In the Beginning

Dayana 

Velveth

It's so hard to know what to write about.  Or rather, it's so hard to know where to start.  There is just so much I want to share, but it will take time and the longer I'm here, the more I'll really be able to accurately portray what's happening here @ Prince of Peace.  I would most definitely rather tell you about these young ladies, but I've still so much to learn about them and their stories.  In the meantime, I guess I can share what life has been like the last couple of days and a few pictures of some of the lovely ladies I've been hanging out with.

Their living situations…there are 5 different living quarters for the girls.  The younger girls, from about 6-15ish, live in houses with house moms (Laura, Violeta, and Maria).  There are two of these houses, three tias (aunts) and two houses and each have several rooms with 3 or 4 girls sharing a room.  The tias rotate so they have days off.  Each of these homes have 19 girls at the moment.  Casa A and Casa B.  The houses themselves are quite large with big living areas as you walk in, a small kitchen (the cooking is done in the main kitchen over yonder), a long dining room, bedrooms downstairs and upstairs, a huge front porch, a small tv room off the porch, and an area down a few steps where the girls wash their own clothes.

I've been spending my time in Casa A.  I think tonight, I finally have their names down, phew!  There are many of them and their names are not usually familiar.  Por ejemplo, Dairyn.  Looks kinda like you'd pronounce it "Dare-in."  No!  And the girls certainly worked with me on that one.  We sat on the steps of the house as I continued to try to say it right.  "No, No!  Dairyn!"  So, as much as I can tell at this point:), she is "Die-E-din."  We'll see as I progress!!!!!!!!!!!!:)  Ah, love.  And I'm here for another 3.75 months!  Lord, help me-save my heart.

Vanesa, Rosa, Mayra, Dayana, Alicia, and Gaby

The other 3 houses are for the older girls and considered “Independent Living” homes.  Actually, it’s more like 2 homes and a set of apartments.  Anyway, there will be more to come on the older girls as I get to know them better. 

Yulisa 

I see the girls during meals, hanging out before and after, a bit of time at school during recess, and yesterday during school.  I shadowed the English teacher because I will be taking her classes for a week while she and her husband travel back to the US.  I’m pretty excited.  I think we’ll have fun.  You can still say a prayer for me.  Spanish is quickly coming back and I'm able to fumble my way through conversation, but I want to be able to communicate in class with them.  The girls who are not as shy are helpful, but I'm pretty sure I’ll be dragging my dictionary along on those days!

I took my camera to dinner tonight.  It’s hilarious, some of them don’t like their picture taken (which really makes me sad.  I know it runs deep within them, but I’ll still be pumping them with doses of affirmation.), others love to pose, and others run off with the camera and have fun!  Es bueno!

Dulce and Gaby 

Lastly, to make you suffer along with me and to cause you to pray, today, on a car trip with Dr. Jim, I learned that two of these sweet things are true orphans.  They can be adopted, but Guatemala’s government stopped adoptions to the US (and maybe other countries???) because of the rumors that children were being adopted and then sold for their organs.  I hate writing that, but I do recall hearing something similar in Mexico.  Anyhow, I asked if they could be adopted here.  The answer?  Yes, but most of the families here want babies.  Seems the same as home.  Tonight, after we finished dinner and while carrying our plates to the kitchen and stacking our chairs, the older of these two girls started crying.  Something about the grilled cheese sandwiches we had for dinner caused a memory of her mother to come to mind.  Hug ‘em and hold ‘em tight.

Some of Casa A's ladies. 

And one last thing, I'm beginning to test an idea---is it ever possible to give too many hugs?

Photo to the right: Standing-Velveth, Maria, Dapne, Marjorie, Gabriela, Rosa, Flor, Alicia, Viviana. Sitting-Dulce, Blanca, Yulisa, Mayra, Vanesa.

I'm in Guatemala!

I’m here.  Art and Nancy gathered me from airport, which was a breeze compared to what I’ve experienced in the past.  By the time I walked off the plane, made my way through the airport, grabbed my bags and walked through customs/immigration, a mere 20 minutes had passed.  The flight in was beautiful, rolling hills, lakes and volcano(s?).   I took a few pictures so you could see what I saw, but I doubt the camera has done justice.   Sorry, my camera is up in my house.  (Fixed that, here they are.)

Initially, I believed I would be staying in a room and sharing a bathroom with some of the girls in one of the houses.  They have dropped me off in the guest house-3 bedrooms, kitchen, living room, 2 bathrooms, back deck overlooking the rolling hills and neighbors' homes.  Um, royal treatment???  I’m not sure if this is permanent, but it’s beautiful.  I have my door open and can here the younger girls up the hill from me playing outside, laughing and screaming.:)  And the birds, I love those birds.

The home is situated on top of a hill (not really a hill or a mountain, but I’m not sure what to call it) and if trees weren’t blocking my sight, I’d have a view of the valley.  I’m guessing you can see it from somewhere on the property.  (I checked that out later today, yes.  The view is wild!  BIG city.  And over in the corner of the living room, hidden in an armoire, is a TV.  This is good for the following reason, I heard the older girls come over here to watch TV…I’m already thinking about making brownies and hanging out with them!

I was given a quick tour this afternoon.  POP is on 8 acres, I’ll have to take pictures to show you all the buildings-school, independent living homes for the older girls, houses for the younger girls, team quarters for groups that come in for weeks at a time, offices and a few other homes…and a clinic.  I’ve got so much rattling in my brain, but I’m going to wait to share what Dr. Jim, Nancy and Art shared with me this afternoon.  Basically, what they are doing here and how the thing runs.  It’s amazing, lot’s of moving parts to make it happen. 

The girls are already checking me out!!!  So curious, they are.  They are making me work (Spanish), but they also know some English so I’m making them practice too!  Most of them are pretty shy, a few are not and they’ve just run up, grabbed my hand and had me following them (participating in hide and seek).  If they are in groups of two or three, watch out!  The shy veneer disappears and they are comfortable and curious. 

Mi Corazon es bien.  My heart is good.  I have a lot to learn.  The things I have already heard about their stories, I’m glad to see they have smiles on their faces. 

Sorry if this is choppy.  I’m living on a few hours of sleep and I just wanted to post something quickly to give you an update.  

And yep, the weather feels like spring.  They say it's eternally spring here:).   

Piles

 

This is what packing looks like right now.  Yep, pretty darn organized.  Nope, still haven't put it all in a bag.  I guess that's the easy part, right?  I'm usually fairly good about making sure I've covered all my bases and haven't forgotten a thing.  I'm not sure this time.  I THINK I have what I need, but I guess I just have to wait and see!:)  The ONE thing I definitely have stowed, hydrocortisone cream.  Why?  Because one night in a little town in C.R. I was attached by mosquitos.  My entire left arm was one big inflamed bite and anything resembling anti-itch cream was hours away.  It was one of those memorable events you hope never happens again. Watch out mosquito, I'm armed this time!

What's the one thing you usually forget?

25 HOURS...

And counting.  The time has arrived and I'm feeling fairly prepared.  No, I have yet to actually begin packing a bag (my heart just skipped a beat), but I'm organized and ready to throw it all in and head out.  I keep checking my list, it keeps shrinking, then growing, then shrinking.  The stress of leaving is not so much in the details on this side, but the lack of information on that side.  This is not due to poor communication, the people at POP (Prince of Peace) have been quick to respond to all of my inquiries.  This is just how it goes, ya know.  It’s a fine opportunity for me to sit back and ENJOY the ride as it comes.  In most cases, yes, I’d like to know the end of the movie or book and no, it doesn’t ruin the story for me.  So, this is where I just show up on time and take one step forward.  CHECK 

I have two planes to catch. 

#1 Portland to Houston-leaving PDX @ 11:50PM

#2 Houston to Guatemala City-arriving @ 12:18 PM Wed.

CHECK 

Thank you for already loving these girls.  The Giving to Guatemala ChipIn will be increasing even more here in a few days.  I push a few buttons on this side and it appears over there (insert a glance to the right side of this blog) as it continues to grow!  Thanks, thanks!!!  And, I’m packing all sorts of goodies you all have passed my way the last few weeks.  I’m excited to spread some love.:) 

Stay tuned, I’m hoping to give you a tour and make some introductions here shortly.

Oh and yes, there will be someone at the airport expecting me!  CHECK

(Shrinking list, CHECK.)

Two Weeks and Counting

Time just keeps moving along and I'm headed to Guatemala.  In exactly 2 weeks, I will be sitting on an airplane on my way to spend the next 4 months at Prince of Peace Home for Girls.  It stills seems unreal, but I keep checking items off my list believing that this hope will soon become the reality I've been talking about for the last several months.

I've been waiting to write this special post, waiting for the busyness of holidays and for a chance to wrap my head around the support so many of you have already offered.  Caught off guard and overwhelmed, I'm extremely grateful for the offers of support, well wishes, and prayers.  And, I hope you follow me as I share life with those young ladies on this very blog.  I have a feeling it's going to be exciting!!!

I wanted to offer a way for you to partner with me.  It is not necessary for me to raise financial support for this trip, but I am raising money in an effort to provide clothing for the girls.  After some email exchanges, I became aware of the need for clothing, especially clothes the girls can wear to church.  Because I will be traveling alone, I have limited space (and hands) in taking extra luggage filled with these clothes.  My hope is to raise money as a gift to these young ladies and to provide for a simple need.  I would love for you to join me in this.

Financial gifts are possible through PayPal.  If you have a PayPal account, you can click on the ChipIn button on the sidebar of the main page of this blog (over there on the right, "Giving to Guatemala").  If you do not have a PayPal account, and do not wish to create one, please send me an email and we'll find a way to make the contribution happen:)! Email Steph.

Tax-receipts are not provided if given through the ChipIn on this blog.  Please send your tax-deductible contribution to Prince of Peace Ministries, P.O. Bo 1344 Mt. Sterling, KY 40353.  Please make checks payable to Prince of Peace Ministries.  Also, if you mail in a contribution, it'd be great if you'd send me an email so I can add your contribution to our goal!

Thank you all, for following and encouraging and supporting.  I can't wait to share details on life and learning as I move into 2011.

Powers, It's Good To Be Here

Christmas and New Year's, over already and onto a new year!  I was just talking this morning with my mom and Uncle John, 2010 was a blink.  And now it's time to start writing the story of 2011.  I wanted to share some fun pics of my time at home so far.  I've had a ball seeing family and a great time showing Annie and Karin my hometown.  Thanks to my mom and dad, we were busy playing like country folks play!  Happy New Year to you.

New Year at the TL.

Before the unwrapping, they were excited

Buzz Lightyear, "To infinity and beyond!"

 

 

We drove four-wheelers up the ridge to shoot.

The beer can with three bullet holes!

Our tour guides!

Gua, Gua, Guatemala

Oh where to begin…

Maybe…

It was this time exactly 5 years ago that I was preparing to leave for 2 months in Costa Rica and here I am.

Or...

I may be 'freaking out' because I lack many details to this whole plan, but the reality is I'm certain of it.  God keeps freaking me out with the way He quietly answers my 'thoughts barely turned prayers' in the midst of December chaos.

Or…

Spanish has eerily been infiltrating my life and seemingly with some ease (the little I know) thanks to the Mexican and Guatemalan men I work with.  "Como se dice…?" (Translated, "How do you say…")

Or maybe…

I'm slowly checking off the list of things keeping me from crossing borders:

• Appointment for the Travel Clinic (looking like 3-4 shots)
• Canceling car insurance
• Quitting my job
• Prepping nursing school applications so I can hit the send button from Guatemala
• Formulating thoughts of how YOU can be involved in a project I'm praying will encourage and make those girls at the orphanage experience LOVE.

Here, I'll start here…

I sat with my Gospel Community last night and shared much of what I've been feeling.  I'm over the whole "what am I thinking, I quit my job" and onto how vulnerable I feel going to a place where I am unknown.  I DO NOT FEAR FOR MY SAFETY.  Not that kind of vulnerable.  The kind of vulnerable you feel when you sit in the middle of the room unable to fully communicate or operate according to your former ability!  I find great value in being known and knowing how to operate among my peers, family, friends, co-workers.  It's safe- knowing how and where you fit, but I'm heading into a situation where I have no idea.  And that's where I'm going to stop.  I'm deciding to recognize that which God has orchestrated and deciding to sit back in awe of His ability to provide EVERYTHING.  For all I knew, I had plans to be on my way to Haiti…Guatemala City, here I come.

I'm so excited too!  It may not always seem that way, but when I lift my head from the list and the pile of December distractions, I catch myself imagining life with these girls.  Loving on them, learning from them, and my nurturing soul cannot wait to dote on them.  It brings tears to my eyes to write this.  

I realize many of you are in the dark with many of the details.  Let me share a bit!  In Guatemala City, I will be at an orphanage which houses 62 girls from the age of 6 up to 20.  These girls have been abused, abandoned, and orphaned.  From my understanding, the older girls live in independent housing while the younger ones live in houses with house mothers.  The younger girls, up to grade 9, are educated on the property until they reach a certain age and make their way to public school.  They also have a clinic on the property which serves both the girls and the surrounding community.  (I was super excited to learn this AND to learn that they also have English language classes for the girls…possible opportunities???)  I wish I could share more, but I myself am lacking details.  Rest assured, this blog will provide those along the way.  My hope and prayer, God would stretch both my life and your life in this.  Think BIG!  Maybe a group of my family and friends should spend a week serving some young ladies in Guatemala. 

And one more thing to check off the list…I just purchased my plane ticket in the midst of writing this.  Wanted to be able to share that in this post! ;)

Certainly, MORE TO COME!

San Jose, Costa Rica- March 2006

Joy to the World

Joy to the world, the Lord is come and we've finally put up a few decorations to help usher in the Christmas Spirit.  Currently, I just stare, smile and enjoy our beautiful bouquets of fir, holly, and pine.  (No tree this year.) Despite the busy December calendar, my prayer (as I write this) is that these bouquets and lights and glass balls and candles and Christmas treats will serve as reminders of what this season means to me and why I celebrate.

             MERRY CHRISTMAS          

Some love...

…from our Thanksgiving day celebration.  Thanks to Nik and David for being such phenomenal hosts year after year!  And this year Auntie (pronounced "annie") Trish declared what has become tradition, the girls stuffing the bird in our p-jays.  I think we all filled up on the delicious hors d'oeuvres, but somehow we managed to nosh on the main dish.  A little collage and a little video for your viewing pleasure!  We sure missed those of you who weren't able to join us this year.

A lot to be thankful for.

The "W.T.H.D.I.G.M.I.?" Post

Please, when you understand the title of this post, pardon the expression.

It goes something like this…

The day I arrived to Costa Rica, nearly 5 years ago, I was sleep deprived, anxious, and excited.  My host family gathered me from the airport and eventually showed me to my temporary home and room.  Once I settled in, I really didn't know what else to do given that I had no idea where the school I was planning to attend classes was located and I couldn't just call someone and make a plan to meet for coffee.  So, as was needed, I took a nap.  It wasn't exactly the best idea.  You know those moments you're caught in the middle, between sleep and wakefulness?  I was caught in one of those moments and had a pretty awful feeling fall over me.  "W.T.H.D.I.G.M.I.?!!?!!!!!!!!"  Yep, there it is- WHAT THE HELL DID I GET MYSELF INTO?"  I had an awful feeling in the pit of my stomach for the rest of the day.  I think it finally began to fade when I met my friend Anita from Switzerland (she's been in many previous blog posts).

Well, I promised in a previous post to share those small steps forward and here is a bit of a clue (though I think most of you already know where I'm headed).  I woke up this morning with that same feeling of "What am I about to do?"  It's a bit different this time around because I have an awareness that I lacked the last time around.  It's really not that crazy, but it still causes me to question.  I KNOW, KNOW, KNOW that this stint away is what I want and where I need to be heading, but it still causes my head to freak out.  And then I thank God that He knows and will fulfill His promises to me as I walk forward.

In four words:     Prince of Peace, Guatemala

More to come!

Sunshine in November

I have to say, I think we've had a pretty nice fall here in Oregon.  The colors have been amazing, as expected, and I've enjoyed the changing of the seasons.  It's not uncommon for those of us who live in the Pacific NW to complain about the winters here, long-gray-wet etc.  It's true, it can be a little disappointing when you look at your watch and feel like you've been tricked!  How can in be 4:35 in the afternoon and mostly dark?!  Even so, consider this, that very long summer day, driving into the sunset and still having a hint of light at 9:45pm.  That makes the long-gray-wet-& dark winters worth it for me!

However, I've been extra spoiled and had a little more sunshine this month than most of you PacNWerners.  I made a quick trip south and east to the sunshiny state of Florida to attend the beautiful wedding of Colin and Cayla.  It was many things…fun, restful, encouraging, connecting, loving, gourmet eating, & drinking Dunkin Donuts's coffee.  (YUM on the right!) 

It was a grand opportunity to see SO MANY (missed the Roman crew!) of those people who were strong figures during my Florida life.  The whole weekend was packed with good things, a special wedding and lots of running around.

Colin&Cayla's wedding-Erin, Greg, C&C, Mary Kay, Jaime, & Jordan.

 

 And here are my newest Oregon recruits, Mike and Judy!  Judy asked me about the 'Stephanie Inn' @ Cannon Beach and I spouted off the other 100 reasons they've got to make a trip to OR (including free tour guide!).  Mike and I worked at FL Church of God offices together.  We were separated by a measly 6' wall.  Sometimes things would just drop out of the sky and onto my desk and other times I'd walk around the wall, grab a handful of M&Ms from his candy dispenser and then kick my feet up while we considered the lyrics of Leeland or Shane & Shane's newest and greatest song.

 

Mother of the groom, Mary Kay, and I after the ceremony.  The venue was about 40 minutes outside of Orlando at a beautiful Italian style villa, Bella Collina.  I've never been to Tuscany, I felt like I was in Tuscany---reflecting pools, arches, fountains, stone, stone, stone-everywhere--- a gorgeous setting for C&C to exchange vows.

This picture just puts a big smile on my face.  These people
 have inspired me, counseled me, challenged me,
encouraged me, and loved me.

Beautiful setting, beautiful wedding=ALL DRESSED UP!

Tuesday Night Starbucks crew (minus Shelly)-Janann, Liz, Randee, and I.

Mary Kay, Greg, Payton and I took off early Monday morning (a few hours before my flight back to PDX) and dined at one of my favorites, Cracker Barrel.  It capped off a very fine long weekend.


***Hey 'Florida', I'm pretty thankful for you!  Thx to C&C for a great reason to skip out of the rain and catch a few winter rays.

Echoes and Whispers

Looking ahead…

Take just a few minutes and be reminded, we do not merely exist in this world alone.  I follow a blog of a family who are (partially) from the US and have been living in Haiti for the past several years.  They recently posted this from Boston Globe Photos. 

Looking beyond...

Erin in PDX

Erin came to Portland for a visit.  Seven months pregnant and all, we added miles to my car, pictures to the camera, yummy food to our bellies, and fun memories in all.  It was such a treat to have her out west for a few days.  She is one of those people who is 9 million percent positive and a straight shooter at the same time.  We talked A LOT…and made our way around to some really ESSENTIAL Oregon faves.

We dined at my favorite breakfast spot, Helser's on Alberta.

This is a Cannon Beach must, fish&chips @ Bill's next to a
toasty fire.

It was moving to FL and living near warm beaches that led
me to appreciate and love the OR coast.  

"O" for Oregon and Haystack rock.

We also made our way up to the Hood River Fruit Loop.  So
very many apples to sample and beautiful weather.

Dear friend.

From the east coast of Florida...

to Kansas city...

to the coast of Oregon.

We have covered a distance from one side of the country ALL THE WAY to the other!  Thanks for making the trip west, Erin.  It's time to meet up in FL again;).

DISC-D.ominance-I.nfluence-S.teadiness-C.onscientiousness

If we've ever talked about personality tests and learning about how we are each wired, then you've most likely heard me talk about the "DISC" test.  It is one (of many) of those tests giving insight into our personalities and used by many employers to find employees who best fit the needs they are searching for.

Back in 2006, when I was in Costa Rica (and just a few days before my return to the states) I showed up at the church, where I had been working with Costa Rican women in the kitchen, only to find a gentleman waiting for me to give him a tour of San Jose.  The previous night, I'd been out in one of the rural parts of the city staying with one of the aforementioned women and her three daughters.  I'd grown close to them in my short time there and found it a privilege and welcome experience to spend a few nights in their home while the other family I stayed with hosted out of town pastors visiting for the conference.

The man waiting for me at the church is the same man I went to work for in Florida, Greg.  I showed up to the church with a plan.  Plan A- Take the bus to the church with Virginia and the girls, walk back to the house where the rest of my belongings were, brush my teeth, shower, spend time reading, writing, documenting before returning to Oregon and then go back to the church for the afternoon/evening events.  What actually happened?  Well, clearly not that!

I walked in the doors and Greg (who I had met one previous time) said to me, "I hear you're my tour guide today!"  Now, remember this, I had a plan.  "Plan A" and I don't tend to be too spontaneous.  I knew Greg was going to be at this conference and I also knew Alejandro (a coworker of Greg's in FL) was supposed to be on this particular trip with Greg.  Come to find out, Alejandro was ill and unable to make this trip.  The night I spent with Virginia and the girls is also the same night I was volunteered (without my knowledge) to show Greg around San Jose.  I was caught off guard and without having even brushed my teeth yet that morning!  I stumbled for an answer and finally uttered, "Uhh, ok.  Uhh, yeah, give me 5 minutes."

Our first stop was an internet cafe so Greg could email Mary Kay and let her know he'd arrived safely.  On our way to this cafe Greg did exactly as he is infamous for…he asked me a million questions all pertaining to, "What is your life about?"  So, not surprisingly, he gave me a link to the DISC test and told me to answers the questions while he wrote his emails.  Guess what, I'm an I-C. (Influence-Conscientiousness)  The short end to the story=I went to work for Greg in Florida and learned so much more.

And that "so much more" is actually what I want to get to in this post!  The D part of the DISC, Dominance, is also (from my understanding) a representation for decision making!  I went on to learn, I am a low, low, low, LOW  D.  Hello, I'm not fond of making decisions and actually find myself bound and extremely distraught when forced to decide.  Not always, of course, but it's been haunting me and the conscientious part of my personality!

So, I've learned other tactics as a crutch to this handicap.  Here it is:  Look long term, plan long term goals and then work backwards on short term goals.  Take those short term goals and make decisions that allow you to meet those goals.  Easy right?!  Well, sort of, but the other hang up of mine- accommodating.  I'm worried about what others will think of me (hello people pleaser) and accommodate for their approval.  Again, this is not always the case.  Sometimes I just DO WHAT I WANT! and that often feels good and hard and wrong.  I think there's context in all of this.

My big-bang-point is this:

I've determined long term goals:

• I want to work with underserved populations in my city and around the world.  I think being a nurse is a great avenue to making this a reality in the way that I can actually use my hands and help people as a way of living.  
• I want to be fluent in Spanish.  Yep, that's a mighty goal.
• I want to work in a hospital setting-acute care/ICU nursing.
• I want the opportunity to use a nursing degree and my love for other cultures to intertwine and make a beautiful, meaningful difference.

And so the struggle, with prerequisites out of the way, is making small goals and decisions that will set me along this journey.  As well as praying for the provision of actually getting into a program!

The last few months have been a spiral down to here.  Feeling lost, frustrated, finding bandaids to put off and ignore those small decisions which in the short are a pain in my butt and painful in general, but necessary to rise up and move forward.  Well, what do you know.  There it is again.  The title of this blog is always quite fitting, "Journey Forth."

P.S. Details on those small forward steps coming soon.

Truth

Isaiah 64:4

"For since the world began, no ear has heard and no eye has seen a God like you, who works for those who wait for him!"

Isaiah 1:17

"Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows."