Arrived in Guatemala

3:45 Am came way too fast this morning. After an evening of treavel to Detroit, Bruce and I finally Bed down at the Clario Hotel near the detroit ariport (because the week of parking came free with the room) it was probably just before midnight. Sleep camae easyily to me, not so much for Bruce, But either way the chyming of an alarm was a shock to both of us at 3:45 am. Easily with in 15 minutes we were out the front door of the Hoteal and on our way to the Park and Fly. 25 Minutes after that we were checking in our luggage. Flight #1 , 6 am, Detroit to Huston Texas, Flight #2 on to Guateaml City. Unlike my last trip we landed in the daylight. What a blessing. Buatemala from the aire is so beautifu, moutains scattered acresss the landscape with the majesty of a volcano here and there rising above the others.

Picked up an taken to the CH home in GUA (yes all my luggage made it this time), we had opporutningy to renew old accuantences and to fellowship before having a bried nap. Yes, we napped, Did I mention 3:45 am was really early?

after 9pm the rest of the team arrived. Together At Last!. All of our collective contact vial eamill was over.

It is clear fromt eh start that this is a team of highly motivated, Highly passionate servants of Christ. Eager to dig a hole as an acto fo worship.... Dig a hole? Yup you read right. digging a hole in Lake Amatitlan is one of the major jobs we will accomplish next week in our constructin work on the community center. It will be for the water sistern.

We reviewed the weeks schedule, spent time in prayer and getting to know each other and now it is off to bed.. Good night... sorry, but im not going to spell check this, maybe later.







donated stuff from Canada....


........

Enjoying some home made, fresh OJ

volcanos on the landscape of Guatemala

Roll up the Rim to.... What!!!!!

Well certainly not to Win! Oh wait, let me back up and put this into context. I know I'm swimming against the stream on this one, I've seen your bumper stickers that say give me my Timmies and no one gets hurt! Please understand, I'm talking about me here, so please don't hurt me!

As I drove through the drive through today, for my 3rd Hot chocolate or Carmel Smoothie in as many days, it hit me like a tone of bricks... What am I doing? This is so counter productive to the goals at hand. You see, I don't drink coffee, never have, just never got a taste for it. So the Tim's line just isn't one of my routines. HOWEVER! Come roll up the rim season and I'm there, Hot Chocolate, Carmel Smoothies and of course the elusive "chance" to win. It sucks me in every year and was just about too this year as well..... I started to think about my commitment to eat better and thought I'd better check on line to see what a Carmel smoothie was really worth, turns out my Large Smoothie was somewhere in the range of 12-14 grams of fat, then add an apple fritter- just more bad news. So all this to say, I'm really tempted, and I have to put a lot of energy into thinking this one through. I will take it day by day, but I'm going to try and avoid the lure of winning a car, a laptop, a donut or an encouraging "please play again", and instead, drop my 2 bucks in the bin for these projects. It's not much but it will add up.

"Sleepy" and Juan Carlos - Youth at Risk in Guatemala

As you read this Blog, I hope, no I more than hope, I pray that you are asking yourself the question, Why is this guy so determined to walk 325+ kms for people, sometimes, thousands of miles away that he doesn't know. And Why these projects, Respite? A community Center? Employment? Well,,,, if you are at all doubting my reasons, watch this....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vp3wYljptgE

It is a short 20 minute documentary about life in Guatemala for youth and Gang violence. I will warn you now, it isn't pretty, but it is the truth... And if you listen carefully to the stories being told about "sleepy" and Juan Carlos, you will hear this... Even the worst of the gang members, street thugs and murderers started off as children. Children that got sucked into a path of destruction and evil because there wasn't other options for belonging, love and education in their community, instead they found that in gang life. I say. for the community of Lake Amatitlan, it does not have to be that way. There can be a beacon of light and hope, that will offer children a place to belong, a place to learn, live and grow, and a place to give to their community rather than take from it. I know this will be a place where the message of Gods love, belonging in Him will be heard loud and strong. This place can be planted in that community and You and I can put it there with every step I take on this journey or every dollar that is sacrificially given.

2 weeks from yesterday, myself and a team of 8 others, from across Christian Horizons, will arrive in Guatemala to start the journey of building this community center, this center of hope and light. Please consider how it is you might partner with us to complete this building and to reach the financial goals required.

Thank-you.

Devotional Thoughts! Doing the Impossible

I Shared some thoughts about Doing the Impossible, the other day at our office devotional time.

They got posted on our CH Devo Blog - Click HERE to visit it at

http://www.chdevotions.blogspot.com/

I hope it is an encouragement to you!

The Saturday To Do List

Just a quick update. I walked 4 miles on the treadmill at the gym this morning and am about to go back this afternoon and try for 4-5 more.

went shopping today as well and got these.

Some Canada stuff (pencils, balloons, stickers, flags....) for the kids we will be working with in El Zapatillo, Guatemala (only 2.5 weeks to go!)

University Students to the Rescue !

I'd like to introduce you to

Andrew, Arani, Sukhraaj, Deepti, Waisum and Saurabh


They are University of Waterloo Students that are pitching in to do some PR and Media work for the DASH. I think this will also include developing the Dash Facebook site, which is great news, cuz I don't really understand facebook, just yet, but I'm trying.

Welcome Aboard guys, we ALL really appreciate everything you bring to this effort!

Being HIS hands and feet !

Hi All.... I want to take a moment and introduce you to Nina.

Nina, Along with many others, are becoming the army behind this DASH! READ her story, perhaps it reflects your own, or will encourage you as it has me

Thank Nina for sharing!

Dave

----------------------

Most certainly I tell you, in as much as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.

This verse has stuck with me all throughout my life, and it feels like now is the time and here is the place to explain why that is and how I came to be so passionate about the Dash. It all started aprox 10 years ago, I found myself in the middle of a concert with Mercy Me and the Newsboys…tears streaming down my face my hands raised high in the air dedicating myself to a mission. WOH hang on a second… a mission? Are you crazy...How are you going to do that? Where are you going to go... and most importantly When do you think your going to have the time to do this... These were some of the questions waiting for me when I returned home from that concert and I decided that I had jumped the gun. Everyone was right I didn’t have the time or the resources to dedicate myself to a mission in another country….. Maybe what I thought to be Gods voice calling me out to do a mission was just in fact a rush of emotions and that I wasn’t ready to do something so huge… and that was it…. I forgot about it…. Never thought about it after that….. Until May of 2008 at the Connections meeting, funny how God has a way of bringing things back around to us full circle. I was sitting in the connections meeting when Dave presented his idea of the Dash, I remember it as clear as day, a couple of claps a couple of giggles over the funny picture of the cartoon on the screen in jogging pants and a sweat band…. But there was something there for me…. Something that I wanted to reach out and touch and I realized in that moment that it was God bringing me back to where he started me 10 years ago at that concert. Back then I didn’t have the life experience or the resources or the dedication to commit myself in any way towards the life of people in another country… but that day… at that meeting…. It was all laid right out in front of me and I made a commitment to myself and to the Dash and essentially to the people living in the one bedroom hut on the screen in front of me that I was going to do something about it this time. I began to pray about what God was doing in these countries and in the lives of the people that we support here in Ontario and I asked him to show me where and what he wanted me to do. It was a little frustrating at first I will admit. I have two boys aged 4 and 2 and, I prayed to God many times and made it very clear that I was not thrilled about hopping into a plane and heading to a different country and that is when I realized that I don’t have to…..I don’t have to travel anywhere…I don’t have to have hundreds of thousands of dollars to donate…..I don’t have to organize huge fundraisers and beg people to be involved….All I have to do is be WILLING and to pray, pray and trust that God will use me in whatever way he sees fit and be okay with whatever he brings my way. As I was reviewing our finances just recently on the computer (thank goodness for modern technology!) The numbers jumped right off the screen at me….. For the amount of money my husband and I are spending in Tim Horton’s coffee every month we realized that there would be more than enough to sponsor a child.

I had coffee with Dave recently and he challenged me and encouraged me to continue to think of ways that I could make a difference, The more I thought about our conversation the more excited I became about the different ways I could get involved when another thought struck me….. Every month we participate in aprox 3 hours of staff meetings at the programs we work in…… What if we sacrificed those 3 hours of LT and got paid out in relief and in turn took that money and put it back into CH Global…. We would essentially be giving up 3 hours out of our lives once a month….to buy a child school supplies….bandage an open wound….help to build a home......

It’s not an easy decision to get involved, with every comment on the blog; with every dedication to help out comes an expectation to follow through this time and it is a scary commitment but God promises me that he will provide. He not only provides me with help in my finances but also provides me with time, and compassion, and patience, and grace…. and most importantly he has provided these individuals in these countries, people to help them and pray for them and help make life a little more bearable…. he provided them with US with me and with you….and it’s up to us from there, to do the work that he has set out for us to do, to be his hands and feet extended. God bless you as you serve in whatever capacity he has enabled for you.

Nina Malcolm

Serving in Chatham, ON

Ps. Here's a suggested video to put it into perspective and inspire. Enjoy!

THE MAP !

This is the route I'm going to be walking

The Map in Google Maps, Click Here

10 or 11 Days, 335 KMS.

Please consider sponsoring me or getting sponsors and walking with me.

for more information please contact davesdistrictdash@christian-horizons.org

Thanks

Dave

Welcome - "First Family Homes"

I’d like to welcome on board to the Dash First Family Homes of Chatham Ontario. http://www.firstfamilyhomes.com/

First Family Homes has been an award winning home builder for Chatham and surrounding areas for may years, but most importantly has been a partner with Christian Horizons (since before I came to the South District)

Their partnership has allowed us (Christian Horizons) to serve people with excellence by providing excellent, well built homes that people with sometime very unique needs are proud to call home. They have also been an intrgal part of helping us to repair, maintain and renovate existing homes.

First Family is coming on board as a sponsor. Details are just being worked out now, but the draft plan includes giving me a place to rest my weary feet as I walk through Kent county (and I understand it’s not a tent in their front yard, although I’d be ok with that too!) They will let my team that is with me stay there too, but I won’t say they will be resting their weary feet, perhaps their weary one foot, cuz it is hard to drive a van at very low speeds behind me! J I can’t imagine the pain they will be in! Poor guys! :)

And…. Some fundraising events in Chatham including a silent auction and possible fashion show… stay tuned for more info as that gets developed.

Ed, Henry, Carol….. Thank-you so much for partnering with us all, These are some amazing projects that will impact the many many lives of people at risk.

An Amazing Story! Read On.....

This has been an exciting couple of weeks!

I will fill you in on the details in another post, but for now read this.

Nancy (and her Husband Terry, are from Aylmer and own the Kuma Cafe and Bakery), They are partnering up with the DASH in a big way, and below you will find out How and Why..... All I can add is.... God is Good!

What a Blessing Obedience Brings About

Wanting to participate in Dave’s District Dash is really a result of wanting to celebrate God’s goodness in bringing about a couple of miracles that took place in 2008 first, the opening of “Ashley’s Home” in Aylmer and second the healing of my foot, then to give back.

My mom, Mary Harms has a passion to support families who have members with special needs as she knows the value of this support from firsthand experience. My sister Ashley was born with brain damage and requires 24/7 supervision and care. After doing her research she knew beyond a shadow of a doubt that she wanted Ashley to have the opportunity to live in a Christian Horizons home. So after recruiting some help from a friend, Ann Walters, and together with some others they were able to form a team that worked hard and were able to bring their dream to fruition within a matter of months! Ashley’s Home has started out as a respite home meeting a great need in the area with the goal of becoming a permanent residence for some special people! What a blessing this has been and will continue to be.

On June 4^th I stumbled/fell down my church steps, thinking I was on the bottom stair and in so doing caught the toe of my flip-flop sandal causing my foot to hyper-extend tearing muscle and ligaments on the top of my foot. This caused some minor bone fractures but mostly a fracture dislocation of the main joint in my left foot from which all mobility stems. The medical term of this joint is the Lysfranc joint named after a French doctor who diagnosed this injury back in the days of Napoleon when this injury became common from people falling off horses having their foot caught in the stirrup. Amputation of the foot was the doctor recommended treatment plan of this injury as the foot would degenerate, arthritis would set in along with perpetual pain, needless to say walking next to impossible. Praise God for medical advancement!! My foot has not been amputated but rather put back together with the aid of 4 screws.

Immediately following my fall, while writhing on the ground in excruciating pain, I had this sense that there was a purpose in this, and so the journey began. It took just over two weeks before I was able to see the surgeon at which time he informed us (my husband & I) that it would be 3 months before I would walk following surgery, to give the main ligament, which keeps this joint in place, time to heal. Needless to say this was a dose of reality since we are self-employed and gearing up for the busiest 4 days of the summer and have a very active 20 month (at the time) little girl! Somehow in the meantime God gave me this incredible peace knowing that He was still in control! Surgery happened on June 27^th and was successful. I was determined that surely I was mature enough to follow doctor’s orders to the letter so as not to jeopardize my healing/future mobility of my foot..... but God had a different plan.

Missionaries to Australia, Dave & Cheri were home for a time and leading a class on “Hearing God’s Voice”. Dave was about to wrap up his second class (July 20^th) when in no uncertain terms God spoke to me with instructions to ask them to pray for healing of my foot. My first instinct was to ignore this prompting but it was so strong and consuming that I could not ignore it and so I asked for prayer. Immediately they, along with the class, circled around me and began to pray for healing and then thanked God for healing. It was a beautiful time of praise and worship! During this time I was praying in my spirit that if this was really God at work that someone would take my cast (removable Air-Cast) off. A short time later, a lady sitting on the floor by my foot said that she felt like they should rip the cast off my leg and so Dave asked how this witnessed with me and I told them of my prayer. They proceeded to take the cast off at which time I stood up and people began to read scripture that was being revealed to them intermittently while still singing. At one point Dave turned to me and asked me how I felt said that it was up to me as to my next action. I began to walk around the room with him beside me. It was clear that it wasn’t a full restoration but I was walking. It had been approximately 6 ½ weeks since I had bore weight on this leg during which time it had shrunk down to half it’s size. It was very weak.

That next week was a journey of faith for me realizing that although I had symptoms, God had healed my foot!! My actions now needed to match what I knew in my heart and believed. By spending time in prayer, reading God’s Word and listening to Him speak to me I knew that I should be walking. So late one night, not being able to sleep from the excitement welling up within me, God was telling me to get my socks and gym shoes on and so I started walking around the house! Hallelujah!

My final visit with the surgeon was on October 9^th at which time he looked at my x-ray and declared that my foot was perfect! He then asked me what I had been doing to which I answered we had prayed for healing. He thought that maybe more people should try that! He asked me to walk for him at which time he informed me that in 3 ½ months I was at a one year recovery rate!! Hallelujah, Praise the Lord!!

I ran into Dave in August, still hobbling, at which time he told me of this walk he was doing! I immediately committed to walking with him, 18 km. One km for each year of my sister’s life. I have further committed to raising $18,000. $1,000 per km. God has restored my foot and I can use this God given ability to praise Him by participating! All glory to Him!

It is inspiring to see Dave’s act of obedience in responding to the call of this walk. What amazes me is how many other people are being blessed as a result! God is good and so worthy of our praise!

See you on the road!!

Nancy



++++++++++++
Nancy, Thank-you so much for your Obedience and for your commitment and passion for this! And thank you for sharing your story!

Blessings..... Dave


ps. click on leave a "comment" below and leave Nancy a thought or two! (you don't have to register just leave an "anonymous" comment. it's quick and easy

pps. Check out the Christian Horizons Global (CHGlobal) web site www.chglobal.org

+++++++++++

Update on the new shoes

with the walk coming quick, I decided to spend some time walking today. but not outside, it's way too cold. Ok maybe not Winnipeg cold (going down to -33 this week), but southern Ontario cold, being a born and bred prairie boy, I can't believe I just said that..... Anyway... it was a good day to stay inside.

So... I walked for 2.5 hours on the treadmill at the gym and did about 7 miles ( 11+ kms). Unfortunately I hoped to go longer, but the new shoes just are there yet. I know it will get better.

as I was poking around the internet for treadmill pictures I found this. Not much to do with anything, but I'd never seen anything like it... Interesting, A treadmill bike? . http://www.bikeforest.com/tread/

HELP WANTED !

Hey Everyone! This is a copy of a request I sent out to the South District of Christian Horizons today. Basically.... I need your help to make this walk happen successfully...

PLEASE CONSIDER HOW YOU CAN HELP IN ANY OF THE COMMUNITIES I WILL BE WALKING THROUGH OR ALONG THE WAY.

I LOOK FORWARD TO HEARING FROM YOU....

THANK-YOU AND GOD BLESS!

DAVE

=================



Thank-you to each of you for your support of Dave’s District Dash, I have received such incredible encouragement, support and partnership commitments from so many people across the district for the upcoming DASH (330+ kms walking across the South District in May 2009)

While I don’t have an official count handy, I believe that there is over $25,000 pledged so far. This is an amazing start and will go a long way towards the life- changing projects we are doing this for. (Guatemala, Ecuador and respite in Ontario! – see my blog for more info… www.davesdistrictdash.blogspot.com )

So many people have expressed an interest in this event and now I’d like to invite you to help make this happen.

We are in need of people that will help to organize this event as we walk through the district. This could mean many things,
Ø organizing a local celebration.
Ø update and communicate with the local community.
Ø networking with local businesses for sponsorships
Ø See the back of this page (pg 2) for more ideas…


If you are interested in volunteering your time, skills and talents, It would be greatly appreciated!

Please contact the Global Team (Rick and Thanh) or myself ASAP with your particular interest. We would like to set up a local information meeting within the next few weeks to help each region get organized.

Thank-you and God Bless!

Dave Petkau
(519) 650-0966

Dave Petkau = dpetkau@christian-horizons.org, x.170
Rick Kirschner = rkirschner@christian-horizons.org, x.180
Thanh Campbell = tcampbell@christian-horizons.org, x.420


Volunteer Opportunities

· Host a BBQ when the walk comes through your community….

· Volunteer at an event

· Walk with me – get pledges

· Help plan the route

· Host a garage sale

· Help the team communicate to the community

· Arrange some accommodations……

· Pray

· Help others get involved.

· Do a silent auction

· Finale in Windsor – Help plan it!

· Stuff envelopes

· Register participants

o And Much Much More…..

Action and Happiness

Got in this morning from a few days away for the holidays, started up the computer and found this quote in my In box.

"Action may not always bring happiness; but there is no happiness without action." Benjamin Disraeli (1804-1881, British Statesman, Prime Minister)

It is particularly relevant this morning as I am in pain, I decided to up the workouts a bit this weekend and this morning, More Intense, More weight, Endure longer... After all it is only 132 Days to the DASH and I have a long way to go yet! Thus the Pain, stiffness and, well, Lack of "happiness". While I didn't expect my action to bring happiness, I know that action is required to reach the goals ahead....

Have a great day everyone and a Happy New Year!

On another note: my one and only pair of runners finally gave out over the holidays, they served me well, but have now been replace. I'm still breaking in the new ones, I'll keep you posted on whether my decision was a good one or not.

A Christmas Update

Hey everyone!

Just a quick update on some things around this Christmas Season!

First.... Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all!

Eating and the Gym.... Christmas is not without its challenges when it comes time to go the the gym, stay active and be confronted with all the goodies, turkey dinners and snacks on the side tables. While I have been by no means perfect, I must say I think I've been more disciplined than most years and am actually quite proud of myself. If you have been following my progress and struggle with the same, I trust you have see some success this year as well.... If not, don't get down on yourself, just remember to make a good decision the next time your confronted with it.

Specific Thanks!

I want to send a specific thanks to the family that I connected with over Christmas that had never heard of the dash or our sponsorship program before we chatted and ended up seeing God's had at work in their lives and made a commitment to support. Thank-you! God does work is mysterious ways and certainly has in this situation!

Guatemala Website

thought I'd share this link with you! it is the Christian Horiozns, Guatemala Web Site.

I can't read it, but it's great to see what is happening in the area!
Enjoy http://www.horizontescristianos.com/

And this picutre has pretty much nothing to do with anything, came accross it on the web and thought it was fitting for the amount of snow we have been getting lately! Perhaps we could sell pre-assembled snowmen for a fundraiser! what do y0u think?

Running across the Antartic!

I was driving to the office last week and heard an interview with a London man who is skiing to the south pole. And then I heard of a man who is running across the Antarctic, not walking or dog sledding but running. With snowshoes on of course! I’m struggling to get to the point of being able to walk from Kitchener to Windsor, in a month that I’m hoping will offer some decent weather, not -40 degrees. To me that idea sounds like an outdoor ed class from grade 8 back in Saskatchewan (where I grew up) that just doesn’t end. I’m not sure if you have ever snow shoed, that’s one skill but then to run in them requires a whole different set of muscles that most of us never knew existed.

Regardless, I found these interviews and goals incredibly inspiring. Huge human feats (at least by my standard) that demonstrate just how much can be accomplished by dedication, commitment, training and passion. Accomplishments that someone like me (an average person, struggling to get the pounds off and to find the energy and time to work out) would normally think are simply impossible. But obviously they are not! Nor is walking across the South District, nor is planting a community center in Guatemala that will impact hundreds, nor is providing work, employment and skill development opportunities to young men and women who otherwise would never have the opportunity, or is it impossible to think that 31 dollars a month in sponsorship can change lives in incredible ways. Yes, it can be done, it isn’t impossible and it is being done!

I’m not sure what the whole picture is for these arctic adventures, what their reason is or what there motivation is? ( I know some of its raising awareness and funds for cancer research) But what ever it is, it’s enough for them to engage in months of training, change their habits, give up some favorite desserts, commit their hard earned money and a host of other sacrifices. In considering this, the question that is left behind is simply this

What’s my motivation and what am I willing to do about it?

I hope this blog is at least a small window into the journey I’m taking to answer that for myself.

Back in Canada

This morning it was short sleeve shirts and shorts, if you wanted, and this evening it is THIS.......









The flights went well, AND.... all my luggage made it back to Canada!

Luggage Update

16 hours before my flight home, I now have my Luggage! Sandi (my wife) will be so proud of me bringing home all my clothes clean, cuz I didn't get to wear them!

LAST DAY !

Last day…..

Wow, I can’t believe were this week has gone.

Yesterday was spent mainly with the kids in the camp after running some errands in the city, taking back the 4x4 and checking for luggage at the airport. We were sad to see the kids go, but it was so great to be with them. Gaby and Alfredo will be leading their group in doing another week long camp in another community next week for 5 days, it is not as difficult trip as was to El Morro but it will mean they are away for the week. They do such a great job with the kids and each kid leaves excited about the hope that Jesus brings.

(vbs in a home in Lake Amatitlan)

I thought I’d blog a bit about the inner workings of things around here.

Sponsorship

If you have ever wondered how sponsorship works, well just ask me, not an expert yet but getting there. One thing I thought you should know is that the coordinators. Those that are in the individual communities, know the families and their needs and are the ones to reach out with the resources that are provided are not CH employees. Teen for example in El Morro is a full time overseer of the school there and at the same time spends time coordinating the sponsorship activities in the community. Teen and other coordinators in other communities receive a love gift once in a while for their service. They truly serve from a deep passion to see lives changed in their communities.

Travel to El Morro

I asked the overseer of the sponsorship program, Alfredo, how he gets to El Morro, did he have to rent a 4x4? No he doesn’t. When he goes to support the local sponsorship coordinator and community ( 3-4 times a year) he takes a series of busses from Guatemala to the place where the off roading starts. There at 1pm and only 1pm a 4x4 pick up truck comes by and for about 20Q (2 dollars usa) he takes whoever is there up the mountain with him. I’m told that this can be anywhere between 20 to 30 people, holding on to anything they can, and this would include everyone from the young to the elderly. Then, at around 6 am the next day is the only truck that is heading down the mountain in the same way. WoW!

Staff here at the CH Guatemala home

(Alfredo, getting ready to leave for our day in El Morro, and..... the van he is in was driven down by Rudy and his family from Elmira many years ago)

While in El Morro a small mud house was pointed out to me and I was told that it was the home of one of the CH staff at the house, Flores (sp?). Flores is 36 years old and has come to serve at the CH house. The house is a live in / live with model. Flores and others are here for 3 weeks then go home and visit for one week. So Flores takes that same trip home up the mountain as Alfredo does. But there is more going on here than a job. Flores gets paid a small amount, very small in compared to Canadian wages, but a significant help for her and her family, that see supports those back in El Morro with. And in addition she goes to school here in Guatemala on Saturdays (does her homework through the week) and is working hard on her education. So employment at this home is a kind of support as well.

(a house in El Morro, a very nice one! )

Water. Here at the CH home in Guatemala there is no hot water except for this contraption in the shower. It heats water at the source, if you only turn it on very slowly, too fast and the unit can’t keep up with heating the water. Now most of us in Canada would think that running electricity into the shower would be a bad idea, but apparently not here. My first experience with the thing, I reached up and tried to adjust a setting on it while in the shower and water running. YUP, you guessed it, I felt the strong tinkle of electricity run down my arm and into my body. Needless to say, I didn’t do that again.

(the hot water system in the shower)

This home is actually only supplied water by the city between 3 and 5 am. At that time the water store here fills up for use during the day.

Must go now! See you all back in Canada!

Road To El Morro

El Morro

What can I say about yesterday, way too much too much to pack into a few paragraphs but I will try.

I'm not sure what the translation of El Morro is, but if I had to guess, I'd say, "village glued to side of mountain". That is truly what it is, Can you say STEEP.

Our travels to the village were an adventure all on it's own. When I learned that we needed to rent a 4x4, I was amused, then when I saw the road we needed to travel I was concerned. Two vehicles left Guatemala City with 8 of us in them. Near the base of the mountain we parked the van, rearranged things in the bed of the truck and piled in. Luckily the truck seats five, unluckily I was one that was delegated to the bed of the truck.


me in the back of the truck, in the safety of the parking lot.


How to describe this ride, not like a roller coaster, they are too smooth, possibly more like bull riding, except for an hour at a time, each way, no 13 second bell and some clown comes to rescue you.

So after a total of 4 hours travel we arrived at El Morro. one partcial concrete road that winds it's way up the mountain goes through this community. really you never know you are in a village because the forest is thick. Upon arrival we made our way to the school. where a crowd was starting to gather. The teacher, Teen arrived and opened the large steel doors that were part of the wall system around the building and yard. So we were in and setting up for a kids meeting and later and evangelistic meeting with everyone. about well over 150 kids were there and with moms and grandmothers, I'm sure 225+. Gaby and Jorge lead is some kids skits and song, and Ann, Rick and I made a cross necklesses with the kids, telling the gospel story as we did. What an amazing thing to be a part of.







After that the program went on without us as Rick, Ann and I along with Sully and Teen went to visit both families / children that are part of the sponsorship program as well as those waiting.

First it was to visit Angela and her family. They are desperately waiting for help. Even in this village that is extremely poor by all accounts, there are the haves and the have nots. This family is among the poorest and in desperate help as there situation is changing day by day. You see the father of the family died about 5 weeks ago. I don't have a lot of information about it but the community is on the side of a mountain and I understand that he basically fell in his corn field and was uable to stop his decent down the side of the mountain and was killed. This family is devastated because of this. Their income and hope dashed. Sponsorship for this family will mean the ability to build skills for other income streams, access to education and the needed supplies for school, food and other basic supplies to live along with christian education and development. I can only interpret the shrine in the home to her late husband as a cry to understand the meaning of it all, where God is in a tragedy like this...."fear not, for I am with you" - God.

The Road in El Morro, hope you can tell how steep it is.

The path to Angelas house.



Sully, Angela and her family.




Angela's home, Shrine to her late husband, one bed (only one more bed out of picture) Grass on the floor so people can come and pray at the memorial.

At first the oldest son of the family was not able to join as he was at WORK. Yes that is right, Work. He helps now in the coffee fields so that they can get what ever income they can. As you can see by the photos their mud hut isn't much.

Later I went to visit Margarita and her family of 6, Amazing story, they have been sponsored for over a year now, what a difference this has made in their lives. Still a mud hut, still hurdles to overcome, but much appreciation. When I asked through interpretation about the impact a sponsor has made...... Well that will have to wait for another post..... Stay tuned.....


Other Stuff

we checked at the airport today because we were there taking the 4x4 back anyway and there is still no luggage for me. But now they cant even say it is in Huston, now they can't find it at all.

My Legs are killing me from walking in El Morro, just like they feel after the first down hill skiing of the year.

We had the worlds best chinese food in the world for supper today.

And, we all can't believe this week is almost over!!!!!


Getting some time to Blog

Third Day in Guatemala

Today was a beautiful and amazing day. We ventured to downtown Guatemala city. Such an old and beautiful place, rich in history, some of which is tragic. Not unlike our Canadian history with our own native peoples. But God is bring restoration as He is in all of us.

Today I witnessed some significantly challenged individuals, doing the best they can in very difficult situations. While taking in all that downtown had to offer, we passed by what I can only guess was a mom and her son (perhaps grandma and grandson) several times. She tending to him as he is confined to a wheel chair and clearly developmental challenges. Yes, I gave some local money to them, but could not help but think about what their lives must be like. That this, standing on a street corner for 8, 10 or maybe even 12 hours a day was not only their routine, but their life line. I have learn that in Guatemala public social programs are virtually non existent, example, only now are they considering a small pension for qualifying seniors, perhaps 50 dollars a month.

As I thought more of this mom / son team I also thought it likely that due to the commitment and work her son / grandson requires, others have probably moved on in life and left them behind, it is possible they are all that each other has. And that is just two people of the many blind, physically handicapped and elderly that I saw begging, selling trinkets etc…. I know there are many many more hidden in this city. Then I thought of the children here at the Christian Horizons home in Guatemala, What a blessing, where would these children be if it wasn’t for this home. I can tell you that the love and care they have here from the live in staff and other volunteers is a miracle in its own right to witness. It is a family atmosphere you really have to witness to believe.

The children’s bible camp continued today, however I was only able to be at a small part, My luggage still has not left Huston Tx. So it was time to do some shopping so I didn’t offend everyone I met with my odor. Sully, one of our hosts, found a great shop for me to get some necessities to carry through the week, then off to the Guatemalan version of Wal-Mart for deodorant and other items. The private security in this city is amazing; you don’t walk through a door of a restaurant or store without walking past a person with a shotgun. And use a credit card, you have to show picture ID for that.

We rented a 4x4 truck today that will be necessary for us to get to a place called El Moro (sp?) where we will be hosting an other kids camp, and evangelistic meeting. Rick is experiencing some back pain tonight so please pray for him as the ride tomorrow will be long and likely a bit rough.

Must go to bed now, Thanks for reading, Thanks for praying…..

Day 2

Day 2

Still no luggage, but who cares, I certainly Don’t. Read on and you will see why one bag of luggage just doesn’t matter…..


The Difference a wall makes

Today we visited a family in Lake Amatitlan. A single mom with 7 kids, her husband died and left them to fend for themselves in there home, we the term home is a generous one. It actually reminded me more of a stable.

Until recently much of their home was open air, no barrier to define inside from outside, even in the rainy season. Only a floppy metal roof over some wooden boards, an one small section surrounded by boards to make a kind of bedroom. With 5 beds for the 7 of them in that space. No walls meant a lot of anguish for this family as there belongings, what little they had was open to any thief that came along.

Last year CH built them a brick wall to identify the front and side of the home, the other sides were up against other homes, so this closed in their space, complete with a metal front door.

Path to thier home, the wall



the bedroom







I could not help but think of being in their shoes. Lets say you were praying for a wall, maybe it’s not even a prayer, it the most basic of cries for help to anyone who will listen and maybe at the time you don’t know if there is a God or if he cares.

And that wall means the world to you, your families safety, their identity and it’s a glimmer of hope that things will get better. When God answers that prayer and wants to intervene in the situation do you think you would just wake up one day to find a wall where once there wasn’t? Sure He could, but in your experience do you think that is what happened, well, in this situation it didn’t.

Instead, through time, obedience, and love, God brought people that were willing to listen to Him into their lives, mixed with all kinds of partnerships and support, including some resources from someone like you and me to see the need and do something about it. That’s how God met that need / answered that prayer. God used people like Rudy and Sully here in Guatemala and people like you and me behind the scenes. (come to think of it, perhaps I should really open my eyes to how God does answer prayer, like for healing?. Don't get me wrong I know our God is more than capable and willing to to supernatural miracles, but it does seem his first choice in may circumstances is to empower and equip His Children to do His work here on earth)

Just so you know we didn’t go to visit this family to see a wall. Instead we went to her home as she has opened her tiny space up to Christian Horizons to run a short term bible club from her house. (live a VBS, it is there summer school break from Oct to Jan, not that allot of these kids go to school) there must have been over 30 kids in her home, hearing of Gods love, Christ’s sacrifice, singing and praying.






From there we drove a very short distance to the plat of land that Christian Horizons Guatemala has purchased for a training / educations center in this community. And that visit was well timed, I now understand just what a center like this can do for the many lives in this community. Among many things it can:

- provide a place for formal education
- a place to teach new skills, there not a lot of opportunity to learn in this community
- a place where kids in the community can build relationships and grow in their community rather than become sucked in the world around, gangs, crime and prostitution (very prevalent in this community due lack of other job and education opportunities)
The Lot


This visit has solidified my resolve on the District Dash, my 325 K walk, I can wait to see what we are going to accomplish together to make this dream a reality.

From there we came back to the CH house where soon after about 85 kids arrived for VBS. Bused in from all around. Needless to say it was an energetic afternoon. For us Canadian, we lead the kids in making a craft. It was a cross necklace that we told the Gospel story through. Our helpers and interpreters made the task much easier. The kids loved it and through this they wanted to hear about Canada and wanted to teach me a lot of new Spanish words. Tomorrow we do it again!