What you spend -is gone. 

What you keep- someone else gets. 

What you give- is yours forever.
-- Dr. Wil Rose

I just wanted to say thank you from the bottom of my heart to those who gave so generously towards the new shoes for these precious children. As soon as we can get the children fitted and shoes bought pictures will follow. We appreciate you all more than you will ever know!!!

A whole new world...

Ever since arriving in Guatemala just six days ago the one thing that keeps running through my mind is just how much I have always taken for granted. And even though I often remind myself of my blessings it seems that the next time I turn around I once again forget... and my mind races off to the next thing on my to do list or the next 'need' we had.

But living here makes me realize more than ever just how blessed we are. As I look around me, I see the evidence of just how hard life is for some. We are finding out that it is actually more expensive to live here than in America- which makes me wonder how many of these people survive. The gas prices are over $4.00 a gallon here and the groceries at the grocery stores are higher as well. And so for our family it is more economical to shop in the market- which is a whole new experience in itself.

 It used to be nothing for me to hop in our car (here we do not own one yet) drive down our relatively smooth road (they are anything but here) and head to the grocery store where I would fill our cart full of things we 'needed' (here we get what we can carry). I remember grumbling about the smallest things because I had come to expect things to be done a certain way and be done right...

Oh how the Lord is teaching me.

It's a whole new way of life here... and we are taking it one day at a time, learning our way... as we begin to fall in love with the beautiful country of Guatemala.

One need...

I knew before even laying my eyes on them that the children who attend the Manna Feeding program here at Eagles Nest would steal my heart... and sure enough they have. :)

Monday through Friday they walk between one and two miles to come and eat a meal and learn a little bit more about the One who created them and the One who loves them more than they could possibly understand. Some travel carry for younger siblings along the way, some walk in groups and some come alone. They are often dirty, tired, and coughing... but almost always have a look of hope in their eyes.

Yesterday when Pedro led the devotion he asked the children how we could be praying for them and some of the children shared their concerns about sick parents and parents needing work. But what blew me away was the ones who shared praises of safety and praises of being given the meal they were about to be served. Such a small thing to so many of us and something I know I have almost always taken for granted.

As the children gobbled down their meal and their little bellies were filled there was one thing that I just couldn't take my eyes off of...

their shoes.

As I looked at child after child's feet my heart ached. Shoes are precious here and something not one of them takes for granted. 2 days ago I was (attempting) to talk to a couple little girls in Spanish while some of the other children were playing soccer. I couldn't help but to notice how one little girl kept reaching down and rubbing at her feet. As I gently took her shoes off I notice the sores on her toes and how they had been so crammed into the shoes that were too small for her feet and how swollen they were. So, I did the only thing I knew how to do, I offered her a pair of Kadens who happen to wear the size she needed. They were boys shoes but that didn't matter a bit to her. Her beautiful smile said it all as she walked away proudly in her new shoes.

Many of you have asked me to let you know if there are needs here. There are so many I don't even know where to begin. So many that often times it becomes overwhelming and I wonder how one pair of shoes could even begin to make a difference. But it is in those times that the Lord reminds me to take it one day at a time, one moment at time, one child at a time...

A pair of shoes here cost approximately $15 a pair. While shoes can be shipped (although shipping is expensive) sizes for the children are not always right. If anyone is interested in purchasing a pair of shoes for a child they can send the money through paypal to http://www.eaglesnestint.org/Donate-to-the-Eagles-Nest_f08529.html  You will receive a confirmation number and then you can email me at blockamy@hotmail.com and let me know that you donated money for a child's shoes. We will then size that childs feet, take pictures of that child receiving their new shoes and send it to you. :)

The need here is so great... and I realize that not all of us can do everything but at the same time if I do not let the needs be known than people don't know how to help if the Lord has laid it on their heart. Perhaps you know someone who has a birthday coming and this would make a great gift to them instead of trying to come up with an idea to give to someone who already has enough. Perhaps it's a good project for a Sunday School class or even a family who is mission minded.

Jesus does not separate the physical needs from spiritual needs- He attends to both. As followers of Christ I believe it is a blessing to do the same. Thanks for being His hands and feet here on earth.

Hola!!!

We survived the flight and going through security at the airport with 7 children and 18 suitcases. It was interesting to say the least. ;) Thanks Pastor Jay and Susan and Michelle for helping us get off! We miss you guys already!

We arrived yesterday evening and we are getting settled into our new home at Eagles Nest. We will be staying in one of the apartments here until we are able to find something to rent. We absolutely love it here and we were so blessed by the welcoming we received by the Boggs and the Patlans. Honestly, we are blown away by their precious hearts and this ministry they have worked so hard to build. We are so thankful for all of their help, insight and their being willing to show us the ropes. We seriously couldn't do it without them.What an honor to be able to work along side of them- something we do not take for granted for a single minute.  Our kids are enjoying every minute of it so far and the orphans and children who attend the Manna Feeding program are precious beyond words. My kids are already talking about all of their new friends. :) I have so much to share already but today I will just leave you with some pictures from today...

Our view from our apartment.... breath taking...

The children playing outside on recess...

The people here were very interested in Kaden, Carson and Havyn. LOL They kept touching their hair because it was so different from what they were used it.

Aleigha trying to carry a basket on her head...

Will update more soon. ;)

Ready, set.... GO!!

I can't believe the time has already come... the past few months has been a whirl wind, but as we sit here packed and ready to board our flight tomorrow morning I can't help but to smile as I see God's hand prints all over our journey.

I have no idea what lies ahead but one thing I do know it God is faithful. Through the good and the bad, He is there and He always keeps His promises.

Once again I want to take this opportunity to thank our partners. We are here because of your obedience. We understand the sacrifices you are making and we appreciate it more than you will ever know. We know what you give has nothing to do with us and everything to do with Jesus- and He knows that too. Thank you for extending your love to reach those in Guatemala. As we walk in faith we know you are by our side living out yours as well.... living out The Word. We love you all and we are so thankful to working along side you all for His glory.

Next time I post it will be from Guatemala...

Until then... adios amigos. ;)

"What we desire our children to become,

 we must endeavor to be before them."
~Andrew Combe

Eyes fixed on Him

Lately, over and over we have had people say to us "I don't think I could do it... I don't think I could do what you are doing... give it all away, quit my job and move across the country with seven children."

And what I want to say to them is- neither can we.

Neither can we.

Because you see, more than anything I want people to understand- we are no different than they are.

We are no stronger, no better equipped, no braver, or more faithful.

We can't do this...

But He can.

And so it is that every.single.day we get up, with our eyes focused on Him. His strength, His goodness, His abilities, His holiness... and we plant our feet on the ground, taking one step, one moment, at a time.

From our house selling in 4 days (with no realtor in this market), to our living rent free for the past 4 months, from our being invited to work with the most incredible people in the world at Eagles Nest orphanage and God hand choosing every single one of our partners- it was all Him.

All Him.

We couldn't have done that if we tried.

So often we strive to make it in this world on our own abilities.

And we miss out.

We miss out on living In HIM.

And we only do what we are brave enough, strong enough, confident enough to do.

We chase after dreams that have nothing to do with His glory and everything to do with ours.

And in the mean time, we fall short of the plans He had for all lives all along.

When you choose to live for the Lord your life is going to look a whole lot different than the world around you.

Why? Because the world and the word are complete different.

Ever notice that?

The world tell us we deserve it all.

The word tells us He deserves our all.

The world tell us it's all about us.

The word tells us we must die to self.

The world tell us we must have more.

The word tells us we must become less.

My challenge to you today is to ask Him. Don't be afraid, just get down on your knees, seek His face and ask Him what He has for your life... and then in obedience take that first step and keep your eyes fixed on Him.

It may seem scary at first, and it may even seem impossible. It may not look like anything you ever imagined or resemble anything close to what you once believed. But one thing I can promise you is, when you dig deeper into the word it is there, you are guaranteed to find, exactly what you have been searching for all along.






                                                                                                                (photo credit Austin Davidson)

---

Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.  ~Hebrews 12:2

The last time...

Lately, the words the last time seem to be an every day occurrence.

With our departure onto the mission field in just 8 days we are experiencing a lot of lasts.

And yesterday was no different.

 As our church held a commissioning serve for our family yesterday we said our good-byes... to the people we have called our church family for the past 2 years. The people we laughed with, cried with, grew with and worshiped with.

The church that loved us just the way we are, and because of that, we experienced Jesus-

and we were changed.

I am so thankful for the place where our pastor allowed us the freedom to grow into who God created us to be- because he was more concerned with making disciples than growing numbers.

Thankful for a church that isn't about having the biggest, best and latest... and more concerned about the one who designed the church instead.


I am thankful for group of people who loved us just the way we were, and who believed in us- even when we didn't.

(photo credit Austin Davidson)

It's funny how the Lord puts people into your life for a reason... and often times for only a season.

And yet a part of them remains with you forever.

For that, I am thankful.

Sweet 16...

As I sit here preparing this post, I almost cannot believe it as I type the words sixteen.

Sixteen years old.

How could it be?

 I remember once when you were just a little girl an elderly lady sat next to me on a park bench. She leaned closer, looked me in the eyes and whispered "enjoy every second for the time goes faster than you can imagine". I remember at the time laughing and silently thinking to myself 'it feels as if the sleepless nights and diaper changes will never end' as I watched you toddled across the playground with your brothers chasing after you that warm summer day.

And now here you are... sweet sixteen.

And all I can do is think of how grateful I am for every single second of those sixteen years... and how grateful I am that God gave me you.

I want to thank you Addisyn for all that you have taught me. I know a mother is supposed to be the one to teach their child, and yet I cannot help but to stand in awe of the way you 'get it' more often than most adults. I know you have heard it many times before, but you are wise beyond your years and your faith is the kind that leaves the rest of the world wishing they could one day get there. Thank you for sharing that with me and thank you for challenging me to reach a little farther, love a little deeper, and give a little more.

I adore you my precious first born daughter and I couldn't be more proud of who you are and how you choose daily to live your life. My prayer for you is that you always stay as close to the Lord as you are today and that your mind never becomes filled with the crud and the lies that the world will constantly try to send your way. I pray that you live out those dreams in your heart and that you stay true to your purpose. Keep living for Him Addie, and the rest of your days will be as sweet as the first sixteen.

Happy 16th Birthday, you are so loved.

Catching up...

These past couple of weeks have been a whirl wind. Pretty much to be expected I guess considering. ;) Because I use this blog as a journal for my kids this is going to be one of those catch up posts with lots of pictures of lots of special people in my life. If I had been better about having my camera ready there would be a whole lot more.

 Keegan is now safely at college in Illinois and loving it so far. Classes don't start until the end of the month but 2-a-days for football are in full swing. I miss him so much already and I keep asking God how He thought I was going to be able to be so far away from my two oldest babies. He reminded me ever so gently though that this is exactly what I prayed for all those years of raising Keegan and Travis~ for them to be good, strong, Godly men who were responsible and able to take care of themselves one day... and look at me now whining? Ugh.

While in Illinois we were also able to spend some precious time seeing family and friends. We are so blessed to be surrounded by such amazing people in our lives and we are so thankful for their love, encouragement and support. We couldn't do this without them. My sister had a special surprise for us while we were there. One night after a wonderful cookout, backyard game of kickball and lots of laughter they wrote prayers for our family and the orphans we will be working with in Guatemala on sky lanterns and we lit them off and let them sail 'up to Jesus'. ;) It was such a special moment for all of us. Beautiful. (Thanks Jenny for always making us feel so loved)

We also had the opportunity to share our story at the LeRoy Christian Church and were blessed beyond words by seeing old friends and meeting new. I would have more pictures by I accidentally left the disc out of my camera- so bummed. :(




















Back at home my awesome friend Michelle set it up for Havyn to be able to ride a real horse. Havyn is crazy about horses- and I mean CRAZY- so this absolutely made her day. So much fun and such a treat! (thanks Michelle- you are the best!!)

I know the next 10 days are going to be full of good-byes, tears, big changes, and  lots of excitement. I plan on updating on here often. :) We can't wait to get there and share this journey with you all.