Home Away From Home At Last

We made it! At this moment all members of our team are accounted for in Magdalena Milpas Altas. This was not the case only one hour ago. After passport hiccups at the airport in LAX and a baggage ordeal in Mexico City, all members have arrived safely and we are praising God for answering our prayers so faithfully-and expediently!
Yesterday was a day of traveling and recovering. When the group arrived in Magdalena we enjoyed plenty of free time to get used to our new homes away from home, shower, and rest up for the work ahead. Today will be spent in orientation where we learn more about the expectations in our worksites and how to serve God best while we are here.
We received our personal devotionals today that we will be using each morning before work. We will be exploring the book of Daniel and his role as a Spiritual Mentor for us today. This morning we reflected on Daniel's life and how he was forced to suffer for the sins of others. However, despite his difficult situation, God gave Daniel the power to respond with strength and faithfulness as he chose to continue to draw nearer to the Almighty God. These next couple of weeks already show much promise of some serious spiritual growth for us all!
Continue to pray for us as we continue to stretch ourselves, learn, and advance the Kingdom. Please specifically pray for strength of body and mind, for compassion, and for health. Thank you for all of you praying for us already; your prayers have been faithfully answered thus far!

Feelings of anticipation..

Said goodbye to the first part of my team on Saturday at the airport LAX. Their shirts look great! I can't wait to have them all on as the other 16 of us go to the airport on Sunday. We will join them on Monday morning with our host families in Magdalena! Ahhhh! The time has come..YESSS!
I do have a bit of anticipation and sadness knowing that the last time I saw many of them, my other family, in Guatemala, I said goodbye to them through tears and complete sadness. My Mom's passing at the end of our trip last year was VERY difficult and I will never forget the people there that made my hurt easier because of the words and love they showed me.
Bring on the changes! I won't be living with the family I have stayed with the past 10 years (9), but will continue to see them as they are still working with SI. Our team has their flight pattern figured out, insurance cards are printed out for them, host families arranged, and site placements given! Phew! What a lot of work that is put in to an outreach like this! Thank you to the staff of SI for organizing and preparing for us to be there. We are truly thankful for you and your work. May we be a blessing to you as we serve alongside of you there, as you will be to us. :)
I have received news from my team already there in Guatemala and can I say RAIN? Yes, today it was raining and hard! I hope you had a chance to see the video that Ally Kornelis posted, it has only rained one day while they have been there, but be prepared with umbrellas and such :)
Language school has been great this week, and tonight there was a salsa dancing class..oh how fun!
We will meet them in just a few days...pack light and be prepared to bring along a r-few donation suitcases. Everyone is allowed ONE bag of up to 50 lbs. IN your carry on, (it can be up to 25 lbs, like a backpack) take along a change of clothes.  Be sure to follow your packing list in the SI team member manual! If you dont have one, you can find it under resources on the page you registered with at stint.com :)
Friday is the sendoff bbq and it will be held at Cheryl Price's home. Bring along a side dish or salad, I believe all the hamburger is accounted for. Be prepared to swim! Your parents and mentors are invited!
If you have any questions, send me an email or a text and I would be happy to help you with any questions you have.

CVCGU16, our team name, is swiftly gaining momentum

June 5 will be here before we know it! School year is at an end, projects are getting turned in, finals are coming, and  the students are finishing well.  Much like the Christian life, our goal is to finish well. That was certainly the case last year when I heard the news that my mother had passed. I am a bit nervous seeing those dear people again in Guatemala that covered me in prayer and love, it brings me to tears just thinking about those special moments with them, tender moments of genuine concern and an assurance that my Mom did finish well, her life was a life well lived for her Savior. The memories of that horrible time will flood my mind as I see their faces. it will be a joyful reunion for sure!

What is it like being a returning leader? This year will be my 11th time stepping on Guatemalan soil and being a part of that community-even if just going for 2 short weeks, returning each year, makes those guatemaltecos like family to me. God has showered opportunity over these years to raise my children returning with me each year, and growing up with the Guatemalan  children! My daughter Courtney is so anxious to see Lizbeth again, and Brenden, her brother., basically all of the kids in the community of El Gorrion. We go each year but walking those dirt paths to those cinder block houses that have no light or running water just draw us...closer to Him. 

There will be changes this year. Anxiety has set in, but we know that Students International provides and has been providing over these years the best solution to what is ahead. Our flights have been purchased, our mission sites have been assigned, and we can put a face to our leaders and know a bit more about what God has intended for us and how we can best serve the community there.

Hard to believe that at this time last year, my heart was conflicted about returning. My family all went to visit with my Mom and we got to say our goodbyes, never even imagining it was for the last time.
As my heart still aches, I realize that there will be hurting hearts on our team as well, I covet your prayers for discernment and for tender guidance in certain situations. Team times, my favorite part of the trip, where students bond and worship as a group, will once again be a formative time for all of us.

We return home on the 18th of June, there are 20 of us total: Myself, Michael Kornelis, Ally Kornelis, Pamela Moore,  Laura Moore, Lisa Colburn, Abbey Colburn, Madelyn Burr, Marissa Price, TJ Price, Triston Lytle, Eric Salcedo, Tanner Rocha, Justine Bouwman, Charlize Guess, Claire Fluegel, Lacy Graff, Courtney Branderhorst, Taylor Vos, and Brian Fabrie.

I cannot help but look ahead to the trip I have with Students International to the Dominican Republic a week after I return from Guatemala. I have a small group joining me there, but I am anxious to meet and live alongside the Dominican culture there! Pray for us- Myself, Cooper Calvin, Saskia Dragt, Collin Stockton, Tiffnee Jones, and Stephanny Ruiz. Dates for that trip are June 27- July 9.

Serving willingly this summer for an extended time!

People who know me well know how much a part of my life is invested in missions. I breathe missions. Last week I received a call from the president of Students International who had met with a former colleague of mine at Ontario Christian School. Tim Huizenga, the principal, remembered me and wanted to hear more about Students International. Two of his teachers would like to join an outreach, however, mine was full to capacity, even more spots that needed to be reduced. So in that frustrating situation, came an opportunity to serve in the Dominican Republic and take a few of my kids from the Guatemala team and place them in the Dominican Republic with me the following month, as well as the two teachers from Ontario Christian.  I spike with my SUPPORTIVE husband who knows my dreams so well, and he agreed.
I can't even begin to express how very excited this makes me! I have been dreaming about a trip with SI to the Dominican Republic for quite a few years now.  Everything about the trip demonstrates to me how God is in this and these plans. Today a friend, Stephanny Ruiz, messaged me and wanted to just see how I was! God's timing is amazing! She had been thinking about going to the DR as well, and is joining our team. I just come to tears even thinking about it, but wonder why I am so surprised? God has no "random" messages, his timing was all planned beforehand! Stephanny was a special part of our team and her heart was open to everyone! She was such a comfort to me when my Mom died while I was in Guatemala.

My heart will always be in Guatemala and my family is there....they have become like family to me. I can't even stand to think how diffficult those final two days were and how comforting the staff, the host families, the Guatemalan family members were to me. There were so many things that I remember.They were Jesus to me...and I will NEVER forget the words, prayers, and songs they sang with me at that time. I cannot wait to return and see them again.

Guatemala awaits! And so does the Dominican Repubic! 

Students International chapel and banquet

Students International chapel and banquet

Randy Braun, missionary for 3 years was at the banquet!

Two of the best co-leaders I have ever had! JR and Dennis, your guidance and support for the team was such a help to me! Next year?

September 10 is always a great day to remember the trip, but also a sad day as it is saying goodbye to an awesome team yet again! However, this year, I really missed my graduated seniors especially during the chapel time.One former trip member was there for not only the chapel, but the banquet as well! Thank you Lacy Graff!
Messages at the banquet really stuck with me as I listened to leaders and missionaries share their stories of former trips, and God's calling on their lives. Dave Hansen, President Of Students International,  does an awesome job on not only recruiting new people, buet thanking those that are serving either on the field or where they are. He shares their stories, their hearts, and their passion. I love partnering with them and their mission!

Living the Story

“ Living the Story”

2015 marks 10 years that our school, CVC,  has been given the opportunity to join with Students International in missions in Guatemala. For those years, the hearts and homes of the Guatemalan people have been graciously opened up to the students here at Central Valley Christian High School. “They have become as family to my family, and we have been able to bring our children each summer.” All 3 of the Branderhorst children have been on the mission trip and continue to go each year.  One has been for 9 times, another from 3^rd -11^th grade, and plans to return this summer as well.   Students share their experiences of trips they have taken over the years and how that pertains to their “Living the Story”.  Acts 4:20 “We cannot help but speak about what we have seen and heard.”

2007 and 2008 ~ In my first year, my eyes were opened to missions work and the impact which the gospel has when coupled with caring actions (like building chicken coops and inoculating animals), shared from one person to another. (Praying for Mario!) In my second year, I saw firsthand how God unites the body of Christ (that year we went with Immanuel High School) and works through different members to encourage and build his kingdom. The experiences are highlights in my life and I believe God used them to grow in me a desire to continue sharing the gospel with others - at college, on another mission trip, and in South Africa.

                                                                               Mark Bennett

2013 ~ The people of Guatemala struck me by how happy they were when they had so very little. I know life is not about material things but they do make life easier, and life in Guatemala was definitely not easy. In the United States, we take so much for granted while they live with the bare minimum, if even that. My trip to Guatemala helped me appreciate the little things in life, like food on the table and clean drinking water at my disposal.

Karianne Aukeman

2009 2011 2012 Guatemala opened my eyes to the world of missions and how passionate I was for people of the world. I learned to rely on Christ for my every need.

Hannah Dunn

2011 ~ Guatemala gave me the first good insight on what it's like to live and work in a culture different than our own. Also not only did we meet and make new friends in Guatemala, but after the trip we had stronger relationships and some memorable times made with the friends and people who had gone on the trip with us.

Tori Moons

2009 ~ it was incredible. As the first trip I made out of the country, to say I was overwhelmed is an understatement. However it opened my eyes to the power of God through any who say yes to his call. It was the beginning of many yes’es to his calling in my life.

Ashley Neal

2008 ~ Summer after my sophomore year at CVC. The two weeks spent sharing the Gospel the best that I could with my broken Spanish and showing the love of Christ through playing jump rope and painting a mural at the local school were an unforgettable and joyous experience. I am very thankful for the trip and all those who were there as well both physically and spiritually through prayer.

Lacy Graff

2011 ~ Guatemala was a doorway to allowing me to see one of the bigger parts of being a Christian through serving and it made the whole trip worth it. Also it was really fun so that helped too!

Austin Moons

2012 2013 2014 ~  Joined our team in 2012, and 2013, became  summer staff in 2014. Made Magdalena have a permanent place in my heart, and gave me so many amazing experiences that allowed me to see God outside of both the church and worship.

Alexa Blundell

2011, 2012, 2013 ~  CVC can really be a bubble. Though a tight knit community is a great thing, such a small frame of the world can be dangerous. My trips to Guatemala never failed to show me that God is so much bigger than we can possibly fathom. He is constantly moving all over the world, and yet he desires each of us personally. It is both humbling and empowering, and I believe it is something that everybody should experience.

Taylor Boyle

2013, 2014 ~ Guatemala is a life changing experience. This place builds you. I have never felt so close to God and now I just wait till next year! Señora B is a wonderful servant to God. I can't wait till round three.

Brian Fabrie

2007 ~  I came home from school one day and told my mom that I was going to Guatemala. Not knowing why or what would come from the trip. Little did I know, going to Guatemala when I was a sophomore in high school changed my life. It was the most extreme poverty I had ever been exposed to. I laughed, I explored, I cried from being home sick, I taught English in a school and I made many new friends. The quiet times with God stick out to me when we would sit on a hill or go to a quiet place in a house just to be alone with God. Everything in Guatemala felt so real. The piece of my story that changed my life forever was meeting a little boy named Jose Miguel. He had fair-ish skin and light colored eyes. Miguel was special because had an incurable disease. I had the opportunity to go to his families house for dinner and meet them and hear their story. It was. (I still cry as I write this to you). Jose Miguel's family hardly had anything yet they welcomed me into their home and fed me a delicious meal. They were so genuinely happy and thankful for me spending time in the school. Then one morning I heard we were able to sponsor children in Guatemala and I immediately took the book that was passed around and found Jose Miguel's name. I went back to my parents house and remember being an extremely unemotional child before this trip...but I just sat at the table and cried uncontrollably. I cried because I wanted to take Jose Miguel home with me and help cure his disease or give him a life he never had. My parents reminded me thankfully that he has a very loving family in Guatemala and we cannot just take him. However, they lovingly and willingly allowed me to sponsor him and his brother. I also began praying for him. My little world and bubble became so open after that trip. I truly believe that trip became a big part of my story that impacted my life in so many ways. (I even remember coming back and thinking how strange it was to feel carpet under my feet!) I now have my masters in Social Work and this is just one of the pieces of my story that led me into this field of work. I went to Guatemala thinking I would bless others, but I left there feeling so blessed by the people in a way I never could have even imagined.

Megan Greidanus

2008 ~  My trip with SI was the first time I truly lived out my Christian beliefs in a real way because the ministry sites gave me a tangible way to see Christ working in myself and also those around me by our actions instead of reading about others who have walked the Christian walk. Became summer staff in Nicaragua 2014.

Shelly Leyendekker

2006, 2007 ~ Has is really been 10 years. That's crazy. Glad to have been there the first two years with you. I went the first two years, 2006 and 2007. Hope to go again someday. Guatemala isn't just part of my life, it is my life. I went there to help teach kids at the school in Magdalena, but instead they taught me so much more. About how to love and being grateful for every little thing. I still feel like a part of my heart will forever be in Guatemala. And hope that one day I can return with my family.

Margie Koetsier Lynch

2014, 2015 ~ My life was forever changed going to Guatemala. I have never felt so much love from my God and from my team. I have also never been challenged as much as was in Guatemala. These trips have grown my relationship with God tremendously.

Shelby Laber

2013, 2014, and 2015 ~ I went to Guatemala to show Gods love to others but when you are surrounded by people who have nothing and give everything, it's them that shared Gods love with us. Guatemala changed my life. God is working through the people of Magdalena and the teams that He sends. I'm so blessed to have had the opportunity to go three times.

Ruby Koetsier

2014 - Guatemala was a great experience for me! It's so heartwarming to be surrounded by a big group of people who all love the Lord and want to make a difference even if it's small. My favorite memory is from my junior year when everyone pitched in to transport avocados to a truck. It was actually really difficult because they were 15 pounds easily. But the best part was when it started raining. Sure, there were groans and complaining, but we kept moving. Instead of giving up and finding shelter, we fought through the uncomfortable circumstances and we finished transporting all the avocados. This proves that Guatemala can change and teach you. You learn how to be independent and content with what you have and to me it was a really humbling experience.

Anna Leyendekker

2008 - For me, Guatemala was the most beautiful place I had ever stepped foot. I experienced Christ in a whole new, tangible way and a big part of that was the people there. My host family and the art instructor left lasting impressions on me, simply due to the way they soaked up every single thing they heard about God. Their thirst to know and learn more was so childlike and pure and it taught me to strive to have a faith like that.

Bailey Schmidt

2008 and 2009 - God showed me that in order to spread his message we must intentionally and continually pour into people's lives. I was really amazed to see Sra. B return year after year. This really exemplifies Jesus' consistency and commitment in discipling.

Inez Solis

Serving on summer staff in both Guatemala (2013) and Costa Rica (2014) gave me a perspective on missions and an appreciation for missionaries that I never had before. Its hard work that they do, and its not the poverty tourism we unfortunately see a lot of when folks from the states go on short term mission or humanitarian trips. Its real life, hard work, spiritual warfare, trying to love people who are hungry, lonely, abused and struggling. Our missionaries need our prayers. When they ask us to pray for them, we shouldn't take it lightly because the work they are doing is not just an international adventure vacation. Its kingdom work on a rocky spiritual battlefield, standing eye-to-eye with our very broken world. My three-week trips were 2008 and 2009

Kylee Rogers

2013 – the trip to Guatemala taught me and strengthened me in so many things. It taught me about God the Father and the impact that heavenly and earthly fathers have on our lives. It strengthened my existing friendships and absolutely helped me forge new ones. It opened my heart to missions and travel and helped me to refocus my worldview. I am so thankful that I got the opportunity to serve in Guatemala and I wish that I had gone earlier/more.

 Tara Zwart

Leading these student teams over the years have added to my spiritual journey, given me important perspective, and joined passions that I have for teenagers and missions.  I anticipate returning each year, and stories like these are what make this trip extraordinary.  It’s more than a mission trip. As a teacher, I am able to see my students engage in the language for a week long one on one language school experience in Antigua the week prior to the missions trip – that began in 2008.  I want to thank this community for all of the prayer and financial support given to our team. Truly, this would not be possible without all of you at home being our prayer warriors.  Lives have been forever changed, and continue to change. Thank you, parents and community,  for coming alongside of us!

June 16 - art site

Yesterday I was able to visit the art site where Jonna Lemstra, Lindsey Calvin, and Courtney B are. Alvaro is their leader, and has a group of boys that come in the morning and in the afternoon.
The girls were helping to create bookmarks for sale for the site, as Alvaro was teaching his class of boys.  The site is held in a new building that is also used for tutoring in a separate room on the way to El Gorrion, a community  where most of the kids come from. I am so happy for Alvaro that he has this space to provide for these boys. One thing that was mentioned the other night by Courtney during team time was that Alvaro is more than just an art teacher. He is a mentor and friend to these growing boys. As I watched home yesterday share devotions at the end of each session, I saw how God is using him to reach them. In many of these families there is the reality of no hope, they are growing older, and getting less attention from their families, there is a problem with gangs and even violence, if they don't have someone coming alongside of them. I mentioned to Alvaro how very happy it made me that these kids have someone like him to do that for them. For lunchtime, we went to the Community center to eat our lunch and play with some of the kids there. We then returned to the art site to have another group come and learn to make some paintings. During recess, the kids in the morning played "cinco's" or marbles. I guess each player has 5 marbles that they put in the middle of a triangle and each person tries to knock out 5 marbles, md any they knock out, they can keep. Alvaro joined in on the fun!