Wednesday, November 30, 2011

Today was such a beautiful day in so many ways. The weather was amazing and we were blessed by a team from Kansas who came to build stoves, teach nutrition classes and handing out Bibles to families in our area.



Here is a picture of one of the original stove in a home they were in today. The biggest problem with this stove is the smoke from the wood that fills up the room often causing respiratory problems for the family.



Working on a new stove...


 The new stove... much better ventilation. :)


This new stove now belongs to some of the kids from our Manna Feeding Program... aren't they precious?


One of their neighbors were also blessed...


The team praying over their home...


This little girl was so excited to receive a bible... two days in a row now that I have cried (happy tears).

May you always cherish that Bible little one... and may you grow to know the one who loves you more than anything in this world. :)
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Tuesday, November 29, 2011

Have you HEARD the good news? :)

Today I had the privilege of taking one of our orphans here at Eagles Nest, Jeni, to Guatemala City today with Felis to get Jeni's new hearing aids. Jeni is 9 years old and has been here in our Children's home for the past year. Jeni was born tongue died and partially deaf.
Here she is today with her new hearing aids. :)

It was such a blessing to witness Jeni hear clearly today for the first time. Seeing the excitement in her eyes brought tears to mine. Once again I realize just how much I take for granted. Jeni giggled her way through the afternoon at the magic of each new sound around her and I couldn't help but to smile. God is just so good.

To make the day even better we received news that the money has been raised for baby Victoria to also receive her BAHA hearing aids!!! What a huge answer to prayer! I want to thank each and every one of you who prayed, gave and advocated for this precious little girl. Thank you for making a difference in the lives of these children and thank you for giving them a chance in life. We couldn't do this without you and we are so blessed to be serving along side of you all.

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Wednesday, November 23, 2011

Thankful for... Day 23... you

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and we will spend the day as a family (and with our new extended family here) enjoying the many blessings we have been given. Our family will open our thankful jar...

that we have been filling over the past few weeks and praise God for the so many blessings He has given us.

As I reflect over these past few weeks of giving thanks I am reminded of what an awesome God we serve. And I am reminded that God doesn't just bless us so that we can count them all- He blesses us so that we can in return bless others.

Because that is how God works my friends-  through us.

This reminds me of the bible verse in Luke(12:48)"For everyone to whom much is given, of him shall much be required."  The part that we sometimes tend to forget.

If you have been around this blog for any length of time you probably remember me mentioning one of the little ones residing at Eagles Nest named Victoria...



Victoria is 11 months old and has lived at Eagles Nest since she was a couple of days old. Victoria was born without her left ear and only has a partial right. She has no ear canals so her hearing is limited to vibrations. Victoria also has cataracts in her eyes and at this point has only partial site. She was blessed to be able to go to the states the past couple of months on a medical visa and receive treatment for her eyes and an evaluation on her ears. What they discovered was that Victoria needed a special hearing aid device called the BAHA-- and if we were able to get it for her her hearing would improve drastically.

We were further blessed to find out we would be able to get those hearing aids for $4,800 which is an unheard of cost for this set of equipment.

Awesome right?

Only $4,800. (Ugh)

Um, problem is, an orphan and an orphan ministry usually doesn't have that kind of cash laying around. And so, we all began to pray and God began to answer those prayers...

and $2,200 has already been raised. :) We are blown away.

God sent us here to be His hands and feet...to tell others about Him... even those who cannot autobily hear His words. I'd love to be able to help Victoria hear those words... to hear "He loves you so much my child... so much so that He was willing to give His all for you."

I know the holidays are approaching and it's an expensive time of the year, but if God lays it on your heart to help Victoria get her hearing aids we would love appreciate your help more than you could possibly know.

And if you are not able to give- perhaps you too could be her voice and tell others about her need. Perhaps you could pass the plate at Thanksgiving asking your family members to help out.

Perhaps you could tell your Sunday School class, your co workers or anyone else you know about a little girl named Victoria who needs our help.

Or perhaps for that hard to buy for person this Christmas-a donation could be made in their name. (I won't be able to get pictures of Victoria with her hear aids on though until after Christmas since she wouldn't have them before).

So I challenge you.... as you sit down tomorrow surrounded by family and friends and thank God for your blessings would you remember those who are not as fortunate? Would you pray for Victoria? Would you tell others about her and would you consider blessing someone else out of the blessings you have been given? 

To help Victoria get her hearing aids you can give HERE: Just click donate and then email me at blockamy@hotmail.com so I know the donation was for Victoria. Thank you so much.

Happy Thanksgiving. I am thankful for you.


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Tuesday, November 22, 2011

Thankful for... Day 22... Skype

One of the hardest things about living in Guatemala is being so far away from our two oldest. Today I am so very, very thankful for...



because it allows me to talk to them online and see their precious faces. Not quite as good as seeing them in person- but it certainly helps. 26 more days till I get to see them with no computer screen required. Not that I am counting the days or anything. ;)
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Monday, November 21, 2011

Thankful for her life... Day 21

Last night we experienced something that I didn't expect to experience quite this soon in our ministry- the loss of a life.

Last August, shortly after arriving here in Guatemala we had the privilege of doing a home visit to see and pray for a sweet 73 year old lady, Teresa.

Here is a picture from that day... isn't she precious?



Last night Teresa went to be with the Lord. A funeral here is a whole lot different than any funeral I have ever experienced in the states. Here, neighbors and friends come within a couple of hours of the death, regardless of the time of day- or night and 4 grandparents from the community are assigned to clean the body. Others join in the small home, setting up chairs and preparing food for the company that starts to arrive.



 They even let us have a try at preparing the tamales.... :)



The casket is carried in and after the body is clean it is placed in the casket. The bedroom in the home is cleared out, the plastic chairs are set up and flowers are brought in to set around the casket. A pretty curtain is hung to cover the wall and a tarp is hung over the court yard for additional shelter. The guest will stay all night long.



Besides knowing that Teresas life had come to an end what broke my heart was the plate of food and glass of water that was placed in the room where Teresa died for any spirits that might be still be there... Mayan traditions and beliefs that still exist today, even for those who have accepted the Lord as their Savior. It was evident there is still much confusion and mixed beliefs of the people here today. Please pray for Teresas family and friends as they say good-bye to this precious person who touched their lives in so many ways.
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Sunday, November 20, 2011

Thankfulness... Day 20... my crockpot. :)

Okay, this may sound silly. But today I am thankful for my crockpot.


I guess mostly because cooking is not my favorite thing in the world- but it's kind of necessary. ;) My crockpot helps me to be able to have dinner made with less hassle and my family happy. :)

So, I thought I'd share one of our favorite recipes.

Chicken Tortilla Soup

2 chicken boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 cans Ro-Tel
1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can corn
1 onion, chopped
1 jalapeno chopped
2 cans  chicken broth
1-2 cups of water
1/2 c. cilantro
1 package Taco Seasoning

Top with:
tortilla chips
sour cream
Guacamole
Shredded cheese

Throw chicken breast, chopped onion, beans, rotel, corn, chicken broth, water, cilantro, jalapeno and taco seasoning in CrockPot and stir to mix. Cook on high 6-7 hours. Before serving remove the chicken breasts from soup and shred. Return chicken to CrockPot, stir to combine. Top with tortilla chips, sour cream, guacamole and cheese. Enjoy.

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Saturday, November 19, 2011

Thankfulness... Day 19... Christian leaders

As I sat down at my computer today I began to pray about all of the things I am thankful for... the Lord kept putting in my mind the faces of people who have influenced our lives by teaching us about Him.


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Todd and I grew up knowing about God, and yet really neither one of us devoted our lives to Him until we were in our 30's. Once we made that decision our lives changed drastically. We  went from living 'The American Dream' to 'living FOR HIM'. Looking back there were some key people God placed in our lives who taught us by their example.

We have been blessed to be in some amazing small groups over the years and those people taught us probably more than they could possible know. Fellowship is such a blessing. Also the bible study leaders and friends who took the time to study His word along side of me... Joyce Newhall, Debbie Patterson, Emily Shipman and Michelle Davidson- you ladies changed my life. Pastors like Dave McGee and Jay Sikes- thank you for what you do. Thank you for leading the flock by your example. Thank you for loving people where they are, for giving them a chance and for allowing them the freedom to discover who they are in Christ. We have been so blessed by your leadership.

Today I am so thankful for those who willingly invested into our lives and the lives of others so that we could grow to know Him more. I know for a fact we wouldn't be who we are and where we are today if it weren't for you. You changed us and we are forever grateful.

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Friday, November 18, 2011

Thankfulness... Day 18... Orphan Care ministries

I am so thankful for all of the amazing organizations out there who work daily to advocate for orphans all over the world. Thankful for those who are a voice for the voiceless and for those who put in countless hours helping children find their way home. Children who often wouldn't have a chance of being adopted if these organizations didn't do what they do.

Two of my absolute favorites are Lifesong for Orphans...


and Project Hopeful.



I know the people that work for these organizations in real life and I am blown away by their passion to serve the Fatherless. Amazing people with amazing hearts who are making differences in the lives of so many.

 And I for one, am so thankful for that.

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Wednesday, November 16, 2011

Thankfulness.... Day 16... my friends.


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The Lord has blessed me with the most amazing friends and I am so thankful for every single one of them. As I sit here right now at my computer my head is filled with people's names and faces I call my friend. Some I have known  practically all my life and others for only a short time. But each one of them has played an important part in my life and have a part in who I am today. I have laughed with them, cried with them, grown with them, learned from them, prayed with them and have been blessed beyond words by them.

I was reading the other day in my bible from the book of Mark and something that stuck out to me was how Jesus called his twelve disciples together and 'began sending them out two by two". My study notes read: "The disciples were sent out in pairs. Individually they could have reached more ares of the country, but this was not Christ's plan. The adventages in going out by twos include: (1) They could strengthen and encourage each other. (2) They could provide comfort in rejection. (3) They could give each other discernment, and fewer mistakes would be made. (4) They could stir each other to action as a counter to idleness or indifference. Our strength comes from God, but he meets many of our needs through our teamwork with others. As you serve Christ, don't try to go it alone. "

Today I am so thankful for the blessing of friends. Thankful once again for God's amazing plan which is so much better than our own. Thankful that He thinks of everything. In a world that is constantly telling us  to 'look out for #1'- I am so grateful for my friends who have come along side of me and been what I see to be one of the greatest gifts in this world- a friend. You know who you are- and I hope you know who much I love you. Thanks for doing this life together with me.
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Tuesday, November 15, 2011

Thankfulness... Day 15 and an update on Estela.

I've had several people ask me for an update on Javier (who works here at Eagles Nest) and his wife Estela who needed the surgery- that I posted about here.

A couple of days ago I was blessed to be able to go visit Estela at her home with Claire. It was wonderful to see her up and about, even if she is still in quite a bit of pain. Considering the type of surgery she had though- I was impressed she came out to answer the door.


Estelas mother came to her home to cook for their family this past week- so that was a huge blessing to Estela as well.

Three of Estelas four children, Sarah, Median and baby Clarita were home when we visited and they all seemed as happy as can be... happy their mama is on the road to recovery and happy they are all together.


Please pray as Estella continues to heal and please pray that the tumors were benign and that this precious family can go on and have a long, life together.



Thank you again to all of you who have prayed for them already. Today, I am so thankful for the prayer warriors in my life- that stand in the gap for us. We seriously couldn't do this without you.




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Monday, November 14, 2011

Thankfulness... Day 14... our home.

Today I am thankful for our home.
I am thankful I have indoor plumbing. I am thankful that I have a kitchen with a refrigerator and a washer and dryer... because I know some people are not as fortunate.


I am thankful that I have a solid roof over my head, and not just a tarp. Because I know some people are not as fortunate in this way either.


I am truly blessed. Lord help me to never forget that.

** I have been trying to do a lot of updates on facebook also that include a lot more pictures of the work we are doing here. If you are interested in following along you can look us up on facebook and send a friend request to Amy N'Todd Block. :)

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Sunday, November 13, 2011

Thankfulness.... Day 13... trials

I never thought I'd say this, but looking back over my life now I can honestly say that today I am thankful for the trials the Lord has allowed me to walk through...


 I know that may sound like kind of a funny thing to be thankful for, but I really am. As I look back over my life I can clearly see the hand of God working and weaving together the pieces of my life- the good and the bad. And I know without a doubt in my mind that had I not gone through some of the things I did in the past,  I wouldn't be who I am today... I wouldn't have the strength, the courage or the faith that I have gained through the trails of my life. Because it was in those times of darkness that I learned to look to the light. I learned to seek His face, trust in His wisdom and rely on His word.

And I grew.

And changed.

And I became just a little bit closer to who He has called me to be.

While I know I still have such a long way to go, I will hold tight to what the Lord has taught me so far. And then, when the next trail comes, as I know it will...I will continue to praise Him, trusting He is there and He has a plan... and it is good.

“These things I have spoken to you, so that in Me you may have peace. In the world you have tribulation, but take courage; I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

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Saturday, November 12, 2011

Thankfulness... Day 12.... my view :)

This is the view we have from our front porch... about takes your breath away doesn't it?



I never in a million years ever thought that I would be so blessed to live in a place with such a beautiful view of Gods creation. As we walk about the campus here at Eagles Nest each day I am always reminding my children to stop and look and appreciate. I don't ever want any of us to take that view for granted. It seriously looks like a painting when you look out over the water... absolutely breathtaking.

I am so thankful to live in such a beautiful place. So thankful that even in the midst of so much poverty, I have a constant reminder of the beauty of God's creation.  I am in awe.

The earth is filled with the Lord's glory. Habakkuk 2:14

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Friday, November 11, 2011

Thankfulness.... Day 11... Veterans

This post was hard... because no matter how many times I started over I could never quite come up with the words to say thank you enough...
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So to all those vets out there, inactive and active- please know along with this thanks comes our greatest respect. Thank you for being willing to lay down your life for us. Thank you for allowing me to be a citizen of the most blessed country in this world. Especially now, living in a 3rd world country, I realize how fortunate we are. I realize that my freedom isn't free- so please know I do not take it for granted.
From our family to yours- we appreciate you more than we can possible say.
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