This morning I went to Tim Horton's like I do on many mornings to read the paper. As I walked in I spoke to another regular that I sometimes chat with. We sat close to one another enjoying our beverage as we struck up a conversation. I brought up the fact that I was travelling to Guatemala this spring for a Mission trip. He had done mission trips in the past and was very interested in what our plans were. I told him our goals and of our plan to develop a long term relationship with Villa Hortencia II and he was engrossed in what I was saying. As the conversation died he reached into his pocket and pulled out some money and simply said "Here, put this toward your trip." As I struggle with writing letters to friends and family asking for support, God sent me this message to say "See its easy, even a casual acquaintance will give in the name of the Lord."
Last night I was worried about my letters but tonight, I feel more determined than ever to lift my voice and do what is needed to help others. I want to thank the great guy who provided me with this little nudge, and at some point I will but here is not the right place.
Monday, February 22, 2010
21/02/10
We had a team meeting tonight at the church. It wasn't well attended but there is a lot going on in the local community right now. From the meeting I realize I still have a lot to do. One of the most important things I have to accomplish is getting my vaccinations. I hope that it isn't to late for some of them. I did some quick research and I just hope I can get them done soon. Maybe I'll have to talk to the doc on the team and have him discuss it with me.
On another note, if anyone out there likes salmon, any of the team members have a good deal for you. We have 5lbs of bagged portions selling for $37 and that is a good deal. Coming up in April we will also host a salmon dinner but stay tuned for details on that.
One of the harder things so far has been the need to write letters requesting prayer and support for the trip. I struggle with this task even still, but I will focus and make a good effort to get out there and deliver more of these letters.
On another note, if anyone out there likes salmon, any of the team members have a good deal for you. We have 5lbs of bagged portions selling for $37 and that is a good deal. Coming up in April we will also host a salmon dinner but stay tuned for details on that.
One of the harder things so far has been the need to write letters requesting prayer and support for the trip. I struggle with this task even still, but I will focus and make a good effort to get out there and deliver more of these letters.
Monday, February 15, 2010
14/02/10
I was in Saint John this evening while the Mission Team hosted it's second fund raising event of the weekend. At the Church the Team hosted a Valentine's Date night where couples could come and enjoy a fun filled night, and eat some cheesecake and throw some pies :)
Three generous volunteers put their face up for auction you might say. They were willing to take a pie in the face for a good cause. Bill Arsenault, Andrew Glidden, and MLA Bruce Northrup, helped the team raise funds for our trip. I had emailed the Kings East MLA just the other day and even with short notice he was still a great sport and took the prize for the highest selling pie. Thanks a bunch Bruce. The team will be sure to put your effort to great use.
I feel a bit guilty not being there, but I had a previous family commitment and since they will be making a huge sacrifice in May, I want to be sure to spend time with them now. From those I spoke with though the night was entertaining and fun. Our next event will be another souper luncheon the last Sunday of February.
Three generous volunteers put their face up for auction you might say. They were willing to take a pie in the face for a good cause. Bill Arsenault, Andrew Glidden, and MLA Bruce Northrup, helped the team raise funds for our trip. I had emailed the Kings East MLA just the other day and even with short notice he was still a great sport and took the prize for the highest selling pie. Thanks a bunch Bruce. The team will be sure to put your effort to great use.
I feel a bit guilty not being there, but I had a previous family commitment and since they will be making a huge sacrifice in May, I want to be sure to spend time with them now. From those I spoke with though the night was entertaining and fun. Our next event will be another souper luncheon the last Sunday of February.
13/02/10
Well today was the Sussex Corner Winter Carnival and members from the Mission Team were helping out the organizers of this family event. It was an incredible day, with great weather and lots of smling faces. As an organizer of the event I couldn't have asked for a better day. Families all got together and had fun playing in the snow, skating, and eating by the fireside. The Mission Team posted donation jars around the event and when ever possible talked to people about our goals and ambitions of our Mission to Guatemala. While financially we didn't rake in significant funds, the discussions we generated and the enjoyment we had while there will definitely add to the whole experience for me.
Thursday, February 11, 2010
11/02/10
The emails are flying fast as we are trying to organize two events this weekend. I hope we haven't bitten off more than we can chew. It is exciting to have my life filled with so much. I am truly living life to the fullest right now and it hasn't been an easy week. My kids are both suffering from a cold and my 6month old daughter has not been sleeping hardly at all. To top it off my wife was in a car accident and the fate of our car is currently up in the air. Despite this I am still smiling and loving life. When I was younger I used to tell people I was going crazy when I felt like this and really I think insanity might be fun. Now that I am older I realize this is just the way "normal" is for me.
I was wondering what normal would be in Guatemala. It covers 110,000km2 and has a population of 13,276,500+ people, compared to Canada which is 9,984,670km2 with a population of 31,241,030. You do the math for population density and it isn't even close, Guatemala will seem very crowded to this Canadian boy....or will it? About 2.5million people live in Guatemala City, that leaves only 11million for the rest of the country or about one hundred people per square kilometer. Canada on the other hand has a density of 3.12 people/km2. We are heading to a rural mountain community however that is very much isolated and I am curious to see the different standards of life in this small country.
To read most websites on Guatemala it appears to be thriving and diverse. I have a sense though that this is limited to certain areas in this country and many challenges exist to create an equality. I will continue to explore and learn about the people I hope to be friends with and as I do I am sure I will grow to appreciate them, and I hope that they can do the same with me. Maybe I will learn what "normal" is to them and maybe my damaged car won't seem so bad.
I was wondering what normal would be in Guatemala. It covers 110,000km2 and has a population of 13,276,500+ people, compared to Canada which is 9,984,670km2 with a population of 31,241,030. You do the math for population density and it isn't even close, Guatemala will seem very crowded to this Canadian boy....or will it? About 2.5million people live in Guatemala City, that leaves only 11million for the rest of the country or about one hundred people per square kilometer. Canada on the other hand has a density of 3.12 people/km2. We are heading to a rural mountain community however that is very much isolated and I am curious to see the different standards of life in this small country.
To read most websites on Guatemala it appears to be thriving and diverse. I have a sense though that this is limited to certain areas in this country and many challenges exist to create an equality. I will continue to explore and learn about the people I hope to be friends with and as I do I am sure I will grow to appreciate them, and I hope that they can do the same with me. Maybe I will learn what "normal" is to them and maybe my damaged car won't seem so bad.
Monday, February 8, 2010
08/02/10
Well its here. I actually have a passport. Funny that such a small thing can make me so excited. Hopefully I will be given many opportunities to use it. I was also informed that today in Guatemala the temperature was 15C. That sure makes our -8C seem a mite colder. Not that I don't love our four seasons.
We are currently planning two fund raisers. The first will be to volunteer some time at the Sussex Corner winter carnival in exchange for having a donation can there. That will take place Febraury 13th at Sullivan Park, on the Post Road in Sussex Corner, NB. I will be busy there all day as I am also a Carnival organizer and I promise if you come down you will have a good time.
The next day is Valentine's day and some of the Mission Team is organizing a date night at the church. There will be a Pie auction, a dating game, cheesecake, and lots of fun. I won't be able to make that event unfortunately, but I am told there will be lots of pie floating around so keep your head up if you go :)
We are currently planning two fund raisers. The first will be to volunteer some time at the Sussex Corner winter carnival in exchange for having a donation can there. That will take place Febraury 13th at Sullivan Park, on the Post Road in Sussex Corner, NB. I will be busy there all day as I am also a Carnival organizer and I promise if you come down you will have a good time.
The next day is Valentine's day and some of the Mission Team is organizing a date night at the church. There will be a Pie auction, a dating game, cheesecake, and lots of fun. I won't be able to make that event unfortunately, but I am told there will be lots of pie floating around so keep your head up if you go :)
Thursday, February 4, 2010
31/01/10
Another Sunday has come and is pretty much over now. I recieved a Bible at this mornings church service as a commemoration of my baptism last summer. It was a great feeling for me to stand at the front of the church again and reaffirm my beliefs. Unfortunately I learned yesterday that Rob McDonald will no longer be making the trip to Guatemala with us. He stated that it just was not right for him at this time. Although I didn't know him well, I had bonded with him during the first souper luncheon and was looking forward to getting to know him and his family more as we prepared to go.
At our meeting this evening we again discussed fund raisers, passports, bartering, and medical concerns. I have prepped my letter for funding support and I hope to start getting those out this week. It was a tough letter to write, especially given the harsh economic times and the fact that many people will be giving to Haiti. If God truly wants us in Villa Hortencia though he will make it happen.
At our meeting this evening we again discussed fund raisers, passports, bartering, and medical concerns. I have prepped my letter for funding support and I hope to start getting those out this week. It was a tough letter to write, especially given the harsh economic times and the fact that many people will be giving to Haiti. If God truly wants us in Villa Hortencia though he will make it happen.
24/01/10
Today was the Souper Luncheon and it went off really well. It was good to serve people that way and have them appreciate our efforts. We managed to generate $537.67 in donations for providing people with the choice of a variety of soups for lunch. Serving in that way will hopefully provide me and the rest of the team with a small look into how we can serve Villa Hortencia II in May.
After the luncheon we all met earlier this evening to discuss a few of the details on future fundraisers. There was also some discussion on the dates in which we are hoping to depart and then return home from the trip. It has been mentioned that the trip maybe three days longer than originally planned for as a good seat sale became available. While this means missing more time from work for me, in the whole scheme of things I still feel strongly that I need to make this journey. I think the rest of the team is in agreement and we should hear in the middle of the week about our flights.
I'll go to bed to night and put it in God's hands and I will follow.
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20/01/10
My intent today was to go to
That evening I finalized some posters I was developing for our "Soup'er Luncheon Sunday" fundraiser. A sense of humor came over me as I realized foolishly, that I should have simply stayed home that day and prepared letters and the poster.
18/01/10
It is
Sitting here writing this I get a bit apprehensive about what lay ahead. I have never flown before. I don't have a passport even. My first traveling experience will be this
Through this blog I will allow others to walk this path with me as I strive to lift God up higher in my life.
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