are mugs and plates that the people sell. There are stands where they have plastic baskets of different sizes that everybody (the locals) uses for market. Lots of people here have tiendas where they sell sodas, chips, gum, and other things.I like it most when my brother Aaron, Katie, And my brothers David and Joseph and I all go on a Friday and we go through some trucks that sell clothes and find good t-shirts or something.I think it's fun.

My adopted sisters

2007-02-20T15:24:00.000-08:00

We adopted my sister Grace because when she was a new born her mother got very sick and was about to die. Her other daughter that was seven was taking care of her and she dropped her off a table. They brought her to us because they live in Chiminisijuan where we have one of the clinics. When we saw her and were taking care of her, Grace's father said we could have her. We said we would pray and think about it so we took her in temporarily because she was dehydrated and was about to die. By God's grace she got well and we agreed to take her permanently. They had named her Alexandra so we named her Grace Alexandra because it was by God's grace that she lived.

My youngest adopted sister Abigail is here because her grandfather could not take care of her when her mother died in child birth and because she was 2 hours old. So he gave her to us. She is only one year and 3 months old but she can crawl out of her crib already.

We decided that they are gifts from God.

2007-02-20T14:36:00.000-08:00

This is the story from the Ixcan.

Losing power
When Bev, Deb and Arlen arrived on Wednesday night, the power was out. We lost power because a pine tree fell on the power lines.So we had candles lit and had food ready and we could still make it because we have a gas stove. We were all ready and waiting when they came. We lose power all the time here. The first thing we do is light candles. If we lose power at like 8:00 or 9:00 we all just go to bed but if we lose power at like 5:00 we play cards or get something to eat or read.

Riding in the car
Imagine being in the car for five hours with nothing to do. That's was our situation on the way to Saquixspec, the place where we were going to do clinic. The roads here are bumpy dirt roads. I try to sleep but that is hard and sometimes I just like to look at how pretty everything is on the road to Saquixspec. It was so pretty... green mountains, pretty jungle and even just homes and people. We talk laugh a lot and make up our favorite words and make the best of riding in the car. It takes 5 hours because it is so bumpy (the road) but it is only 68 miles.
Piper Aztec
My Dad bought a plane a couple months ago and he was trying to find a place to land so we could get to Saquixspec where they needed medical outreach so he landed on a grass airstrip, the only kind of airport in the jungle .The nose gear collapsed because the grass was to long. We did not care much at the time because we were so happy they were okay. So the whole front part of the plane is in bad shape we are trying to fix it. My Dad and brothers are still there at Saquixspec working on the plane. They are taking it apart and loading it up so they can bring it here where we live at Canilla El Quiche. My oldest brother Aaron is a airplane mechanic. We hope to fix it and maybe sell it.

Midnight Incident
The darkness can be very scary and in the jungle it can be darker than dark. Two nights ago, we were sleeping on air mattresses in the clinic after seeing patients all day. We were all so tired that we went to sleep immediately. Around midnight ,a conch shell blew and people from all over came swarming from all directions Deb was shaking from being so scared from all the racket outside and Beverly said she felt unsafe. Nobody knew what was going on and we were so scared because people were swarming around us and talking in a language we don't understand. We wished we could contact the other part of the family who were sleeping at the airport or preferably be with them. We had a cell phone, but it wouldn't work in such a remote area. It turns out that a lady had lost her child and needed help looking for her. They found her and she was sleeping by a building. We were amazed at how the local people worked together. They have a very strong community because they work together.

Clinic
When we have clinic there, I have to be a translator because Arlen, Deb and Bev don't speak Spanish. So since I don’t speak Kachi the Native Language this is how it worked. First I said in Spanish ''What do you have?'' Then the translator Luisiano said in Kachi ''What do you have? ''Then the patient told him in Kachi which he told me in Spanish which I told Arlen in English Then Arlen would ask the medical question in English which I translated into Spanish then Luisiano translated into Kachi, then she\he answered etc. I have learned so much about medicine from translating because I know the symptoms and what to give them. It is a very good way to learn about medicine if you translate for a doctor because you have conversations and you listen to him\her. If I decide to be a nurse or a doctor than I think I have had a good start.

New blog

2007-02-18T17:33:00.000-08:00

Some of you know that I am a missonary in Guatemala, CA. I live here with my family of ten. My mom Leslie is a nurse, and my dad Duane is a pilot and carpenter. Then my oldest brother, Aaron, is 26, and he is an airplane mechanic. My second oldest brother, Ryan, is 23 he works on a ranch. The third down the line is my sister Hannah who is in college and studying to be a pediatrician. David is 4th down he is 19, and he does all our the mechanic work around here. Joseph is 16 and I am 12. Then there is my two adopted sisters Grace and Abigail (who we call Abi). We (Joe and I) both are home-schooled and like horses and cattle since we live on a farm here. Then we have Katie who is a nurse and helps my mom with clinic days. She is 23 and is a big help. David's best friend Craig is here with us too. He helps the guys and is our fisherman since we have a fish pond in the back yard. We have 3 clinics here; one is at our house, one is at a town called San Andres Sacabaja which is 45 minutes away, and our other clinic is 45 minutes away in a village called Chiminisijuan. My favorite thing about Guatemala is the people; they are so nice and are very helpful.