Normal life around here isn't as exciting as some missionaries, we get that. We have even been told by some in our travels "Oh, you teach, you're not real missionaries." (And we nicely smiled and moved on.) But what we do is really important too. We recently were discussing the importance of hope in someone's life in our Sunday school class and one of the other members sent us a note the next day. In it she thanked us for bringing hope to our students every day. We help them discover gifts and talents they never knew they had, and challenge them to do their best and to use those gifts and talents to not only glorify God but to make the world better. I often say to parents "your child was born to do" xyz, and this is what we were born to do. So, to all of you who believe in the importance of our ministry here - thank you. (For those of you who have no idea what we do, or why we need money all the time, see the links on the right of the screen.)
I feel it is important to remind you readers who send us financial or prayer support, that when we talk about "our" ministry we are including you in that. We could not be here to do what we do without you. You are working in this crazy world of Guatemala with us!
We have often been asked by people why we do any of this, and my typical response is "why not?" We have been given everything, we have been immensely blessed, we have the gift of salvation, God loved us enough to humble himself and come to earth as a baby to be born in a nasty stinky cattle stall - in light of that "why not?" After a while, when you live in a community like this, you say yes to things without a second thought that most people would think are crazy. Yup, that's us. We have lots of opportunities to do "crazy" things but are normally too busy, so we do them during our vacation weeks. Here is a snapshot of what we (and you) are going to do today.
We have friends here whose children are all part of the Creative Arts Program, and immensely talented. (I honestly think all of them could have a future in theater if they choose to.) These friends have been some of our biggest encouragers over the last two years. We know that our working with their kids is part of what allows them to do the things that they do every day. Those things fit the "normal missionary" mold much better than our teaching. So, when they asked us (yesterday) if we want to go with them today to help in their ministry, I had one of those say yes without thinking moments. This was not an uniformed decision, I know exactly what their ministry is, but I think you should know too.
Please....read this blog post to find out more about them. The rest of our day won't make any sense to you if you don't.
Did you read it? I mean it? It might challenge you, and it should. Please if you didn't read it, go back and do so. And I highly suggest reading everything my lovely British friend writes, she's brilliant and honest.
If you read any other of her posts you would see that there is going to be a big party. That's right, a party for prostitutes and their children. Women who have a life that I would guess all of our readers could only imagine. Children who spend their day locked up in their house so Mom can work. And why are we going to do this, you ask? Because it is EXACTLY what Jesus would have done. It turns out Jesus wasn't known for hanging out with people who had it all together, people who gave lots of money to the church, people who were accepted by society. If that is what you think of when you think of Jesus, then please read or reread the gospels. If you call yourself a Christ follower and that is all you do, then please rethink what it means to actually follow Christ. Find opportunities near you this season to serve the people Christ would have chosen to serve.
I am really proud to know Natalie and Shawn, and be part of supporting their ministry. I am really excited to go and see that first hand today. I am also really excited to be taking my sister-in-law and niece with me. I am proud to have family that are willing to lay down their ability to sleep in on vacation, and go and do things like this with a willing heart. I am proud to be able to be a little more like Jesus today, and allow our supporters to do the same.
(If we have opportunity to take pictures today, I will post them later...)
Saturday, December 19, 2015
Sunday, December 6, 2015
Recent Events
Wow - I just realized that we've had a lot of stuff going on recently. All good stuff, mind you...
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| Cast of Peter Pan (2015) |
It started as just Joy and Abigail (Michael), however, as usual it was a whole family affair in the end. Poor Sara didn't make it to the end at all.Oh, but what an awesome event! We're so proud of everyone.
Right in the middle of Peter Pan was Sara's 5th birthday. Our little girl is growing up! As is tradition in our family when the 5th birthday comes we allow them to get their ears pierced. We did not know what sort of ordeal this was going to be.
So, when plan A for the piercing fell through we had to go with plan B - "The Doctor." He really was awesome - Sara was not so excited. But in the end she was a real trooper and now has awesome cross earrings in!
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| Sara, waiting for the Doctor |
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| End Results |
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| Emma Baptism |
On November 29th we were proud to witness Emma making her public profession of her believe in Christ and what He has done for her. We're thankful for Pastor Conner and Union Church of Guatemala for everything they did for us!
After Thanksgiving, and some rest time, we realized that Christmas is pretty much right around the corner. What does that mean for a musician and a sound guy? Concerts - that's right!For the second year in a row the C.A.G. Band and Choir went to play a live concert at the San Kris mall. It was another great experience. We, again, are so very proud of the students in the band and the choir - they did a fantastic job!
This coming weekend the annual Christmas concert will be held (Friday) and then on Saturday the choir will be performing at a nursing home in Antigua ...
In other recent and relevant news Volcan de Fuego, a very active volcano near Antigua (roughly 44 km from where we live), has been at it again... Please continue to pray for safety for us.
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| Volcan de Fuego |
We thank everyone for their continued prayer and financial support! We cannot be here serving the Lord without your help! Merry Christmas to one and all!
-knm/jr/ac/eb/sje
Thursday, December 3, 2015
Happy Thanksgiving!
As we come to the season traditionally thought of as the "season of thanks" our family pauses to recognize that we cannot be here doing this without all of you. With that thought in mind we want to extend a heartfelt "thank you" to all of those who continue to (and have previously) supported us - both with financial gifts and with endless prayers.
With Christmas just around the corner we would also like to get a jump start on wishing everyone a Christ-filled merry Christmas and, of course, a happy and safe new year!
-The Eisner Family
With Christmas just around the corner we would also like to get a jump start on wishing everyone a Christ-filled merry Christmas and, of course, a happy and safe new year!
-The Eisner Family
Thursday, September 17, 2015
E.I.G. Update
Greetings and salutations!
A lot has happened since our last post. School has started and both Joy and I have made short trips to the US.
This year marks a new chapter for C.A.G. We started the year with complete new administration and a lot of new teachers. Teacher turnover is nothing new for an M.K. school but a new administration - that is a different story.
Our former principal did a lot for C.A.G. - and only in his moving on do we see just how much. Mark was, and still is, a great friend and a terrific principal - he left huge shoes to fill. There were challenges but our team got the job done. Many things were learned and we'll be all the stronger the next time around.
Both Joy and I are teaching this year. Joy continues with her normal course load: general music K4 through 5th. Plus high school choir. Plus AP Music Theory. Plus the musical (Peter Pan.) Plus private piano lessons. This year I have added an "Intro to Computer Sciences" course. I _never_ knew how much work it was going to be. Lesson plans, grading, teaching...*sigh*
Abigail is in middle school and learning it is quite a bit different than elementary. She has made a new friend, Julia, who has been a tremendous support for her. Actually, I think it is mutual. Her and Julia are the only girls in the 6th grade until Claire returns in January.
Emma is settling in to her new grade (the 3rd.) She is learning that new teacher means things need to get done a bit different. There wasn't a lot of change in the make up of her class so most of the class dynamics are the same. She has two awesome friends: Catherine and Eve - and they get along really well.
Sara started K4 with her very best friend, Sterling. To our surprise this talkative combination has apparently not caused many disruptions in class. Sara has been a lot more tired at nights - this has been good for us :0)
On August 22nd, a very close family friend, Bambi Schanck, went to be with the Lord. Her passing was sudden and unexpected. Like many others, the news hit our family hard. We were blessed to be able to send Joy there for the memorial service. I was able to come up to spend the past week with Loren. We served with Bambi for at least nine years in various church capacities. Bambi had been to Guatemala to visit us twice. Bambi leaves a legacy of being a dedicated and loving wife, friend, and mentor. Everything she did was done with love and the heart of a true Christ-like servant. Though she leaves huge shoes to fill, she did a tremendous job preparing and training us all to step up and fill them. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Loren and his whole family. We ask you to join us in praying for them as well.
Well, that about sums it up. We thank you all for your continued prayer and financial support. It has been most helpful and truly appreciated.
-knme
A lot has happened since our last post. School has started and both Joy and I have made short trips to the US.
This year marks a new chapter for C.A.G. We started the year with complete new administration and a lot of new teachers. Teacher turnover is nothing new for an M.K. school but a new administration - that is a different story.
Our former principal did a lot for C.A.G. - and only in his moving on do we see just how much. Mark was, and still is, a great friend and a terrific principal - he left huge shoes to fill. There were challenges but our team got the job done. Many things were learned and we'll be all the stronger the next time around.
Both Joy and I are teaching this year. Joy continues with her normal course load: general music K4 through 5th. Plus high school choir. Plus AP Music Theory. Plus the musical (Peter Pan.) Plus private piano lessons. This year I have added an "Intro to Computer Sciences" course. I _never_ knew how much work it was going to be. Lesson plans, grading, teaching...*sigh*
Abigail is in middle school and learning it is quite a bit different than elementary. She has made a new friend, Julia, who has been a tremendous support for her. Actually, I think it is mutual. Her and Julia are the only girls in the 6th grade until Claire returns in January.
Emma is settling in to her new grade (the 3rd.) She is learning that new teacher means things need to get done a bit different. There wasn't a lot of change in the make up of her class so most of the class dynamics are the same. She has two awesome friends: Catherine and Eve - and they get along really well.
Sara started K4 with her very best friend, Sterling. To our surprise this talkative combination has apparently not caused many disruptions in class. Sara has been a lot more tired at nights - this has been good for us :0)
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| Bambi & Loren (2012) Panajachel |
Well, that about sums it up. We thank you all for your continued prayer and financial support. It has been most helpful and truly appreciated.
-knme
Tuesday, July 28, 2015
Back!
It is good to be home.
Panama City, Panama is a nice place to visit. After seven and a half hours I was ready to leave, however.
It is good to be home. Let the summer continue.
We do have a prayer request - our car needs some work. We have to replace the tires and rear brakes. Cost is going to be around $450. Please join with us as we pray about this upcoming expense.
Many thanks.
Panama City, Panama is a nice place to visit. After seven and a half hours I was ready to leave, however.
It is good to be home. Let the summer continue.
We do have a prayer request - our car needs some work. We have to replace the tires and rear brakes. Cost is going to be around $450. Please join with us as we pray about this upcoming expense.
Many thanks.
Sunday, July 19, 2015
Neighbors!
I would imagine that most of you reading this have neighbors. You can see their houses right now, their cars parked out front, their lights turn out as they go to bed. Goodness, you can see into their homes. You need to appreciate your neighbors - I mean it, truly.
I didn't realize how much I missed having neighbors until we moved into our new neighborhood, really until tonight. Before we moved here we lived next to a great family, we could hang out on the porch and talk together and still see our kids playing in our own yard. The family before them, also great, we used to leave the baby monitor on in one house and go sit in the other house and have adult conversation - the houses were that close. I lost all of that when we moved here, and man I have missed out.
Our last neighborhood here was all walls. We lived there for five years and did not ever learn the names of the people who lived next door to us. We have no idea what their house looks like - on the outside. The only time the other neighbors spoke to us was to ask us to move our car, and it wasn't even really us it was the people who were house sitting for us that week. So, I guess we never spoke to them. We do know that there was only one other family that was caucasian that lived in the neighborhood - but we never even spoke to them in the neighborhood. For a relational culture there was just no relating.
It turns out I like to be around people. Sure, I have my times when I like a little alone time and privacy. But, I really get refreshed by sitting with people and laughing together, crying together, talking together, plotting world domination together, etc... For six years I have missed out on having neighbors. It's not that I never am around people, not even close, but I really had no neighbors. I had people that lived in houses near me, behind their high wall with barbed wire, but I didn't have anyone I could run to for a cup of sugar, or a cry when my kids were making me crazy.
For years we said we would never move into the neighborhood where we live now, it was filled with too many Americans and we would never have any privacy. I feel like an idiot for that. Tonight I had one of the most refreshing nights ever. The girls were watching this ridiculously stupid Disney movie, my neighbors girls were watching the same thing, and all the moms were bemoaning it on facebook. So, we decided to go sit in one of our garages. (It was only 50 feet from my house, if even, so do not be worried that I abandoned the children.) We called it the "Moms against Teen Beach Movies" support group. SO REFRESHING! We sat and talked, and laughed, and laughed until we cried, and cried a little, and grew a little closer as women. I walked away with a smile on my face, knowing that moving into this neighborhood is one of the best decisions we have made since leaving North America.
I remember my Mom and the next door neighbor meeting at the fence to give each other missing baking ingredients. I especially remember the day us kids got too much for Mom and she ran away - at least that is what my brothers told me. In reality she had just gone next door to Mrs. C's house for a little break from us. It is so freeing to me that now I can do the same thing, I walked over to the neighbors for a cup of water for my rice the other day when our jug of water ran out on me. In our old house I would have had to scrap the rice. So, please get out there and appreciate your neighbors, throw a block party, play kick the can - and love it!
Thank you to all the neighbors I had in North America, for so many years, and thank you to my new neighbors. You all have had a part in shaping my life. I appreciate you! (And feel free to call me anytime you run out of butter - we can meet at the fence.)
I didn't realize how much I missed having neighbors until we moved into our new neighborhood, really until tonight. Before we moved here we lived next to a great family, we could hang out on the porch and talk together and still see our kids playing in our own yard. The family before them, also great, we used to leave the baby monitor on in one house and go sit in the other house and have adult conversation - the houses were that close. I lost all of that when we moved here, and man I have missed out.
Our last neighborhood here was all walls. We lived there for five years and did not ever learn the names of the people who lived next door to us. We have no idea what their house looks like - on the outside. The only time the other neighbors spoke to us was to ask us to move our car, and it wasn't even really us it was the people who were house sitting for us that week. So, I guess we never spoke to them. We do know that there was only one other family that was caucasian that lived in the neighborhood - but we never even spoke to them in the neighborhood. For a relational culture there was just no relating.
It turns out I like to be around people. Sure, I have my times when I like a little alone time and privacy. But, I really get refreshed by sitting with people and laughing together, crying together, talking together, plotting world domination together, etc... For six years I have missed out on having neighbors. It's not that I never am around people, not even close, but I really had no neighbors. I had people that lived in houses near me, behind their high wall with barbed wire, but I didn't have anyone I could run to for a cup of sugar, or a cry when my kids were making me crazy.
For years we said we would never move into the neighborhood where we live now, it was filled with too many Americans and we would never have any privacy. I feel like an idiot for that. Tonight I had one of the most refreshing nights ever. The girls were watching this ridiculously stupid Disney movie, my neighbors girls were watching the same thing, and all the moms were bemoaning it on facebook. So, we decided to go sit in one of our garages. (It was only 50 feet from my house, if even, so do not be worried that I abandoned the children.) We called it the "Moms against Teen Beach Movies" support group. SO REFRESHING! We sat and talked, and laughed, and laughed until we cried, and cried a little, and grew a little closer as women. I walked away with a smile on my face, knowing that moving into this neighborhood is one of the best decisions we have made since leaving North America.
I remember my Mom and the next door neighbor meeting at the fence to give each other missing baking ingredients. I especially remember the day us kids got too much for Mom and she ran away - at least that is what my brothers told me. In reality she had just gone next door to Mrs. C's house for a little break from us. It is so freeing to me that now I can do the same thing, I walked over to the neighbors for a cup of water for my rice the other day when our jug of water ran out on me. In our old house I would have had to scrap the rice. So, please get out there and appreciate your neighbors, throw a block party, play kick the can - and love it!
Thank you to all the neighbors I had in North America, for so many years, and thank you to my new neighbors. You all have had a part in shaping my life. I appreciate you! (And feel free to call me anytime you run out of butter - we can meet at the fence.)
Wednesday, July 1, 2015
Back from the West - Success!
First - Happy Canada Day!
What an adventure!
An unexpected trip to Dulles International, sprint to the gate at O'Hare, and two quick interviews.
My itinerary west was supposed to be Boston - Chicago - Seattle. But when I printed my boarding passes I got a free trip to Dulles. Sweet. I feel like half of the trip from Boston to Chicago was spent taxiing on the runway at O'Hare. Sprinted from terminal C to B to make it in time. Still arrived on time in Seattle Sunday night.
Gretchen and I arrived early to the 8:00 a.m. appointment. We were admitted at 8:10 a.m. and were out by 8:30 a.m. Approved. Done. Unbelievable! The oath ceremony was about 75 minutes and was really quite nice.
I enjoyed my time with Gretchen and her parents. They are amazing people. I'll say this too - Seattle-Tacoma International airport is a quite nice airport too.
I flew back Tuesday. Another sprint in O'Hare and then on to Boston.
This morning I had an 8:00 a.m. appointment at the Portsmouth Passport Center. We arrived early and were in and out by 8:02 a.m.
My return ticket to Guatemala has been secured - 22 July. The end is in sight.
Thank you to everyone who has prayed with our family during this long process. We are very grateful for all of you.
-knme
What an adventure!
An unexpected trip to Dulles International, sprint to the gate at O'Hare, and two quick interviews.
My itinerary west was supposed to be Boston - Chicago - Seattle. But when I printed my boarding passes I got a free trip to Dulles. Sweet. I feel like half of the trip from Boston to Chicago was spent taxiing on the runway at O'Hare. Sprinted from terminal C to B to make it in time. Still arrived on time in Seattle Sunday night.
Gretchen and I arrived early to the 8:00 a.m. appointment. We were admitted at 8:10 a.m. and were out by 8:30 a.m. Approved. Done. Unbelievable! The oath ceremony was about 75 minutes and was really quite nice.
I enjoyed my time with Gretchen and her parents. They are amazing people. I'll say this too - Seattle-Tacoma International airport is a quite nice airport too.
I flew back Tuesday. Another sprint in O'Hare and then on to Boston.
This morning I had an 8:00 a.m. appointment at the Portsmouth Passport Center. We arrived early and were in and out by 8:02 a.m.
My return ticket to Guatemala has been secured - 22 July. The end is in sight.
Thank you to everyone who has prayed with our family during this long process. We are very grateful for all of you.
-knme
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
Wheels Up! Next Stop - Seattle!
The Lord continues to amaze us. This has all come about in the past 17 hours - I have not even had time to properly update Joy as she is at Music Camp. I sent her a message this morning but I don't know if she will get it before Saturday.
Gretchen, my lawyer, is even surprised at how fast USCIS has come back with an appointment.
I have to appear at the USCIS office in Seattle this coming Monday morning (29 June.) The oath ceremony is the same afternoon. Lord willing, I will be a naturalized US citizen by Monday supper time.
The very cool thing about this is that Gretchen had pre-scheduled vacation time beginning Tuesday morning!
Okay cool - so, what is next?
Great question! Once I'm a naturalized citizen I can file for my US passport. Gretchen is encouraging me to do this at a passport center in Seattle - just to get it done. If I cannot find it or run out of time I will do that upon my return to Dover. The processing time is, apparently, eight to ten business days. So I should have my passport on or by 10 July - which clears me to return to Guatemala. I'll finalize those arrangements once I have my passport in hand.
We continue to thank all of you for your diligent prayers and ask that you continue praying with us through the weekend and, especially, Monday.
Thanks!!
-knme
Gretchen, my lawyer, is even surprised at how fast USCIS has come back with an appointment.
I have to appear at the USCIS office in Seattle this coming Monday morning (29 June.) The oath ceremony is the same afternoon. Lord willing, I will be a naturalized US citizen by Monday supper time.
The very cool thing about this is that Gretchen had pre-scheduled vacation time beginning Tuesday morning!
Okay cool - so, what is next?
Great question! Once I'm a naturalized citizen I can file for my US passport. Gretchen is encouraging me to do this at a passport center in Seattle - just to get it done. If I cannot find it or run out of time I will do that upon my return to Dover. The processing time is, apparently, eight to ten business days. So I should have my passport on or by 10 July - which clears me to return to Guatemala. I'll finalize those arrangements once I have my passport in hand.
We continue to thank all of you for your diligent prayers and ask that you continue praying with us through the weekend and, especially, Monday.
Thanks!!
-knme
Tuesday, June 16, 2015
Parallel Parking and the Camp Mascot
Wow, what a month has passed. We had the Spring arts presentation, finished school, moved into a new house, had friends move into that house with us the next day, said goodbye to numerous friends (including those who moved in,) got new bosses at school, sent Kenneth off to the USA, finally gotten a Guatemalan drivers license, and now are hosting a team for Music Camp Guatemala. And that about sums it up.
For those of you who want more details though - read on :-).
New House: We really love it in the new neighborhood. The girls have made new friends, and there have been more lemonade stands than I can count. Our close friends live 2 houses away, and many other missionary families live in the neighborhood as well. This has proven to be a great help with Kenneth being gone, for peace of mind and things like stuck patio doors. Thanks for those of you who prayed us into this neighborhood!
Kenneth: He is in NH staying with my Dad and waiting for his appointment to get his interview. He is studying for the Civics test and passing better than I would I'm sure. We talk daily, numerous times, thanks to the miracle of modern technology. (Normally I say that Satan lives in tech, but this is definitely a God thing.)
License: A ridiculously easy test. Apparently I could have asked the proctors for help and they would have given me the answers. That would have been helpful when I had to answer some questions about the parts of the car. I don't need to know what the "neumaticos" or "suspension" or anything else are - I have a husband and a mechanic. Thankfully the No U Turn sign came up 2 out of 25 questions. I had to drive around this little course which was nothing like the Mario Kart driving that we do every day here. Admittedly I did fail the parallel parking - but all of us drivers know you don't really have to do that, you could just go back to the store another time and find a different parking space. In my defense though I had brought Ken's small car to be able to pass that part and they made me borrow their stick shift pick up truck instead. I have NEVER driven a pick up and it turns out its not really the same as my automatic van. The poor guy had pity on me and didn't make me try to park again after I landed it in the dirt. He did make me drive backwards in a snake pattern through the cones - because that is something I might actually need to do in real life.
Music Camp: I am so proud of my older girls! They have been getting up every morning this week and making breakfast for the small team that is staying with us. I am not a morning person, so this has been beyond helpful to me. The fact that they are doing it together is amazing also, since it seems they spend most of their time bickering these days.
I have been working hard to do the shopping for the team, and prepare my workshops that I am presenting to the staff. Today I am teaching about multiple intelligences and learning styles - sum that up in an hour. Tomorrow I am presenting on how to make music theory fun. Last night I found out that the Guatemalan staffer who was supposed to be preparing the music theory classes wants me to just do it. So, please be praying for all those things. It turns out it is not easy to get work done here while the children are awake, so my presentation that I am giving in six hours still isn't done. (Those of you who knew me in college will not be at all surprised by this fact, but I swear I have changed since then and don't normally wait this long...I swear.)
Next week the older girls will be headed to Camp Guamiski ( an overnight camp for GUAtemalan MISsionary KIds) and Sara and I will most likely be headed to Music Camp to teach theory classes and translate. Well, I'll be doing the work - Sara will most likely turn into the camp mascot and offer to have everyone come to our room for a sleepover.
Will post more after all this craziness is done - just really wanted to let you all know what was going on down here on our "vacation."
For those of you who want more details though - read on :-).
New House: We really love it in the new neighborhood. The girls have made new friends, and there have been more lemonade stands than I can count. Our close friends live 2 houses away, and many other missionary families live in the neighborhood as well. This has proven to be a great help with Kenneth being gone, for peace of mind and things like stuck patio doors. Thanks for those of you who prayed us into this neighborhood!
Kenneth: He is in NH staying with my Dad and waiting for his appointment to get his interview. He is studying for the Civics test and passing better than I would I'm sure. We talk daily, numerous times, thanks to the miracle of modern technology. (Normally I say that Satan lives in tech, but this is definitely a God thing.)
License: A ridiculously easy test. Apparently I could have asked the proctors for help and they would have given me the answers. That would have been helpful when I had to answer some questions about the parts of the car. I don't need to know what the "neumaticos" or "suspension" or anything else are - I have a husband and a mechanic. Thankfully the No U Turn sign came up 2 out of 25 questions. I had to drive around this little course which was nothing like the Mario Kart driving that we do every day here. Admittedly I did fail the parallel parking - but all of us drivers know you don't really have to do that, you could just go back to the store another time and find a different parking space. In my defense though I had brought Ken's small car to be able to pass that part and they made me borrow their stick shift pick up truck instead. I have NEVER driven a pick up and it turns out its not really the same as my automatic van. The poor guy had pity on me and didn't make me try to park again after I landed it in the dirt. He did make me drive backwards in a snake pattern through the cones - because that is something I might actually need to do in real life.
Music Camp: I am so proud of my older girls! They have been getting up every morning this week and making breakfast for the small team that is staying with us. I am not a morning person, so this has been beyond helpful to me. The fact that they are doing it together is amazing also, since it seems they spend most of their time bickering these days.
I have been working hard to do the shopping for the team, and prepare my workshops that I am presenting to the staff. Today I am teaching about multiple intelligences and learning styles - sum that up in an hour. Tomorrow I am presenting on how to make music theory fun. Last night I found out that the Guatemalan staffer who was supposed to be preparing the music theory classes wants me to just do it. So, please be praying for all those things. It turns out it is not easy to get work done here while the children are awake, so my presentation that I am giving in six hours still isn't done. (Those of you who knew me in college will not be at all surprised by this fact, but I swear I have changed since then and don't normally wait this long...I swear.)
Next week the older girls will be headed to Camp Guamiski ( an overnight camp for GUAtemalan MISsionary KIds) and Sara and I will most likely be headed to Music Camp to teach theory classes and translate. Well, I'll be doing the work - Sara will most likely turn into the camp mascot and offer to have everyone come to our room for a sleepover.
Will post more after all this craziness is done - just really wanted to let you all know what was going on down here on our "vacation."
Thursday, May 7, 2015
New Hampshire Bound!
Well - I do not believe I have ever bought a ticket from Guatemala City to Boston for $80. Really! Go United Miles Club!! 17,500 miles and $80 later I have a ticket waiting for me.
I will be flying on June 8th, arriving near midnight in Boston.
It is truly bitter sweet as I will be leaving, again, my wife and kids behind. Please continue to pray for them. It is going to be a very difficult adjustment for all of us.
Blessings,
-knme
I will be flying on June 8th, arriving near midnight in Boston.
It is truly bitter sweet as I will be leaving, again, my wife and kids behind. Please continue to pray for them. It is going to be a very difficult adjustment for all of us.
Blessings,
-knme
Friday, May 1, 2015
Choir, Climate & Biometrics
So there is nothing in common - choir, climate and biometrics.
Last Sunday Joy and the C.A.G. choir embarked on the journey to a rural area called Nebaj. The journey took them a number of hours. They arrived and went right into their first concert. After the concert the power went out and did not come back on for a couple of days. They had to do a number of their concerts without power and thus without their keyboard accompaniment. Yet they did not let this discourage them - and the Lord was glorified by their determination and hard work!
A number of the choir members had opportunity to share their personal testimonies. These ended up being powerful to the communities and to each other. The choir even had an opportunity to perform live on the Ixil radio station - which averages over 100,000 listeners in and around the area.
Everyone returned safely but tired on Wednesday evening.
Over the past two or three weeks the climate has changed here. Gone are the cold mornings and highs in the mid 70s. Enter the 80% humidity and the mid to high 90s. Just in the past couple of days the rains have started. Not much yet - but it is coming.
Our passports are done! The last part included sending them to the Guatemalan Immigration to transfer our residency stamps. Took about two weeks.
This is just in time as I now have movement on my citizenship! I have received the request for biometric capture, June 10th, 2015. We are going to attempt to have them captured here at the US Embassy. If I cannot get them done here then I'll attend my scheduled appointment in New Hampshire.
God continues to work miracles here. We ask that you continue to pray for us during this time. With the end of school, our move and pending separation things continue to look challenging. God is always faithful and He can handle this.
Thank you to all who have been and continue to pray. May the Lord bless you all!
-knme
Last Sunday Joy and the C.A.G. choir embarked on the journey to a rural area called Nebaj. The journey took them a number of hours. They arrived and went right into their first concert. After the concert the power went out and did not come back on for a couple of days. They had to do a number of their concerts without power and thus without their keyboard accompaniment. Yet they did not let this discourage them - and the Lord was glorified by their determination and hard work!
A number of the choir members had opportunity to share their personal testimonies. These ended up being powerful to the communities and to each other. The choir even had an opportunity to perform live on the Ixil radio station - which averages over 100,000 listeners in and around the area.
Everyone returned safely but tired on Wednesday evening.
Over the past two or three weeks the climate has changed here. Gone are the cold mornings and highs in the mid 70s. Enter the 80% humidity and the mid to high 90s. Just in the past couple of days the rains have started. Not much yet - but it is coming.
Our passports are done! The last part included sending them to the Guatemalan Immigration to transfer our residency stamps. Took about two weeks.
This is just in time as I now have movement on my citizenship! I have received the request for biometric capture, June 10th, 2015. We are going to attempt to have them captured here at the US Embassy. If I cannot get them done here then I'll attend my scheduled appointment in New Hampshire.
God continues to work miracles here. We ask that you continue to pray for us during this time. With the end of school, our move and pending separation things continue to look challenging. God is always faithful and He can handle this.
Thank you to all who have been and continue to pray. May the Lord bless you all!
-knme
Tuesday, April 7, 2015
Half a Year?
One of the hardest things about being an expat family is family. We constantly miss our family that we left behind. We, however, are one blessed expat family. For three months my dad (J) has been staying with us. Sadly, tonight is his last night here. It's always hard to say goodbye, but I think it is harder when your parent is aging (though gracefully I must add - especially since he reads our posts faithfully.) I am SO thankful that he came and stayed, and it was so nice this morning to hear other teachers say how blessed they have been having Dad around. Maybe in the future we can convince him to spend half the year here.....
Anywho, please pray for our family tomorrow as we say goodbye to Grampa - it will be hard on all of us, no matter how tough I try to act about it.
Anywho, please pray for our family tomorrow as we say goodbye to Grampa - it will be hard on all of us, no matter how tough I try to act about it.
Friday, March 27, 2015
Que le vaya bien!
Citizenship application is being picked up by the international courier today. Next stop - Seattle, WA and the law offices of my lawer, Mrs. Gretchen Korb-Nice.
Stress level: high.
Stress level: high.
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Plan A or Plan B?
A lot has come to pass since my past posting. Abigail and I both have snazzy new passports! This turns a new page in this journey - but one still exists. We have to get our Guatemalan residency stamp transferred from the old to the new before we can leave the country. Given this is the week before Semana Santa we will begin this the week after next - just to be safe.
The new van has been working great! The mother of a friend of ours kindly brought down a few parts we needed so the van is back in the shop for what we hope is the final round of work.
Abigail and Emma both did very well on their 3rd quarter report cards. We're proud parents!
We're moving.
Now for the biggie. Immigration. I have been working with my immigration lawyer to compile all our needed evidences. She has drafted our letters requesting expedited Naturalization services. This is where we just do not know what will happen and why we have Plan A and Plan B.
In the perfect world we'll use Plan A - File the naturalization application on 01 April with a request for the interview and oath ceremony on 01 July. I will remain in Guatemala through the end of the school year, move, and then fly back to the States on or around 5 or 6 June and then remain there until the end of the process. If the USCIS accepts my petition for expedited services I may be clear to return to Guatemala as early as mid July. Should USCIS not accept my expedited petition then I have to wait out the process - which my lawyer says may go through September into October.
In the less than perfect world we'll go with Plan B - File the naturalization application as described above, however, also simultaneously file my green card (I-90) and travel document (I-131) renewals. Once the I-90 has been accepted and I receive my I-131 I should be able to travel. This is avenue is much more costly, however, I could theoretically return to Guatemala around the early part of September.
So there you have it. The Plans as we see them. So I'm sure you all are asking, "Uh, Ken - enough about that - what about this move you mentioned above?"
Well, in part with this separation in mind, the kids growing up, and Joy's difficulty with night driving we have decided to move into a neighbourhood which is walking distance to C.A.G. Right now the slightly higher expenses in the new neighbourhood should be offset by the gas savings and wear-n-tear on the vehicles.
The new neighbourhood is gated and has about 35 homes. It also has loads of C.A.G. families and children. This should be a positive move for our children. Joy should be able to do her private lessons at home which should cut down on some of the extra hours at school. The new house is off the beaten path so I can still be a hermit when needed. It is truly walking distance to C.A.G. - about 3/4 mile and the area in between is pretty safe.
From all this verbose information we are asking you all to join us in these prayer points:
Blessings to you all,
-knm/jr/ac/eb/sje
The new van has been working great! The mother of a friend of ours kindly brought down a few parts we needed so the van is back in the shop for what we hope is the final round of work.
Abigail and Emma both did very well on their 3rd quarter report cards. We're proud parents!
We're moving.
Now for the biggie. Immigration. I have been working with my immigration lawyer to compile all our needed evidences. She has drafted our letters requesting expedited Naturalization services. This is where we just do not know what will happen and why we have Plan A and Plan B.
In the perfect world we'll use Plan A - File the naturalization application on 01 April with a request for the interview and oath ceremony on 01 July. I will remain in Guatemala through the end of the school year, move, and then fly back to the States on or around 5 or 6 June and then remain there until the end of the process. If the USCIS accepts my petition for expedited services I may be clear to return to Guatemala as early as mid July. Should USCIS not accept my expedited petition then I have to wait out the process - which my lawyer says may go through September into October.
In the less than perfect world we'll go with Plan B - File the naturalization application as described above, however, also simultaneously file my green card (I-90) and travel document (I-131) renewals. Once the I-90 has been accepted and I receive my I-131 I should be able to travel. This is avenue is much more costly, however, I could theoretically return to Guatemala around the early part of September.
So there you have it. The Plans as we see them. So I'm sure you all are asking, "Uh, Ken - enough about that - what about this move you mentioned above?"
Well, in part with this separation in mind, the kids growing up, and Joy's difficulty with night driving we have decided to move into a neighbourhood which is walking distance to C.A.G. Right now the slightly higher expenses in the new neighbourhood should be offset by the gas savings and wear-n-tear on the vehicles.
The new neighbourhood is gated and has about 35 homes. It also has loads of C.A.G. families and children. This should be a positive move for our children. Joy should be able to do her private lessons at home which should cut down on some of the extra hours at school. The new house is off the beaten path so I can still be a hermit when needed. It is truly walking distance to C.A.G. - about 3/4 mile and the area in between is pretty safe.
From all this verbose information we are asking you all to join us in these prayer points:
- Immigration, immigration, immigration - above all that God's will be done and He be glorified. We'd love for this to happen in July as described above, but His will - not ours.
- For Joy as she single parents over the summer and possibly into the start of the school year.
- Moving is a pain. We hate it - the very thought of it. But it is necessary. Pray we can prune wisely and make the move before I leave for the States.
- Airline tickets... pray that I can find something economical. Our lawyer is also recommending I fly to Seattle to do the USCIS interview. This way she can attend the interview with me.
Blessings to you all,
-knm/jr/ac/eb/sje
Monday, March 9, 2015
Happy Monday!
This happened but maybe once or twice since January - we had two working vehicles today! W00t!
Very happy.
We're very proud of all our children. Yesterday Abigail sang and played in church during the offering. She did an amazing job! We're very proud of her.
Very happy.
We're very proud of all our children. Yesterday Abigail sang and played in church during the offering. She did an amazing job! We're very proud of her.
"Oceans" - performed by Abigail
Last week we survived the ACSI/AdvancED re-accreditation visit. Their strong recommendation is for a full five year renewal. We're very happy and very proud of our school!
Thanks again to all who continue to support us (financially and prayerfully.) We really couldn't do it without y'all!
-knme
Saturday, February 28, 2015
Friday, February 27, 2015
Thursday, February 26, 2015
It is the Small Victories We Hold On To
Thank you all for your prayers. There is a lot to update y'all on:
The Van: We hope to get the van back tomorrow. With the exception of two days it has been there since we got it nearly two weeks ago. Before y'all think, "Oh no - they got a lemon" let us put it all in perspective - things move a bit slower here. It is harder to find certain parts. After getting the van to his shop Cesar was able to do a better check. He was unable to find (either at all or at a reasonable price) the oil pressure switch nor the shocks. Those two parts made up Q5,000 (about $560) of the original estimate of Q16,000 in work. He found the parts online in the States for roughly $300. We're going to try to get them down here in the next month or so.
God protects: Had we gotten the van back last weekend we would have used it to drive to Monterrico with our friends. Had we done that we would have had numerous problems with it overheating. God protects.
Passports: On February 12th we attempted to renew both Abigail and my passports. Some might recall the term "epic" used to describe the day as we failed horribly. Well, Joy and I tried again on February 20th and missed our window by 20 minutes. Horribly epic once again.
Finally, today I made it to the US Embassy and successfully completed Abigail's application. They're estimating two weeks to get her new passport. Next, I turned to the Canadian Embassy. Sadly, today (of all days) the consular division was closed for training (insert frowny face here.) I will go tomorrow and try again.
Edward continues to do well - considering the altitude and air conditions. He took a day off last week and pretty much slept the entire day.
We have new situation developing at school with one of our students. At this point we cannot share details but if y'all could lift up this unnamed person and their family in your prayers - they would truly appreciate it.
Blessings and thanks to all,
-knme
The Van: We hope to get the van back tomorrow. With the exception of two days it has been there since we got it nearly two weeks ago. Before y'all think, "Oh no - they got a lemon" let us put it all in perspective - things move a bit slower here. It is harder to find certain parts. After getting the van to his shop Cesar was able to do a better check. He was unable to find (either at all or at a reasonable price) the oil pressure switch nor the shocks. Those two parts made up Q5,000 (about $560) of the original estimate of Q16,000 in work. He found the parts online in the States for roughly $300. We're going to try to get them down here in the next month or so.
God protects: Had we gotten the van back last weekend we would have used it to drive to Monterrico with our friends. Had we done that we would have had numerous problems with it overheating. God protects.
Passports: On February 12th we attempted to renew both Abigail and my passports. Some might recall the term "epic" used to describe the day as we failed horribly. Well, Joy and I tried again on February 20th and missed our window by 20 minutes. Horribly epic once again.
Finally, today I made it to the US Embassy and successfully completed Abigail's application. They're estimating two weeks to get her new passport. Next, I turned to the Canadian Embassy. Sadly, today (of all days) the consular division was closed for training (insert frowny face here.) I will go tomorrow and try again.
Edward continues to do well - considering the altitude and air conditions. He took a day off last week and pretty much slept the entire day.
We have new situation developing at school with one of our students. At this point we cannot share details but if y'all could lift up this unnamed person and their family in your prayers - they would truly appreciate it.
Blessings and thanks to all,
-knme
Tuesday, February 17, 2015
Ok no pictures of the Oddy yet...
So yeah - today is the 17th and I was hoping to post pictures on the 15th - Ooops. We took the Oddy to the shop on Sunday. We couldn't "really" drive it until Tuesday because of the insurance switch over so we figured we'd take it in to have the work done on it.
Tonight we got the list of work needed. All totaled it is going to cost us just about Q16,000. The number seems high but the big cost items are new tires, security tinting the windows, shocks and engine and transmission mounts. Most of these bigger parts could only be found at the Honda dealership so they cost more.
We're still feeling good about the decision to buy the van. A fellow family at C.A.G. has been searching for a vehicle since early January - similar to what we were. Every vehicle they have looked at has had a USA salvage title. Finding un-crashed vehicles is not very easy.
Hopefully this weekend we can post some pictures.
Blessings.
Tonight we got the list of work needed. All totaled it is going to cost us just about Q16,000. The number seems high but the big cost items are new tires, security tinting the windows, shocks and engine and transmission mounts. Most of these bigger parts could only be found at the Honda dealership so they cost more.
We're still feeling good about the decision to buy the van. A fellow family at C.A.G. has been searching for a vehicle since early January - similar to what we were. Every vehicle they have looked at has had a USA salvage title. Finding un-crashed vehicles is not very easy.
Hopefully this weekend we can post some pictures.
Blessings.
Saturday, February 14, 2015
New (to us) Odyssey
The deed is done.
Today we said goodbye to the 2000 Toyota Sienna and hello to a 2003 Honda Odyssey. The journey today was not without adventure, however, in the end everything is ok.
The Odyssey needs a bit of work - but we knew that going into it. For being a 2003 it has only 116,000 km (72,000 miles.) Cesar said the work it needs is routine and should not be major.
All-in-all we're happy. Continued thank yous to those folks who gave above and beyond their normal to help us out.
I will post pictures tomorrow.
Today we said goodbye to the 2000 Toyota Sienna and hello to a 2003 Honda Odyssey. The journey today was not without adventure, however, in the end everything is ok.
The Odyssey needs a bit of work - but we knew that going into it. For being a 2003 it has only 116,000 km (72,000 miles.) Cesar said the work it needs is routine and should not be major.
All-in-all we're happy. Continued thank yous to those folks who gave above and beyond their normal to help us out.
I will post pictures tomorrow.
Thursday, February 12, 2015
Some Might Call Today "Epic"
Epic - it is such a great word. It can be used in a multitude of ways to describe various situations. Today you could use the word in the following way, "Today was an epic failure."
It started so well - we got away from C.A.G. at 12:15 p.m., just as we planned. We had absolutely zero (0) traffic - praise the Lord! We got to the Embassy an hour ahead of Abigail's appointment. We took a number, 63, then looked up and saw, "Now servicing #23" About 15/20 minutes later we were at the counter. Then the wheels fell off.
"Sir, may I have her birth certificate?" Say what? Uh, I don't have it with me. It wasn't requested on the application checklist. Sure enough, however, he printed off a sheet of requirements from the website and it was there.
"Sir, did you bring your photo evidence showing her physical feature change since her last passport?" Say what? Uh, no - it wasn't requested on the application checklist. Sure enough, however, it was on his printed sheet of requirements.
*sigh* I'll have to go back in next week with the other documents.
Off to the Canadian Embassy - this should be easy - right? WRONG. Apparently two things happened (1) I totally spaced that passport services fall under "consular services" and (2) I misread their website information which states "consular services available on Friday mornings."
As I cannot go in tomorrow due to commitments at school I will go in next Friday.
Just a note: I had both Joy and Ed read the instructions for US passport renewal (DS-11) and neither could find anything about birth certificate or photos (except the standard "don't smile and look scary" passport picture.) Apparently there is some disconnect between what is published on the website and in their downloadable instructions.
Hopefully Saturday we'll have an update on the van.
Thanks for praying.
It started so well - we got away from C.A.G. at 12:15 p.m., just as we planned. We had absolutely zero (0) traffic - praise the Lord! We got to the Embassy an hour ahead of Abigail's appointment. We took a number, 63, then looked up and saw, "Now servicing #23" About 15/20 minutes later we were at the counter. Then the wheels fell off.
"Sir, may I have her birth certificate?" Say what? Uh, I don't have it with me. It wasn't requested on the application checklist. Sure enough, however, he printed off a sheet of requirements from the website and it was there.
"Sir, did you bring your photo evidence showing her physical feature change since her last passport?" Say what? Uh, no - it wasn't requested on the application checklist. Sure enough, however, it was on his printed sheet of requirements.
*sigh* I'll have to go back in next week with the other documents.
Off to the Canadian Embassy - this should be easy - right? WRONG. Apparently two things happened (1) I totally spaced that passport services fall under "consular services" and (2) I misread their website information which states "consular services available on Friday mornings."
As I cannot go in tomorrow due to commitments at school I will go in next Friday.
Just a note: I had both Joy and Ed read the instructions for US passport renewal (DS-11) and neither could find anything about birth certificate or photos (except the standard "don't smile and look scary" passport picture.) Apparently there is some disconnect between what is published on the website and in their downloadable instructions.
Hopefully Saturday we'll have an update on the van.
Thanks for praying.
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
The "Odyssey" Continues
We are still without a "new" vehicle - but do not despair.
Last time I wrote about another Odyssey Joy and I looked at on Saturday. Well, on Monday Cesar, our mechanic, and I went to look at it. Cesar was awesome. He checked everything except, because we did not have the correct adapter, the diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs.) He said it does need some routine maintenance but otherwise he likes it. "Better to get a car that has had no crashes but needs maintenance due to age rather than a car with a history of crashes." They, the company, have accepted our Sienna as a trade in.
We were hoping to return today to read the diagnostic trouble codes and, if the codes are clean, buy the van, however, the bank needs extra time to clear the deposit to our Guatemalan account. The money should be ready tomorrow, however...
Tomorrow we have two appointments at the US Embassy and then another at the Canadian Embassy for passport and immigration items. So we cannot go tomorrow. Friday we have a missions team from Keswick Christian Academy performing a concert in the afternoon - so I'm needed to provide sound tech. Friday is out.
So early Saturday morning, Lord willing, we will head over with Cesar to do the final DTC reading and buy it.
Possibly not a moment too soon. Today, on the way to school, the check engine light in our Mazda started blinking. I took the car to Cesar and he read the diagnostic trouble codes - we knew about the one for the O2 sensor, however, it had three other codes which basically do not exist in any DTC database we could find... Cesar said that when a car starts making up trouble codes it is a sign that the on-board computer is having issues. Fantastic!
The time between now and Saturday is going to be a test of our patience. We remain firm in our belief that this is in God's hands and will be according to His schedule. If the company sells the Odyssey before Saturday then so be it - God's will be done.
Well, that is it for now. Hopefully another post on Saturday.
-knme
Last time I wrote about another Odyssey Joy and I looked at on Saturday. Well, on Monday Cesar, our mechanic, and I went to look at it. Cesar was awesome. He checked everything except, because we did not have the correct adapter, the diagnostic trouble codes (DTCs.) He said it does need some routine maintenance but otherwise he likes it. "Better to get a car that has had no crashes but needs maintenance due to age rather than a car with a history of crashes." They, the company, have accepted our Sienna as a trade in.
We were hoping to return today to read the diagnostic trouble codes and, if the codes are clean, buy the van, however, the bank needs extra time to clear the deposit to our Guatemalan account. The money should be ready tomorrow, however...
Tomorrow we have two appointments at the US Embassy and then another at the Canadian Embassy for passport and immigration items. So we cannot go tomorrow. Friday we have a missions team from Keswick Christian Academy performing a concert in the afternoon - so I'm needed to provide sound tech. Friday is out.
So early Saturday morning, Lord willing, we will head over with Cesar to do the final DTC reading and buy it.
Possibly not a moment too soon. Today, on the way to school, the check engine light in our Mazda started blinking. I took the car to Cesar and he read the diagnostic trouble codes - we knew about the one for the O2 sensor, however, it had three other codes which basically do not exist in any DTC database we could find... Cesar said that when a car starts making up trouble codes it is a sign that the on-board computer is having issues. Fantastic!
The time between now and Saturday is going to be a test of our patience. We remain firm in our belief that this is in God's hands and will be according to His schedule. If the company sells the Odyssey before Saturday then so be it - God's will be done.
Well, that is it for now. Hopefully another post on Saturday.
-knme
Saturday, February 7, 2015
Vehicle Update
On Wednesday I wrote, "We feel blessed to have found this vehicle. We continue to pray it is as good as it appears." Sadly it was too good to be true. After putting down the Q2,000 "reserva" we slept on it. Thursday morning I decided to run a Car Fax report on the vehicle identification number. The report reported an accident - which the guy had disclosed. However, it also reported that the last odometer reading before it left the States was for just over 207,000 miles - not the 92,000 miles it was currently reporting. We are attempting to get our money back, but, as Guatemalan laws are not quite as strict as the US/Canadian laws we may not be able to.
Friday I resumed my search for a vehicle. We're currently looking at another 2003 Honda Odyssey. Joy and I went to see it today as we were nearby for Joy's dentist appointment. It is in good shape and also has low miles (just over 116,000 km ~ 72,000 miles.) They say they might accept our Sienna as partial payment which lowers how much we'll need to spend.
On Monday I will take our mechanic, Cesar, and his engine diagnostic tool over to the vehicle to do a more thorough check. If it receives the "Cesar-seal-of-approval" then we will likely take it. As we were pulling out the guy said he also just received a 2005 Honda Odyssey - but he thinks it has 90,000 miles. With those miles I'm concerned we might need to worry about the timing belt. Hopefully it'll be there and Cesar and I can cross compare.
No further movement on the citizenship. First step will be Thursday when we submit Abigail's passport renewal. Friday I'll submit mine.
Thanks to all for your continued prayers.
-knme
Friday I resumed my search for a vehicle. We're currently looking at another 2003 Honda Odyssey. Joy and I went to see it today as we were nearby for Joy's dentist appointment. It is in good shape and also has low miles (just over 116,000 km ~ 72,000 miles.) They say they might accept our Sienna as partial payment which lowers how much we'll need to spend.
On Monday I will take our mechanic, Cesar, and his engine diagnostic tool over to the vehicle to do a more thorough check. If it receives the "Cesar-seal-of-approval" then we will likely take it. As we were pulling out the guy said he also just received a 2005 Honda Odyssey - but he thinks it has 90,000 miles. With those miles I'm concerned we might need to worry about the timing belt. Hopefully it'll be there and Cesar and I can cross compare.
No further movement on the citizenship. First step will be Thursday when we submit Abigail's passport renewal. Friday I'll submit mine.
Thanks to all for your continued prayers.
-knme
Wednesday, February 4, 2015
Update on Car & Citizenship
Happy Wednesday!
First a thank you to those who have offered both prayer and financial support for our automotive situation. Today we checked out a 2003 Honda Odyssey, much similar to the one we sold before we moved here in 2009. We had our mechanic check it out and, as much as any used vehicle here in Guatemala can be "certified", he gave it his seal of approval.
We put a Q2,000 holding on it and are working on moving monies here for the final payment. We feel blessed to have found this vehicle. We continue to pray it is as good as it appears.
Now, about the citizenship ordeal. I take full responsibility on this - I procrastinated this and now we are in a timing problem. We are working out the sequence of events which will now need to happen. It appears as though the Embassy here will collect my biometrics - we'll hopefully receive confirmation via e-mail this week or at our appointment next week. Please be in prayer about this.
Thanks again for all who continue to pray for us.
-knme
First a thank you to those who have offered both prayer and financial support for our automotive situation. Today we checked out a 2003 Honda Odyssey, much similar to the one we sold before we moved here in 2009. We had our mechanic check it out and, as much as any used vehicle here in Guatemala can be "certified", he gave it his seal of approval.
We put a Q2,000 holding on it and are working on moving monies here for the final payment. We feel blessed to have found this vehicle. We continue to pray it is as good as it appears.
Now, about the citizenship ordeal. I take full responsibility on this - I procrastinated this and now we are in a timing problem. We are working out the sequence of events which will now need to happen. It appears as though the Embassy here will collect my biometrics - we'll hopefully receive confirmation via e-mail this week or at our appointment next week. Please be in prayer about this.
Thanks again for all who continue to pray for us.
-knme
Monday, February 2, 2015
Open Positions - the C.A.G. & the wheels on the car go 'round & 'round...
Greetings everyone,
We are asking that you add the following to your prayer list - The Christian Academy of Guatemala will be losing their Principal at the end of this academic year. The Agrellas family has faithfully served both the C.A.G. and El Refugio for nearly a decade but will be returning to the USA.
This leaves a pretty sizable gap in the Administrative Team at the school. Though the search has thus far not yielded any results we remain prayerful that God will fill this position with a qualified individual before the start of next year. We're asking that you also join us in this prayer endeavor.
Also, the C.A.G. continues to search for a full time director. Dr. Herod has been Interim Director for nearly two years and is nearing the end of his agreed term. Please join us in praying the fulfillment of position as well.
Now, should anyone reading this be qualified and interested in either of these positions - drop me a line and we'll set up something with the school.
About our vehicles: We continue to praise the Lord every time we arrive at our destination! We really have settled on a minimum of a six seat vehicle. This of course limits the years and makes of vehicles. Our search for a vehicle continues. Ken will be going to look at a vehicle Wednesday morning. More news to come.
Thank you to all who continue to pray with us on this matter as well as our continued safety.
We are asking that you add the following to your prayer list - The Christian Academy of Guatemala will be losing their Principal at the end of this academic year. The Agrellas family has faithfully served both the C.A.G. and El Refugio for nearly a decade but will be returning to the USA.
This leaves a pretty sizable gap in the Administrative Team at the school. Though the search has thus far not yielded any results we remain prayerful that God will fill this position with a qualified individual before the start of next year. We're asking that you also join us in this prayer endeavor.
Also, the C.A.G. continues to search for a full time director. Dr. Herod has been Interim Director for nearly two years and is nearing the end of his agreed term. Please join us in praying the fulfillment of position as well.
Now, should anyone reading this be qualified and interested in either of these positions - drop me a line and we'll set up something with the school.
About our vehicles: We continue to praise the Lord every time we arrive at our destination! We really have settled on a minimum of a six seat vehicle. This of course limits the years and makes of vehicles. Our search for a vehicle continues. Ken will be going to look at a vehicle Wednesday morning. More news to come.
Thank you to all who continue to pray with us on this matter as well as our continued safety.
Tuesday, January 27, 2015
Moderate Flurries, World Takeover, and Cars
Greetings from Guatemala!
A few weeks into the second semester and we are almost back into the swing of things. It feels as though it was just yesterday we were hanging out with the Nyatsambo family. Ah, those were the good ole' days.
Alas, back to school! This year is an accreditation year for C.A.G. - this means a lot of work. These past couple of days we have had an ACSI representative on campus doing an initial review of our findings and work. We would ask you to lift up and pray for the entire school during this process.
Abigail, Emma and Sara continue to do well. Abigail and her class recently had a "self governance" day whereby their teacher let them run the class. Their teacher said it was, "surprisingly boring" as they, apparently, did a good job getting through the day. Emma returned to her class sporting a cute new doo and continues to enjoy her teacher and classmates. Sara - on the other hand - likely believes she runs the school. She recently asked one of the students if she "wanted to be her slave," in a tone that definitely said it was the job opportunity of a lifetime. (Again, prayers appreciated.)
We are delighted to have Joy's father, Edward, with us until early April. He confesses that Guatemala is not nearly as warm as he believed it would be. The mornings are about 55F and the highs in the day may reach 77F. Now, as I type this paragraph I am aware of a moderate flurry happening in the Northeast so really... we (he) has nothing much to complain about. He muses that in the Northeast you expect it to be cold this time of year and therefore you would dress accordingly. (Remember though, we have no heat in our home.)
Ed has slipped into helping at C.A.G. during the days. We were in need of an adult to supervise our computer based AP classes during a few periods and he agreed to help out. Seems he likes to sit and read and he can do that while they do their work.
I do need to put something out there - our vehicles are in pretty bad shape. Our family vehicle, a 2000 Sienna, just rolled over 241,000 miles and needs a good $300-400 of maintenance to keep it safe and on the road. Our 1996 Mazda, 184,000 miles, should have about the same maintenance. We feel we have reached that point where it is just not wise to put any more than necessary into these vehicles.
We are working a couple different angles to see what is available both here in Guatemala and in the States. Unfortunately it seems buying in the States, shipping, and importing to Guatemala may not be any more cost effective than buying here.
We have gifts amounting to about half of our anticipated need (which will be 9-10 thousand dollars) to replace the Sienna.
We are praying for wisdom and God's leading as we try to figure out what our best plan might be. For now, we're asking for two things: first that you'll join us in prayer for wisdom/discernment on this matter. Secondly, if you will consider supporting this project financially there is a link to the right of the blog site - please notate the gift as for the car replacement.
Thanks so much!
A few weeks into the second semester and we are almost back into the swing of things. It feels as though it was just yesterday we were hanging out with the Nyatsambo family. Ah, those were the good ole' days.
Alas, back to school! This year is an accreditation year for C.A.G. - this means a lot of work. These past couple of days we have had an ACSI representative on campus doing an initial review of our findings and work. We would ask you to lift up and pray for the entire school during this process.
Abigail, Emma and Sara continue to do well. Abigail and her class recently had a "self governance" day whereby their teacher let them run the class. Their teacher said it was, "surprisingly boring" as they, apparently, did a good job getting through the day. Emma returned to her class sporting a cute new doo and continues to enjoy her teacher and classmates. Sara - on the other hand - likely believes she runs the school. She recently asked one of the students if she "wanted to be her slave," in a tone that definitely said it was the job opportunity of a lifetime. (Again, prayers appreciated.)
We are delighted to have Joy's father, Edward, with us until early April. He confesses that Guatemala is not nearly as warm as he believed it would be. The mornings are about 55F and the highs in the day may reach 77F. Now, as I type this paragraph I am aware of a moderate flurry happening in the Northeast so really... we (he) has nothing much to complain about. He muses that in the Northeast you expect it to be cold this time of year and therefore you would dress accordingly. (Remember though, we have no heat in our home.)
Ed has slipped into helping at C.A.G. during the days. We were in need of an adult to supervise our computer based AP classes during a few periods and he agreed to help out. Seems he likes to sit and read and he can do that while they do their work.
I do need to put something out there - our vehicles are in pretty bad shape. Our family vehicle, a 2000 Sienna, just rolled over 241,000 miles and needs a good $300-400 of maintenance to keep it safe and on the road. Our 1996 Mazda, 184,000 miles, should have about the same maintenance. We feel we have reached that point where it is just not wise to put any more than necessary into these vehicles.
We are working a couple different angles to see what is available both here in Guatemala and in the States. Unfortunately it seems buying in the States, shipping, and importing to Guatemala may not be any more cost effective than buying here.
We have gifts amounting to about half of our anticipated need (which will be 9-10 thousand dollars) to replace the Sienna.
We are praying for wisdom and God's leading as we try to figure out what our best plan might be. For now, we're asking for two things: first that you'll join us in prayer for wisdom/discernment on this matter. Secondly, if you will consider supporting this project financially there is a link to the right of the blog site - please notate the gift as for the car replacement.
Thanks so much!
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