Giving love, Recieving life.

"Giving that is not motivated by love is worth nothing. Paul says from this kind of giving we ‘gain nothing’; however, when we give out of love, we gain much. Giving results not only in heavenly compensation, but also gives us great joy in our lives here and now. As we love more and genuinely and deeply, giving becomes the obvious and natural response. Taking and keeping for ourselves becomes unattractive and imprudent.

When we are loaded down with too many good things, more than we could ever need, while others are desperate for a small loaf. The good things we cling to are more than money; we hoard our resources, our gifts, our time, our families, our friends. But, as we begin to practice regular giving, we see how ludicrous it is to hold on to the abundance God has given us and merely repeat the words thank you. "

-Francis Chan

 I love this quote. It is an epitome of what we should be doing. Giving out of love and being thankful.

As I continue to give time here in Guatemala, I am recieving more then I am giving. Receiving lessons, love, experience and little gifts of grace God is revealing to me. To see the love and compassion in people around me. To encounter the innocence and maturity of a young brother having to care for his siblings. To be blessed by the generosity and willingness of others to help out an English speaking gringo.

People say that I am giving my time, but in my opinion I am just living my life. I don't think we should define a time where we are to serve God and supposedly "give our time". In any situation we should be relying on God and giving our resources, time and love. No matter where we are or what we are doing. Giving out of love is so easy to do.

 

I posted this picture because it brings me great joy. It puts a smile on my face to see the happiness on their faces. 

Here's a random verse I like : 

Don't be selfish; don't try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don't look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others too. You must have the same attitude that Christ Jesus had.  -Philippians 2:3-5

Rains that come and go.

Well currently I have bunkered down in my room - because of the crazy rains outside. Don't get me wrong. I love the rain - heck, I grew up on the WET Coast! But currently - I'm not the biggest fan of continual thunder ( which never seems to end ) and the ever so frequent lightning.

I did venture up onto the roof to snap a photo - I had with me a rain coat and an umbrella - probably not the best idea with all the lightning but heck, I like living on the edge..hah. 

lo siento - Isaiah 43:2

I'm sorry. My mind is completely dry of anything to say. 

So instead - I will share a photo. It's the least I can do. 

When you go though deep waters, 

I will be with you.

When you go through rivers of difficulty,

you will not drown.

When you walk through the fire of oppression,

you will not be burned up;

the flames will not consume you. 

Isaiah 43:2

Change : Cambio

I am having a great time. 

Last night I went to our youth service, there is the current worship music and a sermon. Although I didn't understand too much with the sermon, I did see God fill the hearts of many there. To see tears streaming down youth's faces. To see God's grace rain down in that building got me so excited to see Him work here in Guate. 

I am so blessed to have been given this opportunity. I am so fortunate to be able to meet and see people so on fire for God. People who have such kind and loving hearts.

God is here in Guatemala. Although there are so many people here who don't know Him, I know that He is going to restore this country, and these people. It's not going to happen over night, but at this moment, I know that change is happening.  

                                                                                                        Martha. 

Just a refreshing thought,
Katie

 

Some kids and teachers from Alcance.  

(If you click on the photos they come up bigger = ) ) 

Oh yeah - here is my current state:

 

Compassion.

Compassion, That is what I see everyday in the people around me, such loving hearts. At Alcance it is so easy to become frustrated with all of the many needs of the children around you. Seño this, Seño that. They want attention. Fortunately, because my Spanish needs work, attention is what I can give them. I can listen, I may not always have a response other than "Que manda" or "No entiendo". The least I can offer is to be compassionate, loving and to be there for them. It's heartbreaking to see that some of the kids come to Alcance for a break. To act as a normal kid. Many have jobs, others are continually caring for siblings, the list goes on and on. My life is such a contrast to theirs.

Recently, I went to the home of a family with a few others from Alcance. Needless to say, my heart broke. It's heartbreaking to see people living in these conditions. The house was made of wood and tin, there was no actual floor - just packed dirt. No apparent door to separate the outdoors from the inside. No protection. There was no electricity, no running water, and I don't believe there was an actual bathroom. This woman's husband should be unaccounted for. He is drug addicted and an alcoholic. He physically abuses his family, where the kid's age from 12 years to a mere 40 days old. People should not be in these situations. 

"…For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Corinthians 12:10.

I think this verse sums up what I think of this woman. Need I say more? In my opinion, she is one of the strongest people I've met. She has to face everyday as a battle, whereas I take everyday at ease.  Glory be to God that He has given this family the strength to face each day as it comes. God isn't going to put us somewhere that we cannot handle, that is something I have to keep remember. He has us protected!

I am so glad I ventured out of the comfortable life I was living. To be here, seeing God work in places of trial and hardship. To see Him give compassion to those who work around me. To see Him grow in me. I've come to love this place, the landscapes, vibe and most of all the people.  It has been such a blessing to be given this opportunity to serve in such a beautiful country. A place I love.

 

Last week we had an theater event - here are some kids and teachers from Alcance  =) 

(if you click on the photo it gets bigger) 

Romans 12:9-11

 Romans 12:9-11

Don't just pretend to love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Hold tightly to what is good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other. Never be lazy, but work hard and serve the Lord enthusiastically.