CAG Baccalaureate - It's a Zoo Out There!

Congratulations to David!

{photo courtesy of Sandi}

and Congratulations to Maria!

Last Sunday, we attended the Baccalaureate for the 2013 Graduating class from CAG.  This year, there are two Camino families represented.  Way to go David and Maria!

Instead of the normal Union Church location, this creative class chose the Zoo. Great Choice!

Its a real zoo out there!

The zoo just opened up a new exhibit of penguins.  There were scores and scores of folks visiting the zoo this past Mother's Day weekend.

We are proud of the 2 Camino mks who are graduating this year from CAG (Christian Academy of Guatemala).  There are several other kids from our neighborhood graduating as well.

~J

One Missionary Tribe

 Close your eyes.

Imagine 8 children with 2 adults tramping through the airport.  All dressed with their blue jeans and gray Camino t-shirts.

They're heading for an adventure.
An adventure of a life time.

This family has completed their language study and are now heading to their first assignment.

Guatemala.

 They arrive with 

20 black footlockers

10 carry - on pieces of luggage

10 back packs - all full

and several musical instruments.

Glenn, master packer, got 16 footlockers in our van plus some soft carry-ons and backpack.  The rest of the luggage fit in the 2nd Hiace van along with most of the passengers.

Now Open your Eyes.... 

Welcome to Guatemala, 

John and Sheila,

Joshua, Benjamin, John Mark, Abigail, Rachel, David, Hannah and Stephen!

Psalms 1

Blessed is the man that walketh not in the counsel of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way of sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful.

But his delight is in the law of the Lord; and in his law doth he meditate day and night.

And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

The ungodly are not so: but are like the chaff which the wind driveth away.

Therefore the ungodly shall not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous.

For the Lord knoweth the way of the righteous: but the way of the ungodly shall perish.

Old Friends

A wonderful couple - Eldon and Ramona

Recently, we received notice that Eldon passed away. 

My memories
As a student at Moody Bible Institute in the late 70's, I looked up the local NAB church and called the secretary.  The Schroeders immediately said that they would pick me up "under the arch" at 8:00am.  That was the first time I met them.  I invited my classmate, Kathy to join me also.  We had Sunday lunch (normally roast with rice potatoes, Yum) with the Schroeders and they drove us back to Moody later that afternoon.  Eldon was then pastor of Foster Avenue Baptist Church.

I spent many a afternoons in their home.  I became involved with the church youth/college age group.  I remember spending my first Thanksgiving holiday away from home in their home.  This was also the first time I experienced my first Chicago snow fall.  Fun!

Fast forward.....
25 years later, as Ellen was a student at Moody, she took the train out to the Schroeder's house and spent the weekend with them too. They hosted Ellen many times and even attended her concerts when we were not around. 

The Schroeders gave me a Guest Book as a wedding gift.  And because I would sign their guestbook numerous times as a college student, I instituted my own "dreaded, ya gotta sign my guest book, before you leave now!".

Eldon has blessed our family with his slow-moving walk (never in a hurry), his quick humor and his love for his gold fish pond and nature.  He would show us his urban garden in his back yard, point out the birds in the area and describe each room full of their depression glass collection in the family den.

We appreciate the Schroeders over the many years.  We are thankful how they were a blessing to me as a Moody student and then with Ellen.

  Eldon, you will be missed.
~J

Note of Kindness

One of our newest couples here on the field, wrote a letter for us to send to those that support us financially and prayerfully.    Below is a copy of their kind note.

Dear Stewart Financial and Prayer Supporters,

You all don’t know me, but my family and I have recently benefited from your support of the Stewarts, and I want to say thank you.

My husband, son, and I recently moved to Guatemala to be missionaries for two years. I have lived in Dallas, Texas my entire life and never thought that I would leave that wonderful city filled with family and friends. Needless to say, though knowing that Guatemala is where God wanted us, I was freaking out about moving to another country.

My fears were quickly put to rest because of Glenn and Judy. They answered all of our questions before we left, promised to pick us up at the airport, checked out the house we were leasing for language school, looked into cars we were interested in purchasing, and even went and took pictures of dog food for us so that we could know what to transition our dogs to.

We arrived late at night in Guatemala City and there they were waiting for us with another couple and a big ol’ van to transport our three dogs and tons of luggage to Antigua. When we arrived at our home we found a car in our garage (They had decided to lend us one of their cars while we decided what to buy), they had two prepaid cell phones for us, and food on our counter and milk and eggs in our fridge.

The following day, they drove 45 minutes back to our house, took us out to lunch, and drove us around town so that we could figure out what in the world we were doing. This week they have introduced us to so many other missionaries, taken us grocery shopping, set up a membership account for us at Pricesmart (Guatemala’s version of  Costco), and helped us get our own cell phones.

The main thing that John and I have said when they leave is how selfless they are. They are always putting others first.  You are all supporting amazing people.

There is a good chance I would have had a nervous breakdown if they were not here.

We are just one of many families that they have helped. Thank you so much for supporting them and please continue to do so. They are doing God’s work and we are so grateful for that.

God Bless,

John and Sarah Herrington

www.jesuslovesguatemala.com

A New Graduate in the Stewart House

Congratulations Madison!

{photo courtesy of Gary S}

  

We were not at the graduation ceremony, but during the commencement, I texted Gary and asked if there were a link to watch the ceremony on line.  He sent me a link and I got to watch some of the ceremony from Guatemala.

  However my good friend, Christie, took a photo of Madison just after she walked across the stage.

Madison with her parents!

Madison with her friend Grace and her brother and sisters!

We couldn't be more happy for both Gary who graduated in 2011 and now Madison.  Welcome to the JBU Alumni Club!

Beverly Hillbillies

 Wednesday, Glenn and I went to a "garage sale" and purchased

1 washing machine

1 gas dryer

2 large tables with 16 chairs

1 freezer

 We were purchasing these items for a new missionary family of 10, the Tarwaters, who will be arriving into Guatemala in less than 2 weeks.

 Glenn just loves challenges.  He was able to get everything on the first load except for 2 chairs, washing machine and freezer.  Notice how he stacked the chairs and table on top.

Glenn has always been noted for his packing ability.

Could we have been more like Jed Clampett and Grannie?

Dried Up

 Sometimes I feel like this.

I Know Who Goes Before Me

 

Our new missionary, Sarah, quoted this song when she boarded her plane at DFW to Guatemala.  I have since fallen in love with it.

 I know who goes before Me

You hear me when I call
You are my morning song
Though darkness fills the night
It cannot hide the light
Whom shall I fear
You crush the enemy
Underneath my feet
You are my sword and shield
Though troubles linger still
Whom shall I fear
I know who goes before me
I know who stands behind me
The God of angel armies
Is always by my side

The one who reigns forever
He is a friend of mine
The God of angel armies
Is always by my side
My strength is in Your name
For You alone can save

You will deliver me
Yours is the victory
Whom shall I fear
Whom shall I fear
I know who goes before me
I know who stands behind me
The God of angel armies
Is always by my side
The one who reigns forever
He is a friend of mine
The God of angel armies
Is always by my side
And nothing formed against me shall stand
You hold the whole world in Your hands
I'm holding on to Your promises
You are faithful
You are faithful
You are faithful
I know who goes before me
I know who stands behind me
The God of angel armies

Is always by my side
The one who reigns forever
He is a friend of mine
The God of angel armies
Is always by my side
The God of angel armies
is always by my side

No Kidding!

No kidding.  This car was driving up the Boulevard.

Look at the angle of the right rear tire.

I bet the car wasn't going too far.
~J

El Tenedor

Last week Glenn and I went up to El Tenedor for dinner.

In the past 2 weeks, we have received 2 new missionary families.  The Herringtons and the Lastrapes.  So, we had a little get together with these two new families along with the Selfs, Philippis, Sywulkas and Robinsons.  

And you know Glenn, he likes to pile lots of people in his van.  We had plenty of room.;)

The pizza was great.

The bean soup and apple salad were pretty good too.

The view was stunning and the fellowship was terrific.

The art is modern and unique.

Through the Eyes of a New Missionary

 Jesus Loves Guatemala

Our newest missionaries, the Herringtons, recently posted a short blog about their first 10 days here in Guatemala.

They describe their frustration when purchasing gasoline and had their credit card denied because of fraud protection warnings.

They were moved emotionally to see hundreds of Guatemalan families who live and work in and around the city dump for their livelihood.

Want to read more?  Go to their blog:  JesusLovesGuatemala 

We have been honored to help them with their transition... setting up house, starting language school, purchasing a vehicle, acquiring household appliances and even dog food.  We have given them basic general navigation information, so as not to get lost.  We are very proud of John and Sarah and toddler Jackson.  Please pray for them as they desire to serve Jesus here in Guatemala. 

~J

Glenn Rose to the Occasion

Glenn purchased a dozen yellow roses for me yesterday.

I am restricted to 1 1/2 more days of bed-rest.  But who is counting?

If you could only smell these roses.  They smell delicious!

"Thank you, My Lord!"  (yep, we have been watching Downton Abbey!)

Downton Abbey and Bedrest

On Thursday I had a small procedure done to relieve my lower back pain and numbness in my two feet.  The doctor ordered complete bed-rest for several days.

So, I thought this would be a good time to see what all the "hoopla" of the PBS TV series of Downton Abbey is all about.  Glenn and I have finished the first two episodes of the first series.  Quite interesting.  

I did find 2 Links that helps explains things.
5 Things to know
100 Important things to know
about Downton Abbey

Anything else I need to know?  Who else follows this?

I think Glenn and I are going to continue to watch the rest of it.

~J

Heaven's Choir

Check out this Youtube video of Mr. Shea singing "I'd rather have Jesus"

Two months ago, I posted a short clip about George Beverly Shea's 104th Birthday. {Read here}

Last night, we got word that Mr. Shea had another birthday party, entering into and singing in heaven now.  One article says, "Now the heavenly choir has one more member." 

My prayers extend to his family and my dear friends, Ron and Kathy Shea.  We love you!

Press Release

Thank you for your ministry through the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association!

And It Was Good

  So God created great sea creatures and every living thing that moves,

 with which the waters abounded,

 according to their kind,

 and every winged bird according to its kind. 

And God saw that it was good.

  And God blessed them, saying,

 “Be fruitful and multiply,

 and fill the waters in the seas,

 and let birds multiply on the earth.”

  So the evening and the morning were the fifth day.  

Genesis 1: 21-22

Monday means Beans and Rice

Back in the 80's and 90's, we had a family tradition that I would fix

Beans and Rice for dinner

 (normally on Mondays)

Since we as a family of 5 were pretty much busy with weekend activities living in Bolivia, it was just simple for me to rely on the crock pot to make my beans each Monday morning.

We also had a tradition that Glenn would give me 100.00 a week for grocery money.  And any left over money, I would tuck it away in my little "Travel Fund".  So, it made sense for me to cook beans and rice to save a few pennies.

I think my kids learned to love beans and rice.

My adult kids have now asked me for the recipe.  There is no recipe.  I just cover the red beans in water and cook in the crockpot on high for 4 -5 hours or on slow for 8 - 10 hours.  I then shake in some Chili powder, black pepper and salt.

It's Monday. 

 Guess what Glenn and I are having for dinner tonight?

It's Saturday

It's Saturday!

what took you so long?

I'm exhausted.

This week was rough.

It's only the 12th of the month, 

and we've put in 18 - 20 hour days these past 12 days.  

If we were using the timeclock, we would be done for the month.

But, this is what we do.

Member Care.

(and we're just beginning for the month!)

• Hosted 3 couples that came to help with child care during Conference
• Helped Coordinate our Annual Fellowship Conference
• Said "good-bye" to the Foote family
• Washed 5 sets of bed sheets today
• Visited J Conner in the hospital
• Made several airport runs to pickup/drop off traveling missionaries
• Held a debriefing Conference Committee meeting
• Had prayer time for the Herringtons and 3 other families arriving soon

We collected food for a pounding!

Then on Wednesday, we welcomed

John, Sarah and Jackson 

from DFW on AA 2137!

 (Oh, and they brought 3 dogs!:)

We dropped them off in Antigua and didn't return home until after midnight.

(We have made 6 trips to Antigua this week.)

(Jackson, one tired little camper!)

So, now we are helping them get settled in

 as they begin Spanish language classes on Monday. 

We have driven them around Antigua so they can get their bearings. 

 We've showed them the pet store where they can buy dog food.

And of course we showed them Doña Luisa and their famous banana bread. 

Glenn rode with John as he drove our car from Antigua to the city where the Herringtons purchased their own vehicle and then

rode back to Antigua in the new car with John driving.

  I think Sarah's knuckles were white and she is prayed up. Mind you, John is a good driver and did a great job on his first "flight".

Pray for John and Sarah

 as they dive into Spanish language classes, 

battle loneliness,

make new friends

and appreciate the missionary experience!

Thank you Jesus for Saturdays!