Spaughs in Guatemala

First Day of School - 2012

2012-01-16T12:25:00.007-06:00

Today school started here in Patzun at Alfa y Omega. Here are a few pictures of the students.

Opening exercise

Some of the younger students

In computer class

P.E. class

Making tamalitos

2012-01-16T11:58:00.009-06:00

Friday we had a visiting church come to Patzun to be with us in our Friday night service. Earlier that day, the women of the church made a supper to be served afterwards. I helped with the preparations. They are quite different than what we would fix in the States. Here I am making tamalitos. (Masa [corn dough that is used to make tortillas] wrapped in tusa [corn husk].) I personally would like it better if they had some salt mixed in. Chuchitos are similar, but they have some tomato sauce and a piece of meat/fat/bone included in the center.

A couple of the ladies making tamalitos

First you start with a ball of masa shaped a little elongated.
(Notice the girl talking on the cell phone!)

Next, position it in a corn husk.

Wrap the husk around the sides,

then fold the top and bottom of the husk over the masa.
(I'm sitting on a bucket.)

And there you have your tamalito -
ready to be steamed for about an hour to an hour and a half.
(Cell phone conversation still going!)

I wish I had taken a picture of the big pot of tamalitos over the open fire. Since their BIG pots don't have lids, and to steam something effectively requires a lid, the women tear open plastic bags, (to make them flat). They wet the plastic and then place it over the food, tucking it around the sides of the pot.

I also helped cut up tomatoes - without the use of a utensil. The ladies just started using their fingers to tear the tomatoes apart. So....I joined in. It was a first for me.

Radio Mushroom Project

2012-01-16T11:45:00.007-06:00

The board of Radio Cultural y Educativo in Patzun has been thinking of ways to help the radio be more financially stable. Last fall they built two rooms to house a new mushroom project. Then in October, they started their first crop of Oyster mushrooms. They are now growing the second crop. So far, all of the mushrooms have been sold here in Patzun.

One of the two rooms for growing the mushrooms

Bags of growing medium with mushroom seed in the dark room

Mushrooms growing out of the bag - in the light room.
They are almost ready to cut.

Dec. 13, 2011

2011-12-13T19:25:00.003-06:00

On Nov. 19, we were robbed for the second time in a little less than a year and a half. We keep finding things that are gone - besides the obvious ones. We are sad, discouraged and need prayer for wisdom in knowing what to do.

Andrea Dell - Grandbaby #7!

2011-09-09T12:17:00.011-05:00

On July 27, 2011, Andrea Dell was born to Drew and Rachel. She weighed 7 lb., 4 oz.

On July 29, I was able to go visit her (and her family).
Her arrival gives us 4 grandsons and 3 granddaughters!

My mother with her 29th great grandchild!

I made Andrea a quilt using a pre-printed Daisy Kingdom fabric. I added the 8 larger appliqued flowers by hand. A friend in Alabama quilted it on her quilting machine. Thank you, Susan.

Big brother, Evan

Big sister, Bekah
(modeling the smocked sundress I made for her).

P.S. Sorry I'm so late in announcing Andrea's birth. I have tried to post this three times, but for some reason, it hasn't posted correctly before. (Hopefully it will now.)

2011-08-10T12:48:00.016-05:00

G2Camp

July 2011

While Ken was attending special meetings at our mission home in the U.S., I was helping my sister and brother-in-law with their Grandparent's camp. They had 12 of their 13 grandchildren attending from Sunday evening to Friday evening (ages 3-13 - had to be potty trained to come). We and the kids had a great time having devotions each morning, going to the library (to get books to 'read' during rest time in the afternoons, and before lights out at night) making G2 Camp T-shirts, swimming at a local pool, journaling, making origami items, reading a chapter book (one our mother read to us when we were young - and we read to our kids) playing games, going to a museum (I didn't go to the museum, because I stayed home with one who wasn't feeling well that day.) and eating 'special' treats.

The whole group (minus me - I'm taking the picture.)

Morning devotions

At the library with Grandpa

WHILE

Grandma (and Aunt Cindy) checked out a mountain of books
they had chosen

Helping the younger ones with their journals;

The older ones could journal on their own.

We wore some of them out!

Friday evening we took the kids to meet their parents at Cici's Pizza. What a reunion! The kids were excited to see their parents, and also excited to tell what they had done during G2Camp.

Hopefully this experience will help me in planning a grandparent's camp for our grandkids in the coming years.

June 25 - July 3 - Continued

2011-08-09T16:26:00.008-05:00

Ken with the current radio committee - ready for work

Playing pick-up sticks in English class

Can you tell which one is Bekah?

Sending greetings to the church in the U.S.

We spent one night in Panajachel for some R & R,
and so that Ken could check on the construction at LBN.

Buying typical fabric in Pana

2011-08-09T14:21:00.037-05:00

June 25 - July 3

Friends from Redeember Bible Church came again this year June 25-July 3. We had a great time with them. Although we weren't able to do all they had intended to do while they were here, they were flexible (a sign of a good missionary!) and accomplished a lot.

Painting

(Don't tell his wife that he does windows!)

Preparing food

Washing dishes in the outdoor sink (pila).

Organizing

Helping put up a fence around the radio property

A new wall to form a recording room

Thanking God for the new recording room

2011-08-09T13:11:00.014-05:00

Hannah

May 14, 2011 - Grandbaby #6

Hannah Claire was born May 14 to James and Jayme. She weighed in at 6 lbs., 4 oz. I (Cindy) was able to fly to Kentucky getting there about 7 hours after she was born. (I would have gotten there on time, but bad weather caused delays and cancellations of flights. God was - and is - in control!)

A few days later, Hannah's bilirubin was high, so she had to go back to the hospital for phototherapy. I thought she looked cute with her 'sun glasses' on.

Happy Family

I had planned on making a quilt even before we knew Hannah was on the way. I started it in Dec. and was able to finish it before she was born!!!

The pattern is the "Stars" version of "Stars and Ribbons Crib Quilt" by Debbie Mumm

Back side of the quilt - (hand quilted)
The blue backing is darker than it appears in the picture.

Patzun Radio

2011-03-29T19:33:00.011-05:00

Hillary (from Tulsa) spent the weekend with us. On Saturday we helped the Patzun radio station expand their inner yard so they can accommodate more people for the upcoming anniversary in a couple of weeks.

The tin wall used to be along side of the building where we are filling the former holes with dirt.

They also finished building a wall around the inner yard. (There is still radio property outside the 'inner yard'.)

They gave us a snack of chuchitos. (Similar to a Mexican tamale.)

The Tuj
(Pronounced, "Tooh" with a strong, pronounced "h" - at least that's close!)
This is a small building where the town's people can pay to have a sauna, helping the radio with some of their expenses.

Ken inside the Tuj - without a fire. (He really did work hard!)

Hillary and I watered the plants around the property, and dug up some soil to make a plot for planting onions and lettuce.

Satisfied with a job well done!

Church Picnic

2011-03-29T19:30:00.000-05:00

On Sunday, we took the church members on an outing to a park not far away. We had a picnic and our church service there. We had a great time together. There were over 30 who went. Enjoy the pictures.

We took our Trooper, plus this pick-up.

Building the two fires

Making chirmol
(tomatoes/onion/cilantro)

Cooking the meat (using their hands instead of utensils).

Some people rested while the food was cooking!

Others enjoyed a snack.

Still others played soccer,

or relaxed by the pool
(It was too cold to swim.)

Time to eat!

The menu: beef, rice, refried beans, chirmol and of course the ever-present tortillas!

After lunch we had our church service, then there was one last game of soccer.

We even had a pretty good, barefooted goalie! She only allowed one goal.

We piled back into our cars and headed back to Patzun.
(You can't see him, but there was a little 80 yr. old man standing in the
back of the pick-up!)

Canadian Group

2011-03-02T12:11:00.009-06:00

For two weeks in late January, early February, a group from Canada came down to help us in Patzun with various projects. We always have a great time with this group (They've come many times) and thank them for all their hard work.

Mixing cement - Guatemalan style

Bucket Brigade to pour the roof -- again Guatemalan style

Obviously another picture of the bucket brigade -- Caught the bucket in mid-air on it's way down to be filled again.

Preparing the ground to lay cement for the second half of a porch at the radio station

Two of the ladies on the team worked with the school children to present a drama of Noah and the Ark in both English and Spanish. The drama was a huge success. The children presented it twice - once to their parents and a second time to another school in the area.

Some of the animals waiting for their cue to go enter the ark

Noah sending out the dove
(Picture taken during practice. Noah had a costume and the ark had more substance!)

James & Jayme's Visit

2011-01-15T17:48:00.020-06:00

A LOT has happened since I last posted. Jayme and James came to visit us in August and stayed 5 weeks. We had great fun while they were here.

James helped Ken with various projects.
Here are just a couple of the projects:Installing a part at the Patzún radio.

The handle of my left-handed tomato knife had broken, so James made a new handle for it!

Sept. 15th is Guatemala's Independence Day. Colegio Alfa y Omega was in the parade.

We went to Panajachel and crossed Lake Atitlán to visit friends.

Jayme enjoying the view.

Due to the heavy rains this year, the lake has risen several meters, and the Santiago lake-side park is now a 'water park'!

Lake Atitlán is Beautiful!

Standing in front of Guatemala's national tree - the Ceba.

For James' birthday, we went to the beach.
Except on the Caribbean side of Guatemala, the beaches have black sand.
Waiting for a big one

Thanks for coming down, James & Jayme. We look forward to you visiting us again!

Trip to the San Marcos area

2010-10-04T15:52:00.015-05:00

In mid August, Ken and I took a quick trip to the San Marcos area. We drove from Patzun to Comitancillo and spent the night. The hotel where we stayed was new - actually not open yet, but they let us stay. (The other hotel we were thinking about staying in was closed for repairs.) I don't know if I would stay in this hotel again, because it was on the edge of a cliff, and the driveway getting down to it was rather steep. (Ken says it was probably about a 45-degree slant.) With all the landslides that have happened in this country this rainy season, I'd rather not be too close to a cliff. Also, the bathroom ceiling leaked - through the light fixture! The curtains on the windows were fairly sheer. Other than that, it wasn't all that bad for Comi.

Hotel

How would you like to hitch a ride like this?
I guess the inside of the car was full.

The next day we drove to the Getsemani - Mam Center to visit with the care-taker, Ruben. He and his boys were happy to see us. They showed us how they make rope.

We then drove on to Tajamulco, picked up a friend, and drove to Malacate where we visited some church members as they were working on their new church building. They are putting 2 rooms on the lower part of the property (built on a mountain-side) and the sanctuary on top. We were encouraged to see how much they had done on their own.

Lower 2 rooms

Site for the sanctuary
(The lower rooms are on the other side of where the men are standing.)

We stayed and talked; Ken giving advise and opinions when asked. At lunch time, one of the members invited us to his home for lunch.

After lunch we drove back to Tajamulco, dropped off the friend that rode with us, and then went on to Tuililen to see the widow of our pastor friend, whom the Lord took home 2 1/2 years ago. We were able to visit with her a little before heading back home. It had started to rain again and it's hard getting in and out of the road to her house when it's raining. We did NOT want to get stuck (We were in the four-wheel drive trooper.)

We were able to drive back home arriving late that night. It was a busy, but great trip.

WET, WET Rainy Season

2010-10-02T16:56:00.015-05:00

This year has been the wettest rainy season we've had since coming to Guatemala 20 years ago. The season started off in May with Hurricane Agatha which dumped a lot of water on the country. (Agatha hit two days after the Volcano Pacaya dropped black ash (looking like black snow) on the capital city.) Since Agatha, there have been many other tropical storms. The ground is so saturated, that it has caused countless landslides, bridges to be wiped out and trees to fall. The four lane Pan American highway is down to just two lanes in many places. The rains continue and the ground gets soggier. Needless to say, we are anxiously awaiting dry season this year.

These pictures are all taken on the road between Patzun and Panajachel. They by no means show all the problems on the road caused by the rains.

Fording the river because the bridge is no longer there.

Another view of the washed-out bridge

There used to be a bridge in front of this landslide.
(The bridge was in bad shape before this problem occurred.)
Now we drive over the land bridge made by the slide.

In the town of Santiago, Atitlan, the lake-side city park is now a water park because Lake Atitlan has risen several meters!!

Summer 2010

2010-09-29T16:04:00.023-05:00

Time has gotten away from me. We've had a busy summer and early fall, so far.
In June, we had an intern from Tulsa, OK, come to help us for two weeks. Hillary was a GREAT help.

In July, a team from Dallas, TX came to help us. It rained a lot while they were here, but they were troopers! They helped install more "Onil" stoves in poor homes. They also started work on a building for a water purification system. My best friend and her daughter came with the group! It had been a long time since they had visited Guatemala.

Installing a stove

Explaining how the stove works

Preparing to make concrete by hand

Preparing the footings

Friends!

Then at the end of the month, a group from Tennessee came to install the purification system and to teach the benefits of using clean water. Thank you, team!

Showing how the system works

Ana teaching hygiene/clean water class to adults
(She taught the school children too.)

June 4, 2010

2010-06-14T10:45:00.015-05:00

On Wed., June 2, we took veteran missionaries David and Helen Ekstrom from the capital back to their home in Huehuetenango. On Thurs., they celebrated their 60th anniversary.

Happy 60th, David & Helen!

I was able to go with them to their anniversary breakfast at a local restaurant. (Ken was sick, so wasn't able to go.) I made rhubarb pies for lunch, using rhubarb from their garden! Yum!

On the trip to and from Huehue we saw a lot of the destruction that tropical storm Agatha caused in the highlands of Guatemala. The Pan-American highway has MANY landslides, blocking two lanes of the highway, or has simply been washed away.

Landslide covering two lanes of traffic

Someone lost their crops!

One section of the cement road disappeared.

This was NOT caused by Agatha. Nevertheless, we had to be careful!

On Friday morning, we left to return to Patzun. (Ken was still sick, so I drove.) Within five minutes after we arrived in Patzun, we got a call from our gardener in the capital saying that thieves had climbed our wall, beaten him, tied him up and broken into our house. We left immediately to find our home ransacked and our Caravan gone.

We couldn't walk into our bedroom, because of the mess they had made.

Our bed - where they looked for jewelry.

Remnants of my bell collection.
They must have thrown them across the room where they broke hitting against each other.

We lost many things, but are thankful for God's protection for our gardener and us.

May 27-30 2010

2010-06-06T14:10:00.012-05:00

On Thursday, May 27, a group from Tulsa, Oklahoma, came.

A few hours after they arrived the airport closed because the volcano, Pacaya, near Guatemala City erupted, raining black ash over the city. (Usually, when Pacaya erupts, the ash is blown southward out to sea. However, sometimes the wind blows it north over the city. This has happened two times in the 20 years we've lived here.)

Cleaning up the ash at our home in the capital

On Friday, Tropical storm Agatha started pounding Guatemala with rain. We had probably 18-20 inches in about 48 hours. That's a LOT of rain. The group was able to get some things done, even with the bad weather.

Wet workers!

The group preformed a drama for the school, and the church.

As a result of the rain, many landslides occurred. One especially affected us by washing out the road beside a one lane bridge on the road between Patzun and Guatemala City making the road impassable. When the group was ready to leave on Sunday morning, May 30, Ken took them as far as the bridge. He and a couple of other men walked over the bridge, got a ride to the nearest town, contracted a bus, that came and took the group into Guatemala City. (They walked across the bridge, with all their luggage!) They had other activities to do in the capital until they returned home. Getting back home was an ordeal. Since the airport had been closed for a week, they bought bus tickets to El Salvador, and flew from there. (One family had to go on to Honduras to get a flight.)

The rains showed us once again, that our room in Patzun has many leaks. Besides the roof having problems, the wall against our bed was wet. Water got down between the wall of Alfa & Omega, and the neighboring wall. The two walls make a dam, which when full, seeps water down on the floor in our room. That is the reason our floor stays moist, moldy and dirty.

One of the things Ken had hoped the group could do while they were there was to put a new water tank up on the tower. However, the tank did not arrive until the day after the team left Patzun! Thankfully, men from the church were able to help Ken.

April 13 -- Happy Birthday, Ken

2010-04-17T10:01:00.012-05:00

Our church here in Patzun gave Ken a surprise birthday celebration today.
It was a very special time.

The church ready for the celebration - complete with pine needles to give a festive aroma

Women preparing the special meal

Tamalitos
(Tortilla dough boiled in corn husks)

The service

Everyone stood in line to congratulate Ken.

Enjoying the meal after-wards - without the use of a spoon!
(The tamalito wasn't much help with all the sauce.)

The Patzuneros were more adept at eating with tamalitos than the three North Americans! However, a few asked if they could borrow some of our spoons so that the young children could eat. (The church does not have flatware. Actually, that would be a good project for someone to help with --- flatware for Alfa y Omega.)

the youngest attendee (2 months)

Happy Easter - Resurrection Day

2010-04-03T12:04:00.009-05:00

We hope you are having a wonderful weekend remembering our Lord's death (His taking our place - the punishment for our sins) and celebrating His resurrection, conquering death and giving us an eternal hope.

He is Risen! He is Risen, indeed!

Ken went by the radio station this morning and took this picture. It is of the construction of the two new rooms to be used for a control room and studio.
The three rooms on the left are the guard's room (where 5 people live!) the temporary control room (will eventually be another room for the guard's family) and the transmitter room.

2010-04-02T19:20:00.003-05:00

I goofed! The March 13th post is below the Jan. 30-Feb. 12th post. I tried to switch them around, but 'it' wouldn't let me. So... don't miss the March 13th post.

Jan. 30 - Feb. 12 The Canadian Team

2010-03-24T18:37:00.010-05:00

A team from Compass Point Church in Canada came again in January. They helped in an outreach of the church to install 'Onil stoves' in the kitchens of the poor in Patzun. The stoves use 65-70% less wood than regular wood fires, making gathering of the wood much faster and less costly, and they have a chimney vented outside, eliminating most of the smoke that formally filled the kitchens - and the eyes and lungs of the women and children who cooked and played in the kitchen.
The team installed 8 stoves and made cement floors in seven of the kitchens. The Patzuneras were very thankful for their new stoves. Each recipient paid some for their stove, according to their need; the majority of the bill was paid for by donations.
Another team (from Texas) is planning to come down in late May to install more stoves.

The Canadian team with two of the recipients for the stoves

Mixing cement for the kitchen floor

Ken helping with the installation

Another happy family

March 13, 2010 Kakchiquel Radio

2010-03-23T11:00:00.010-05:00

We have been busy!
On Saturday, March 13, Radio Cultural y Educativo (Kakchiquel radio station in Patzun) celebrated the moving of their station to a new location. They also have a more powerful transmitter and a much taller tower. This will provide for a larger listening area.
The radio board worked hard for weeks building a room for the guard and his family, a room for the transmitter, and a room for broadcasting. Ken and I helped them with the building as did the group from Canada that came down in January. We stayed up until 1:30 a.m. the night before the celebration helping Ken get the light on the tower and the transmitter hooked up. Then the next morning, (the day of the celebration) Ken got up at 5:00 a.m. to take the computer and console from the old location to the new so that he could get the radio on the air for the celebration. He also found out that the speaker was sick, so they asked Ken to be the speaker! Short notice, but he did a good job. He spoke on the importance of the Bible - God's Word.

Delegates from newspapers, the radio fraternity, and even the mayor came!
Refreshments of cookies and sodas or juice were served after the service.

Ken preaching

The mayor praised the radio.

Celebration complete with balloons on the wall and pine needles on the ground.

January 11, 2010

2010-01-11T09:09:00.003-06:00

We arrived back home in Guatemala around 11:00 p.m., Dec. 31. A new intern, Sarah, came with us. She will be living with us and teaching English in Patzun for the next 10 months. We brought our suitcases in the house, then left to attend the last few minutes of a New Year's Eve party with fellow missionaries. We wanted Sarah to witness the fireworks that happen at midnight. (Much more than in the States.) The last several years, the fireworks have gotten pretty. When we first came to Guatemala 19 1/2 yrs. ago, the fireworks consisted of just noise! It sounded like a war had broken out. Now, at least, the sky is pretty. (There is still a lot of smoke in the air though.)

Sarah

On Saturday, Jan. 2, Ken and Sarah, along with another missionary and his adult daughter, who was visiting, climbed Pacaya - the volcano south of Guatemala City. They were able to get within 3 or 4 feet of a lava flow! They roasted hot dogs over hot rocks! It was a first for Sarah!

Since getting back from the States, we've been to Patzun twice, and Ken has been another time, plus Panajachel. Yesterday we showed Sarah Patzun's Sunday market (biggest market of the week). It was quite the CE (Cultural Experience) for her. She said she wouldn't complain about Wal-Mart being busy ever again!

The Kakchiquel radio station is progressing in their move. They have the new tower up as you saw in an earlier post. Construction has begun on the guard's two rooms, and the room for the transmitter. The radio committee is doing a great job.

Guard's two rooms and transmitter room

Ministerios Alfa y Omega has a new board. They all seem to be very willing and ready to work to seek God's will and to do it. We just found out last night that Guatemalan government has decided that school will start Jan. 18. That means we need to move into our two rooms (one for us and one for Sarah) at Alfa soon! It will definitely be a challenge to live there, but we'll enjoy being closer to the people. We'll need your prayers.

We also need to find a guard/gardener for our house in the capital. Please pray that we will find someone who is honest and hard working soon.

December 24, 2009 - Transported to Heaven

2010-01-03T21:06:00.003-06:00

This evening at 5:44 p.m. my (Cindy's) Daddy was transported to heaven. He will spend Christmas with Jesus this year! My mother and all of my siblings (There are five of us.) were able to be at his bedside when he was taken to glory. We miss him so very much already, but cannot begrudge him heaven.

Thank you, Lord, for allowing us to take care of Daddy during his illness. It was truly an honor. We look forward to the day when we, his family, will be reunited with him in Your presence.

December 31, 2009 - New Grandson!!!

2010-01-03T20:48:00.019-06:00

Nathanael Clifton Kemp was born today at 12:13 p.m. (EST) to Erin and Scott. Nathanael weighed in at 8 lbs., 3 oz. and is 21 inches long. He is our 5th grandchild (4th grandson). (Clifton is Ken's father's first name.)

Welcome to our family, Nathanael. We love you!

Unfortunately, we won't be able to see Nathanael for a while. We found out about his birth while we were in the Dallas airport - waiting for the flight to get back to Guatemala.

with big brothers Isaiah and Josiah

December 19, 2009

2010-01-02T16:20:00.041-06:00

Jayme and James married today!!!

The wedding was beautiful and honoring to the Lord.

Erin was her sister's matron of honor. We are so thankful that she was able to make it to the wedding since she is 8 months pregnant! James' sister Martha is standing besides Erin and Jayme's roommate Julie is on the right.

The pastor, James, Davey (James' brother) Jacob and Drew (Jayme's brother)

Flower girl, Rosie (James' niece) and Ring-bearer, Evan (Jayme's nephew)
They took their jobs seriously!

Beautiful Bride, Proud Papa!

I do!

Thanking his parents.

Thanking us.

Ken sang, "Find Us Faithful".
(Erin was able to sit down for a few minutes.)

The Bride's Cake
Each layer was a different flavor;
(Carrot, Lemon poppy seed and White sour cream cake with raspberry filling)

The Lord answered a lot prayers for the cakes.
I made both the bride's and groom's cakes.
My mother is the cake decorator, but she was unable to attend, because of my father being ill.

Cutting the cake

The Groom's Cake
(Yummy chocolate cake with chocolate butter cream icing and Heath bars)

Eating the groom's cake

The Cake Cutters
Jayme's aunt and cousins

The ladies of the church provided the yummy food for the reception!

Concrete evidence!
(They had two rolls of plastic wrap going opposite directions.)

Jayme's brother Kyle got into the act too.

Both James and Jayme came prepared with pocket knives to cut the plastic wrap!
How many brides do you know who pack a knife in their wedding shoe?

Don't know why he didn't want to leave the balloons in the car.

My sister Susie came early from Alabama and helped a LOT with the decorations, flowers, etc. Her family and Ken's brother Karl and his family were life-savers with last minute details.

Proud Parents

The couple spent their honeymoon in Barbados.
James kept the destination a secret from Jayme until after the wedding!

December 14, 2009

2009-12-14T21:57:00.012-06:00

Again, obviously I haven't been able to post anything for a long time. I flew back up to Tulsa in early October to stay with my parents. Daddy seemed to be getting better, although I had to take him to the emergency room twice during the couple of weeks I was there alone. Ken joined me in mid October. We attended a mission conference and packed more things. Then on Nov. 1, we drove Mother and Daddy to Alabama to live with my youngest sister, Becky and her husband. Ken and I returned to Tulsa to paint Daddy's office and to clean out the garage. (We were able to finish the painting, and Ken did a great job on the garage, but wasn't able to completely clean it out.) Daddy wasn't doing well, so we headed back to Alabama a few days earlier than expected. After several doctor's appointments and test, the doctor has decided that Daddy has pancreatic cancer. He is now at home at Becky's. We thank the Lord that my siblings have been able to all be in Alabama to help with Daddy's care, and to support Mother.

Ken and I drove up to Kentucky last weekend to attend a wedding shower for Jayme and James, given by their church. (The first shower we've been able to attend for any of our kids.) We then returned to Alabama until this Saturday when we drove back to Berea. Yesterday afternoon, Jayme graduated from Berea College! Her degree is a Bachelor of Science in Technology and Industrial Arts with a double minor in Spanish and Business. She graduated with honors! We are very proud of her. Although the graduation ceremony was yesterday, she still has finals this week. (Strange, isn't it?) She had a paper due today, and has a final tomorrow and another one on Wed. (Drew, Rachel and kids went to the graduation too. My picture of the whole family didn't turn out well.)

In Alabama, I baked the bride's and groom's wedding cakes and froze them. Tomorrow evening I will get them out of the freezer so that on Wed., I can begin to decorate them. (My mother is actually the cake decorator, but since Daddy is so ill, she isn't able to come to the wedding. So...I'm doing the cakes.)

The radio station in Patzun has a new tower!!! We received these pictures today. How exciting that they will be able to transmit the Good News further away.

Sept. 18, 2009

2009-09-18T10:03:00.006-05:00

So sorry we haven't written anything for so long. We've been super busy. I (Cindy) was in Tulsa for three extra weeks in June and July to help my parents. My sister Becky and I took turns spending every other night at the hospital with Daddy. When Becky wasn't there, brother Kris took his turns. All my siblings have been there when they could be. (There are five of us.) We packed up most of the house, painted, worked in the yard and fixed things that needed to be fixed. Daddy came home from the hospital on July 14 - his 84th birthday. He has had to make several trips back to the emergency room since then, so we covet your prayers for him and for us as we try to care for him. I will head back to Tulsa in early October to 'take my turn' at staying with Mother and Daddy. We are still planning on moving them to Alabama to live with Becky and her husband. If Daddy can make the trip, Ken and I hope to drive them there in early November.

I flew back to Guatemala on July 13. We had a team coming on the 17th and I needed to be home to make the menus, grocery list and then buy the food - a time consuming job. We had four teams come in July and August - with some teams overlapping others. It was a busy time. One team went to the local public schools and taught Bible stories there. All the teams worked at Alfa Y Omega.

A young couple, Micah and Kerri, came to help us for the month of August in Patzun. We enjoyed having them here and they helped with the internet connection, painting the roof, and the website for the Guatemala Intermissions conference.

On August 15, I flew back up to the States to make a wedding dress for our daughter Jayme. She and James Miller will be married on Dec. 19! I was able to first fly to Alabama to see our newest grandchild - our first granddaughter - Rebekah Anne, born to Drew and Rachel. I was only able to spend a little over 24 hours there, then flew on to Kentucky. Jayme and I shopped for more supplies for the wedding dress, then drove back to Alabama, to make the dress. My sister Becky let us use her machines and was also a BIG help in making the dress. Praise the Lord, it's finished!

I arrived back in Guatemala the evening of Saturday, Sept. 5. Earlier that day, another young couple (Josh and Megan) arrived in Guate. to stay with us and to see the work in Patzun. (They will attend CAM's candidate school in Oct.) On Wed., Sept. 9, another couple (good friends of ours from St. Louis area) came down to help with the new construction at CAM's retreat center, Las Buenas Nuevas, in Panajachel. (Ken is in charge of the construction.)

June 26, 2009

2009-06-26T14:45:00.013-05:00

Ken is back in Guatemala; however, Cindy needed to stay in Tulsa and continue helping her parents pack and get their house ready to sell. (They plan to move to Alabama to live with Cindy's youngest sister who is moving there this summer.) There was room for only one person on the plane going back to Guatemala, so we felt that Ken should be the one to go. We see the hand of God in this, because Cindy's father went into the hospital this past Tues. with an inflamed pancreas and a gallstone lodged in the bile duct. He is scheduled to have surgery on Monday, (June 29) to remove the gallbladder and a growth from the pancreas. We covet your prayers for him.

We had a wonderful time in the US. Kyle and Ashleigh's wedding was beautiful and everything went well; even the weather was pleasant. On June 2, we arrived in Tulsa for Cindy to help her mother with a wedding cake, cleaning, and packing. We made a quick trip to Huntsville, AL (to take things we've had stored in Tulsa) to store at Drew's, and to attend a lunch for a work team that will be coming to Guatemala (Calvary Bible Church). Then it was back to Tulsa, and on to Tahlequah to pick up Ken's parents and take them to Lake St. Louis, MO, to a family reunion at Ken's brother Keith's home. We had a great time with all but three of the C. E. Spaugh family attending. (Kyle and Ashleigh weren't able to attend, nor was the son of Ken's brother Karl.)

Since returning to Guatemala, Ken has been to Las Buenas Nuevas and Patzun. There is now a crop of lettuce growing at Alfa y Omega. Praise the Lord!

The construction for the new building at Las Buenas Nuevas is coming along well. The roof is poured and the plastering of the walls is in progress.

I (Ken) was going to post some more pictures, but for some reason, the site won't let me at the present time. I just wanted to post something to let you know that we are still alive!

Resurrection Day

2009-04-12T05:27:00.001-05:00

He is Risen! He is Risen, indeed!!

Mitchell Road Christian Academy in Patzún

2009-04-10T11:45:00.010-05:00

A group of mainly 14 year olds (and their adult sponsors) from Michell Road Christian Academy in Greenville, South Carolina, came to work at Alfa y Omega this past week. They were a great bunch of young people. On Sunday afternoon, they took a walk up to the Kakchiquel radio station (Ken is on the radio committee.) On the way this is one of the sites they were able to see.

A couple of the girls were able to try their hand at making tortillas. As I've said before, it's a LOT harder than it looks.

The Patzuneras make it look SO easy. However, most of them have been making tortillas since they were between 7 and 12 years old. Practice makes perfect!

The school Bible teacher came and taught some of the Walk Through the Bible curriculum. Ken translated.

They even brought down soccer and basketball uniforms for the Alfa y Omega school.

Since I had a fever of 103.3 on Thursday night before the team got here on Saturday, a fellow missionary offered to come and help me cook for the team. She was a GREAT help. Thanks whole bunches, Maria!!!

Water - water ..... a not a drop to drink!

2009-03-31T15:16:00.007-05:00

On Saturday, March 28, Ken noticed that the water was not coming in very well. He went to investigate and found that the pipes were clogged. Two or three years ago, he put a couple of filters in the line to filter out the large sand that was coming in from the street. So....on Sat. he went to clean out the filter. Not only did that need to be done, but the water coming in was pretty dirty! Here's proof! (And this was taken after some of the junk had settled to the bottom of the bottle. The initial color reminded me of dirty pineapple juice!

He quickly turned off the water from the street so that our tanks would not fill up with dirty water. Fortunately, we had a full cistern, so were able to use that water to pump it up to the tanks. (We use gravity fed water in our house.) Unfortunately, another missionary family did not shut off their water supply, and their cistern was filled with junk. They had to pump all the water out.
On March 30 the water was getting better, and on the 31st, I was able to do a load of laundry. (It doesn't help much to wash your clothes in dirty water.) Ken even checked to make sure the city had added chlorine. They had! However, later, as I was giving my strawberry plants a needed watering, I noticed that the water was getting dirty again --- not as bad as before, but not as clear as it should have been. Ken had to shut the water off again for another couple of days. :( We are thankful that our cistern is large enough to supply us with water for a whole week.

Note: A week later, city workers came by to tell us they had had problems with broken pipes, but that they were finally fixed. Therefore, the water should be fine. That's a great time to tell everyone about the problem - after the fact!

Stolen Coffee

2009-03-31T14:53:00.004-05:00

On Feb. 27, a car owned by fellow missionaries was stolen off the street in Antigua. (They had a club on the steering wheel.) In it was $200. worth of Guatemalan coffee that we, personally, had bought to sell to raise money for Patzún. (They were bringing the coffee to us.) We don't know why this happened, but it has been another opportunity to trust God to supply both our needs and the needs of Alfa & Omega Ministries.

Busy, Busy

2009-03-24T07:14:00.006-05:00

You are probably wondering what on earth we are doing these days. In January and February we were involved with registration details for the annual Intermissions Conference here. We made name tags for everyone attending, met with the hotel twice to figure out room assignments, chose the menus for the weekend, and were in charge of the registration at the hotel on the first two days of the conference. (Several people registered on site on both Friday and Saturday.) There were some major glitches this year, but thankfully, the Lord worked everything out. The conference was great and the speaker was too.

Two days after the conference, we flew up to Texas (March 3). We were able to borrow a car from a friend (Thank you, Roger!!!) and drive to Oklahoma to visit both sets of our parents. Our visits with them were very short, but we were so glad to be able to see them. Returning to Texas, we went to a week of meetings with CAM in eastern Texas. It's always great to meet with our colleagues who work in other countries.

After the meetings, we were able to spend a couple of days with Cindy's sister and brother-in-law in the Dallas area. Two of their children and families were there, plus visiting friends of theirs from Mexico. They had a full house, but we had fun being together. It was also great to be able to visit with friends while there. Ken and I ate supper with two women whom we hadn't seen in years. Thanks Edith and Dagi.

We returned to Guatemala on March 17, cleaned house and prepared for the arrival of friends from Huntsville, AL. Paul and Betty visited with us for a week. We took them to Panajachel and Patzún besides around town here in the capital.

I (Cindy) have had a headache since Tues. Yesterday I took my temperature and found it was 102.5. No wonder I've been feeling bad. (I'm sure my temp. hasn't been that high since Tues.) We have a group of junior highers coming on Saturday, so I need to feel better SOON! Please pray! There is a LOT to do before they come.

Christmas in Pennsylvania

2009-01-19T07:16:00.016-06:00

Ken flew to Pennsylvania on Dec. 16. We were both so glad to be together again - after 7 weeks. (Don't want to do that again, if we don't have to!) Here are some pictures of our Christmas there.

Den Momma (Me) showed Isaiah how to paint Christmas cookies (with colored egg yolk)

Concentrating!
He did a great job for the first time - and being 2 yrs. old!

We had a REAL tree - the first in MANY years for the Guatemala Spaughs.
Scott cut it down at a tree farm.

Josiah, ready for church on Christmas Eve
Susan and Lois, friends of ours in Canada, made the hat and booties for him.

Who turned out the lights?

Scott led the Christmas Eve service. Ken sang a solo.

Isaiah, Scott, Josiah, Erin

Precious boys

Jayme, Cindy, Ken

Isaiah was excited about this gift.
He loves to play "bassetball"!

My trip to Huntsville in early Dec. 2008

2009-01-15T13:47:00.011-06:00

I went with Erin and Scott and their boys down to Huntsville, so that they could show Josiah to Scott's family. I stayed with Drew and Rachel while there. Had a great time.

Evan - He's not this serious very often!

Helping with the wood floor in the new addition to their house.

I helped too by deciding which different length plank should go where.
Drew then stapled them down.

Evan and his mommy

Our 3 grandsons
Isaiah, Josiah and Evan

January 14, 2009

2009-01-14T07:11:00.002-06:00

First of all, HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Mom!
Ken's mother is 88 yrs. old today. We wish her a very special day.

Sorry I haven't written in such a long time. While in the States in Nov. and Dec., I was busy helping Erin with her two little boys, fixing meals, working on her quilt, and enjoying my time with her family. Isaiah is a typical two year old, and is very busy. He is such a cutie, and fun to be around. Josiah is growing and changing all the time. Erin says he's sleeping almost 8 hours at night! Way to go, Josiah! They are now living in the church parsonage, so Scott doesn't have to go very far to work! The parsonage, although not huge, with the basement, is much bigger than the rent house they lived in for a year.

Jayme arrived back in the States from her semester in Ireland on Dec. 21. Ken and I had to go to the airport twice to pick her up! The first time we waited two hours, before finding out that her flight from Ireland had been delayed 4 hours, making her miss her flight from Newark to Pittsburgh. We were told that she would be arriving around 8:00 the next morning. However, when we got back to Erin's, there was a message from Jayme on Erin's cell phone saying that she hoped to be able to catch a flight which would arrive around 9:00 that night. So....we got back in the car and drove back to the airport hoping that she would be there. We arrived about 30 min. after Jayme had gotten her bags. She was extremely tired after having just a few minutes sleep in the last 38 hours and having a cold.

We had a great time at Christmas. Scott was in charge of the Christmas Eve program at their church. Ken sang a solo with the choir! After the nice program, we went home and had a relaxed time opening our gifts.

Christmas Day, I fixed the meal with help from everyone. We ate a late lunch/early supper.

Ken and Scott started an interesting project. They began making a marimba! Ken was able to make several notes, before we left there. Scott will have to finish the project. He hopes to use it in their church services.

Dec. 30, Ken drove Jayme and me down to Huntsville, AL, in a rented car. We were able to visit with Drew, Rachel and Evan for a couple of days before heading back to Guatemala. Drew and Rachel are expecting our fourth grandchild in early August, so we are, of course, excited.

Jayme is now in her January - Winter session at Berea College - taking a 'computer to paint' course. She will be graduating in Dec. Wow! Our 'baby' finishing college. Is it possible?

I have pictures that I want to post, but will do that later. Please stay tuned.

Josiah Scott Kemp

2008-11-24T10:46:00.005-06:00

Josiah Scott Kemp

Grandson #3 - Josiah Scott made his appearance into this world at 12:24 p.m. on November 16, 2009 (6 days before the due date). He weighed 7 lb., 7 oz. and was 20 1/2 inches long. His proud parents are Scott and Erin Kemp (our daughter). We praise God for this miracle of life, and for his giving us Josiah on loan. Erin was in labor for 31 hours. Josiah had a bilirubin problem for the first week, so had to be wrapped in a flexible fiber optic 'light blanket'. Both Erin and Josiah are doing fine now. So far, Isaiah is adjusting well to being a big brother.

Josiah was the talk of the hospital nursery (along with everyone who sees him) because of his hair. It is light brown with seemingly bleached tips! It is quite the hairdo - the surfer look- in Pennsylvania, no less!

The Scott Kemp family

Mission Conference - Oct. 18-26

2008-11-24T10:06:00.004-06:00

We attended the mission conference at Lake Ridge Bible Church, Oct. 18-26. It was exciting to share what is happening in Guatemala, visit with friends, and also hear how the Lord is working in other parts of the world.

After the conference, Cindy's 93 yr. old aunt and her friend drove us to Tulsa to visit Cindy's parents. While there, we drove to Tahlequah, to see Ken's parents. Our time with them was way too short!

The first week of Nov., Ken flew back to Guatemala and Cindy flew to the Pittsburgh to await the arrival of grandson #3 - due Nov. 22.

October 6, 2008 Surprise Birthday Celebration

2008-10-06T14:00:00.013-05:00

Yesterday we took Karen Roundtree from CAM-Dallas, to Panajachel and then to Patzún, so she could see the ministries there.

When we arrived in Patzún in the afternoon, I noticed that ladies from the church were there starting to prepare some food. I assumed that they were going to have a meal after the service, and offered to help them, as we always have fun talking and joking together. While I was making tamalitos, Dionisia asked me how old I was. I was surprised that she would ask since tomorrow was my birthday.

A few minutes later, the women called me into the church and presented me with a quipil and corte (typical blouse and skirt) from Alfa y Omega, Patzún. (Traditionally, the indigenous people have different typical dress according to where they live. The Patzún blouse (quipil) is made with a distinct, dark red, striped, hand-woven fabric with a design embroidered around the neck. The corte they gave me is the Alfa y Omega school uniform.) The women then proceeded to dress me in my new clothes. My tennis shoes were unacceptable for the over-all look! Fortunately I had another pair ready to wear to church. They would have liked to braid my hair, but that's obviously impossible! Afterwards, I went back to help finish making the tamalitos.

Making tamalitos (corn-meal masa boiled in leaves)

During the service (in which I was dressed as a 'pura Patzunera') they asked me to come up front and honored me by singing, "Happy Birthday" and everyone filed by and greeted me. Ken preached using Rom. 12:1-12 as his text. After the service, the women served their rendition of Chow Mein - a meal that I always request for them to make for visiting work groups, because it's something that most North Americans like. They think that this is my favorite meal! (It is good.) (I asked Ken if he knew anything about the celebration, and he did! One lady asked if it were a surprise to me, and I answered that it, in fact, was a very big surprise. I had no idea. It was a very special time, and I felt very loved.

We spent the night in Patzún, so this morning, I put my new quipil and corte on again. When a teenage girl arrived for school, I asked if she would help me tighten the belt, which is essential to holding the corte on. They are worn VERY tight. (There is quite an art to putting a corte on correctly. I haven't quite mastered it yet.) The women who saw me this morning were very pleased that I would wear the outfit again today. In fact, I'm sure I made the day for several Patzúneras. They love to see foreigners dressed like them.

Some of the women of Alfa y Omega (The wives of board members and leaders of the women's group have matching outfits. The embroidery on the blouses is different.)

Women crowding around Karen Roundtree to see the digital pictures she took.

The friend who wove and embroidered the quipil for me.

Sept 19, 2008 Eggs!

2008-09-19T13:48:00.014-05:00

Have you ever tried mopping your floor with eggs? I don't recommend it! I just finished cleaning my kitchen floor unexpectedly. (Not that it didn't need it!) It all started about an hour ago when I was looking in the refrigerator for something to fix for lunch. I pulled out the sliding shelf where I keep the eggs. I guess I pulled a little too far, and all the eggs fell on the floor. Unfortunately, I had about 40-42 eggs! (I buy them in flats {2 flats come together, 30 eggs in each flat} and I had a full flat plus about a dozen more. ) Only 5 eggs survived the fall, and I was only able to salvage 14 to scramble. Needless to say, I think I'll have scrambled eggs for lunch! Of course, 14 are a little too many for one meal. Omelet anyone?
By the way, I don't recommend using eggs for room fresheners either! :(

Happy Anniversary

2008-09-19T13:48:00.009-05:00

I forgot to announce that my parents celebrated their 63rd anniversary on Sept. 8. Congratulations, Mother and Daddy!!! Your 5 children, 18 grandchildren and so far 19 great grandchildren (!) love you very much. You are great examples to everyone.

Sept 10, 2008 Prayer for Erin

2008-09-19T13:48:00.002-05:00

We talked with Erin tonight. She told us that she had unexpected minor foot surgery today. On Tues. one of her big toes started hurting and got worse during the day. She thought it would get better over night, but instead, got worse affecting the sole of her foot - so that it was hard to walk. She called around and found a doctor who would see her today. When she went in, the doctor said she had an infection and that it had abscessed and needed to be drained immediately. There were already signs of red streaks going up her foot. Thank the Lord, she went in when she did. The doctor called her OB and also had the head doctor come in and look at it. He agreed that it needed to be drained immediately. Erin is my child who is 'deathly' afraid of needles, so she broke out in a sweat, the shakes and dizziness. She said the doctor was very nice, asked several times if she should stop and let Erin relax, but Erin wanted it over with fast, so told her to keep on going. Afterwards, the doctor told her to sit there as long as she needed to, brought her something to drink, candy, etc., volunteered to call Scott, etc. etc. Erin had been at the church with Scott before going to the doctor, and Isaiah had fallen asleep, so Scott stayed with Isaiah, and Erin had driven (carefully) to the doctor herself. (They didn't realize it was so serious.) Someone dropped Scott off at the doctor's office so he was able to take Erin home. When we talked with her she had started the antibiotics, but her foot was still hurting quite a bit. Hopefully it will start feeling better tomorrow. The doctor wanted her to go back for a check up next week, but they are flying down to visit Scott's parents (and Drew and Rachel) on Monday. They will, of course, keep an eye on it. Again, we are so thankful that she was able to get in to see the doctor so soon. Please pray for her. (They don't know what caused the infection. She remembers being outside last week - with sandals on - and feeling something prick, sting or bite her foot. It wasn't bad, so didn't think anymore about it.)

September 5, 2008

2008-09-05T15:27:00.005-05:00

Thank you for praying. Jayme arrived safely in Ireland on Monday, Sept. 1. She is living in a school apartment with three other international students from Norway, Canada and the U.S. Yesterday and today were long days spent in (a rather boring) orientation. She starts classes this coming Monday. (Sept. 8)
Here are a few pictures of her home for the next 3 1/2 months.

She lives in the two story apartment on the right side of this building. Her room is at the back (first floor) so you can't see her window.

Nice kitchen. The girls have to make their own meals, since there is no school cafeteria.

Small living room right by the dining area. Pictured is the girl from Norway.

Jayme's desk. Each bedroom is small, but because there is only one girl in each, they have adequate storage space.

August 31, 2008

2008-08-31T16:15:00.004-05:00

Jayme is on her way to Ireland! She left Guatemala on Monday (Aug. 25) to fly to Pittsburgh to spend a few days with Erin, Scott and Isaiah before leaving for Ireland. Her friend James surprised her with a visit from Thurs. until today. Thanks James. She left Pittsburgh this afternoon and will arrive in Ireland tomorrow morning. Please pray for her in these next few months as she studies during the fall semester at the University of Limerick. Pray that she will find good friends and a good church to attend.

2008-08-31T16:15:00.001-05:00

Wednesday, August 27, 2008

2008-08-27T09:28:00.005-05:00

We have been enjoyably busy with Jayme here for the summer. Also, our good friends, Colton and Susan - from Canada - came to visit for 10 days. We took them to the airport early this morning, and they are in the air returning home now as I type. Thanks guys, for coming to visit us. We really enjoyed having you here and spent some happy times together.

A note about the water meter. It still hasn't been installed. Ken changed his plans so that he could be here at home for the men to install the new meter. After waiting two days we had to go about our daily lives, and weren't here every minute. (We were told that it would be installed within 24 hours!) Ken will have to go to the water company and set up another appointment for the men to come. Hopefully they will arrive on time and install the meter correctly.

A friend from Dallas came down on a mission trip and stayed a few extra days to attend a Bible dedication here in Guatemala. Ken drove to the town of Nebaj (6-7 hours away) for the dedication of the New Testament in the Ixil, Indian language. How exciting that these people now have part of the Bible in the languge that they speak and understand.

Jayme, Ken and fellow missionary Steve Sywulka climbed the volcano Pacaya again. They didn't see the rivers of lava like they saw in December, but they still enjoyed their time and were able to see some interesting sights.

Back in July, a small group of 4 people came from Tulsa, to teach Bible in Patzún's Alfa y Omega school and in a public school in town. The classes were well received. Also, two of the men taught in special, evening meetings at the church. These classes were well attended, and the people have asked that the 'gringos' return. Lord willing they will. We praise the Lord for the Biblical truths that were taught that week. Sorry, but my pictures of the week didn't turn out very well.

August 6, 2008 The Water Meter Saga

2008-08-06T14:34:00.010-05:00

Daily living in Guatemala can sometimes be a challenge, to say the least. Ken has been busy the last several days trying to get our water meter changed (mandated by the water company). He first made a trip to the water company offices to find out exactly what was needed. They told him the water meter to buy. He then went to the plumbing supply house to put in his order, but the person who has to register the meter number on the receipt was in a meeting until 4:30 p.m. Ken returned after 4:30, but she was still in the meeting. Someone called her out of the meeting; Ken paid the $50 for the meter, then she registered the meter number. By this time, it was too late to return to the water company, so he had to wait until today to go back there. This morning he took his meter and the receipt and went to the water company again, but the parking spaces were filled, so he returned home. A few hours later he headed back. When he arrived, he was asked for the receipt so they could check the registration number – to make sure his new meter was not stolen. We are now waiting for the water company workmen to show up at our house to install the new meter. We hope they come today like Ken was told. Who would have thought it would take so long, and so many trips to get a meter installed? (Sometime ask us about the plate, pin and screws Ken had to buy when I broke my leg!) Here’s the infamous meter.

August 1, 2008 Orchids

2008-08-01T16:13:00.024-05:00

Last month I promised pictures of our orchids. Aren't they beautiful? Unfortunately, they have finished blooming for now, but I can still enjoy them by looking at the pictures.

Okay, okay. So these aren't orchids. They were in our yard earlier this year; I thought they were pretty and that you might enjoy them.

Jacobean Lily

Nazareño -(our version of Wisteria)

Gardenia

Pitaya Flower
Pitaya is a cactus we have growing on our wall. Here's a picture of the outside of the fruit, then the inside. It looks and tastes like kiwi. (Well, the color is obviously different!) We love it.

July 14, 2008

2008-07-14T12:21:00.003-05:00

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, DADDY!!!

On the July 7th blog, I told about us setting off the two huge firecracker bombs in Patzún. Jayme filmed the explosion of the second bomb. Watch this to the end and enjoy!

July 13, 2008 Post #2 - The Caminata

2008-07-13T17:56:00.025-05:00

Ken arrived home from Patzún last night. He had been there since Wednesday. Yesterday he went with about 40-45 people (all ages) from the church as they walked from Patzún to Iximche - a little over a two-hour walk. Iximche is the ancient capital of the Kakchiquel nation which is in ruins now. Here are pictures of the event. You can tell they had a good time. Wish Jayme and I could have gone.

Part of the walk was rather muddy.

Most of the women and girls donned pants and t-shirts for the day.
They usually wear their native dress.

Enjoying the ruins

Even the adults joined in the games.

Cooking lunch

Heating the tortillas

Yummy lunch

A time to talk with friends.

The ever-present soccer game

Jump rope anyone???

It was a long day. I think they're tired.

The ride back home in the backs of three trucks

Sunday, July 13, 2008 Post #1

2008-07-13T16:34:00.017-05:00

Happy birthday to Keith S, Brock H. and Ron K. today, and of course, Daddy, your birthday is tomorrow. Happy 83rd!

Our church in the capital is emphasizing discipleship this year. Today was really exciting. Besides having the sermon on Jesus' example of discipling, we had 2 baby dedications, and 6 baptisms!!!

I also thought I would show you some of my flowers that have been blooming this spring and summer. They're beautiful.

I'll show my orchids soon!

July 7, 2008 HUGE Firecrackers

2008-07-07T17:14:00.005-05:00

I hope all of you in the good ol' U.S.A. had a great time celebrating Independence Day this past weekend. Here in Guatemala of course, July 4th is just another day. Guatemalans LOVE to set off firecracker any day of the year - for birthdays, anniversaries, etc. -- or just because. (In years past, there were no pretty ones, but now especially on Christmas Eve and New Year's Eve, we can see a lot of pretty ones light up the sky.) Today Ken, Jayme and I were in Patzún. Ken and Jayme entertained the four interns and the church people by setting off two BIG 'bombas' (LARGE firecracker 'bombs' that each had a pound of gun powder in them.) They are the biggest ones we've seen. Anyway, they made a BIG boom and a BIG mess, but everyone enjoyed them. I think the interns won't forget today's excitement. If the pictures came out nicely, I'll post one. (Ken is still in Patzún, and he has the camera.)

June 21, 2008 Long time, no write!

2008-06-21T10:47:00.007-05:00

Sorry that I haven't written in a while.

The last weekend in May, we went to beautiful Panajachel for a joint retreat with our two strategic teams - youth and AMDET (Auxiliary Ministries Development Team). We had a great time meeting and fellowshipping with fellow CAM missionaries here in Guatemala. I was put in charge of assigning different people to prepare the meals. Thanks to everyone, we had some good eating.

A few of the missionaries at the retreat

Tuesday, June 3, Ken and I went to our field council meeting. Then early on Wed., I flew to Baton Rouge, to help my sister Becky with preparations for her daughter's wedding. We had a busy two weeks, but it was great fun being with family and helping. My niece Lauren married Tyler Downing. She was a beautiful bride and they, a cute couple. I helped with the making of the cakes along with a lot of other things.

Here are the Johnson women who were able to attend the wedding (taken at the rehearsal dinner).

As you can see, Jayme was able to be there too. Drew and Rachel drove her to Birmingham so that she could ride to Baton Rouge with my sister Susie. This past Wednesday, she flew to Guatemala with me. She will be here until she goes to Ireland the end of August to study there for a semester. We are excited to have her here.

During the time I was in Baton Rouge, Ken kept the home fires burning. We have more interns this summer. Two girls stayed for a week and one for two weeks in Patzún. They installed the remaining windows in the newest classrooms at Alfa & Omega.

We have two more interns here for the rest of the summer.

June 12, Ken flew to the Pittsburgh area to attend a mission conference in Erin and Scott's church. The conference was great and he enjoyed it. He flew home last night (20th).

This past weekend - May 9-11

2008-05-12T18:17:00.002-05:00

Friday I spent a lot of time in the kitchen. I made brownies and my mother's cabbage roll recipe. (My little kitchen gets HOT!) In the late afternoon we drove to Patzún to attend the Friday night service at Alfa & Omega. They had a special service for Mother's Day - one day ahead. (Mother's Day is always on May 10th here, no matter what day of the week it is.) We drove back home after the celebration was over, because we needed to be home for Saturday's events.

Saturday morning: began with fellow missionary Dave Ekstrom arriving a few minutes after 7:00 a.m. We had a meeting of the youth team here at our house from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. I served various refreshments.

Lunch: We had invited Paul and Ruth Philippi to eat with us. It was fun having them here. (I served the cabbage rolls along with other things.) Dave joined us.

Saturday afternoon: We had another meeting! This time with the AMDET team (Auxiliary Ministries Development Team). We met (here in our home) from 2:00 to 5:00. I served refreshments again.

Dave E. and Mike Stephenson ate a late supper with us (left-overs). Dave spent the night with us then Ken took him to the bus station on Sunday morning at 6:15.

Sunday morning: Church - another Mother's Day service. Mike S. ate lunch with us. Ken and I were both able to call our mothers! (We can't always get through, especially on special days.) Two of our kids were able to call me.

Sunday evening: We went to a small birthday celebration for Mike S. at the Steve Sywulka home and had a good time visiting with fellow missionaries.

We had a busy week-end, but enjoyed it!

Quest

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Here is a picture of the CAMers who attended "Quest", April 20-25. (I mentioned it in my last blog.) Ken and I are on the back row, close to the middle, and Larry and Jayme (my sister and her husband) are in the front row, fifth and sixth from the left. We had a great time with friends (and family) made several new friends, and learned a lot.

April 2-29, 2008 - Busy Trip to the States

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We left Guatemala on April 2, to travel to the States. My parents (Cindy) needed help with the flooring in their den. Jayme and her friend, James, came from Berea, Kentucky, during her Spring break to help. My parents are really happy with their new floor.

While in Tulsa, we visited with several people who are thinking about coming down on a work/evangelism team in Patzún this summer.

We were also able to visit Ken's parents in Tahlequah, and his brother Karl and wife Judy, who were visiting from Pennsylvania.the Spaugh & the Johnsons

For many years, we have had things stored in Dallas at Ken's parent's house. When they moved to Oklahoma, the things were moved to Ken's cousin's house. Then when he moved his family, the things were moved to CAM's facility. We needed to take them to our kids, so we borrowed Ken's parent's van and drove down to Dallas to pick the things up. We loaded them in the van, and left for Huntsville, Al, to take some of the things to Drew. We were able to stay with Drew, Rachel and Evan one day, then headed up to the Pittsburgh area to take things to Erin. One the way, we spent two hours (only two hours) :( with Jayme. We stayed one day with Erin, Scott and Isaiah, then headed back to Tulsa, by way of St. Louis, to see Ken's brother Keith and wife Janet. The whole trip was around 3000 miles, which we traveled in 6 days! It was quick and tiring, but we were glad that we were able to see 3 of our 4 kids, and had at least 24 hours with our two grandsons. (Minus naps and sleeping at night, of course.) We did miss getting to see Kyle, but California is a LONG way away and we just didn't have the time to go there. So sorry, Kyle.

Ken & Evan; Cindy & Isaiah

April 19, we went back to Texas to attend some meetings (called 'Quest') with other CAMers in Big Sandy. (April 20-25). We really enjoyed the interaction with other missionaries from different fields. It was a joy to have my sister Jayme and her husband Larry there too. We don't get to see each other very often, so we were glad to be together.

We were able to attend Lake Ridge Bible Church both April 20, and 27. I was also able to go to a ladies' brunch at Redeemer Bible Church yesterday morning (April 29) with my best friend, Charlane. John and Charlane were our gracious hosts the last four nights of our trip. We flew back to Guatemala last night.

March 14 - 20, 2008 - Raymer Visit

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Lake Ridge Bible Church pastor Roger Raymer, and his wife Judy came down to visit us during part of Semana Santa (Holy Week). We took them to see different ministries and sites here in Guatemala City (Seteca {Seminary} Radio TGN, the Relief Map, the National Cemetery and the National Palace. (We didn't go inside the palace.) On Sunday we took them to Patzún so they could attend church there. Monday morning, Alfa Y Omega school had an Easter party for the
elementary kids. Roger and Judy passed out some candy to the children.Monday afternoon we drove on to San Marcos, spending the night there, before going on to Tuililen to visit Urbano's widow, Catalina, and one of his daughters, Susena. It was really nice to be able to visit with them. Ken encouraged Catalina to get involved with mentoring younger women. Some other stops on our way were Comitancillo, and the Mam Center near there. The care-taker's family at the center was very excited to have us visit.

We made one stop along the highway for Ken to take pictures of some interesting rock formations.

Intermissions Conference - Feb. 29 - March 2, 2008

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The Weekend of Feb. 29 - March 2 we attended the annual Intermissions Conference in Antigua. The speaker this year was Dr. Steve Strauss, director of SIM; USA. He brought messages on the book of Ruth - about how God reigns and is sovereign in every situation - even when it doesn't seem that He knows or cares. Cindy helped with registration and designed, printed, laminated and tied string on over 500 names tags for everyone attending. Ken ran the sound system during the conference, and was a general 'go-for.' We had a great time.

Tuesday, March 4, 2008

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We've had a very busy schedule since Feb. 14. A work group of 11 from Burlington, Onatario, Canada, came to work with us in Patzún. The leaders arrived Feb. 14, and the rest of the group arrived Feb. 16. While here, they worked on the prekinder/kinder room (which is almost finished) made tables for this class of 19 students, painted, and made bookshelves for several rooms.

When we had the 'dedication' of the prekinder/kinder room, the children, teacher and director were really pleased. The members of the group who were in attendance had fun too!

Here are close-ups of some of the prekinder/kinder children (The two girls are cousins.):

The group also put up sheet-rock above the block walls on the kinder room and the new 4th grade room. (The 4th grade room was originally going to be a computer room, but the 4th graders need a better room - so they get first choice.)

Something that I was excited about was that a false ceiling was put up in the kitchen. The building we are in has a metal roof. There is an open space between the roof and the walls. Consequently, a lot of the dust and dirt of Patzún comes in through the open space. Now, at least, the kitchen will be a little cleaner.

Several of the ladies in the group taught some ESL. Everyone wants to learn English, so the children enjoyed this labor of love by the ladies. I even got to take off a few minutes from cooking the meals one day and teach the youngest class!

Friday, Febrary 8, 2008

2008-02-08T22:27:00.000-06:00

Wow, it's been three weeks since I posted anything. We've been busy. As 'big brothers' to new missionaries, the Conners, we have been helping them get settled. They started language school on Monday and have survived the week!

Ken went out to Tajamulco (toward the Mexican border) because he was asked to speak at a church anniversary, but when he got there, they had another speaker! So... he just enjoyed being there, instead of having to speak.

We are getting ready for a work group to come down from Canada Feb. 17 - 29. I have been figuring out the menus, and then the grocery list. It takes time to figure out how much chicken, mayonnaise, tomatoes, onions, etc. etc. that you will need to feed 13-15 people for that long. Ken has been doing the planning for the group - what they will do, plans for the construction, prices of materials, buying doors for two classrooms and two bathrooms, etc. We are looking forward to seeing our friends from Canada!

The Intermission Conference here in Guatemala will be held Feb. 29-March 2. Ken and I are both on the 'finishing committee' for the conference. This year's speaker will be Dr. Steve Strauss, director of SIM (Serving In Missions). We've heard him at three other mission conferences in the States (at supporting churches of ours) and are really looking forward to the conference here. We have also been working hard on designing, printing, laminating, and cutting over 500 name tags for the conference. Nylon thread needed to be burned (instead of cutting it) and threaded through two holes cut in each tag. The thread was then tied so that the tag can hang around each person's neck. None of this was hard, just time consuming.

Tomorrow Ken is going with me to a birthday lunch for one of the ladies in my craft group. We are going to her week-end home an hour and a half away. The husbands of the group don't get together often, so this will be fun.

My friend, Ginita, who was hospitalized last month, is doing fine. We praise the Lord for her health.

Our daughter Jayme took a course last month (in Kentucky) where she made her own personal kayak. She wasn't able to finish it completely, but hopefully she'll have some extra time this semester to do it. Being a perfectionist, she added some extra beauty features to her kayak. When we have a finished picture, we'll let you see it. She started her spring semester classes on Wednesday and is again a TA in the wood's lab.

January 18, 2008, Praise the Lord!

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This past week has been full. Ken has made three trips to Patzún. On Saturday I went with him, along with the Foote family. With some national brothers, they started working on the floors in the new classroom and the open, central area. The floors were finished on Wednesday. Praise the Lord!

Danny and the boys preparing the ground before pouring cement

Isaac helping Ken fix a wobbly table

The Coy family was gracious to provide lunch for all of us in their home. Praise the Lord for this family!

The Coys

Ministerios Alfa y Omega ended last year in the black! Praise the Lord!

Colegio Alfa y Omega started its new school year on Tues. There are 69-70 total students this year. That is quite an increase from last year's 35 students! Praise the Lord!

On Monday, my good friend from the craft group, Ginita, was hospitalized. She was confused. She didn't know where she was, that her daughter had moved to El Salvador (back in Feb.) nor who the president was. After several extensive tests, the doctors have determined that she probably had what we would call a "TIA" - a little mini stroke. I went Wed. night along with some of the other ladies from the craft group to visit her. She looked great and was talking and laughing with us. She was to come home from the hospital yesterday. Praise the Lord!

Zach was an intern in Patzún for 10 days. (He returned to the U.S. yesterday.) Ken brought him in from Patzún and I fed them lunch, before Zach left. He really enjoyed everyone and told Ken that his time in Patzún couldn't have been better! Praise the Lord!

Zach

Ken made another trip to Patzún today, but, Lord willing, will be back home in time for guests to come for supper. The Lord has kept him safe during all his trips out of the capital. Praise the Lord!

January 8, 2008

2008-01-08T13:01:00.000-06:00

We are greatly saddened today because a very dear friend of ours was killed in an accident yesterday. We have worked with Pastor Urbano Lorenzo from Tajamulco, Guatemala, for over 10 years. He called Ken a couple of weeks ago and personally invited us to their church's anniversary at the end of this month. He has been at the same church for 20 years. That is VERY unusual for Guatemala. He also traveled a lot being a pastor for quite a few other congregations. He was truly a servant. Would you please pray for Urbano's family? I know they must be really hurting right now. He left a wife and at least 5 children.

Ken took a new intern to Patzún yesterday afternoon and after he left, I got the call telling us about Urbano's home-going. Ken had to return home last night instead of going on to Tajamulco today from Patzun, because the car he was driving would not make it there on the harsh roads. He left this morning from home, driving the Trooper. He wants to be there for the funeral, and here in Guatemala, burials are within 24 hours. Please pray for safety for Ken.

January 1, 2008

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Happy New Year - 2008!

We are starting another year in which to do our best to serve our Lord. Perhaps He will return for His own this year! Wouldn't that be WONDERFUL?

Jayme left this morning to go back to school. Her winter, short-term class begins on Thurs., Jan. 3. She will be taking a class where she will be making her own 16 ft. kayak! How's that for fun? She had thought about staying home this January, but when she found out that the kayak class was going to be taught this year, she decided (along our encouragement) to go back for it. We are, of course, missing her today very much. Does it ever get any easier to have your kids leave?

We 'brought in the new year' last night (early this morning??) with some great Guatemalan friends, the Montes. (We went to their home on Christmas Eve too.) At midnight on Christmas Eve and again at midnight on New Year's Eve thousands of firecrackers and pretty fireworks are displayed throughout Guatemala. If you didn't know it, you would think you were in a war zone. The pretty fireworks have only been around for three or four years here. They are a welcomed sight. (Guatemalans light LARGE strings of firecrackers at once, making a long and loud set of bangs!)

Tomorrow is going to be an exciting day. A new CAM missionary family - the Conners - are arriving! They are from my home town of Tulsa, Oklahoma. In fact, Dr. John Conner has been the pastor of Memorial Bible Church (where my parent's attend) for the last 25 years. We are elated that they are going to be serving the Lord here in Guatemala.

December, 24, 2007

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MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!

May the love of Christ be proclaimed this holiday season.
Because He came to earth, we can have eternal life!

Ken and Jayme returned safely from their Pacaya climb. They were really excited to have been able to see lava close-up. (In one spot, it was about 5-6 ft. away!) It was incredibly hot in the area. Here are some great pictures. They roasted marshmallows over a hot spot (without the molten lava).

Here is another one - the real thing! We saw this lava river from our house the other night - glowing bright red.

And to prove that Ken was there...

These aren't your normal Christmas pictures, are they??? Oh well, that's life in Guatemala!

Thursday, December 20, 2007

2007-12-21T00:12:00.000-06:00

Jayme arrived home safely on Dec. 14, for the Christmas holidays!! We're having fun making Christmas cookies. So far we've made our traditional lebkuchen, date cookies, springerle and honey cookies. We hope to make mint fudge too.

Ken went to Patzún this afternoon for the Alfa & Omega board meeting, and Jayme went to a Christmas party given by some of her friends from our church here in the capital. I stayed home and finished baking the honey cookies along with doing other 'odds and ends.' At about 10:30 p.m. both got home and announced that Pacaya (the volcano south of Guatemala City) was acting up. We climbed our water tower in our backyard and saw the sight. (Quite a feat for me who doesn't like heights!) Here's a picture. If you look closely, you can see the main flow of lava is coming out of the side - not the top of the volcano. (There is a little red glow at the top.) Interesting. Jayme and Ken have plans to climb Pacaya this coming Saturday. At the moment, I don't know if this will change their plans or not. (No one has been able to climb to the top for a few years now, because of all the activity. ) Jayme was told this afternoon that people roast hot-dogs and marshmallows over the lava. Sounds scary to me!

I've also been making a few more Temari balls. (See Sept. 11's post) Here's one that is made with a different technique than most of the others I've made. The threads are wrapped instead of stitched. It was a little confusing at first, but once I got the pattern established, it wasn't too bad.

Tuesday, December 4, 2007

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Appreciation Lunch

Serving French fries

On Sunday (Dec. 2) Ken and I hosted an appreciation lunch for the Alfa & Omega board members and their families - in Patzún. 25 people attended. (One family wasn't able to come.) We served Pollo Campero (the Guatemalan answer to Kentucky Fried Chicken), the ever present tortillas, drinks and cakes that I had made. We had a great time with everyone. They are a great bunch of people.

Tuesday, November 27, 2007

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Please pray for Ministerios Alfa y Omega. They are in the process of buying the 3 acre property in Patzún. A down-payment of $67,000 (dollars) has been paid (including $17,500 for the sales tax). $100,000 is still needed. (Land in Guatemala is not cheap.)

God is faithful!

The second year of the school ('colegio') ended in October. (The school year here in Guatemala is from January to October.) They had 36 students this year, and already have 50 students enrolled for this coming January.

Sunday, November 24, 2007

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We hope you all had a wonderfully, THANKFUL Thanksgiving. We are so thankful for all God has done for us, especially the salvation He provides through His Son, Jesus Christ.

Yesterday, we made a trip to Patzún (also Iximche and Panajachel) taking four men from a Christian school in South Carolina to see Ministerios Alfa & Omega.

They are interested in partnering with the school, and were impressed with it. Two of the Alfa & Omega board members were there to present the work. They reported that, so far, there are 50 students enrolled to start in January! Thank you, Lord. (The first year they had 25 students, this year - 36.) That is very encouraging. However, they also reported that they need 90 students to cover the costs of paying the teachers. Please pray for God's will to be done. At the moment, we don't know where we would put 90 students!

On a family note: Jayme was able to spend her Thanksgiving holiday with Erin, Scott and Isaiah in PA. She really enjoyed her time there. (She had only seen Isaiah for one hour {in Sept.} before now.) Drew, Rachel and Evan went to Rachel's parent's home nearby, and Kyle spent the day with Ashleigh's family in California. We spent the day with fellow missionaries in Antigua.

Wednesday, November 21, 2007

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Yesterday Ken took me to my Intermissions committee meeting in Antigua. He decided to sit in on the meeting, and was drafted into service! He will help with the facilities part of the conference as much as he can. Our Canadian work team comes the two weeks before the conference, (This coming March, they leave on the day the conference starts.) so that makes for busy times right before the conference. I will again make the name-tags for everyone who attends (around 600 people).

Today I baked a turkey to take to the CAM Guatemala Thanksgiving Dinner tomorrow in Antigua. Tomorrow morning, I'll make gravy and dressing. It's always fun to get together with the other CAM missionaries on Thanksgiving.

Jayme is in Pennsylvania this weekend with Scott, Erin and Isaiah! A fellow student took her to within 3 hours of where Scott and Erin live. She is so excited to be able to spend the time with them. She had only seen Isaiah for one hour - in September - before this week-end!

Have a HAPPY THANKSGIVING tomorrow!

November 16, 2007

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So sorry for not posting in such a long time. Oct. 19-29 we attended the mission conference at LakeRidge in Dallas. We had fun seeing friends and meeting new people.

One day we were able to go to Fort Worth and visit with Cindy's cousin and 92 year old aunt (who still lives alone.) She is an amazing lady. You'd never know by looking at her or talking with her that she is 92. What a great time. Another day we went to Dallas Baptist University to see Josh, one of our last summer's interns.

After the mission conference, we went up to Tulsa and Tahlequah to visit our parents. Both sets of parents seem to be doing relatively well. Drew, Rachel and Evan visited us one week-end. It's always great fun being with family!!! Wish we could see everyone. (Cindy's mother counted all the people in their family. By next June, the V. Johnson clan will number 60!)

Ken returned to Guate. on Tuesday, Nov. 13. Lord willing, Cindy will return on Monday, Nov. 19.

September 24, 2007

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No, we're not expecting a baby! I've been crocheting baby bonnets and bibs to sell -- to earn money for Ministerios Alfa y Omega in Patzún. So far, I've sold two sets.

September 19, 2007

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Today I spent from 8:40 a.m. until 4:20 p.m. making French knots (embroidery stitch). Every year, CAM missionary Wray Ward, one of the professors at Seteca (seminary) makes little gifts for each graduate. This year's gift is a cross-stitched bookmark. She called me last week and said she was desperate for help with making the French knots on each bookmark. So today I made at least 370 French knots! We were able to finish the stitching part of the bookmarks. She still has more to do to finish them completely, but she was thankful for the help. It was fun helping.

Ken spent the day giving orientation to new missionaries - Danny & Daphne Foote - who arrived on Sunday. Welcome to Guatemala! We're so glad to have them here.

September 11, 2007

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To catch you up a little with what's been going on:

Last week I (Cindy) finished transcribing Dr. Jobe Martin's, Incredible Creatures I, DVD so that it can be translated into Spanish. Fellow CAMer, Paul Philippi, has agreed to translate it.

In the last couple of weeks, two young people we know have been badly hurt in different automobile accidents. Please pray for our safety on the roads.

Sunday was the presidential election here in Guatemala. Two men will have a run-off next month. Please pray for Guatemala.

We are thankful that Hurricane Felix fizzled when it hit Guatemala. Since we had had a LOT of rain prior to its arrival, and the ground was already soaked, (actually squishy) we were expecting a lot of mud slides and other damage. Praise the Lord, there was little problem.

Yesterday Ken and I spent most of the day (9:00 a.m. - 4:15 p.m.) in a Field Council meeting. We got a lot accomplished in those hours.

Today Ken had planned on going with men from Alfa & Omega to the lawyer's office to finalize the new board, etc. However, they were lacking some paper work due to a holiday relating to the election.

Early tomorrow morning my craft group is going two hours away to see the new week-end home of one of the ladies. We are taking a meal with us which we will eat there before coming back home. Then on Thursday (our usual day for getting together) the ladies will come to my house. (We take turns going to each other's homes.) I will start teaching them how to make Temari balls. (Japanese thread balls. Styrofoam balls wrapped with thread, then decorated with other thread.) Here's one that I made. Click on it to see if up close.

August 28, 2007

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Jayme left this afternoon to go back to school. She was asked by the airline if she would be willing to take a flight tomorrow and receive a free round trip ticket to use later. She was willing, but they found they didn't need anyone to give up their seat. No extra day with her, and no free ticket. :( We miss her already. I wish it got easier to see your kids leave. We were blessed to have all of them visit us this summer.
Here's a cute picture of Jayme and her daddy.

August 18, 2007

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Evan
Alabama Cowboy

I have several things to write about today. First of all, our grandson, Evan, celebrated his first birthday on July 24! He is learning to walk and is doing really well.

That same day, Jayme flew down to visit us! (She finished her summer internship the day before.) She and three other students made guitars and tested the sound quality of the wood. They still lack putting the finish on their guitars. She will be returning to school for her junior year on August 28. :( We will certainly miss her. She and I have been able to make a few needed clothes for her to take back to school.

Jayme

Iximche, Guatemala

Drew, Rachel and Evan arrived on August 9 for a two week visit. We have had great fun with them. Today Drew had his wisdom teeth out. We have a good oral surgeon who has now extracted Jayme's, Erin's and Drew's wisdom teeth. Anyone else need theirs done??? Drew and family leave August 23 :( - Rachel's birthday. (Also my brother, Kris', birthday.)

Drew, Rachel & Evan

Yesterday, August 17, was Isaiah's first birthday. Our two grandson's are no longer little babies! I envy grandmothers who live close to their grandchildren.

Isaiah
"See this cool rock I found?"

Ken has made several trips to Patzún this past week, working on administrative things for Ministerios Alfa y Omega. Please pray for him that he will make wise decisions.

July 16, 2007 - Our Three Interns

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Our summer interns are doing a GREAT job in Patzún. They are living with local families from the church, teaching English in the Ministerios Alfa y Omega school, working with the youth in the church, getting a lot of experience in mixing cement by hand, and building with cinder block. Thanks for all your hard work, Daniel, Sarah and Josh!!! (The above picture was taken at the Mayan ruins, Iximche - the ancient Kakchiquel capital near Tecpán.)

July 14, 2007 - Bible Dedication

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Ken arrived back home last night from being away 4 days. Tuesday he picked up the three interns in Patzun. On Wed. he drove to Huehuetenango - then La Democracia, not far from the Mexican border. Early Thurs. morning (3:00 a.m.!) they started driving to San Mateo Ixtatán, for the Bible dedication in the San Mateo Chuj language. The San Mateo Chuj people now have the whole Bible in the language they understand! Over 3,000 Bibles were sold that day. Other dedications in other towns were planned for Friday and Saturday.

Fellow CAMer's David and Helen Ekstrom added this translation to their work of love.

It had rained heavily beforehand and at one point in the road the caravan of 59 cars and trucks going to the dedication came to a very steep switch-back, which caused problems for some of the heavier vehicles. Someone finally called for a grader to clean the mud away. Because of all the muddy roads, the caravan didn't arrive at the site of the dedication at 9:00 a.m. as planned, but three hours later. (They were going to be fed breakfast at 9:00, but that was canceled for obvious reasons. The dedication started at 12:25 p.m. - They still hadn't eaten anything. Ken and the interns finally each got to eat a hot dog around 4:00 p.m. which held them over until they had a real meal at supper time back in Huehuetenango! That made for some hungry people!) One of the interns said that one thing they have learned while being here is that you cannot always make set plans!
By the way, today is my beloved father's 82nd birthday. Happy Birthday, Daddy!!!

July 7, 2007 - Lake St. Louis Group

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The group from Lake St. Louis was here from June 19-July 3. They accomplished several things in Patzún. The young people, along with their adult leaders poured a lot of concrete. Mixing the concrete by hand and transporting it in wheel barrows is quite different than calling up the cement company and having them send out a cement truck! They also built several walls (for rooms) with cinder blocks.
Several times they were able to perform a mime they had prepared. They performed it for the church, a national school, and near the market place.
However, not all was hard work and ministry. They were able to go to Iximche, the ancient Kakchiquel capital. The ruins are fun to climb. Behind the ruins, Mayan rituals can be seen. It's sad to see people looking for spiritual help in the wrong place. The group also went to Panajachel and Santiago on beautiful Lake Atitlán.

June 8 2007

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The evening of June 6, Erin, Scott and Isaiah left to go back home. We miss them. It's hard not having family close by. However, it was GREAT having them here for three weeks. (Erin even had her wisdom teeth out while she was here!)

The same day, we picked up two summer interns at the airport. Josh and Daniel will be working in Patzun through July. Another intern, Sarah, will be coming on June 18 to also work in Patzun. We are again in Panajachel for Josh and Daniel's orientation , but Ken will be taking them to Patzun today. Ken will go on to the capital on Sunday afternoon. I will stay in Pana. this time. Lord willing Ken will return sometime next week.

A work group of 21 people from Chapel of the Lake is coming June 19-July 3, to work in Patzun.

We'll be busy, but will try to keep you posted on what's going on.

Kids Visit

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May 16th was a happy day for us. Daughter, Erin, and family (husband, Scott, and son, Isaiah) and son, Kyle, and his girlfriend, Ashleigh, came down to visit us. We went to places of interest here in the capital, then went to Antigua, Patzún and Panajachel. While in Pana. we went across Lake Atitlán to visit the town of Santiago. Kyle and Ashleigh had to leave to go back to the States on Saturday, May 26. Erin and family are here until June 6. We sure have enjoyed having them all here.

(Son, Drew, and family and daughter, Jayme, will come in August!)

Erin, Scott and Isaiah

Kyle and Ashleigh

LBN Water System

2007-05-15T07:54:00.000-05:00

Through June, Ken and I are acting as host and hostess at Las Buenas Nuevas, CAM's rest and retreat center in Panajachel - Lake Atitlan. It is beautiful here. Our 'job' is to help guests (fellow missionaries, Guatemalan pastors, church workers, work teams, etc.) and also make sure things are running smoothly. Also, Ken is working on the water system here. He has spent a lot of time trying to get the water from the well clear and clean. A new water filtration system was installed last year, but recently it hasn't been working quite right. Ken is trying to figure out what needs to be done to rectify the situation.
We are still doing our regular ministry things, so we drive back and forth to the capital 2 1/2 hours away - through Patzun - every few days. It makes for a busy schedule to say the least. We appreciate your prayers!

May 30, 2007 - My First Blog

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Here I am posting my very first blog. I'm not sure how or what to do, but here goes:

Alfa & Omega in Patzún is hanging in there. They have met with the bank and have until the middle of July to pay the taxes for the property; and for the papers to be finalized. We are trusting the Lord to supply the monies needed. The monthly payments will be almost impossible for the Patzuneros, but the Lord is faithful.

While work teams are here, I (Cindy) ask some of the Patzún ladies in the church to dress the North American women in the native Patzún 'dress' which is made up of a quipil (blouse - pronounced 'we-peel') and corte (skirt - which has 6-7 yds. of fabric; pronounced 'core-tay'). While the Canadian group was here, the women dressed me -- and then I went to market with them dressed like a Patzunera (except for my tennis shoes, which by the way, did NOT go with the outfit!) I was the talk of the town for weeks, I'm sure. Everyone smiled and pointed at me. I just smiled back, waved and bought my fruits and vegetables!

I'm the tall one!