Making Friends

For the past two weeks, every day between 5:30pm and 8:30pm we have been teaching English to a family from our church.  But, more than teaching English, we have been making friends.  For those of you who have lived in a different culture or been on the mission field, you can understand what a blessing it is to simply build relationships and make friends.
This photo is just a part of the family we have been spending a lot of time with.  Walter and his wife, Blanca, have 6 daughters (Viviana, Blanca, Hubeny, Linda, Esmirna, Maria Jose), 2 sons (Walter, Guillermo), 1 daughter-in law (Lily), 1 son-in law (Uri), and 3 grandchildren (Jasime, Yancy, Waltercito).  The majority of the family has participated in my class. 

Rocky was in charge of the little ones - boy that was a full-time job.  After the first class, they were calling him Papa (grandpa)!  I had the task of teaching the rest.   

Everyday Blanca would feed us part way through the class.  She is an amazing cook!  We had to be careful what we said, although, because if we said we liked pizza, they ordered pizza for us.  Needless to say we at like kings!    

Hospitality is something that this culture has down pat!  It seems to come so naturally to them and this family in particular made us feel welcomed and appreciated.  Walter owns a mechanic shop and parts store and he and Rocky have spent quite a bit of time together.  He has helped us with our car and Rocky has helped him with some constructions jobs around the shop.   

Today was presentation day - each person had to interview someone else, in English, and then present them to the rest of us. It was a lot of work, but it was so good to see how much they have learned over the past two weeks.   

Over the two weeks Rocky and I taught them a number of simple songs - they love to sing!  We sang God is So Good; My God is so Big!; Father I Adore You; He is the King of Kings; More Precious than Silver; Open the Eyes of My Heart.  This was a great way to learn English and praise the Lord at the same time!  

I am happy to say that they did learn a lot, but I am even happier to say that so did we!  We laughed, shared, prayed and sang together - we shared life and made friends.  What a blessing!   

That's a Switch!

We just spend an amazing week in Texas, but I was grateful to set foot again in the more familiar country of Guatemala.  That's a switch!  Y'all would think we'd be more comfortable in the US culture, eh?  Well, we have spent the better part of 3 years here and the longer we are in Guate, the more this place feels like home.  We are becoming accustomed to the culture, the sounds, and the wonderful people.  Of course, sleeping in our own bed is always a relief after being away, even if my feet hang off the end by about 6"! 
Travelling to the US reminded me of the many differences between developing countries and those countries which lead the world in economic stature. 
In the Guatemalan airport, after you go through customs and security (take off your shoes, empty your pockets, remove your belt, go through the scanner, get patted down, open up your carry-on luggage for inspection, re-dress), a very sudden change takes place.  As soon as you leave this area, there is a high-end perfume, liquour and tobacco shop and the majority of the magazines and books are now in English.
The transition from those who don't have to those who do (including us), boggles my mind.  Don't get me wrong; I am grateful to the Lord for His amazing provision in my life, but it really is a shock to the senses when you travel from here to North America. 
The purpose of our trip was to attend an orientation session with our support team and sending agency, CTEN (Commission to Every Nation).  We, along with 25 other missionaries from around the world received teaching, council, encouragement, Texas hospitality and food, and were commissioned to fulfill the calling of God on our lives. 

 CTEN really focuses on pastoral care and helping ordinary people like us accomplish extraordinary things with God.  We worshipped and prayed together and enjoyed great fellowship.  We thank the Lord for another part of His body stepping up to see His Kingdom move forward.
We also took time in Texas to replenish our depleted supply of North American goods and picked up some items for Arryn's wedding.  We maxed out the weight on our two duffle bags and our carry-ons were stuffed to the top!  I know we will be thankful for the non-stick frying pan (which I carried on the plane!), the jar of peanut butter, brown sugar for baking and essential toiletry items. 
Karren is putting the final touches on our next newsletter.  If you don't receive our ministry updates and would like to, please send us an email with your contact information (karrenchupa@hotmail.ca).  Maybe you do receive our newsletters, but you know of someone who doesn't, but would like to.  Just sent us their info and we'll get them on the list before this next mailing takes place. 
Blessings,
Rocky 

Life in Guatemala

Life in Guatemala is different than life in Canada.  For us, however, what was once strange now seems very normal.  It is as though we get into a routine and we forget about some of the challenges facing the average Guatemalan.  Yesterday, although, we were reminded. 
We live in a small house (casita) in behind a larger home.  The owners of our home, Giovanni and Marissa, are simply wonderful.  They have not only opened up their home to us, but their lives as well.  Yesterday, they were attending the funeral of a friend when a young man was murdered right in front of them.  He had refused to pay an increased rate of extortion and so he was killed.  Last week a young man from their church was shot in his car because he, too, refused to pay the extortionist's increased rates.  Two friends in two weeks.  I wish I could say this is uncommon, but it isn't. 
Corruption is rampant in Guatemala.  I know we have corruption in Canada as well, but not like this.  Everyone has their hand in the pie including many police and government officials.  It affects everything from the seemingly small things, like the bus attendant pocketing a part of the take for the day, to big things, like murder and the police accepting a bribe to look the other way.  This kind of injustice often fills the people with a sense of helplessness and despair. 
Recently it seems as though the newspapers have been more full than usual of stories of murder - in particular, the murder of small children.  Although some murders are related to drugs and gangs, the majority have to do with extortion.  For example, take the young man who was murdered yesterday.  He moved to Coban to help him mom out with a private school that she is the director of.  He has a number of buses that he runs in the capital and normally was paying a flat rate to a gang for the privilege of operating his buses on their turf.  Then, the gang wanted more money...more than this young man could afford to pay and stay in business...so he said he wouldn't pay.  They threatened him and when he didn't succumb to the pressure, they sent someone to kill him right in front of his family.  If he had been married or had children, they most likely would have taken or killed one of them to teach him, and others like him, a lesson.  The majority of people who run a business here, pay someone for protection or the privelege of doing business in the community.  It is commonplace. 
At night, in between the barking dogs, firecrackers, and other noise, we often hear gun shots.  We don't go out walking at night very often, because it just isn't safe.  This is reality for those living here.  It is not surprising that the current president won the election with the slogan, "saftey and security."  The truth is, although, that the challenges facing this country are too big for the government to fix, even if they were honest and above reproach. 
The only source of real saftey and security is the Lord.  It sounds so simple, but it is a very profound truth.  "I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress.  In Him will I trust." We know that our Heavenly Father is watching over us, and we are not afraid. 
Please pray for this country - that the message of the Gospel would be preached to those who haven't heard; that the church would continue to grow and thrive and set an example for the unbelievers; that justice and truth would prevail; and that those who are in places of authority would govern with integrity.      
    

The Beauty of Fellowship

This afternoon was amazing. 
We went to church this morning with Hector and Arryn.  After church, they were serving Churrascos for lunch as a fundraiser for an upcoming event, so Hector, Arryn, Hector's mom (Martha), Rocky and I ordered our lunch and started to eat inside the church.  A man came up to us that Rocky seemed to know.  I learned later it was the new mechanic who the pastor introduced him to last week.  They had gone to his shop and he gave the car a "once over" free of charge. 
So, anyway, as we were eating, this man, and his family came and invited us to bring out lunch to their home.  We were all invited, as well as the pastor and his wife.  So, we packed up our half eaten Churrascos, hoped in the car, and went to his house.
We landed up spending the afternoon together, fellowshiping...all in Spanish!  What a blessing!  Rocky and I both have been struggling with our Spanish classes and not really feeling like we are making much progress, but today, we actually shared an afternoon with other believers and shared our lives with them, and they shared theirs with us.  Incredible!
This man, Walter, has 6 daughters and 2 sons and is a man of God.  The Lord has given him a vision for working with everyone from children to old pastors.  We talked about the Word and shared what the Lord was teaching us around the living room after lunch.  Together, his family recited Psalm 1 and we sang praises to the Lord and had a time of prayer.  Wow! 
For so long we have been somewhat isolated and unable to enter into this kind of relationship.  We had almost forgotten the beauty of fellowship.  Sure we've been going to church and trying to spend time with others/make friends, but we really hadn't had a time of personal sharing between believers since arriving here in April.  It was like a cool drink from a mountain stream on a hot afternoon. 
I am so thankful that the Lord chose this afternoon to encourage us and "feed" us as only He can.

We have two more weeks of classes before leaving for Texas for our orientation with CTEN.  We will be gone a week and when we return will begin to put plans in place for the "next phase."  It has been a struggle for us to raise support while in language school.  Thank you so much to those of you who have been willing to support us while we study.  We know for some, studying doesn't seem much like ministry, but we are learning, more and more every day, that this time has been and continues to be a time of preparation for what is yet to come.  There is nothing that we do, when we do it unto the Lord, that is not of value and worth in His Kingdom - that is a lesson that the Lord has been teaching us.  If you are interested in joining our support team, you can simply go to the CTEN Canada website and you will find us, under Missionaries - Guatemala.  We commit to pray for you and your family and promise to be good stewards of the resources that you give to us. 

The Lord bless you and keep you;

The Lord make His face shine upon you,

and be gracious to you;

The Lord lift up His countenance upon you,

and give you peace.  

Numbers 6:24-26    

Sometimes I get so frustrated!

I blogged a little while ago about a book we read, From Familiar to Foreign.  I shared with you a little of some of the differences between our home culture and the one we are living in.  Well, that week was a particularly frustrating week for Rocky.  We have had the same problem with our car for about 2 months now and the mechanic cannot seem to fix it.  It doesn't completely disable the car, but it is not great.  And here, the culture is, "relax, take it easy, our relationship is more important than what needs to be done."  That was driving him crazy. 

Well, this has been my week to be frustrated.  I wish I could say that I handled it as well as Rocky, but that would be a lie.  We were supposed to have Spanish class on Monday and Sunday evening we thought we would confirm the time of our class, because sometimes in the past we have shown up and our teachers are not there.  Well, our teacher wasn't answering his phone, so I sent him a text.  He responded right away saying, "No, there is no class tomorrow.  Maybe Wednesday."  What?  I texted back, "Why?  We are supposed to have class and we have already paid for the class."  Anyway, to make a long story short - about 6 texts and 2 days later we learn there are no classes all week.  Oh my!  I was so frustrated I was beside myself. 

                                                                                             You know the scripture that talks about all things working for the good of those who love Him and are called according to His purpose...well...God did just that.  Hector and Arryn are getting married in a church here in Coban.  It was in desparate need of painting, but we didn't know how to suggest that to the pastor without offending him.  This Sunday, unbeknownst to us, he took up an offering to buy paint because they wanted to paint the church.  Yippee!  Because we haven't had school this week, we have been able to go every day and help the church family paint both the inside and outside of the church. 

I am not sure I can say my frustration in our cancelled classes has been completely alieviated, but I can say that God used this free time in our schedule to His glory and for that I am so thankful.  We have been able to get to know the pastor who is going to marry Hector and Arryn and spend time with the family of believers at this precious church.  Thank you, Lord!

The Kingdom Grew Today!

Today we went up to Panquix along with the gang from Cross Commission Ministries.  This was our second visit to this community.  The first time we went in April and delivered water filters to every family in the community.   

Today, the group from Illinois was working on installing stoves and water collection systems.  The stoves are really amazing in that they burn hot with less wood and all of the smoke is vented out of the house/kitchen area!  They make a huge and immediate difference in the health of the family.

This community has only one water source - a public pila - and so everyone has to hall water to their homes.  These simply water collection systems allow the family to collect rain water off of their tin roof and store it in a large barrel. 

They also had a medical clinic and were able to see each family in the community.  What a blessing.  

Rocky, Hector, Arryn and I were in charge of children's ministry.  What fun!  Our theme for the day was we are children of the King of kings which makes us princes and princesses.  We sang songs, played games, learned scripture and made crowns. 

Hector told a story of a young boy and his faith and then made an ivitation to the children who didn't know Jesus as their Saviour to accept Him today.  And, they came forward.  Praise the Lord! 

It was also wonderful to share this day with Hector and Arryn. 

We are so blessed to be able to spend time with them and serve the Lord together.  What a privilege.

The Kingdom of God grew today and we were allowed to be a part of it.  Thank you, Lord!

Living in a Foreign Culture

Rocky and I have been reading, Foreign to Familiar, by Sarah Lanier.  Our pastoral care couple from CTEN gave it to us to read.  It is all about "hot" and "cold" cultures and how to live in cultures that are foreign to you.  As you can guess, Guatemala is a "hot" culture and Canada is "cold."  This is not just about climate, but also about relationships and customs within the culture.  It is funny, although, how the majority of "hot" cultures in the world also have hot climates. 
This book was written not just for missionaries working in other parts of the world, but for everyone.  Our world is shrinking more and more every year, and it is possible to encounter different cultures right in our own backyards.  The weird thing about culture is that we all assume ours is the norm and everyone else understands it.  Not the case! 
I'll use Rocky and I as an example.  We are pretty typical Canadians.  We are task driven and efficiency is something we appreciate.  Here, it is the opposite.  The people are more relationship driven and efficiency takes a backseat to creating a feel-good atmosphere.  A great example of this was at the border when we were trying to import our car.  After waiting around for about 4 hours, Rocky and I were getting frustrated.  As I was visiting with our tramitador (the man helping us) I noticed he was humming and seemed totally at peace.  I asked him how much longer he thought it would be and he had no idea, but it was his follow-up that really reflected the differences between our cultures.  He said, "Don't you just love it here in Guatemala.  No one is in a hurry or rushing around.  It is so much more relaxing.  When I was in the USA, everything was so rush, rush, rush, that is was very stressful.  Here, you know you are going to wait and so you just sit back  and enjoy the time to relax."
Rocky and I stared at each other and I replied, "This is stressful to us.  We don't understand why it takes so long simply to pay some taxes.  All our paperwork is in order and yet we sit here waiting.  What is wrong?"
He answered, "Wrong?  Nothing.  It is good that it takes a long time.  That means everyone is doing their job and no one is taking a short cut." 
Hmmm...interesting.
Around the topic of food, there are many cultural differences between "hot" and "cold" cultures.  For us, if we are offered food in Canada, but we are not hungry or it isn't something we like, we say no thank you and it is not considered rude or an offense.  It is totally okay to go to someone's house for a visit and if offered coffee and dessert to accept both, one or neither without offending anyone. 
Not so here.  If you are offered, you must, out of respect, take it and consume it.  If you can't finish what is given to you it is okay to put it in a bag and take it with you, but you never leave it behind.  It isn't really about the food at all, but about the relationship.  It also isn't important whether or not you like something.  Here, they eat to survive; they don't eat for enjoyment like we do at home.  It changes how you view what you eat! 
So, when we used to do home visits, we would not tell the families we were coming, because if we did, they would all have food for us.  One day we visited 4 homes after lunch.  We had already eaten lunch with the group, but at each of the four homes we were served a meal.  And, to honour and respect those families, we ate 4 more times.  At the last house we were feeling sick, but in a "hot" culture it is more important to show respect to your host than to be concerned about your own feelings.
This is true even amongst friends and family.  For example, when Rocky, Hector, Arryn and I were driving one day, we stopped at a store and bought a few treats - chips and nuts.  I opened my bag of macademia nuts and began eating them.  My automatic assumption is that if someone wants some of my nuts, they will ask.  Well Hector offered me some of his chips and I didn't want any, so I said not thanks.  He asked my why I wouldn't accept his offer.  When I said I didn't want any, he said, "Yes, but I offered you some."  You see, culturally, I should have taken at least a small amount...and...I should have offered him some of my macademia nuts when I first opened the bag. Oops!   
I wonder how many of you fellowship with, work with or live close to people from different cultures.  I also wonder how many of you have caused or felt offenses because of the differences between your cultures. 
For us, learning to live in a different culture is a process. We are blessed to be here, in Guatemala, and everyday, we ask the Lord to make us more sensitive to the people here so that we would not cause an offense that could be a stumbling block for the Gospel.  We are thankful for resources like, Foreign to Familiar, to help us in our journey.  I could be a help to you, too!