Zblog

A moving moment for mom and dad!

2011-12-19T05:00:00.000-08:00

Yesterday at church the kids participated during the worship time. "I" played the drums and "S" and A" sang with the rest of the children and the kids' band. We as parents were very moved and were so amazed to watch them up there. We thank God and the work of the music school for their dedication to teaching our children and the rest of the kids in our communities!

Retreat, reflect, reality

2011-11-10T13:31:00.000-08:00

A leaders retreat! My mind quickly ran to picturing my weekend as I began to pack for our annual leaders' retreat with the church. In my mind there would be lots of talking, thinking and planning for 2012 of course, but also there would be lots of hanging out on a blanket having " mate" and just relaxing and enjoying nature. Ahhhhh! "A retreat, just what I need, " were my thoughts. I also was thirsting to meet with God with the other leadership and seek his face for 2012.

Well, although much of that did happen and I am thankful for the wonderful talks and discsussions, my retreat was much more of my reality following me to the retreat. What I mean by that is that long gone are the days of a retreat where you can disconnect and just breathe when your kids come along! Aha! K and I were finally together at a retreat but so were our three other participants of the Z clan. So the stress of bedtimes, meal times, entertaining them (although we had great childcare ) quickly intruded in my idea of a retreat! I would hear the pastor preaching on Psalm 23 and I just couldn't absorb it at the time. With the kiddos not sleeping, wet shoes from outside, settling sibling disputes, locating snacks, planning movie times, and fighting with DVD players.. I was zonked. I asked myself, Lord why am I here.. why a retreat if I can't "retreat" from my reality?

Well at 10 pm at night, on Sat after a great time of worship and prayer.. one of the youth gets a call from her dad frantic that her baby sister.. 18 months .. was hit by a stray bullet in her head. Information was scarce as the dad was running to the hospital. We quickly began to comfort and speak with the two older sisters and then we all gathered to pray. I thought, "man, talk about reality in the midst of a retreat.. a cruel reality." We had no idea if the baby would live or what the details were. K googled maps to get the girls to the hospital. Finally about an hour later.. the news came that the baby was fine, the bullet was lodged in her cheek and she would be fine. Praise God!! We all rejoiced!

Wow.. for me that was just such a picture of community and love and support. All we could do was cry out and pray and the Lord heard our cry. The baby is doing fine today and she is home.

But returning to Psalm 23... Our pastor ended the retreat time at church on Sunday and man the message hit home. The Lord met me in the midst of my reality, in the midst of a different type of retreat. I was reminded in a powerful way that He takes us by still waters, green pastures, guides us with his rod and staff. He is all we need for ministry, for life, for whatever our "reality" may hold. From an exhausted mom needing a break to a horrific random sudden tradegy.. He is our Shepherd, we shall not want!

Kyosko, one of our favorite Argentine bands

2011-09-30T04:15:00.000-07:00

Kyosko, live at the youth gathering "El Superclásico."

El Superclásico

2011-09-29T09:56:00.000-07:00

On Sept. 24th K with some youth and parents to the "Superclásico." "What is that?", you may be asking. Well it is a gathering of youth from all over Latin America that come to worship God together and hear His word. This year the gathering took place Fri and Sat. Some of our youth from church left Thurs and camped the two nights just to be able to get in since it was a free event. K headed their on Sat. and waited on line all day to get in. The wait was worth it. Over 60,000 youth filled the stadium and where impacted by the evening.

The stadium where the event was held in La Plata, Buenos Aires.

Two of our youth all the way in the front of the crowd. They camped two nights to get that spot!

Hanging out waiting for the event to start as the stadium fills.

And it begins!!

Children's day celebrations 2012

2011-09-22T05:18:00.000-07:00

Celebrating Children's day in the Fatima Barrio.

The Doctors Return

2011-06-14T12:09:00.000-07:00

Last week, we were visited once again by the medical mission team from Global Outreach International. They have been coming now for about five years. We love partnering with them. They enable us to provide a service to the communities that is unique and a change from dealing with the health care system at least for a week. Don't get me wrong health care here in Argentina is excellent, but for those that have less options it can be quite trying just to get into see a doctor at times.

We visited three communities that we are working in and provided Doctor visits and a free pharmacy that gave out what was needed prescribed by the doctors. This year we worked on adding a counseling center where people were also cared for spiritually and we were able to explain why we were there--- to share the love of Christ.

Over 200 people were seen and we praise God for a successful trip. It was a joy to work with them and we look forward to their return next year. Now we pray that the seeds that were planted will continue to grow!

"Kids like me don't go to university"

2011-04-14T10:42:00.001-07:00

Universidad de Buenos Aires - Facultad de Derecho, a photo by BKM_BR on Flickr.

Over the past year or so of teaching I have come across many different people and have had many opportunities to speak to and learn from the people we serve here in Buenos Aires. This week was no different as we started a new semester of carpentry classes in the shantytowns.

Today, I had the opportunity to share a little of my journey in life with one of my classes that is composed of entirely youth. As I was speaking to them sharing a little of the hope I have for them and asking what their dreams are, one of the kids (Alan, 12 years old) put words to what I have been seeing over the past two years through my studies and experience of the neighborhoods. I asked Alan if he had the opportunity to go to study in the University of Buenos Aires, what would he study, and he told me that that would never happen because he is from Fatima, one of the shantytowns. I asked why and he continued to say, "people like me, we don't go to university because we have to work and therefore have no time or money for such things". By this he was telling me indirectly that he wasn't good enough nor could he afford the time wasted or the money spent to better his condition. I was also told that it is unusual for the kids of these "barrios" to even finish high school and that many drop out in middle school to work with their families or take care of their siblings. Many are just left to their own devises raised on the streets.

Though this wasn't news to me, his answer impacted me. I had never heard it from someone's mouth that was directly affected by this way of thinking. To see this type of mindset instilled in a child so young was for me, offensive. His words just sunk in deep and reinforced my desire to break this cycle or mentality of poverty. But where to start? How do you change this type of pervading cultural mindset? The scary thing is part of what he said is true, these kids are not sufficiently prepared academically to handle college as well as they are a needed commodity for the future survival of their families. Who else will help carry the workload or watch the younger kids so that their parents can work to put food on the table? There is no one else. Their roles are type casted and they have no choices. Our resolve is to help create a holistic ministry that truly speaks into the entire human condition including this cyclical mentality of poverty. Something must be done.

Camp time

2011-03-17T05:37:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago the older youth put together the first junior high camp in a long time! The youth worked during their summer break (don't forget that Dec- Mar is summer here) to put together a Jr. high camp. For us it was thrilling to see the team of youth we worked with all year come together and organize this event. It was so amazing to see the fruit of a year of disciplship, training and prayer. God is good!

The camp went well. The kids had a lot of fun and were able to for a weekend get away from the city and the shanty towns and enjoy nature, each other and learn more about God and themselves. The focus of the weekend was Identity. The jr. highers heard they were created in the image of God and all that that implicates in their lives. The camp ended powerfully with a time of prayer for each youth as they embraced their identity as children of God made in His image. We praise God for this camp and all that occurred. We continue to pray as the older youth will continue to lead the jr. highers in small groups and monthly meetings. K and I will continue to walk with the older youth through meetings, Bible study and one on one discipleship. We are thrilled to see the different layers of this ministry grow and develop!

The sleeping quarters! Nicely set up!

Pool time!

Worship,sharing of the word and prayer.

Summer- Winter- Summer

2011-02-24T16:13:00.000-08:00

We are back in Buenos Aires after a whirlwind trip the the USA. We went from a humid hot December 7th to a frigid greeting on December 8th in NYC. It was our first time back in the USA since we left two and a half years ago. There definitely was a bit of culture shock and adjustment. Our girls barely speak English so it was hard on them at first. By the end of the two months they were pros. So to make a long blog entry into a short entertaining and summarized version .. here are the top 10 things we take away from our time in the States:

10-- Learned to watch for bears when driving in PA (Yes we hit a bear on the way down to TN)

9-- Never tell and show your son what the GPS means by a "sharp turn..," when there is snow on the ground (Car turned and got stuck on the side of a hill)

8-- Chick-Fil-A has the best shakes! (Enjoyed meeting with people while kids played!)

7-- The drive from Nashville to Western PA is breathtaking! Highly recommend it!

6-- Memories made celebrating our kids birthdays from Jump houses to Chuck e Cheese.

5-- Our daughters walk into McDonalds and exclaim.. "They have one of these here too?"

4-- Never take your 3yr old daughter into the American Girl Store in NYC during the Christmas shopping frenzy if you are not planning on buying one right there and then (Mental Picture: my daughter screaming in Spanish, "I want my doll.." sprawled on the floor!!)

3-- Our kids bonded with everyones pets! They still talk about each pet they were able to play with along our visit! (Ellie, Max, Dexter, Bandit, Luna, Lucy, Burren Leo, and Kate.. and the list goes on..)

2-- True highlight of the trip was seeing one of our pastor friends act as a ballerina for a church talent night! Truely priceless! (Even if it meant having to watch the Jets play the Steelers in Pittsburgh!)

1-- All joking aside, the best thing about our time was spending it with many of YOU! We have the most incredible supporting partners, friends and churches a missionary could ask for. We left encouraged and renewed! Thank you! (If we didn't get to see you specifically, hopefully next trip!)

Here is a glance at our trip. From visiting dear friends to hanging out in the snow and celebrating birthdays, we thank God for a wonderful time! (click to view bigger)

Not by Chance Meeting

2010-11-29T06:54:00.000-08:00

There are times in life when you meet someone that you just know you will see this person again. Well that was what happened today as I was walking home from the mechanics. I had met Pablo about, I would have to say, almost a year ago outside of La Misión one cold afternoon. He approached me and asked me if I could give him something to eat, as is typical for the neighborhood around the church. I didn't think much of it at first but then the Lord's tug on my heart and began to see this man in a new light. As we spoke for about 10 minutes he began to tell me his story, and I noted that he knew much about evangelicals and what they believed. In trying to convince me that he was worthy of my attention he stated that he too believed and he was just in a distant state from God but that there was no hope for him. I reassured him that that just wasn't the truth. It fascinates me how God uses even our own manipulative means to move us to a place He desires us to be...as Pablo spoke and used words to convince me to give him money, his very words spoke to his own heart of Christ's love.

After buying food for him I sat with him on the street and just talked for a while. In that conversation I noticed he was cold and knowing that it was going to be a very cold night I gave him my jacket. That is the moment I believe God spoke to him. He was in shock and in essence said to me, most "christians" I have met have never given me their own personal jacket to keep me warm. Jesus would have done the same thing. I have never met a "christian" who lives like that until today. I could read it in his eyes as if he said it out loud, "sure, I am given a lot of things from people who take pity on me but it cost them nothing. But not you...". As I left him he was telling his other "street" friends what I gave him, saying to them, "he is a real christian, watch over him." My last words to him before I left were, "I am convinced that we have met for a reason." Though I was certain then that we would meet again, I didn't anticipate what that meeting might be like.

Well, today as I was walking from the mechanics I heard a man behind me call out "hermano" (brother), normally I wouldn't turn but there was a familiarity in his voice. And there standing before me was Pablo, but not the Pablo that I met a year previously, this man was a new creation, with a new spirit. I must admit I was shocked! He asked if I remembered him, and I said yes, in unbelief. Not sure how to interpret my shock he then tried to convince me again, but this time with a different message, "I am the same man you helped on the street over a year ago. You gave me your jacket, remember?" I said, "yes, of course I remember you, but something is different." And he proceeded to tell me that from that moment God began calling him back, out of drugs, off the street, back into a relationship with Him. He told me he is now going to a church close to home and that he is being discipled and growing in his faith. At the end our our conversation he apologized that he couldn't return my jacket but that he was so thankful for the many people, like me, God used to remind him of His love for him during that dark time in his life. He asked me to continue to pray for him because he still struggles with his past but that God has been faithful and good to him.

There aren't many times you get to see how God works through you, so we treasure this moment as a gift and an encouragement to carry on. He is at work, in the small things, in the big things, He is at work!

Latest Newsletter

2010-11-14T15:56:00.000-08:00

We invite you to catch up on all our latest news and updates by clicking on the following link and reading our Oct newsletter!

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/15028088/NewsletterOct2010.pdf

Serving in the Communities

2010-06-01T05:29:00.000-07:00

On May 22nd a team of twelve people arrived from Mississippi serving through Global outreach. There main goal was te serve the people in the impoverished "villas" with free healthcare. For La Misión this was an exciting time to meet the physical needs of the communities, share Christ's love and invite new friends to join us at church.

We praise God for a wonderful week. Over 500 people were seen and given free medical care and received prayer as well. K and I were able to spend time in prayer with one man who's daughter had run away. This same man came to church on Sunday to let us know that she came home! We were so excited and rejoicing with him.

Looking for a location

2010-03-19T05:35:00.000-07:00

It is always exciting to see how God provides and how He faithfully opens each door in His timing. If I had had my way we have set up a location for the vocational school from day one. But honestly if we had done that we would have missed out on what we have learned this past year. I, all too often forget, it is not only achieving my goals that matters, but it is what we learn from the process of achieving those goals that is often even more important. What is learned along the way, both from the succeses and even more so, from our failures, can so impact our overall direction and focus.

Take for instance, originally we were looking to focus the vocational school on adults only. But we have found that we have better results if we focus our attention on youth and children. Through this process of discovery we are finding that in this life style, the cycle of poverty is so ingrained in the daily function of the people that it is difficult for them to conceive of another life style. Many of the people in the villas work so hard but for so little; 16 hours a days, 7 days a week. Time is money for them! If they are not on the streets looking for recyclable materials (cardboard, plastic, metal) someone else will get what they missed that day, or take their territory, or more importantly, they do not eat. So for the adult and older youth, where would they find time to "invest" in themselves? This is a luxury they do not have. They have no options because no one will invest in them. Nor will they trust anyone because they have been burnt by so many lies/promises in the past when they once had hope. All that is left of their hope is scars.

So the question remains...how do you gain access to build trust so that you can invest in this community? I believe we have the answer...by providing the opportunities to their children/youth that they never had while there is time, and through that build relationships with the entire family. One way to break this cycle of poverty is to reach out to the children before their hope is too scarred to impact. So our focus of the school will be expanded to also include as much as is possible children and youth.

With that said, the ground work to start the school laid, with classes and workshops in the neighborhoods as well as at La Misión, we are ready for the next step- to rent a location. Over the past few months we have been raising the necessary funds to secure a "permenant" location for the vocational school. And God through many of you has begun to provide for this. In order to move forward, this permanent location is key and, not to mention, much safer. Once the location is rented we will still maintain our basic carpentry classes in the villas, but all the other classes will be taught in the new location.

Missions Conference 2010

2010-01-14T10:51:00.000-08:00

What a wonderful time we had during the missions conference! The conference was organized by the youth group for youth. It was a time of seminars, challenges, community projects. It was the perfect balance of learning and doing! The evenings we had gatherings were different speakers shared personal challenges to the youth. Many youth were touched and convinced of their longing to serve God and to know Him more in their lives. Personally, we were excited to be able to share the needs around the world especially about unreached people groups. For these youth, this was the first time hearing about this, the first time seeing the statistics and the first time of feeling the burden for the lost around the world. We praise God for this time with the youth and pray that many will follow the call set before them. We pray many will become "History makers in this world."

Missions Conference: Day 1

2010-01-07T04:42:00.000-08:00

We are thrilled to be a part of the first ever Missions conference at La Mision church. Personally it has been a challenge as we prepare for our workshops. Last night was the first big meeting, and as I sat there I realized this is all new for everyone there. In the States we are so accustomed (we, meaning church goers) to mission conferences and all that goes with them. It is a whole new experience to be at the place where for the first time these youth are being challenged with the call to missions especially when there is so much to do right around them. For all of us, believers, missions is an everyday thing; something we all need to remember no matter where we live. Yet there is also much to be done around the world. Pray with us as we prepare our workshops and that they would communicate to the youth where they are and help take them to a new level of understanding. Our prayer is that many will receive the call to GO, and that those that are called to stay would also Stay and make an impact here in Buenos Aires! Revolution is the theme! Bring on the Revolution!

A Taste of our First Year

2009-10-22T13:24:00.000-07:00

We praise God for this year. It has been a year of many transitions. He has carried us through each one. We thank God for each of our supporters that make it possible for us to be here! Celebrate with us and enjoy a taste of our first year.

Making a Joyful Noise

2009-08-17T19:27:00.001-07:00

We are so thrilled to have a music school in La Misión. Children from the community and the church come to learn an instrument as well as music theory. Also in one of the "villas," there is also a separate school run by La Misión called "Sonidos de Esperanza,".. (Sounds of Hope).. And that is what these music classes are for a lot of these kids that come from hard living situations. The hope of the gospel, the joy of music and the love of the teachers, all experienced weekly in these classes. Personally, God has used the music teacher, Martha in our children's lives. She has taught them to worship in song not just sing. We praise God for this tremendous ministry. Enjoy some of the clips from the end of the semester recital/program.

Isa has been taking drum lessons for 4 months. Kids can choose from drum, guitar and keyboards to study. Then they have an hour of music theory as well. You should see him learning his notes!

This is my favorite song the children sang. It says "I have so much to be thankful for.. my friends, my parents, and mostly Jesus." It is a great reminder to have a thankful heart!

Following your Call at all Cost

2009-06-24T09:31:00.000-07:00

Words can't express how proud I am of my brother and his family. They are in the midst of leaving the USA and headed to a new land to follow their call. Join me in praying for them in this season. It is surely a time of so many emotions.. overwhelming at times I am sure, but I trust that our Father is sustaining them now and will continue to do so! There is no greater joy than to be in the center of His will watching Him work wonders. What a privilege to serve our Lord! God speed familia!

http://sevenmileroad.org/blog/?p=1022

Learning to expect the unexpected

2009-05-28T11:40:00.000-07:00

As you all know we came to BA with a set of goals and ideas of what our time here would be about. Of course we knew in our minds to expect the unexpected and we were open to serve in any capacity needed or wanted. Well, after being here several months, we also began to feel a desire to work with the college students at church. Many of them we knew from when we lived here before and they were teens. As we began to hang out with them and discuss life, college, theology, we realized that a group was needed to discuss things further and with more of them.

So back in March we had a first meeting where we presented the idea to them to form a university/professionals ministry at La Mision. It was a great night of discussing needs, ideas, and service projects. Since then we have met again to continue planning, and this past week we were able to fellowship with a college team visiting from the USA, chaperoned by a friend of C's. What a great time of comparing college lifestyles and sharing how faith is lived out in both. For us it was perfect timing to have them come and spend time with the college students from La Mision; it inspired them to view college as an opportunity to share Christ.. not just a place to go study and then leave. (It was also great to share our life here in BA with an old friend of C's)

We are excited by this unexpected opportunity God has placed on our laps. We enjoy this group very much as well as are challenged by them to stay on our toes. Pray for them as many of them come from humble backgrounds and are the first in their family to go to college. It is an exciting time for La Mision to have about 15 of its own youth attending one of the top universities in Latin America, the University of Buenos Aires. In the future we will share more with you about this ministry and the students.

The ladies from La Mision and the missions trip from Ohio practicing language skills and getting to know each other.

C with a friend from her "youth group" and college days, visiting BA with a college team.

K and a youth from La Mision practicing English.

The two groups together.

Thursday Workshops

2009-05-19T11:23:00.000-07:00

The dream of the vocational school is slowly coming together. Phase one is bringing the carpentry classes to the neighborhoods near the church. These neighborhoods have high unemployment and the residents have very little means to acquire job skills. The Lord has opened a door in the community center in one of the neighborhoods and for now K is teaching every Thursday evening. For now they are more like mini workshops since new people come every week along with some regular attenders. Even women are attending that want to build furniture for their homes. We wait and pray the Lord uses this to draw people to Himself as well as give them a means to provide for their families. We will keep you posted as the school continues to develop and the vision becomes a reality!

Happy Easter: Celebrate the Resurrection!

2009-04-09T11:29:00.000-07:00

USA Easter tradition: Coloring Easter Eggs

Celebrating Easter.. we constantly remind our children what is Easter about.. Isa will answer "Jesus' resurrection" then we will continue to say "why celebrate it?", "How does it affect you?" After talking about it with him and getting funny answers as always, I am left wondering, why do I celebrate Easter. Do I really internalize what I say I believe? Do I believe in resurrection life and all that Christ did for me on the cross? And if I really do believe it, do I see change in my life brought about by that belief? I long to see the power of the resurrection in my life and the life of those around me. Our prayer is to see that power transform lives here Argentina. We pray you see it in your life today! I leave you today with those questions as we celebrate Easter together in different parts of the world! Felices Pascuas Amigos!

Argentine Easter Tradition: Making Easter bread called "La Rosca de Pascua." S and I got to make one in her preschool.

Celebrating Easter in the neighborhood, Los Pinos

A choir from Puerto Rico visited and ministered in Los Pinos. La Mision's children's choir also sang!

Invisible Children

2009-03-18T07:21:00.000-07:00

www.invisiblechildren.com/home.php

I was checking my Facebook as I like to do so periodically during the day, and I was hit with a link a friend posted. It is the story of three college aged guys who went to Africa to make movies and their lives were changed forever. What they saw affected them in a deep way. They saw first hand the children abducted to become children soldiers for an evil man named Kony... A man whose agenda is purely power. He is described as pure evil, changing innocent children into monsters. Needless to say, I was impacted by this video all that they show and tell about the history of Uganda. Then I am further impacted in a different way, by the thought that 3 young guys, saw an injustice and for the last 6yrs have been doing all they can to fight it. They have created a worldwide movement to stop Kony. I was also hit by the reality of what one man can do, one evil man. This man has 5 countries in Africa living in Fear!

Now think about it. One person, controlling 5 nations through fear, abducting children. 3 young college kids in the forefront of bringing peace and change... WOW.. what can I as one person do? Even more so, what can I with the power of the Holy Spirit living in me do? I ask you the same thing? What can you as one person do? A LOT! I know this has not much to do with our work here in Argentina, but at the same time it does. It has given me a kick in the pants.. to get working, get praying to open my eyes to see how can I use my gifts to bring change. I challenge you in your life, in your sphere of influence to do the same. It has given me a bigger burden to challenge the young youth here in La Mison especially the college kids to be inspired. We have been feeling a burden to start a college group at La Mision, and this has confirmed it for us. We want our college kids to use their gifts to be an impact on this world for God's glory. Pray with us that we all would hear God's call and rise above ourselves!

March forward

2009-03-04T02:17:00.000-08:00

Hee hee.. did you catch my play on words... it is finally March and for us it is time to "march forward." Arriving to March has been a goal of mine since we started packing our house in Buffalo. I knew back then that it would take at least six months to get settled in and a year to feel at home. I knew that would come in the Fall (which is in March here), we would have some kind of routine in place once the kids were in school and things at church would go into full swing after the summer.

And so it is... Isa has started school on the 2nd. He is loving it, though I worry about how long his school day is. He leaves about 7:45 and doesn't get home till about 4:45. He is going to a bi-lingual school and is enjoying his new friends. I totally respect him. He began school at the end of the school year last year. He was there from Oct. to Dec. He began without speaking any Spanish. Now, he speaks and communicates well. I am amazed and blessed by his transition. Thank you for your prayers, God has answered them. Keep them coming for a good school year =). "S" will begin pre-school next Monday. She will be going to a school nearer to us and is only in Spanish. We also had the option to send "A," but we have decided to let her stay home and enjoy one more year with her mommy.

On the ministry side, things are starting to pick up. "K" today will be visiting one of the "villas" that is predominantly Paraguayan. He will be going with the director of the social service ministry as well as one of our youth (that is no longer as young as we remember hee hee). In this location there is a group of carpenters that want to learn to make kitchen cabinets, so it is a perfect way for "K" to make contacts into this community as well as laying the groundwork in this area for the vocational school. Please keep all this covered in prayer! Keep his safety in prayer as violence in the villas is very high.

For me, "C", I have met and will continue meeting with my cell group weekly and we are now doing a book study. I am excited because I also have started meeting with a key leader to plan out the Bible school for the leaders in the church. We are preparing the curriculum and classes and hope to begin meeting with our teachers in the next few weeks and then kick off soon after. Again keep this in prayer. The church is in a very hard place and is walking through many transitions.

Ok, this blog entry has gotten long. We will attempt to write more often. Still getting used to the whole blog thing... Feel free to send questions or ideas of what you would like to see discussed on the blog. That will help me with entry topics =) Blessings!!

Un dia con Jesus/ A day with Jesus

2009-02-09T05:10:00.000-08:00

"A day with Jesus" was the name given to the day we as a church, La Mision, went to spend a day outdoors. It was a mixture of retreat, church picnic, church outdoors and so much more. It was a time to eat and fellowship together. Many enjoyed playing sports, others enjoyed the sunshine and conversations, some lucky few even got an outdoor nap. My favorite was having our Sunday service outside! There is just something about worshipping God outdoors; I love it. I love to sense His creation around me as we sing to Him and hear His word. I think there is just a little kid in all of us that just likes to be outside. It was a wonderful time for all. Isa even got to have some birthday cake with his church buddies. "A Day with Jesus," a day with His followers, His creation, His presence...

Our trip to Gualeguaychu

2009-01-26T13:01:00.002-08:00

Our time in Gualeguaychu with the youth was wonderful. We want to thank everyone who was praying for us and the youth. The youth did a tremendous job each day in the heat. They lived and worked in one of the schools in one of the most dangerous neighborhoods in the area. Each day the youth did work in the school and then prepared for an outreach event in the different neighborhoods in the area. The evening events had crowds from 40 people to 100. Then the next day they would meet with contacts made the previous night to speak further and connect them to the church we were working with. We were so impressed with the youth's commitment and drive as well as hard work.

When asked what impacted them the most; the youth shared that the time of "evaluation " each day is what impacted them. This was a time set apart each day to share and clear the air within the group if anything needed to be discussed. Here the youth were able to work out differences and minister to each other. It always amazes me how we always receive more than we give when we go on these trips. The youth were able to grow as a group and truly learn to love each other more.

For us this trip was unique in the sense it was the first in which we were balancing family and ministry. We thank God that we were able to do both and incorporate our children where ever possible. Isa and the girls loved attending the children's festivals and they got very attached to the clowns. K was able to build some shelving for the Pastor and C enjoyed helping wherever needed as well as encouraging the youth throughout our time there.

We praise God for all the seeds that were planted, the lives that were touched and the hearts that were changed!

Preparing for Gualeguaychu

2009-01-09T02:58:00.001-08:00

It is amazing to me to sit and write about a trip to Gualeguaychu. Mostly because six years ago, almost exactly to the date (off by a few weeks) K went with the youth on a mission trip to this same city and this same sister congregation. I was not able to attend because I had just had Isa two days before the trip and was recovering from a c-section; not to mention I had a newborn to adjust to. (needless to say I was clueless in thinking it was fine to let K go and he was clueless for going, nonetheless it all worked out=) Anyways, I remember being left with the sense of "man I wish I could go" Well, here we are 6 yrs later and it is the night before we join the youth in Gualeguaychu as a family. We are so excited to see what God will do.

We wanted to post the schedule so that those that could and were willing to commit to pray for each day and the events could do so. So here goes:

Monday

Travel time

Evangelistic Outreach in Zabale

Tuesday

Visit contacts made at the outreach in Zabale

Working on fixing a local school

Evangelistic outreach in La Cuchilla

Wednesday

Zim's travel

Visit contacts made the previous night at La Cuchilla

Continue working on a local school

Evangelistic outreach in Sagrado Corazon

Thursday

Visit contacts made the previous night in Sagrado Corazon

Continue working on a local school

Children's festival in La Cuchilla

Friday

Children's Fesitval

Work projects at the local school

Evangelistic outreach in Plaza San Martin

Saturday

Free time during the day

Youth meeting during the evening

Sunday

Church service with our sister congregation

Return to Buenos Aires

An Event "Full" Weekend

2009-01-04T15:50:00.000-08:00

Happy 2009 everyone! Ours has begun with quite the event filled weekend. We are enjoying the summer here in Buenos Aires. this past weekend we spent time with our church friends picnicing. Friday we had a wonderful time with some young families with children; our kids litteraly climbed from tree to tree. It was a great time of fellowship. Then on Saturday, we attended the annual presbytery soccer tournament! Now this is a big event; the youth and the not so "youth" play on teams representing their church. The winner gets a trophey, but more importantly the joy of beating the other churches. We had a great time watching the matches and cheering for La Mision. K played and he did pretty well considering he hasn't played for six years. Our kids just so enjoyed being with the youth. We had some great qualitiy time with the youth as well as the adults that attended. It was good to continue to build these relationships especially as we prepare to head on a mission trip with them in about a week. Of course no picnic in the summer is complete without a good ole water fight, and boy was it a water fight.

Our weekend ended with an event of a different type. We share it only to give glory to God for His protection and to ask you to continue to pray for God's protection on our family. Coming home from church we pulled into our driveway. I had come into the house already and K was getting "A" out of the car when two men came up to him and asked him for the keys to the car. K was able to look into their eyes and told them to leave with authority. Meanwhile the other guy tried to get his wallet out of K's pocket.. again K told him to leave. Thankfully K had noticed the gun he had was fake, thank God they didn't grab A, thank God they didn't come in the house since both the gate and the door were wide open! God was here watching over us. Then when we called the cops, the cop that came to take the report was named Angel! We got such a kick out of that.. we knew God was here and His angels were protecting us!

We praise God for this event Full weekend and we know He was in it in every moment! May we continue to see him every moment of 2009!

2008-12-23T02:52:00.000-08:00

Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!

Posted are some pictures of the Isa and S Sunday school class at the christmas program at La Mision. Isa played Joseph and S was an angel. All the children sang beautifully.

New Home

2008-12-11T04:45:00.000-08:00

We are finally posting some pictures of our new home. We are so thankful to the Lord for our duplex. It is perfect with lots of room for our family as well as for having people over!

The kids are especially enjoying the patio.

Mile Markers

2008-11-13T17:26:00.000-08:00

I just need to take a moment and just recognize two major mile markers we hit this week. The first occured on Wednesday. All during this past year we prepared all our paper work that we would need to present to immigration when we got here. I cannot tell you the time, and energy and frustration that went into it all. At one point close to our departure date we realized we had the wrong type of Birth certificates and we needed to start over. We called, we wrote, we drove, and we got every piece of document we needed signed, stamped, and sealed. Well after a year of all that work, this past Wednesday we went to present our paper work. I was nervous cause there is always something missing, our police record had expired, who knows what else they would find missing or what laws had changed. We got there at 10am and by 12:30 am we left with exactly what we needed for the next step and for K and the girls to be considered residents! Praise God, what a load off our backs! The most amazing thing for me is to see God's providence. The reason it was easy to become residents is because our son was born here and when I was young my parents applied for my residency. Niether event ever occured with the thought of " oh this will help the Zim's get their residency in the future." Yet God knew=).

The second mile marker in our journey here is that we are going to sign our lease this weekend, and we will be moving next week! What a joy! We packed our boxes and loaded the container back in August, so obviously we are so ready to be settled in our place. I am not too excited about packing and unpacking again, but at least we know this is it for awhile. In this too we see God's hand. In order to rent in Buenos Aires, you have to have a person sign that owns a property. Well we didn't think we had that till a family member looked up her information and was able to do it! Again God provided.

So we are beginning to see the light at the end of the this tunnel of transition. The "must do" to do list is getting shorter, and I know soon it will be replaced with new "to do's". But for tonight I am so thankful to check those two items off our list!

New ipod in the Toilet

2008-11-06T03:26:00.000-08:00

Yesterday ended with the news that our new ipod accidentally fell in the toilet. I wonder if it had been any other day, if we would have been more upset, but yesterday we weren't.

I (C) was invited to come share a devotional in a young girls cell/small group. This cell group is led by one of the young ladies that was a teenager during our time here 6 yrs ago. I can still see her sitting in my Sunday school class on Galations, and her eyes openning wide when she realized why Christ had to die on the cross for our sins. Now here she is all grown up, a young lady leading her own group of teen girls. I know I keep mentioning that my greatest joy has been to see some of the youth that have now grown up serving passionately in the church, but I can't help it.

None of this is to toot my own horn .. on the contrary it is to toot God's horn. It is amazing that He in is His infinite wisdom has chosen to include us in the work of expanding the kingdom. He doesn't need us. I can remember John Piper saying once, we need to be used by Him not vice versa. It is so true. Anyways, many times we don't get to see the fruit of what one does... yesterday I was humbled to see how God really can use us. So that is what I chose to share with the girls. My whole talk was based on how God uses us, how God used people in Acts to affect history. Saul was ministered to by Ananais when Ananais didn't understand why God would call him to speak to the biggest persecutor of Christianity. Yet he obeyed and that obedience brought about eternal fruit. An investment that lasts.

I was able to share with the girls that people invested in me and spent time with me to share Christ. God used so many people and still uses so many people to speak to my heart, to challenge me , to grow me, etc. He does that in all our lives. Then in turn God give us the same opportunity to spread his Kingdom in others. So to God's glory, He includes us in His story of redemptive history. I know none of this is earth shattering or new and I know many who read this can add there own stories of God's work in them and through them. I guess it comes down to the fact that it is just amazing to watch it before my eyes. Here is this one youth, now investing in younger girls, and the cycle will then continue.

So obviously after spending time with the girls and pondering investing our lives in things that affect eternity.. what does the fact that my ipod fell in the toilet matter? That is exactly how long material things and things of this world last.. only until they encounter the toilet. Yet it astounds me how God can use us in small ways to have huge, exponential, lasting affects for eternity.

New Connections

2008-10-27T16:54:00.000-07:00

Though there is much to do for my residency paperwork, I found a little time to begin to look for potential job opportunities for the students of the up and coming vocational school. I honestly only wanted to look and get a feel for the companies in the neighborhood surrounding La Mision. I knew there were several in the immediate vacinity of the church, so I ventured out to take a gander. What I did not expect was to make contact with one of the most well-respected funiture manufacutures in all of Buenos Aires! And what is even more exciting is that they are interested in the potencial of the vocational school.

I know it sounds a little crazy but it is true. Unknowingly I was speaking with the one of company directors who had greeted me at the door and escorted me through their showroom. Noting that I was not a native Argentine (I am assuming because my Spanish was less than perfect) began to ask very direct questions, like, "What was I doing in Argentina?", ect. After a little introduction about myself and my design background I took a chance and began to explain my vision for the vocational school. (Even now I am not sure why...I was unprepared and underdressed). And if that were not enough I told him that I was collabora

ting with a local church in here in Buenos Aires and that we were in partnership with many churches in the US that were helping with the project. Promptly after this explination he asked if we were evangelicals...to which I said yes, of couse. Suprisingly enough

he was excited about the school and its potential! I think he could tell that I was a little taken back at his response, so he explained that there is a real deficinancy of well-trained, ethical workers. At the end of our conversation he stated that he would love to, at my convience, take me on a tour of the manufacturing/fabricating plant. In all the time I have dreamed and prayed about this vision, I would never have thought that this type of connection would happen so quickly! Who knows what will come of it? I just thank the Lord for this rare and encoraging encounter if for nothing else that, once again, it showed me that all things are possible, even things beyond our imangination, when left in God's hands. So lets expectantly wait and see. Oh, did I mention that the showroom and factory is located in walking distance from the "villas" we'd be working in? Now that is amazing!

Take a look...http://www.fontenla-furniture.com/frontend/planta_eng.htm?lang=eng&

S's 3rd Birthday

2008-10-26T17:33:00.001-07:00

This past Saturday we celebrated S's 3rd Birthday. It was even more significant for us as a family because it was the first big celebration here in Argentina. It is popular here to have children's parties at special places. Similar to the Sates to like having a party in McDonalds or Chucky Cheese, here they are called "Salons de Fiesta." We found a place we love that is also a play center and coffee shop that also hosts parties. It was perfect. Most of our friends from La Mision came so it was a great time to get together. Sarah celebrated with her new buddies and the adults hung out.. some adults even played where they weren't supposed to. I posted some pictures. More will come later due to the fact that our battery was dying so here is just a few.

Waiting for our friends.

"A" really rather play than take a picture.

"S" hanging out with Maximo

"S" and her new buddy

Cake time!

Trick candles

Even the dads had fun.. until they were reminded of the age limit.

A Home

2008-10-22T16:33:00.002-07:00

Our days are currently spent looking through adds and calling real estate agents looking for our permanent home. We have gone to see three so far. It is amazing the differences between homes within our price range of the homes. Well, today we found one we love. The only problem is we need to have what is called a "guarantee" or what you would say is a cosigner. This is pretty tricky, and we don't have a dependable one yet. So we need to pray that somehow we get a person who owns a property in the area we want to rent that has not helped anyone else rent. All this needs to happen before the property gets rented by someone else and good properties like this one go quickly.

We are at peace because we know God has us where He wants us and will provide the home for us. The children prayed about it tonight and began to ask some good questions. K mentioned to Isa and S to pray to see if this is the house God would have for us and Isa asked, "How do we know what God wants if we can't see or hear him?" K answered him sharing how we know through other people, circumstances, prayer, the Word, and sometimes we just know cause of the peace we feel. Lastly, K said, "We just need to pray so that God would open doors for us to know if this is our new home." And then S prayed, "Jesus, open doors, amen." Isa prayed, "Jesus open the door to the right place.".... so we are tickled by the evening prayer time and teaching opportunity in the midst of the stress. We shall see which one is for us. After moving around and living out of suitcases and boxes since mid-August, we are ready to settle down. We can't wait to post some pics when we finally move in!

Pics "in Argentina over a month"

2008-10-19T18:21:00.001-07:00

Our Car: A Renault Kangoo (we will get a window

put in.)

The other side, also needs a window.

Our First Sunday: Eber getting ordained

The reading of the Book of Order (FYI, K made the

cross in the background 6yrs. ago)

Time of prayer

The girls hiding in the pulpit.

A with one of the youth that now has grown up

Isa with another youth that has grown up!

Isa and S with the kids at church for a brunch.

S and a new friend.

S and a friend trying to play the drums.

The Spring Youth Coffee House:

C's old roommate with her son and A

A taking down the decorations.

C and the girls.

The youth drama portraying the work of Christ.

Em saying good bye with S.

In Argentina over a Month

2008-10-16T10:45:00.000-07:00

We have now been in Argentina for over a month. Believe it or not, it is still hard to believe we are here. Life has been so busy and hectic that we have yet to truly digest the fact that we are here! Thankfully things are beginning to fall into place. Let me break it down into categories.

Family Life:

Our days have been just trying to do different things with the children in the midst of all the other things that need to get done. We have taken them to the parks and the "peloteros." You got to love it... you can go get a great cup of coffee with a pastry while your kids play on the slides, etc. It is like having a McD's playplace in restaurants and cafes. Some restaurants even have a paid person to watch the kids!!! (Unfortunately A is still too young to be left with the supervision). The weather is getting warmer here, so we have enjoyed the back patio, the parks and going for walks. Of course, TV has been a great help when we absolutely need to get things done and since it is all in Spanish, we see it as a children's language course =).

Things are beginning to settle down. As of two weeks ago we finished the transaction for purchasing a car. That has been a huge help since we had been using public transportaion with three little ones. Each bus ride was quite the adventure, and Isaiah loved taking the trains. Regardless, life is much easier now with the car. For those curious we bought a Renalt Kangoo. I'll try to get a pic up so you can see it. The second thing that has helped is getting our oldest in school. It took longer than expected but we finally found a bilingual school somewhat close and that also had vacancies. When we asked our oldest what he preferred a Christian school or a school that spoke both English and Spanish but they didn't teach about Jesus, he told us he would teach them about Jesus. I think he is more prepared to minister sometimes than I am! Due to the fact that he freezes in places were only Spanish was spoken we decided on the bilingual school. So far he is adjusting slowly. If you can keep this in prayer, it has been difficult on him the most. School ends the first week of Dec. so this is just a small taste of school for the time being.

Church Life:

Being back at La Mision has been wonderful though things have changed, the building, the people, etc, the spirit is still the same. It is such a contagious place. I can't really describe it other than saying that I am so impacted by how so many of the individuals live the Christian life daily in their communities. It humbles me and excites me to see some of the youth we discipled years ago, now mature and working, studying and volunteering, all with the desire to serve the Lord. They now are pouring into the current younger people and it is just an immense blessing to watch! They coordinated a youth coffee house to celebrate Spring and it was phenominal. Great music, food, drama, decorations (which my kids kept pulling down) =).

Our first Sunday back was very moving. We got to see old friends, and made new ones. An elder was ordained and deacons were appointed. It was just neat to see the church plugging ahead. We have begun to join the church community slowly as we work on all our transitional stuff. For now we are part of small groups, supporting exisiting events, and reacquainting ourselves with many members. Soon we will meet with the session to continue working together on the vocational school and any other area they see our gifts fitting into. For now, summer is on the way and things will slow down a bit. It will give us a chance to try to find a home, etc and then come March be able to jump in fully.

That is it for now. Blessings.

Creating the Blog

2008-10-14T18:16:00.000-07:00

We finally joined the blog world. Not sure what we are doing, but slowly we will get the hang of it. Our main desire is to be able to connect with friends, family and supporters who desire to see more in depth into our daily lives here in Argentina. So enjoy, comment and ask as you experience our new life through this new medium for us.

We thought we'd start with posting some pics from the our travel date:

The Buffalo Airport

Taking a pic with friends.. you may ask where is K ... dealing with the fact that A's ticket was cancelled again. (We are going to use letters to reference our names since this is a public site)

At least someone went to keep him company at the counter!

Friends helped watch the kids:

Mr. C holding S

S enjoying the O's!

Buds till the end.

They may be the youngest in the group, but don't under estimate them!

S took the extra time to ask the engineer some questions.

She is still seeking a better answer =).