Guatemala Mission 2005
I have shared in recent weeks through some of my writings about the experience I had Guatemala. There are many things I am yet pondering in my heart in which words may never be able to express. The experience was one that has changed my life. Walking a mile into a remote church in an Indian Village was one experience I had that definitely impacted me for life.
Ministering at the Women's Conference and seeing souls saved and healed were some of the blessings I have received here on earth. After my arrival home I have been receiving calls on how God physically healed people and changed their lives while I was speaking or ministering at the altar during the conference. I thank God for His divine orchestration in permitting me to be a part of it. I am grateful for the team that God put together to go and share Good News to so many who are hurting and in need of healing.
I was not so grateful for the infliction of flea bites I incurred, but grateful that God gave me patience to endure it. Okay, I did cry once about it, but only once! (Thank you Barb for listening to me as I did) Pastor Paul and Barb Calmes were so kind to offer the invitation for me to go and minister with them in Guatemala. Our last mission trip together was when I was seventeen. Don't try to do the math because I ain't telling how long ago that was! But what I will say is I am glad you guys are not as old as I thought you were when I was a teenager. And thank you Paul for climbing the unending stairs at the most panoramic Myan Ruins with me. Only five of the team were daring enough to attempt it, and may I add- most of us were the older ones.
Another thing I found interesting during my travels, was that French Canadians kept finding me and initiating conversation with me. It made me miss my French Canadian hubby back home.
My experience with Juan, a young man in San Pedro who makes bongo drums was one I will not too soon forget. I bought the very drum he was beating throughout the village as he was trying to sell the new one on his back. What I found in the soul of many of these Indian villagers was a tranquility and gentle spirit. Life is simple. The name Juan is the male name for Juana (Jane) in Spanish. So I felt an immediate bond with him. I told him I would use the bongo drum to worship God.
On our visit in one of the villages, we saw young boys gathering pine needles under a tree. They were collecting it for their father who was making mud bricks. We saw a tree called a LUM tree. The villagers call it an Americano tree because its fruit is abundant representing the richness of Americans. I looked at it differently. I thought of it as a Christian who bears much fruit.
We saw how coffee was brought in to be cleaned and roasted. The smell is very pungent. Nothing like what we know as the smell of “Folgers” in the morning. We also learned not to order American food in a Guatemala restaurant. Thank you guys for waiting almost 2 hours for my hamburger to made! Of course we were on Guatemala time already. (Two hours late or more)
Meeting the woman on the Road in Santiago was yet another place in time when I can truly say, " I was born for this very moment!" As we shared Christ with her and told her how God loved her just as she was, it was amazing to to see the transformation in her face as she comprehended the message of hope we had given her.
I did not miss TV or the radio or even my computer. I slept in several different places during this trip, and every night I slept hard as a rock. That does not mean I want to get rid of my new memory foam bed back home though!
It was a privilege to work in the orphanage and to meet the three women who watch after 15 babies 24/7. They will surely have some jewels in their crown when they meet Jesus. I miss my little Manguel and his squeal of glee when he would see me. I am praying for you Eric and Christina as you pursue adoption of Jose. Also you Angela as you prepare your house to start the process.
Thank you everyone for giving so much of yourselves to others during this trip. Thanks again to those of you in NY, OK, and CO who so generously gave towards the cause. The gifts were well received by the women and the children. To see their faces as we distributed gifts was something I am unable to yet put into words. I am glad my luggage was delayed for two days after my arrival. As you said Paul, it appears it was right on time for the Indian village.
Feel free perusing through some of the snapshots below from the trip. Thanks Ashleigh and Christina for sending me some of the photos too!
( On our one- mile walk to church)
"All nations whom You have made shall come and worship before You,
O Lord, And they shall glorify Your name. (Psalm 86:9)"
Jane ministering at Women's Conference Guatemala Mission Team 2005 Indian women weaving a coverlet.
Jane carrying one of the orphange boys Manguel Going to market! A typical Guatemala family
Indian style.
A family we saw on the way to church Carrying wet laundry uphill from the river. Claire translates as Jane speaks at the conference
Indian women and family eating lunch Precious are they in His sight! Jane holding "Maria" an orphan at "Eagles Nest" orphange
Young Indian girl standing outside new seminary project Beans, corn, coffee crops in Guatemala Three women take care of 15 babies daily at Eagles Nest
Team member Angela falls in love with abandoned Myan Ruins Santiago woman in typical garb
orphan "Mike" I think the feelings are mutual!
Woman in the market of Santiago After a grueling climb to the top of a Myan Temple Jane with Indian women at Retreat Center.
Jane enjoys the spectacular view.
About 100 women and children with us at the Retreat Center. Men working on one the orphange addition at the Eagle's Nest
( 1 of 3 orphanages we visited)
Richie Hines presents his blueprints to Babara Calmes (center) We got dressed up Indian Style!
and Claire Boggs( Also known kindly as "Mother Superior")
We had several projects on our plate as we ministered in Guatemala. There was a lot of cleaning to do at the Retreat Center/Orphange. These women literally chased rats out of the kitchen. Sorting of donated items and repairs on the premesis was unending. The ladies all got together and actually did "Extreme Make-Overs" in the missionary quarters. We sewed, cleaned and decorated the living areas for missionaries who come to visit and work at the 'Eagles Nest Orphange." The men built furniture for the pastor and his family at the Indian village we worshipped in. They also built a rocking horse for his children. ( Picture at top of page) The men also built storage shelves for the storage closet and did unending repairs of windows, doors, etc at the center. Personally I want to thank Gail for sewing curtains and putting them in the Women's shower room. Open windows in shower rooms just did not work for me.
I helped make these pillows for the furniture in the One of the orphans we enjoyed spoiling during our visit. .
missionary quarters. If only my Home Economics teacher
she would not have flunked me!
Special Thanks to Paul and Barbara Calmes for the invitation to go to Guatemala. After almost thirty years since our
last Mission Trip together God made a way for us to serve Him together again! What a mighty God we serve!
