The Entire Week Summarized in 2 minutes and 45 seconds.... Enjoy!
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Reflections from Robert
After returning home from one of the most rewarding experiences of my life I
want to thank everyone who made it possible for me to have just a small part
in what took place over the past week in Guatemala. It truly will be a
memorable part of my life for ever. I want personally thank ED Nancy and Amy
Sider,Rudy and Sully Rojas and their team in Guatemala and Amber and of
course Dave for making it all happen for me. What I experienced has not only
been life changing for me but it was and answer to prayer. I will continue
to pray that hearts and souls of children will continue to be change as well
as families and communities. AS God continues to share his Love a broad as
he works through people around the world for his name sake. To God be the
Glory for the things He has done.
Serving Him Together
Robert Spencer
want to thank everyone who made it possible for me to have just a small part
in what took place over the past week in Guatemala. It truly will be a
memorable part of my life for ever. I want personally thank ED Nancy and Amy
Sider,Rudy and Sully Rojas and their team in Guatemala and Amber and of
course Dave for making it all happen for me. What I experienced has not only
been life changing for me but it was and answer to prayer. I will continue
to pray that hearts and souls of children will continue to be change as well
as families and communities. AS God continues to share his Love a broad as
he works through people around the world for his name sake. To God be the
Glory for the things He has done.
Serving Him Together
Robert Spencer
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Homeward bound
it was with great sadness that we left Guatemala yesterday! the week was amazing with for so many reasons.... we witnessed great things happening to empower people, hundreds were encouraged and inspired with hope, some very deep needs were met, some great relationships built and we all left with an anticipation of what tomorrow holds.
I'd like to thank everyone who partnered up with us to help this trip to happen, if you gave supplies, gave funding, sacrificed your time, encouraged us or prayed (and so much more...) Thank-you so much, I'm sure I will never be able to clearly describe what your sacrifice has resulted in.
Our travels home went, well????? they were interesting. Fog in Huston made immigration very long to get through, we finally did about 20 minutes before our flight. in that time we had to get our bags, recheck them, go back through security and make it to a different terminal (of course the last gate was the one we had to get too) Needless to say after, running, walking, hitching a ride on a golf cart and being creative to get through the medical issues line at security, we didn't make it in time. I arrived at the gate first to be told we could not get on the flight, only to have Robert arrive 3 minutes later on a golf cart and be able to get us on, of course by that time, I was running to the customer service desk, so I had to run back.... BUT... after all that we were on the plane ready to go... And...the Luggage made it. Landed in Detroit at 11, and by 330am had dropped Robert off in London and I was in Woodstock...
Not sure how much blogging will be happening in the next little while, but keep your eyes open for some ministry opportunities with our Brother and Sisters in Guatemala in 2010!
A video of the travels to New Rio Frio
I'd like to thank everyone who partnered up with us to help this trip to happen, if you gave supplies, gave funding, sacrificed your time, encouraged us or prayed (and so much more...) Thank-you so much, I'm sure I will never be able to clearly describe what your sacrifice has resulted in.
Our travels home went, well????? they were interesting. Fog in Huston made immigration very long to get through, we finally did about 20 minutes before our flight. in that time we had to get our bags, recheck them, go back through security and make it to a different terminal (of course the last gate was the one we had to get too) Needless to say after, running, walking, hitching a ride on a golf cart and being creative to get through the medical issues line at security, we didn't make it in time. I arrived at the gate first to be told we could not get on the flight, only to have Robert arrive 3 minutes later on a golf cart and be able to get us on, of course by that time, I was running to the customer service desk, so I had to run back.... BUT... after all that we were on the plane ready to go... And...the Luggage made it. Landed in Detroit at 11, and by 330am had dropped Robert off in London and I was in Woodstock...
Not sure how much blogging will be happening in the next little while, but keep your eyes open for some ministry opportunities with our Brother and Sisters in Guatemala in 2010!
A video of the travels to New Rio Frio
Friday, December 11, 2009
4 Days Later!
We put on 4 days of bible club for the kids of the village. I did not count each one but there was certainly more than 100. In these the kids worked on crafts. Learned songs. Played games and had a lot of fun. Many of the kids hearing that they are Gods creation and about his love for them for the very first time.
We traveled to a new village called rio frio one day. This village is even more remote than El Zap and Very difficult to get to. Only 4 by 4's and even at that we weren’t sure we were going to make it. Once there we hosted a service that included robert singing. A Spanish movie about a criminal life transformed. And lots of songs and worship. The interesting part is that the people of El Zap sent missionaries with us to continue to build relationships and to reach out to them. On community member has offered a small plot of land to construct a pole barn that they would like to use as a church. Much has yet to be done to build the relationships and trust so this may be a reality some day. The hope is that we might be able to help the people of rio frio see the skills and talents and resources they have. And that they can put them to use for the betterment of there lives. Their families and there community. Perhaps some day more things will develop like sponsorship etc... But that will only be possible through relationship and trust.
Our journey back to el zap was just as terrifying as going there but in the pitch black of the deep jungle night. But we made it without incident.
Back in el zap the next day it was another bible club and a Christmas celebration service at night. Again robert blessed everyone in song and testimony. We had the Christmas story. A video of el zapotillo memories as well as fire works and food. The people of the el zap church worked all day and prepared a sandwich and hot chocolate for well over 250 people. Amazing considering how little they have!
On friday morning it was pack up and say goodbye.
The part of the trip that no one told we until it was too late was that I was to drive from
A future project / need - to build bathrooms for the school!
Robert at the Christmas celebration in El Zap! not the two translators, from English to Spanish to Kechi!
Sports shirts from Ottawa to the soccer team in the El Zapotillo school... they loved them.
A meeting with all the sponsorship families of the community! what a blessing to hear from the families what it mean to them to have partners in canada and the usa.
packing up to head back from Rio Frio
Robert Singing at the service in Rio Frio
Victoriano - at his corn mill, a micro finance project that is paid off and is employing him and his family members and providing a great service to the community.
our accomodations for the 4 days, open air, even come complete with a Bat coming in to visit us!
leading the kids in song!
Monday, December 7, 2009
Monday - Wow!
Today was a day of prep for the days ahead. Two trucks packed with supplies went ahead to El Zapotillo and 4 of us follow tomorrow. The supplies were all the things needed for vacation bible school type meetings, large church services in both El Zap and Rio Frio villages, all the food etc... that is needed.
We also visited Antigua today, picked up supplies and products that are associated with Nationwares ( Click Here) I will let Nationwares tell its own story, but suffice to say it is mind blowing the impact that a good fair economy / trade and employment has on people. Empowering like you would not believe. Tonight a group of us just sat around and discussed all the things that were going on, how it all works and the potential to reach so many more lives. It was truly a awesome moment.
We also treated all the girls that live in the home here to Pizza tonight (we called it a Christmas celebration) it was great fun!
Over the next 4 days we will not have access to internet, so not much updating will be happening.
Thank-you EVERYONE for your support and prayers!
Dave
Robert in Antigua, with the Agua volcano in the background. hundreds of years ago when Antigua was the capital of Guatemala, the volcano crater was filled with water (due to years of rain) when the volcano erupted, the resulting mudslide wiped out the entire city. it was rebuilt and repopulated, but not without many scars,
In Antigua - again
one of the trucks packed and ready to go to El Zapotillo, only about 300 kms away, but the journey will take 6-7 hours. this is not cruise down the 401 hiway in Ontario.
Sully and Sponsorship Coordinator Gaby, going through and organizing all the things we brought down to Guatemala from those that sponsor children here in this country - THANK-YOU! it is a great encouragement to not only the children sponsored but also those in the country that make it happen, like our coordinators!
We also visited Antigua today, picked up supplies and products that are associated with Nationwares ( Click Here) I will let Nationwares tell its own story, but suffice to say it is mind blowing the impact that a good fair economy / trade and employment has on people. Empowering like you would not believe. Tonight a group of us just sat around and discussed all the things that were going on, how it all works and the potential to reach so many more lives. It was truly a awesome moment.
We also treated all the girls that live in the home here to Pizza tonight (we called it a Christmas celebration) it was great fun!
Over the next 4 days we will not have access to internet, so not much updating will be happening.
Thank-you EVERYONE for your support and prayers!
Dave
Robert in Antigua, with the Agua volcano in the background. hundreds of years ago when Antigua was the capital of Guatemala, the volcano crater was filled with water (due to years of rain) when the volcano erupted, the resulting mudslide wiped out the entire city. it was rebuilt and repopulated, but not without many scars,
In Antigua - again
one of the trucks packed and ready to go to El Zapotillo, only about 300 kms away, but the journey will take 6-7 hours. this is not cruise down the 401 hiway in Ontario.
Sully and Sponsorship Coordinator Gaby, going through and organizing all the things we brought down to Guatemala from those that sponsor children here in this country - THANK-YOU! it is a great encouragement to not only the children sponsored but also those in the country that make it happen, like our coordinators!
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Grand Opening!
it was indescribable having the words spoken over the official register in dictating that the "Center in now officially Open" - I wept...
This was a powerful day! I guess the most powerful part was knowing that many things have happened over years and years that brought us to this moment... it is unthinkable how God can orchestrate just the right people, doing the right things to bring about amazing progress in his kingdom... Ed shared at the opening that God could have easily just breathed this place into existence but in stead he choose to use us! Amazing! I was also reminded today as to why this place is so important... Lake Amatitlan is not a place that many of us would choose as a home... unemployment is unbelievably high, crime, in all forms is outrageous and the things that young people are doing because Hope Love and Peace is not being spoken into their lives is tragic! In this place today, I saw children hearing how they, no matter what their exceptional need, are a prescious creation and that God has a plan, desire and passion for them, ALL!
We also were blessed by Robert bringing his message of hope in song! Powerful stuff, and there is a awe in the air as to what God is doing.
After the celebrations we were treated to some great food, and went off to the Lake Amatitlan Gondola, a steep ride up the face of one of the mountains beside Lake Amatitlan. the lake is under attack by polution and they are trying very hard to fight it off, but despite its struggles, it was an amazing site.
then some Pollo Campero Chicken on the way home and now it is unloading, reloading and chilling for the days ahead, we go to El Zappotillo on Tuesday morning so will not be blogging for that time, No electricity will do that some times...
Blessing to you all
Dave and everyone here in Guatemala
some pictures to enjoy
Robert Blessing everyone in song
Yohana
Everyone!
Telling Robert the Story
Ribbon Cutting
The Center!
Ed signing the offical documents
Ed - Some inspiring comments and challenges
Robert "this day alone was worth the trip"
Thank EVERYONE for blessing others with all the things you sent along!
This was a powerful day! I guess the most powerful part was knowing that many things have happened over years and years that brought us to this moment... it is unthinkable how God can orchestrate just the right people, doing the right things to bring about amazing progress in his kingdom... Ed shared at the opening that God could have easily just breathed this place into existence but in stead he choose to use us! Amazing! I was also reminded today as to why this place is so important... Lake Amatitlan is not a place that many of us would choose as a home... unemployment is unbelievably high, crime, in all forms is outrageous and the things that young people are doing because Hope Love and Peace is not being spoken into their lives is tragic! In this place today, I saw children hearing how they, no matter what their exceptional need, are a prescious creation and that God has a plan, desire and passion for them, ALL!
We also were blessed by Robert bringing his message of hope in song! Powerful stuff, and there is a awe in the air as to what God is doing.
After the celebrations we were treated to some great food, and went off to the Lake Amatitlan Gondola, a steep ride up the face of one of the mountains beside Lake Amatitlan. the lake is under attack by polution and they are trying very hard to fight it off, but despite its struggles, it was an amazing site.
then some Pollo Campero Chicken on the way home and now it is unloading, reloading and chilling for the days ahead, we go to El Zappotillo on Tuesday morning so will not be blogging for that time, No electricity will do that some times...
Blessing to you all
Dave and everyone here in Guatemala
some pictures to enjoy
Robert Blessing everyone in song
Yohana 
Everyone! 
Telling Robert the Story
Ribbon Cutting
The Center!
Ed signing the offical documents
Ed - Some inspiring comments and challenges
Robert "this day alone was worth the trip"
Thank EVERYONE for blessing others with all the things you sent along!
WE Have Arrived!
It is about 1am (Ontario time) and we are in Guatemala! the travels were good, no problems and ALL our luggage arrived this time! we met up with ED, Nancy and Amie in Huston unexpectedly and were on the same flight to Guatemala!
Yes all this luggage is just for 5 people.... the cool part is 90% of it is staying here to bless others!
Tomorrow is the GRAND Opening of the training center in Lake Amatitlan - Can't wait to report on that!
But first it is to bed - we are told there are now 5 roosters here at the home in San Cristobal where we are staying for the first couple of nights... should be an interesting morning!
Blessings and Good Night
Dave
Thanks Nate for the lift to the airport... hope you made it back over the boarder ok.
Yes all this luggage is just for 5 people.... the cool part is 90% of it is staying here to bless others!
Tomorrow is the GRAND Opening of the training center in Lake Amatitlan - Can't wait to report on that!
But first it is to bed - we are told there are now 5 roosters here at the home in San Cristobal where we are staying for the first couple of nights... should be an interesting morning!
Blessings and Good Night
Dave
Thanks Nate for the lift to the airport... hope you made it back over the boarder ok.
Friday, December 4, 2009
One more sleep!
Only one day left to leave to return to Guatemala! I'm very excited... I have spent the last number of evening packing the mountain of stuff that we are taking. Everything from clothing, a laptop and school supplies to funding to purchase things like chairs and tables. Thank-you everyone for partnering with us to make this happen. I know it is GREATLY appreciated by our fellow laborers in Guatemala!
I received this quote in my email in box this morning and thought I'd share it. it seems fitting....
What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have
done for others and the world remains and is immortal.
Albert Pike
(1809-1891, American journalist, lawyer, and soldier))
ps. here is a video of Robert - Who will be sharing his musical ministry while in Guatemala and after he returns to Canada.
I received this quote in my email in box this morning and thought I'd share it. it seems fitting....
What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us; what we have
done for others and the world remains and is immortal.
Albert Pike
(1809-1891, American journalist, lawyer, and soldier))
ps. here is a video of Robert - Who will be sharing his musical ministry while in Guatemala and after he returns to Canada.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
One dollar at a time!
I'd like to introduce you to Derek and Rebekah...
They have spent hours putting together surprise envelopes that they are selling for a dollar, each with a prize and some random ones with, well, let's say bigger prizes. - How great is that!
This money is all going towards the training center in Guatemala!
Thanks Guys! You are amazing soldiers in this fight!
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