Today's Quote

"Instead of wondering when your next vacation is, or worrying about planning for it to be magnificent, maybe you can consider living a life so adventurous and extraordinary - from one powerfully surrendered moment to the next -that you don't need to figure out or worry about how to escape from it. In other words, it becomes its own escape from the ordinary."

Seth Godin, in Tribes

Guatemala Mission Trip - Day 7

Today we began by meeting at our bus at 6:00 a.m. to start the long trip back to Guatemala City. Karen led our devotion focusing on Proverbs 19:20-21 which says, "Listen to advice and accept instruction, and in the end you will be wise. Many are the plans in a man's heart, but it is the LORD's purpose that prevails." Each of us has a purpose for being here in Guatemala, and God will be the one to ensure the completion of His plan in us and through us with the children of Fundación Salvación.

Along the way today, we took a detour through the city of Antigua. We visited a few popular sights which included a coffee plantation and a tour led by the owner.

Saturday morning we head to the airport and return to Texas. It has been a great week here in Guatemala. We have already started talking about mission opportunities for 2009. I hope you will begin praying right now that God will direct our planning as well as your availability to be on mission with us.

Serving with you,

Dale

Guatemala Mission Trip - Day 6

This morning began with a devotional from Robin. She reminded us that God is not interested in us keeping rules. He is interested in our hearts. The cross proves that Jesus loves us no matter where we have been or what we have done... His love is greater!

Following breakfast, we made our last drive to the orphanage. As we entered the gates, our welcoming committee ran to the door of the bus. Cleaning the smudges on the glass from the fingerprints and noses will keep our driver busy for a while (it's great!). Several of the children were wearing the tye dye t-shirts we made on the second day of VBS.

Finishing the project work was a priority today. The baby room had been needing a way to keep the older and younger babies separated in that one room. We provided them with a foam mat for the floor and constructed a corral to help the workers divide the children. Electrical work continued until the last possible minute as did the sewing of curtains for the boys dorm room.

Around 12:30 p.m. we loaded the children on a bus and headed out for a picnic and birthday party. Our destination was an area containing Mayan ruins. We stuffed the children with pizza and birthday cake as we celebrated the children's birthdays as well as three members of our team... Nola, Robin, and Jim. It was a beautiful day, a spectacular view, and a lot of fun for the children.

When we returned to the orphanage we had a closing event in which the children sang and danced in a program they had prepared for us. Sandra, the director of the orphanage, unveiled a plaque mounted in the wall thanking First Baptist Church of Conroe for the trips we have made as well as for our ongoing support. We concluded our time with the children by handing out gift bags to everyone.

Tomorrow is a travel day which takes us through Antigua and back into Guatemala City. On behalf of our team, I thank you for keeping up with our ministry efforts and for your prayer support. It has been an awesome experience with the children, with our team, and with our Savior.

En El Nombre de Jesucristo,

Dale

Guatemala Mission Trip - Day 5

The morning of Day 5 began with Nola leading our group devotional. She took us to the Bible to remind us of Jesus’ inexplicable love for children and that even Santa Clause may disappoint but Jesus never will.

Following breakfast, we returned to the orphanage. As we arrived, the children made us feel as though we were best friends being reunited. The hugs and high fives soon turned to swinging, skipping, and sitting with one or more children in our lap. Love and a caring touch transcends any barrier created by language.

Our final session for Vacation Bible School was held today, and all project work resumed with a heightened awareness of our limited time here. I must remember next time to warn the team members working on electrical projects before sneaking up with my camera set to flash.

At the end of the day, we walked outside of the orphanage and jumped on a local “chicken buss.” Our destination was the downtown market (Mercado). People were everywhere buying, selling, sitting, walking, talking, driving, and riding. It was truly a great experience encountering everyday life in Huehuetenango.

Today was another incredible day to be a part of something God is doing, but at the same time it was also a very different day. “How was it different,” you might ask. Well, several of the children began asking the question, “Will you return tomorrow?” We know it’s coming…they know it’s coming…it’s no secret that our time here will end, but it still difficult whether you are 4 or 74. Thursday will be our last day with the children on this trip. My prayer is that my son and I will be able to return again with other members of our family as well. We would love to be on mission with you wherever the Lord leads.

Dale

Guatemala Mission Trip - Day 4

The fourth day of our mission trip to Guatemala began at 7:30 a.m., as usual, with our devotional time together before breakfast. John shared his testimony and the incredible story of a simple invitation from a childhood friend which led to John’s conversion. He concluded by pointing us to Isaiah 41:10 which would be beneficial for all of us to remember and practice daily… “Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.”

As we entered the familiar gates of the orphanage, the children, once again, ran to the bus. They grab each of us by the hand, leg, or around the neck and greet us with words such as friend, buddy, teacher, and even daddy (mostly Spanish but a few in English). All you want to do at that moment is surrender and say… “Hola. ¿Cómo estás? Te amo. ¿Quieres jugar conmigo?” (Hello. How are you? I love you. Do you want to play?)

After playing with the children, we started back on our work projects. The plans for the day included sewing curtains, painting the kitchen, repairing broken toilets, and some carpentry work for the nursery.

Vacation Bible School has been an awesome experience this year. Today’s lesson was the story of Joseph and his coat of many colors. The children were taught that no matter what is going on in life, good or bad, God loves them and they should keep their attention on Him. This was followed by a brave attempt on everyone’s part to help the children experience tye dying t-shirts we brought from Conroe. The children had a blast! You should also hear all the screams and laughs during recreation time. You really get the sense that God is answering all of our prayers.

Another soccer game commenced following the conclusion of VBS for the day. This was only barely interrupted by the requirement for all children to eat dinner. Shortly after 6:00 p.m. we began popping popcorn. We were then able to surprise the children with a movie they have been wanting to see… “Kung Fu Panda” in Spanish.

During a brief moment of free time, I was speaking with John about his experience in Guatemala so far. I appreciated his insight and comments which he concluded by saying, “These children are really just like us. We all want to have arms around us.” And you know what, that is true. Each one of us wants to and even needs to be loved. I thank God for the loving arms that constantly wrap around me: those of my family, friends, and those of my Savior. And I thank God that for a few days He uses us to wrap His arms around the children of Fundación Salvación.
Dale

Guatemala Mission Trip - Day 3 Photos

Guatemala Mission Trip - Day 2 Photos

Guatemala Mission Trip - Day 1

It's a wonderful experience to be part of this mission team, and I thank God for each and every participant. Having said that, there is nothing that can compare to having my son Brayden serving with me this time in Huehuetenango, Guatemala.

Quotes of Note: Children

A friend sent me a few quotes this week regarding children that I feel are worthy of passing along:

"Where did we ever get the crazy idea that in order to make children do better, first we have to make them feel worse? Think of the last time you felt humiliated or treated unfairly by someone. Did you feel like cooperating or doing better for them after that?"
- Jane Nelson

"Nothing you could do for children is ever wasted. They might seem not to notice us, hovering, averting our eyes, and they seldom offer thanks on their own, but what we do for them is never wasted, including thanking God for them."
- Garrison Keillor

Humor at Church

Catalyst Conference

October 9-10, 2008, Kim and I attended the Catalyst Conference in Atlanta, Georgia. It was a great experience with Andy Stanley, Franklin Graham, Craig Groeschel, Dave Ramsey, Matt Chandler, Seth Godin, Fee, and much more. There were 12,400 pastors and church leaders gathered with the theme for the conference being "Together." I have posted photos including the Arena at Gwinnett Center and Kim standing next to members of the African Children's Choir. We have already purchased our tickets for next year.

Two Weekends in a Row...

We had another great weekend experience with my son, Brayden, and one of his best friends, Hayden, celebrating their 12th birthdays together at our home. Brayden is a super son. When I see him and his buddies I am reminded that friendship is an awesome gift from God.

Madison's 15th Birthday

Saturday we celebrated Madison's 15th birthday with some of her friends. They ate us out of house and home! We had a great time. I am so thankful to God for Madison, my family, her friends, and that God has blessed us with a home where all of these important things can come together.

Conroe High School Volleyball

Freshman A Team Tigerettes

Back Row L to R: #2 Jasmine Lawrence, #3 Erin Marshall, #4 Valerie Kubiak, #5 Hannah Ross, and #1 Stormy Kabzinski
Front Row L to R: #10 Kim Knezcak, #6 Meghan Leeves, #9 Rachel Urban, #8 Olivia Meyer, #14 Madison Talbert, and #7 Adrien Wohlschlaeger

Claremore Bluegrass & Chili Festival

Just Walk Across The Room

“Six to eight weeks.” That was the doctor’s comment after looking at the ankle x-ray of my oldest daughter. Madison’s team from Conroe High had traveled to a volleyball tournament over the weekend, and she twisted her ankle trying to save a well-placed shot from the opposing team. It’s a scary sight to see your child on the floor and know that she is hurt. After returning to Conroe and a whole lot of ice, we were able to see an orthopedic surgeon and to discover the severity of the sprain. Many of you have experienced something similar and know how painful and difficult it can be to walk around and function with such a sprain. So the first home game, as well as most of the season, will come and go with my daughter sitting on the sideline watching her teammates play. That is really tough when you want to be in the game.

During the four weeks of October, our entire church is going to talk about taking a walk. It is a walk that Jesus began over 2,000 years ago when He “walked” across the cosmos in order that we might know Him and His gift of eternal life. Jesus walked among the people, loving them, teaching them, and helping them. He did this in spite of opposition and attacks aimed at crippling His mission of salvation. Each week, during Sunday School and worship, Just Walk Across The Room will encourage and equip us to take simple walks outside of our comfort zones by trusting God to use us as messengers of His amazing grace.

For my daughter, a walk across the room is challenging at this time. Not only is it painful, but her doctor has also said she must wear a walking cast boot day and night. For many of us the idea of helping others to faith in Jesus seems just as difficult and cumbersome as Madison’s swollen ankle and boot, but we must remember that God is able to do far more than we could ask or think of Him (Eph. 3:20). Make a commitment right now to be in the worship services and Sunday School during Just Walk Across The Room and together let’s make an eternal difference in the lives of people around us.

Choices

Have you ever thought about how many choices you make in your lifetime? What about the number of choices you make in a day? In reading these words you have just exercised your ability to make a choice (I hope you feel it was a good choice). Day after day we are faced with a huge list of choices including a few of the following:

Paper or plastic
Window seat or aisle
Regular or decaf
Smoking or nonsmoking
Mild or spicy
Old fashioned glazed or apple fritter (oops, maybe that's just me)
Sweet or unsweet
Sunday School or snooze button

In the Old Testament, following the death of Moses, Joshua became the leader of God’s chosen people. In Joshua 24:14-15 we read about a choice God was giving His people. God’s Word says, “Now fear the Lord and serve him with all faithfulness. Throw away the gods your forefathers worshiped beyond the River and in Egypt, and serve the Lord. But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve…But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord.” God’s desire is to help us make the right choices. He tells us to “choose life” (Deut. 30:19). In reading John 14:6 we see that Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” God not only wants us to make the right choice, He also lets us know what the right choice is!

So today, amidst all of the numerous choices you will make (some will be easy, and some will be difficult; some will be simple, and some significant) let me encourage you to choose wisely.

Jesus…yes or no

My Co-Pilot

We spent a few days in Claremore, Oklahoma with my parents and other family members. We surprised Mom and Dad on their 50th anniversary. The drive is about nine hours, one way, and you can see that on the way back home I had a lot of help.

Deer Drinking Water

Lately is has been a little dry outside so look who came to our house trying to find a drink of water. It took me a little while to find the camera, so she was probably there for about five minutes total. She didn't seem to mind the fact that five people and two dogs were looking out the windows watching her.

Parasailing at Miramar Beach

Last year, our children wanted to parasail while we were in Florida. We decided that would be something for them to look forward to this year. They did not forget, so Madison and Brayden went up together followed by Mallory, Kim, and me. They loved it. It's amazing all the sea creatures you can see from that vantage point.