Jackie Carson Team Ministries

2012-02-05T15:39:00.000-08:00

First Day of School Saturday School

2012-02-05T15:34:00.000-08:00

I arrived early to school to clean and prepare things, but the kids were already there in front of the school waiting. Some go to other schools during the week, but they love their Saturday School. They get extra help with their learning plus they all get English classes, which they can not get from the public school here. Plus they receive a hot lunch after classes, and many more things, as the Lord supplies. This Saturday they can sign up for shoes. We are receiving a "shoe donation". Praise the Lord.

Don't you just love their smiles !!!!

KIDS PARADE

2011-08-31T13:38:00.000-07:00

MARCHING BANDS

2011-08-31T13:33:00.000-07:00

KIDS PARADE

2011-08-31T13:30:00.000-07:00

KIDS PARADE

2011-08-31T13:19:00.000-07:00

This is kids parade in front of our house. Photos taken from my bedroom window. I wasn't sure what it was all about. But it looked to be several different schools competing with marching drums etc. Whatever it was, the kids were sure cute. I thought my partners would love to see these kids. I recognized many of the kids from La Isla. I think I will do a parade next year.

RECEIPTION & WAITING ROOM

2011-08-31T13:07:00.000-07:00

Ruth is getting patients
information.

Waiting room activity; taking care of younger kids as they wait.

Two kids waiting for anesthesia to take affect
watching each other.

DENTIST AT WORK

2011-08-31T12:58:00.000-07:00

First patient.

Waiting for anesthesia to take affect.

Brave boy opens his mouth for exam of situation.

DENTAL CLINIC

2011-08-29T19:02:00.000-07:00

Our school is turned into a dental clinic on this Saturday morning. Teacher Ruth is now receptionist for Dental Clinic and also nurse for the Dentists. She is shown her gathering information and taking their blood pressure.

The waiting room is filling up with patients. I kept the children occupied with crayons and paper. They all behaved very well.

DENTAL CLINIC

2011-08-29T18:58:00.000-07:00

Here are Ruben and his son Sammy. They are our dentists.

JACKIE WITH THE STUDENTS AND MOMS

2011-08-26T16:37:00.000-07:00

RUTH'S CLASS 2ND GRADE

2011-08-26T16:28:00.000-07:00

Here is Ruth and her class and then all the students and their Moms.

2011-08-26T16:23:00.000-07:00

Here is Isaac, he arrived late. but still received his certificate.

LAST DAY OF SCHOOL YEAR 2011

2011-08-26T16:00:00.000-07:00

Here are 5 of my students that completed the First Grade. A few students were sick and unable to come. The parents were present and the children preformed for them; ABC's and numbers 1 to 20 in Spanish and English. They also sang a couple of songs in Spanish and English. Then they did a little drama with the masks they had made themselves in Arts and Craft class. They did a Bible story of Peter and John when the lame man asked for money and Peter said, " Silver and gold I don't have, but what I do have I give to you, in the Name of Jesus, rise up and walk. " Acts 3:6. They really liked that drama, they usually get really excited when the lame man gets healed and he jumps around and praises God. We served the milk and "pan dulce" we normally have and one of the students prayed for the food and the day. I belived the Moms were very pleased, each one as they left, thanked us so much for teaching and caring for their children. It was a blessing !!

2011-07-29T19:57:00.000-07:00

Dr Greg Romine preaching at Pastor's & Leader's conference at Arca de Noe' Ruby is translating. This was an all day and evening event. We had lunch at the Pastors' house.

Romine Team at Pastors Seminar

2011-07-29T19:50:00.000-07:00

Here is the team at Pastor's seminar, with Jackie (me) and Ruby, one translator & Quike translator and driver and helper in all things.

ROMINE TEAM IN SAN SALVADOR

2011-07-29T19:42:00.000-07:00

Eunice Barrel and group visit Jackie's School

2011-07-28T14:41:00.000-07:00

This is a video of the Eunice Barrel group visit to the school, however I guess I don't know how to get it to be a video.

ADELINA

2011-06-07T16:33:00.000-07:00

Here is Adelina again. We received a donation of cakes. Everyone received a cake or cupcakes. Needless to say all the kids were very happy.

TOBY

2011-06-07T16:29:00.000-07:00

Here's Toby with his new haircut. I had them cut it really short, it's been pretty hot here. He's more comfortable now.

BANISTER AND HANDRAIL ........YEA ....GOD

2011-06-07T16:15:00.000-07:00

Finally we have the banister and handrail up. Looks great and the kids are happy with it. The little girl in the photo is Adelina, she is 4 years old and in our First Grade. She lives in a house with 6 families. They are all related. The parents all work but they are poor. Adelina's grandmother usually is the one to bring her to school. Several other family members attend our school too. The grandma also attends the Women's Bible Study group. She is always praying for her family.

TOBY

2011-05-09T19:31:00.000-07:00

Here is Toby in is home in Guatemala. He really loves it here. There are many wonderful and different smells for him to sniff.

Music at The Camp

2011-05-09T19:17:00.000-07:00

Here are the Estrada brothers our worship band at the Camp.

Sammy Estrada is now giving music lessons in the School every Wednesday afternoon. Sammy is the photo on top.

RETREAT AT CAMP

2011-05-09T19:11:00.000-07:00

Chapel time was great too. Some of the kids at camp were kids that never come to the school, but I see them all the time on the streets, just hanging around. Some of them do not go to any school, they work when they can. These were the boys who helped me last year with replacing the ground we lost to the cliff. I was so happy to be able to invite them to join us at camp. I was blessed to see them respond to the message. I know the Lord touched them.

Retreat for La Isla Kids

2011-05-09T18:56:00.000-07:00

Retreat for the kids in La Isla. This is a great camp for kids. It has place for soccer , basketball and swimming pool. The kids loved it all, but I think the pool is their favorite.

Pastor Scott team does VBS at our school

2011-05-09T18:42:00.000-07:00

All kinds of games, crafts and Bible study. Lots of fun for the kids.

The kids really like the "Dora" pinata. Sorry this is the only shot I got of the pinata. Once it was up and the kids were swinging, no times for a photo.

MORE WORKERS

2011-05-09T18:36:00.000-07:00

Here are workers on Pastor Scott's team. Let me tell you they worked so hard in the hot hot sun. This was during March, but we were having problems with the internet at the time, so I couldn't get these photos posted. Well, better late than never.

Thank you guys, so much.

Pastor Scott?

2011-05-09T18:28:00.000-07:00

Here is the photo of Pastor Scott ( I think) working at the school this Spring Break

Wall on the cliff

2011-04-04T17:06:00.000-07:00

I think this is Pastor Scott checking out the wall done a couple of years ago. The one they were working on is going up now, they did the foundation. Very important part.

2011-04-04T17:00:00.000-07:00

Jackie Carson Team Ministries

512 NE 81 Street, Suite F, # 174, Vancouver, WA 98665

360-635-6050

jackiecarsonteamministries@yahoo.com

jctm.blogspot.com

Guatemala April 2011

A new month is here……Wow…… March was something else. A lot of activity. A lot of good things. The team from Valley Christian was here March 18 to March 28. They made every minute count. This year they split the team, one team for construction and the other Youth group ministry. The construction team was awesome. They worked so hard, in the hot sun ….some days. Their project this year was to secure the school from slipping down the cliff. Last year the rains washed a lot of ground down the cliff, the volcano eruption didn’t help with all the heavy ash, either. Pastor Scott, Frank and Paul, they were the main workers along with a couple of Guatemalans. Pastor Jeremy and the youth group helped some too as their schedule allowed. The youth group did a 3 day VBS at the school, the kids loved it. I was given 2 “Piñatas,” by two friends of mine, we stuffed the Piñatas with lots of candy …..the kids loved everything. Games, Bible stories, and crafts. Then we took 35 kids from La Isla to camp. The bus ride with all those kids, the Youth group, my teachers and translators….. wow !! You would have to be there . The kids were so excited. Toby ( my dog) went with us. On the bus I thought I was going to lose him, he was so frightened with all the noise. The bus was here at 6 PM as scheduled, but the kids started arriving at 5, we had about 100 people in front of the house. Most had already signed up and I had all the signed permission slips, but many many more were there to beg to join us. It was total disorder for a while, but Daily Chilin, who is great at this work, took charge and got them all in order. At the camp, they received gifts, played games, did crafts, played in the pool ( most can not swim), played basketball and soccer, and a big big hit was the food. None of the kids eat well….too poor… Never do these kids eat 3 meals a day….never to these kids get to eat meat or chicken….too poor. I selected the menu with great care. All meals contained either meat or chicken. The chapel was great time also, they all liked that too and the Holy Spirit touched many hearts. At first I invited only the school kids to the camp, but then I started inviting the street kids, those who didn’t go to any school, those who worked when the could, and just “hung out” most of the time. They are my friends, if I need help, they always are ready to help….. These kids responded to the Holy Spirit, these were the ones who were so touched by the Lord. This Saturday, they were all in the school. Praise God, more opportunity to touch their lives for Jesus.

We here are Praising the Lord for the group from Valley Christian, they made a difference in many lives and blessed many children with the love of Jesus Christ.

PLEASE SEE BY BLOG AND FACEBOOK FOR PHOTOS AND VIDEO

Well, that ‘s what has been happening with the school. But the Lord is working hard here and I am just following His lead…..

The “Grupo de Damas” Women’s Group…Bible study. Each week, the women are coming, they are learning who Jesus is. Many that come, can not read… but they can hear the Word. Praise God.

I am also doing the Sunday School for the children at church. This is very different then teaching the children in La Isla. We did have some from La Isla come , but they didn’t continue. Please pray about this. But God is working in the ones that do come. I hear back from the parents, that the kids are talking about what they are learning in Sunday School. This is a blessing…..they are hearing !!!

Also, Chilin and Marta have returned to USA. When they will return is not clear. However, until they do, I am in charge of the Church as well. I had a “sit down” with the church secretary yesterday and it helped. I also met with the 2 other leaders and that went well too. Praise God. Chilin is a great Preacher, but not so good in organizing . On the other hand, I’m not a preacher, but I do pretty good with organizing , so that’s what I’m focusing on. So far so good. But, I sure would like a lot of prayer support.

Least you think I don’t have enough to do, let me tell you, I also am in charge of the remaining construction work. The Valley Christian team left monies for the remaining work on the wall , however, not all costs are covered. Whatever else is not covered, I am paying. It isn’t a great amount, but it is “ a little here” and “a little there” , it all adds up. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Also, the hand rail is still not done. I asked for a quote and haven’t heard from that man since. I will be asking the new workers if they can help with this. Please remember this in your prayers for the school.

I realize this newsletter is a little longer than usual, but there has just been a lot of things going on. Wow, people here , in and out, construction in the house, the church and the school. More responsibilities. Wow……I think I am ready for a vacation. So that brings me to the last….prayer request. My visa extension….. I went to try to get a “temporary residency “, but it proved to be TOO EXPENSIVE AND WOULD TAKE TOO LONG TO OBTAIN.

So I was going to extend my visa by going out of the country and re-enter….thereby getting another 90 days. My friend got me a ticket to go to Nicaragua, but I found out that would not work. Since the ticket was already purchased and we can’t cancel it and get a refund. So I will be taking a vacation for 2 weeks in Nicaragua, but I will also be going to Mexico just for one day to get my passport stamped for another 90 days, tourist visa. Then I will go again to Mexico when those days are up. Don’t worry, I am not going alone. Friends in the church go to Mexico every 15 days for their business and I will go with them.

Love and blessing to you,

Jackie

A SPECIAL THANKS TO MY PRAYER WARRIORS. Keep up the good work. I am well and strong.

To those who wish to help financially, remember, all gifts are tax deductible…… and recorded in heaven too !

SEE MY BLOG AND FACEBOOK FOR PHOTOS AND VIDEO

Pastor Scott, Frank & Paul

2011-04-04T11:09:00.000-07:00

These men from Valley Christian Foursquare Church came to help secure the school from slipping down the cliff. Pastor Scott, Frank & Paul were the main workers along with 2 Guatemalan men. Pastor Jeremy and some of the youth team, boys and girls helped too, as their schedule allowed. I pray your backs and muscles are all better now. God bless you guys.....mucho !! ( please see the Facebook video for more on this work)

PRAISE THE LORD REPORT

2011-04-04T08:53:00.000-07:00

There are lots of things happening lately; group from USA, VBS, Retreat for 35 kids from La Isla All things GREAT ! That's Our God ! Here is yet another precious moment in Guatemala. Joshua is a "special needs" child.His Mom is a single mom; she supports herself and her son with some English classes in her little apartment. She did do an "English Only" class in La Isla, but it proved too much for her with her son. Joshua can walk, but he is very unstable on his feet and if it's hot, he will just sit down. He is 6 years old. I wanted to help this Mom and boy, so I started asking around if anyone had a wheelchair for this boy. This week I recieved this wheelchair from Orphans Resoures ( they provide us with milk for the school children). They received the wheelchair from The 700 Club. This will really help this boy and his mom, now she will be able to do her shopping and other errands without carrying Joshua. THANK YOU ORPHANS RESOURSES AND THE 700 CLUB. GOD BLESS YOU ALL !!

Jennifer

2011-02-18T15:33:00.000-08:00

I was talking to one of my students, Jennifer. I have known her since she was about 3 years old. She is 9 now. She asked me about my family, how many kids, etc. I told her and then I asked her about her family. She informed me her mother has 11 children, the oldest is in early 20's and the youngest is 1 year old. She said, they all live in the same house,( which is a small house , she said) plus her grandmother who is 103. Also, some nieces and nephews. She said her house has no refrigerator, no stove and not enough beds for everyone. They cook their food on a fire on the ground. She went on to say that they never eat meat, because it is too expensive, they eat mostly beans and rice and vegetables and fruit. But, she added, sometimes they don't have enough money for wood for the fire so they eat cold food. And sometimes, they don't have enough money for food, so they just eat tortillas, but she added, sometimes we don't have money for tortillas, and then we just have coffee.

I don't know about you, but this touched my heart. What I just shared about Jennifer is her whole life, she knows nothing more than La Isla. She has never been to a shopping mall, or even to a grocery store like Fred Meyers. She hasn't seen the city, or the lakes or rivers or ocean.

We will be taking her to a Retreat this year, where she will have plenty to eat, including meat. The bus ride will also be a treat for her, for she will be able to see what there is outside of La Isla.

I tell you, it may seem like a little thing to send one child to camp, but I tell you, this is a very big thing for her.

Thank you all who pray for this ministry, thank you for all your offerings too. Just a little bit, can make a BIG difference.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF JACKIE

2011-02-13T18:34:00.000-08:00

I guess you will need to start viewing this from the "oldest" post. I don't seem to know how to get these input in the correct order. Anyway, I hope you can now get an idea of how my day goes. However, the school is only part of my day.........

But I will share more later.

May the Lord bless you richly today as you go through your day !!!!

THE DAY CONTINUES...

2011-02-13T18:33:00.000-08:00

The school is in sight, just a little more. See all the sacks and piles of dirt along the side of the school? All that needs to be moved to the back of the school, the cliff side. But for now we have to wait until I can organize a work party ......... Well the day really starts now !!

THE DAY CONTINUES....

2011-02-13T18:28:00.000-08:00

I'm almost there. Just need to cross the little bridge and then up the hill.

THE DAY CONTINUES.....

2011-02-13T18:24:00.000-08:00

After I buy the sweet bread, I walk the rest of the way to the school. This is the road I walk down each day.

DAY CONTINUES........

2011-02-13T18:07:00.000-08:00

I get off the bus a little before La Isla to stop at the "Panaderia" to buy sweet bread for the school children . Some do not get breakfast, some don't get enough. So we start the day with milk and sweet bread.

The lady clerk and I have become friends, her name is Madaline she is a single mom with two children, one is a special needs child. She attended our first Women's Bible Study group in La Isla this week. She asked for prayer for her son to be completely healed. He has Doun syndrome.

A DAY IN THE LIFE OF JACKIE

2011-02-13T17:56:00.000-08:00

Since many people ask me what is it that I do when I am here in Guatemala, I decided to try to show you with some photos, how my day goes. So here goes; First I start off at 8 AM and take a little bus down towards La Isla. Buses here in Guatemala are NOTHING like any bus you would take in USA.

A New Work

2011-02-10T15:06:00.000-08:00

Today I started a "Groupo de Damas" in La Isla
( A womens' Bible study) We will be meeting every Thursday at 3 PM . We will study the Bible and then we will pray for their needs. Today we started with 4 women and 5 children. It was a good time. The women in La Isla have lots of needs and need much encouragement. I believe the Lord did encourage them today. Thank you Lord.

FIRST & SECOND GRADE

2011-01-31T19:55:00.000-08:00

Here are our First and Second grade students. We have evaluated them and this week we will separate them to First or Second Grade. Maestra Ruth will have the Second Grade and I will have the First Grade. Some of our students from last year went to other schools this year because our school is not yet accredited with the Government. However, we are working with another private school and we can get some of our students accredited through the other school. But we can only do it for the students who have good attendance and do well on their testing. So we are are working hard to get as many as possible accredited. Many of our students are very intelligent, but they have not had the opportunity to study. Many still can't go to other school because they don't have birth certificates or they don't have the money to go, or some of them have to work. We are helping as many as we can and I am going to look into what we can do to get them birth certificates.

NOT YOUR EVERY DAY SUNDAY SCHOOL

2011-01-31T19:06:00.000-08:00

At Sunday School this week, we are learning about talking to God and listening to God. I asked the class if they had been doing this the past week. Each one had, here is what they had to say. One little girl said the Lord told her that he put angels around her. One other girl said the Lord told her that He was with her. She said she was glad about that because 4 children in her neighborhood had been murdered within the past 2 weeks. We also learned that God can speak to us through the Bible too. We read about Jesus teaching His disciples how to pray, then read how we could thank God for all the wonderful things He does for us..... that was in Psalms 103. Then we read how God tells us we don't have to be afraid......that God does not give us a Spirit of fear, but of love, power and a sound mind. We finished the morning with cookies and juice.

FIRST DAY OF SCHOOL IN LA ISLA

2011-01-23T16:56:00.000-08:00

The first day of school. Lots to do, plenty of action. Lots of kids. Well, I prepared everything...my camera too. I made sure my batteries were charged, I made sure I brought it to school. All went well, BUT..... I forgot to take pictures. So sorry everyone. But everything went well, we had about 80 kids. The kids were happy to see the teachers and the teachers were happy to see the kids again after such a long time. We served beans and rice and Atoll, a milk type drink that everyone loves here.

We do have a serious problem with a door. Due to the severe weather this past year, lots of windows and doors are in bad shape, this one door broke off from the hinge. I have tried to get it fixed, several people now have looked at it to see what is needed, but so far, no one has fixed it. I kept the door open Saturday, so no one would know it was broke. Sorry to say if anyone knew , someone would break it down and take whatever they wanted from the school. That's just the way it is in poor areas. So I am asking the Lord to put a big angel there to guard the school, until we can get the door fixed.

LITTLE ONES KNOW HIM

2011-01-23T16:32:00.000-08:00

Here are the pictures the children drew. They are describing what they know about Jesus.

SMALL BEGINNINGS

2011-01-23T15:02:00.000-08:00

First Sunday for new Children's Ministry in Cathedral de Fe Church. I told the children I was glad they came to Sunday School today, because we were going to learn about Jesus. But first I asked them what they knew about Jesus. I listen hard as they told me He was their protector, He was their Savior and He was always with them and He was total for them. Then they draw pictures of what He is to them.

BACK IN GUATEMALA AGAIN

2011-01-17T19:12:00.000-08:00

Saturday we registered a little less than 100 children for Saturday school. Some of those registered are first and second graders. We will be having First and Second grade, 5 days a week.

It was a great day, seeing all their smiling faces again. Lots of hugs too. (Sorry, I forgot to bring my camera)

This Saturday will be the first school day. The following Tuesday we will start First and Second grade classes.

As great as this Saturday was, let me tell you what else took place........ There is a man, a grandfather of one of our students. I have seen him around for several years. He is usually drunk. He often passes by the school near lunch time and we always give him lunch. Well, this Saturday he came to the door, he was in pretty bad shape. I explained that we didn't have lunch today, just registration, he said he was very weak and sounded ill. I said "you need prayer", he replied....."that's what I say". So I thought I was just going to pray for his healing and that would be that. But when I started to pray the only thing I could pray was how much God loved him, after a few minutes of prayer , without any prompting from me, he almost yelled, " oh God, come into my heart and live in me" Please pray for this man with me, that he will grow in the Lord and be totally healed and delivered.

DAMAGE FROM RAIN AND VOLCANO

2010-06-01T10:53:00.000-07:00

Damage from the excessive rain and the weight of the "ash" from the volcano. The ash from the volcano is black gravel/sand like.

We are trying to get help to fix this before more rains come and do more damage. Everyone right now is working on saving their home, but I have asked the Lord to send ministering angels to guard (and hold up) this school, which is really His work. The Bible says if we pray according to His will, we can be confident He will do it.

VOLCANO IN GUATEMALA

2010-06-01T08:48:00.000-07:00

Here are some photos of our school after the volcano went off near by. The black sand fell on us with the rain which had been non stop for days.

Here are the stair in back of the school.

DENTIST AT WORK

2010-05-20T14:49:00.000-07:00

I will let the photos do the
talking................................

TWO DENTISTS

2010-05-20T14:40:00.000-07:00

Here are two dentist donating their time to help these children and their families. The photo above is Dentist Margarita and the photo below is Dentist Pastor Ruben and his assistant and son, Sammy.

DENTAL CLINIC TIME AGAIN

2010-05-20T14:29:00.000-07:00

Our school has become a dental clinic today. Here are students and others ( this is a Community Outreach) signing in to see the dentist. Today we have two dentists ready to pull all the bad teeth from children and adults. Sad but true. The teachers are receptionist, and dental assistants today.

FIRST GRADE IS FUN

2010-04-13T14:12:00.000-07:00

Teaching the First Grade can be fun. Some of the teaching is done with songs.

Here I was teaching the kids, "His banner over me is love" Song of Solomon 2:4. It's their memory verse for this month too. Well..... we sing it in Spanish and English. In Spanish it is, " Su bandera sobre mi es amor" I sang, " Su banana sobre me es amor" Everyone got a good laugh ......well my Spanish is not perfect....far from it. I make a lot of people laugh..... that's good isn't it"??

TEACHING THE KIDS

2010-04-13T14:02:00.000-07:00

I teach the children English with songs and hand motions. This song teaches them the names of the different body parts. It's called "Head, shoulders, knees and feet". I add other parts like, ears, nose, mouth and then add a few directions ( all in English) like "Jump" "Turn around" and "Sit down". As you can see by the photos, lots of them like to be up front with me, leading the others. We all have fun and learn something too.

AND IT'S GOOD EXERCISE FOR ME !!

Brisa

2010-04-13T13:42:00.000-07:00

This is Brisa, she is one of our 2 three year olds in First Grade. When her mother first brought her in, we thought no, three is too young, but then as I was thinking about it, she showed me her pencil and note book and counted to 15 ( I think it was 15) IN ENGLISH !! Ok, she can come. She comes with her mother and she does very well. She loves leading the songs with me and she is memorizing the scripture verses right along with the other kids. She is precious. I'm not quite sure what she is doing here, we had been singing several songs and also doing "Head, shoulders, knees and feet" routine. But here she looks like she is praying.

I hope you will remember to pray for her, that she receive all the blessings God has for her.

FIRST GRADE TODAY

2010-04-13T13:34:00.000-07:00

First Grade is so much fun. Here we are singing "His banner over me is love" The children love singing with hand motions. This verse is also their memory verse this month. The kids love it. Today when they were coming in and when in line to get their note books etc, they were all singing this verse.....over and over. It was so sweet, what a delight to get to do this work for the Lord.

FIRST GRADE TODAY

2010-04-13T13:17:00.000-07:00

Here we are singing "Jesus in me loves you". I started singing leading the kids, but then they all decided to join me up front. We had lots of fun singing this song, first in English and then in Spanish.

LUNCH TIME AT SCHOOL IN LA ISLA

2010-04-12T15:50:00.000-07:00

Everyone lines up for lunch. We serve the little ones first, then the bigger ones. We say grace and then we serve the food. This Saturday it was macaroni with tomato sauce, tortillas and chocolate milk.

LUNCH TIME AT SCHOOL

2010-04-12T15:45:00.000-07:00

HE IS RISEN !!!!!

2010-04-05T18:18:00.000-07:00

One day Pastor Chilin and I were talking about the fact that here in Guatemala, the Christians do not celebrate Easter.... or the Day of Resurrection, as I like to call it. He explained he is not against it but that it was the custom here. Well, one thing lead to another and then during our Church service a week before Easter, Pastor Chilin announced that we would have a service at the beach the following Sunday and that Jackie would explain why she celebrates Easter. I was very glad to do just that. I received very good feedback, but we will have to see what happens next year. HE IS RISEN !!! Will they celebrate?????

BRYAN,ANDREA & RACHEL

2010-04-05T17:53:00.000-07:00

Here is Marta's and Chilin's son, Bryan with his wife Andrea and their little girl Rachel. Bryan as you can see is enjoying the fresh coconuts and Andrea and Rachel are enjoying the pool during are stay at Puerto Quetzal during the "Semana Santa." Holy Week.....

SOME FLOWERS

2010-04-05T17:42:00.000-07:00

There are so many beautiful flowers and plants in Guatemala, I thought I would show you some. These were along side of the swimming pool where we stayed at Puerto Quetzal during Semana Santa.

PUERTO QUETZAL

2010-04-05T17:31:00.000-07:00

The week before Easter is called Semana Santa. It's a time that families get together and relax. Most families go to the beach. That's what we did. NO SCHOOL TODAY.... WE WENT TO THE BEACH. We went with one other family and then more familes came for Sunday service and lunch. It was very hot and humid, but we did have A/C in the bedroom, Thank You God ! Here I am with the Chilin family, relaxing in the shade.....it probably was only 100 degree F and 100 degree humidity. We drink coconut milk right from the coconuts just picked from the near by trees. Here we also had coffee and "pan dulce" a typical snack in Guatemala.

FIRST GRADE CLASS 2010

2010-03-05T16:42:00.000-08:00

Here is our First Grade Class. We have about 20 true First Graders and then about 5 older children come too. We teach the older ones separately. They ask for home work too. First we had some older kids who just wanted to come and play and get cookies when they leave. But know we have only the older children who really want to learn and truly need help. These first graders in this photo are singing in English and Spanish, Jesus In Me Loves You. They love to do the signing when we sing this song. The class is learning memory verses from the Bible. This month is "God is Love", 1 John 4:8. Several of the students can already recite this in Spanish and English. The teacher in the photo is Ruth. She is a great help to me. She speaks English very good and can teach the children in Spanish and English.

2010 ANABELLA'S CLASS

2010-03-05T16:31:00.000-08:00

This is Anabella's class. She is a very popular teacher. She has the 9 year olds to 11 year olds. The only thing is that no students want to leave her class. No matter what I say or do. So finally I decided to let them stay in her class and I got her a helper. So everyone is happy.

FIRST DAY FOR FIRST GRADE

2010-02-15T10:57:00.000-08:00

This year we started our 5 day a week classes. We are starting with the First Grade. This class is for 5 year olds. However, we are also open for the children who are older but do not know how to read or write. We are also have some that are only 3 or 4 years old that come with an older brother or sister. Our first day we had 5 students. The next day we had 14 students. We are also open to having the Moms who wish to learn how to read and write, but so far they seem to enjoy putting the kids in school and having some free time. We are finding that they are also using us for day care......... Which is ok, so long as the children don't cry !!!!! We did have one who cried the entire time. That doesn't work. But, we are really happy with this First grade class. We are very organized and the children are learning. We are teaching them in both Spanish and English. The theme for the whole school this year is "God's Love" . This first grade class is learning memory verses. This week the memory verse is "God is love" 1 John 4:8. The children are learning this in Spanish and English. Ruth is my helper, she is very good in English too. So she is a great help to me.

1St GRADE SINGING IN ENGLISH

2010-02-15T10:38:00.000-08:00

Here is our First grade class singing "Yes, Jesus loves me" in English. It's a little difficult for them, but they are giving it a good try.

2010 School Registration

2010-01-30T12:54:00.000-08:00

I just arrived yesterday, but here we are doing registration for the school today. The kids are excited to start a new year of school. As soon as the kids spotted me, they came running and all gave me hugs and kisses. Oh how sweet that is!!!

WHAT I'M DOING IN USA

2009-09-13T20:54:00.000-07:00

Sorry I haven't put anything on my blog since I've been home. I've been busy visiting with family and friends. I've had several occasions to share about Guatemala, which I love to do......

But, starting next week, I will be sharing what I have learned over the years about Street, Park and Prison ministry. It's called Friendship Evangelism Small Group. Everyone is welcome. Come join me at New Beginnings Christian Center Tuesday night at 7PM.

There's lots to do here in the USA too, so if you would like to learn how to share your faith, join me.

I also will be teaching this to the Spanish Church on Saturdays..... actual dates and times not set yet. I'll keep you posted.

PARTY PHOTOS

2009-06-14T16:44:00.000-07:00

THE CHILDREN BROUGHT ME FLOWERS

2009-06-14T16:36:00.000-07:00

Since this was a birthday party, the children brought me gifts. The two to four year old class gave me flowers. One little girl brought me only a stem. I looked at this and told her, " oh how pretty, thank you very much ". She was happy and so was I.

JACKIE ARRIVES AT HER PARTY

2009-06-14T16:29:00.000-07:00

Here I am arriving at the party with a friend Thelma. She was a teacher with me when we started classes in a "barrowed" patio. She was thrilled to see that now we actually have a school buidling.

GOOD BYE & HAPPY BIRTHDAY

2009-06-14T16:23:00.000-07:00

Marta Chilin organized a " Good Bye and Happy Birthday Jackie" party for me my last Saturday at La Isla this year.

5 TO 8 YEAR OLDS

2009-06-14T16:18:00.000-07:00

Dora's class for the five to eight year olds. This class is very big and each student is at different levels of learning. It's quite a challenge to teach them. Erica, on the left is Dora's assistant. Again all the students are not here in this shot.

2 TO 4 YEAR OLD CLASS

2009-06-14T16:11:00.000-07:00

Marie Antonette has the two to four year olds. Some are missing, I think the photo was taken before everyone showed up. But at least you have some idea of who is in the class.

9 to 12 YEAR OLD CLASS

2009-06-14T16:06:00.000-07:00

Anabella and her class for nine to twelve year olds. Several are missing here because her class really has about 30 students.

THE CHICKEN PROJECT

2009-06-02T10:09:00.000-07:00

We did a "Chicken Project" at the school in La Isla. For about a month, we prepared the students, children and adults, by teaching them how to care for and raise chickens. Then we gave one student, 2 chicks and some food for 2 weeks and she brought the chicks back for "Show and Tell"... The purpose of the project was to give these poor families an opportunity to start their own business. They could raise these chickens to sell eggs or raise chickens to sell. Of course, if they choose, they could just have the chickens to feed their own families.

I bought 200 baby chicks and food to feed them for a week. We gave every family one chick per student and some food to get them started. I will continue to buy and give them some food for their chicks for the next few weeks.

So far, it appears to be a success......but time will tell. I plan on doing this again next year. Let's see how it goes.

It was great fun ( and a lot of work) giving these baby chicks to the kids and families. At the end of the day, we had a few chicks left and we were preparing to leave, when I saw a woman, I know. She is a single mom with eight small children. She has no job and no income. Several of her children attend our school. I called out to her to "come here". I gave her a box with 5 chicks I explained to her quickly how to care for them and told her how she could start her own business. What a perfect way to end a perfect day.

THEY ALL STARTED COMING IN

2009-06-02T09:45:00.000-07:00

The kids started lining up pretty quick, at times our whole area was filled with kids, some climbing over the tables to get to the chicks. But we did our best to maintain order. Here is a rare shot of all being in order.....just the way I like it.

SOON TO BE A CHICKEN GROWER

2009-06-02T09:37:00.000-07:00

He is one of our students. He was waiting for us when we arrived with the baby chicks. He is all ready to be a chicken grower.

GETTING THE FAMILY BOXES READY

2009-06-02T09:28:00.000-07:00

Here I am getting the family boxes ready to give to the children. We have whole families attending our school. The family boxes consisted of one chick for each student attending our school.

OUR FIRST CUSTOMERS

2009-06-02T09:22:00.000-07:00

Before we could get all set up, we already had kids peaking at the baby chicks.

THEY COULDN'T WAIT TO GET THEIR CHICKS

2009-06-02T09:15:00.000-07:00

As we drove up, we were greeted by lots of kids. They brought their boxes to take home their baby chicks.

I CAN YO PUEDO By Dr. Virginia Phillips

2009-05-26T10:15:00.000-07:00

....................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... .............................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................Dr. Virginia Phillips has written a bi-lingual book ( English and Spanish) to teach children what they can do at different stages of their development. This prayer is in the 3 -4 year old book. We are teaching this book in our 2-4 year old class. The children love learning with this book. They like the colors, the pictures,the words they can understand in Spanish , and at the same time they are learning a second language, English.

Thank you Valley Christian for providing these books for us.

Learning to be a "I Can" Child

2009-05-26T09:54:00.000-07:00

The 2-4 year old class is learning to be "I can " children.

I CAN / YO PUEDO BOOK

2009-05-26T09:45:00.000-07:00

Here the 2- 4 year old class is learning from the I CAN / YO PUEDO book.

LAST WINDOWS ARE IN

2009-05-21T10:17:00.000-07:00

The last windows are in. The big one is a sliding window. Carlos and I put in all the glass. Carlos is putting in the last glass. The whole one side of the building is windows, so we are very happy this is now completed. We still have three windows on the street side of the building to do, the frames are in and we just need to put it the glass.....but since it's the street side we are thinking of putting in a non breakable plastic instead of glass.

FRONT DOORS

2009-05-21T10:03:00.000-07:00

We now have our front door secure. We have one steel door and then a bar door. The photo doesn't make it too clear.

OUR DENTIST HARD AT WORK

2009-05-11T20:55:00.000-07:00

DENTAL CLINIC

2009-05-11T20:36:00.000-07:00

This past Saturday we turned the school into a dental clinic. This is a free clinic open to the whole La Isla community Here's our waiting room. The patients sign in and then wait for the dentist. The dentist's room is behind the curtains. Our teachers serve as the nurses and dental assistant. After their visit to the dentist, everyone gets a tooth brush and tooth paste package and a package of cookies. We also use this opportunity to give the parents a clothing gift bag. We also provide them with some good Christian music in the "Dentist Office"

WINDOWS

2009-05-11T20:27:00.000-07:00

We are putting the glass in the window frames. I am the helper. I hold the glass in place till the silicone drys and I hand the worker the glass and the tools as he needs them. This one whole wall is windows. Being on a cliff does give us a beautiful view.

ONE BATHROOM IS ALMOST FINISHCED

2009-05-11T20:15:00.000-07:00

We are going to have 2 bathrooms, one for the girls and one for the boys. The bathrooms are almost finished.

SECURITY WALL

2009-05-11T20:05:00.000-07:00

Here is the view from the street of the security wall.

CONSTRUCTION PROGRESS

2009-05-11T19:55:00.000-07:00

The school construction is coming along fine. We are completing the security wall. We have one wall on one side of the school and another wall on the other side of the school.

LA ISLA RETREAT FUN

2009-04-03T15:09:00.000-07:00

LA ISLA RETREAT

2009-04-03T15:02:00.000-07:00

BALLOON ANIMALS

2009-04-03T14:44:00.000-07:00

The group from Valley Christain Church made animals and other things with balloons.

WE CELEBRATED WITH MUSIC AND DANCING

2009-04-03T14:35:00.000-07:00

The children and I danced until I couldn't dance anymore. I would go aside to rest a while, but the little ones would seek me out and want me to dance some more with them. We had a great time, but I must admit. When it was all over I was pretty tired.

FIESTA TIME

2009-04-03T14:10:00.000-07:00

Here we are preparing for the annual Fiesta, a day to celebrate what God has done and give Him thanks. I'm cutting the cake here. The photo below shows our guests receiving their cake and hochata.

HERE IS THE 9 TO 12 YEAR OLDS

2009-04-03T13:59:00.000-07:00

This is the second level, for the 9 to 12 year olds and the 13 to 20+ classes. They are studying here right before we started giving them their giftsl. The two young people are with the group from Valley Christian. The other man is Fito, he lives in Pastor Chilin's house with us.

FIVE TO EIGHT YEAR OLDS

2009-04-03T13:51:00.000-07:00

Here is the five to eight year olds receiving their gifts.

KIDS HAPPY WITH THEIR GIFTS

2009-04-03T13:42:00.000-07:00

This is the two to four year old class enjoying their gifts. Please check out the specail drawing on the wall . This was done by one of our students in the 13 -20 plus class. He has a brother in the 2 -4 year old class.