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Team Tools
Jordyn,
Just wanted to send you a little note that Tim and I are praying for you and hope that you have an AWESOME eye opening experience while down in Guat. We hope that God will touch your heart in awe inspiring ways and that you will in turn touch the hearts of the Guatemala people you come in contact with. Praying for a safe and healthy time!
can’t wait to hear about it
Love Tim and Sara
Jordyn,
You are going to ROCK!!! I can’t wait to hear your stories! Thank you for being willing to be used by God. Praying for you daily!!
have a blast!!
Kristy
Jordyn,
Praying for you and your fellow team members as you are the hands and feet of God at PBM this week. Thanks for answering the call our Lord put in your heart. May the prayers of all the people back in MI. give you strength.
Larry M.
Jordyn,
We are so proud of you and cannot wait to see how this trip unfolds for you. I agreee with what Larry M said to you “thanks for answering the call our Lord put in your heart”. Thank you for your courage to take this leap of faith.
I could feel your excitement in your texts and I also heard the nerves in your voice this morning before you boarded the plane. I am praying that God calms your fears and anxieties as you arrive in Guatemala in just a short while.
When Jace and I did our nightly best and worst part of our days before bed last night this is what he said…”the worst part of my day is when JoJo left for Guatemala”…”the best part of my day is that JoJo is going to Guatemala to help all of those kids”. Another cute thing he said last night when he was so sad after you left…”I wish Guatemala could just come to Grandville” and I told him that Guatemala really needed a little bit of Grandville there!
I’ll share some more things that he says as the week goes on because I know they will make you smile.
We love you!
Mom
Hey there! Glad that you had the courage to venture outside the U.S. Make the most of your time there. You continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
Love ya,
Michael
What an awesome adventure you are on! You are such a blessing to those you come in contact with and the people whose lives you touch will forever be changed. Enjoy every minute!
Love,
Aunt Donna
P.S. Did you hear Tom Izzo is staying at MSU??!! Yippee!!!
Aunt Donna
Awwww…Aunt Donna beat me to it. Casey texted me with the official word this evening and all of Spartan Country is exhaling….
) and he was gnawing away at it. I took it away and he started screaming – an angry scream. I gave it back, he stopped screaming, and attacked it again. Took it away and he started screaming. This went on a couple more times and of course Jace just thought this was the funniest thing ever.
I just heard from Mrs. VanWyhe and she said you guys arrived safely and quietly – an answer to prayer. I am wondering how your travels went, what customs was like, and what your first impressions are?
Just a few things to share from home…Jett had his first temper tantrum today. He got a hold of a piece of mail (actually a letter from Harvard for you
Took Jace shopping at the Gap today for his you know what (which by the way is next Monday). I guess I’ve never really had him try on clothes in a dressing room before. Well, picture him with their funky music and a wall full of mirrors…yeah, he was having much more fun dancing in his underwear with all of his funny little dances then trying on clothes. I think this will be your job from now on!
Quotes from Jace this evening “I hope JoJo is having fun.” “I wonder if she met any of the kids yet”. “I hope she is listening to the Master so she knows what to do”.
It’s raining out tonight…was cloudy and grey all day. Tigers just beat the Nationals 7-4…was tied 4-4 and Raburn hit a 3 run homer a few innings ago. LA is up 49-29 late in the first half.
Love you…thank you for your texts this morning. Have a great night and day tomorrow!
HEY! I see that Im now the third to tell you about Izzo…shoot! Well my note to him did it!! haha. I hope your having an amazing time on your trip! Take in every second of this life changing experience im sure it will go by too fast. Reply back fast cuz I leave tomorrow at midnight! The fam and I are praying for you and miss you! See you soon..ish!
Sorry for this irrelevant message….but shannon had the alley-oop of the year!
Jordyn, Praying for you and hoping you have an amazing week there. Saw your mom and the boys yesterday…..know they all are missing you. God Bless ! The Pettijohns
Praying for you and the team. So many will be blessed by your willingness to serve. God is going to do great things in and through you on this trip! Enjoy each and every moment!
Connie Stegeman
Olivia’s mom
Am feeling so emotional and thankful as I read Kevins blog. Thankful you listened to the Spirits nudging and answered the call to serve our dear Lord Jesus Christ. Am thankful you had the COURAGE to serve on a mission trip and thankful so many love you and were willing to help get you there. Thankful that God helped getting through customs so easily. Thankful for the safe travel and on and on. LOve you , Nanny
Wow, thank you EVERYONE!! I wanna respond to all of you but I don’t have time, sorry! But thank you so much for all the prayers. I MISS YOU JACE!
Casey- have the best time ever! I’m praying for you and can’t wait to hear all about it!!
YESSSS TOM IZZO <3 soo relieved.
My spanish knowledge is coming in handy. And I love it here! It's amazing!
Hello, Jordyn.
I hope everthing is going well in Guat. Any time to shoot a few hoops? Doing His work is more important anyway . Continue to expect the unexpected and watch God work through you and others. Stay safe.
In His Grip, Herm & Shirlee
Jace and I loved seeing the pictures….you are smiling AND working!!!! I can’t believe it but am so happy to see it!
Your room will be a piece of cake compared to the work you are doing there. Jace wants to know what the kids names are and what you are eating. He says “I am glad JoJo likes almost every food so she will like what they make for her I’m sure”. Can’t wait to hear from you again…I could feel your happiness in your last post. I pray that you are builiding relationships with your team and with the people there. Love you!!! Mom
I’ve never worked so hard before Jace! It’s crazy!! We’re eating a lot of rice & beans; so OF COURSE I am eating everything! Some of the kids names that I remember are Lesli, Lupe, Seci, Veerma, Carlos, and I even saw a boy named Jordan! The kids here are obsessed with candy! They chase our vans when we leave and scream “DULCE!!” (candy in spanish). Well other people need to get on so I’ll post again tomorrow. Love you guys! Talk to you later. Have fun!
Jordyn,
I remember talking to you before you left and you were so excited about this trip! I am praying that everything continues to go well and God blesses not only you guys on the trip, but the people of Guatamala a well.
Mrs. Carrasco
Hi Jordyn,
We are loving all the pictures and reading the team updates. It looks like your having an amazing time! So glad to hear that things are going well and that you were able to get the stucco on the houses today. Did you all get to “play” in the rain?
Praying for you as you continue to share your time and talents.
~ Kim~
Praying for you and your team this morning that the weather may cooperate with your work efforts. Glad to hear the rain held off yesterday and did not wash away your stucco!
I noticed in a few pictures that there are some women in the background that appear to be holding infants in a sling. Have you been able to interact with or hold any babies? Have you been able to talk to the moms? Just curious if they carry them in that sling for the first year? I imagine they have no baby equipment that we THINK is so important or any toys for their babies. I am hoping you get an opportunity to chat with some of those moms about how they care for their infants in their first year…I’m sure I could learn a few things!
Just a reminder to take as many pictures as you can. I am so glad Kevin is taking the pics he is but I am hoping you are able to take some with your own camera too. You guys are painting a good picture of how the kids are just so eagerly approaching you and asking for candy, etc. Wondering if all the kids are like that or are there a few shy ones that hang back? If there are I bet they’re the ones that like the fingernail polish or something quiet like that.
Hoping you don’t forget any of the small details when you get home so you can share them all…I know this blog will help you remember!
We love you and miss you!
Mom
Sorry I have no time to post anything interesting and I will tell you more in detail tonight. But NBA Finals update…?!
Jordyn,
Sounds like things are going well, and you are adjusting quickly. May God continue to work through you to love the people you meet and spread the good news of his love for everyone. We are praying God will continue to bless you, your group, and the people of Guat. Stay safe. Casey arrived safely in the DR yesterday around 1:30 in the afternoon. Lakers won 83 – 79.
Steve & Amy
Hi Jordyn
What a wonderful story you will have to share with the family & friends when you get home. Sounds like you are experiencing meaningful “real life” team work….. some think all those athletics and practices are just about the “games”. This experience is kind of like taking a free throw at a crucial point of the game only the ball is all those talents and gifts God has given you to share and your shooting with the help of others at a basketball hoop made up of helping meet peoples needs and cares….too big to miss……
SWISH !!! You win and so do they! Love you!
Papa
Hi Jordyn,
It sounds like you are have a great time. That is AWESOME!!!
Love,
Justine (Melanie’s sister)
Hi Jordyn,
It sounds like you are having a wonderful time. That is AWESOME!
Love,
Justine (Melanie’s sister)
Jordyn,
This will be an experience you will carry with you for the rest of your life! I hope your dedications went well and I have been praying that God will work through your prayers and your testimonies to the families and that they will accept Christ into their hearts and homes if they haven’t already. God Bless
I am so glad that you are having a great experience and that things are going well despite some wet weather
Sara and Tim
JORD! i miss you!
hope you’re having a tonn of fun and i’ll be praying for you!
love ya!, -Steffani
Jordyn,
Just a little late contacting you, but you have been in my thoughts and prayers all week. We are very proud of you and your team. It sounds like a life changing experience for you. God is using you in a mighty way. Jace speaks of you often, when I see him. You are a great example for him. Still praying that God keeps you in His care. I know you will continue to be a blessing and touch the many lives around you in Guatemala.
God Bless You, Jordyn
Mrs. Matthews
Okay, I’ll try to post something good, but I need to go to bed!!!
But today was awesome, we finished our house (IN THREE DAYS) and dedicated the house to a family with a husband, wife & 7-month old daughter. They all accepted Christ and it was so powerful and cool!!
And I have a new best friend, her name is Lesly, she’s 9. And she is the cutest little thing ever, can’t wait to tell you all about her when I get home.
Love you all and your posts make me so happy!!!!!
Great new pictures that bring tears to my eyes…they really help bring to life what you are doing. I am so glad to hear you have a new best friend.
Jace will love to hear that and we can’t wait to hear more about Lesly. Please make sure you get a picture of her and you on Monday when you return! I do hope you are packing your camera in your backpack everyday and using it – you won’t regret it!
The houses you built were great – loved the pictures you were able to paint on the walls. I bet yours was awesome -you are so creative!
Love you and miss you lots. Praying for you and your team as another new adventure begins today.
Today we’re going to a village where most likely they have never seen white people (“gringos”) and have never heard anything about God. Please pray for their hearts to be opened and accepting! It’s going to be fun meeting all new kids, but it’s gonna be scary.
I can’t wait to tell you all about the kids here; they think EVERYTHING is funny and they never stop laughing at anything you do. You literally take one step and they will die of laughter. Everything & everyone is so joyful here; there’s never a dull moment!
I miss you Jace! I just opened that letter with Jace & Jett’s picture, it made me smile a thousand times
Jordyn,
Like all who have left you messages, I am proud you. I know that you are feeling great about as you look at what you and your friends have accomplished and can see the appreciation reflected on the faces of the families who benefit. Nothing is like the feeling you get when you know you have helped someone and can see their appreciation first hand.As you and your friends complete your work in Guatemala, reflect on these two passages from the Bible: James 2:20 says “faith without works is dead” and Matthew 25:40 which says “whatever you do unto the least of these you do unto me.”
May you and your group continue to be blessed with traveling mercies throughout. Peace, blessings and love.
Grandma
Jordan,
Right now you are busy playing with kids: coloring with crayons, playing frisbee or soccer, painting finger nails or playing endless games of Perro Perro Gato! Every action that you do and game you play shows Christ’ love and tonight when everyone gathers to watch the movie and listen to Hermano Jesus preach, those kids you connected with will be the ones listening the most fervantly. Praying that it is another incredible night.
In His Grip,
Kristy
Hi JoJo…this is Jace. I love you and I hope you are working good. Tell your new friend Lesly “hi” from me. I love you JoJo. It’s preeeetttyyy quiet here sometimes without you here. I hope you still like your rice and beans. I like the house you built. What kind of tools did you use? I hope you were careful and did not hurt yourself. I miss you and I think Jett does too. He misses your big curly hair to grab. I miss jammin’ in your room and I like jammin’ in your room. And I love you JoJo!
Love, Jace
And hey, JoJo, what was your favorite part of the day?
Good Morning Jordyn. Missing you on this Sunday morning as I get ready for work. Thinking about how the work I do may temporarily help someone in their situation compared to the work you are doing there which has such great eternal significance! Hope you are sleeping well and getting enough to eat for breakfast – I know how you like to treat that like your dinner meal!
He is counting down the days until you come home. Me too but I love that you are having such a wonderful time – that is so comforting.
Jace had a hard time falling asleep last night so I let him come out to look at your team’s pictures again and “write” his message. It was word for word – I know you can hear him saying it all. I was really surprised he didn’t throw an “OF COURSE” in there somewhere – don’t worry, he still says it.
Wondering how the medical clinics are going? How was your service last night with Hermano?
Do you realize that not only are you impacting and changing lives in Guatamala but you are touching so many lives back home too!
Enjoy your day…..pictures, pictures, pictures! We love you.
Mom
Oh and we loved your little story about how the kids laugh at anything and everything. Jace was trying to figure out why it would be so funny if you just took a step…I’m sure you’ll have to explain that or show him the things you would do with the kids that would make them laugh. Oh and have you been able to see any of the kids playing with the cars he gave??? Try to capture a picture if you can – it would really help him understand how happy he made some kids there by giving away some of his toys….thanks! LOVE you….
Jordyn, A couple—about our age–sat next to us in chu4ch today. They live in GR and have a summer home up here. Got to talking and found out the man, Chuck is a retired teacher from Kentwood High School and has been in Guatamala 2 times. What a story he has. His good friend is Mike Door from your church. Is he related to the Kyle Door on your team. Anyway this whole trip of yours is sooooo blessing me.
Will be praying for traveling mercies for you tonite. Heard the roads are terrible. Don’t volunteer to drive. Love you, Nanny
Hello Jordyn! Wow!! I’m not even sure what to write! Reading your blog and looking at all of the photos is pretty powerful. I am so glad that you are happy and well. I am sure that you must be exhausted, but a good exhaustion! What an experience to be able to make such an impact in so many people’s lives, especially the children. It really puts things into perspective doesn’t it? Pretty amazing!
So, you built a house in three days?!? I’ll let Extreme Home Makeover know that you have given them a run for their money! Ha..haa.. As I always tell you, I am so glad that I have been able to “share” you as a daughter since you were six months old. I couldn’t be prouder! Love you lots and lots! Keep up the amazing work. It is infectious!
Love, Melanie
Hey Jordyn – it looks like you are having an amazing experience! We couldn’t be more proud of you! You are such a beautiful person, both on the inside and out! You are making a huge impact on these people and what a blessing! Continue to smile and enjoy! Safe travels back! The boys say HI!
Uncle Todd and Aunt Kristin
Hey hon…good morning. What a night, huh? I am sorry to hear anybody has been carsick but I do hope you are one that has been able to have a strong stomach. What was it like to be on that road and not be able to go further? Thank goodness for those updates we received and thank goodness you were able to eventually move on.
You are such a great writer and funny storyteller and I have enjoyed the couple of stories you have shared but don’t be afraid to write a few more – your blog stalkers would enjoy. I know you tend to be a private person too, but…..
So, what are your plans for today? I know you get to go back to the first village. Don’t forget to get a picture of you and Lesly, the house you built, maybe what you painted on the walls (if you can), the landscape, where you are sleeping, just like everything…..can you please just assure me you are taking like “forty a hundred” pictures so I can stop worrying about that? And yes, Jace still says that too.
Hard to believe you are leaving tomorrow. One of the other mom’s wrote to her daughter – “now make sure you DO come home….you can always go back another time” – I thought that was cute.
I’ve been reading some of the other posts and enjoying the many stories and details that everyone else is sharing (Graham’s posts make me laugh)…..but I am wondering why you are not writing much and then I figured it out. You MUST be writing it all in your journal, right???
So, do you feel ready for AP Spanish? Still interested in possibly minoring in Spanish in college? I can’t wait to hear about how knowing the language impacted your trip. Is the dialect the same? It sounds like there are a couple of people who may be fluent in Spanish on your team that were able to help with the medical translations – wow, how important! Yesterday at work I needed a Spanish interpretor with a patient I was working with. All I kept thinking about was you while I was in this room that was filled with people that looked exactly like the people in your pictures. Yeah, I was a little distracted.
Well, this morning we are heading to Sandy Pines for Jace’s first swim lesson. Some severe weather is forecasted for late this afternoon so I am not sure how long we will stay.
I have to say this blog is SOOOOOO powerful. Not only are you all impacting and changing lives there but you are touching so many lives back home too!!!! I am so proud of the work you are doing….your courage to leave your comfort zone amazes and inspires me!
LOVE you and MISS you!
Mom
Jordyn, Glad to hear about the team being back at base, please know we were praying for all of you. Anxious to hear the fun stories and know how much you all changed lives by being used by God. The pettijohns
Well Jace, my favorite part of yesterday was I don’t really know. We drove 4 hours to a village near the coast and half of the ride was through mountains, it was like the bumpiest thing ever and extremely painful on the organs! Hahah but it was funny. And then on the way home, we got stuck trying to go up a little hill and had to fill the tire tracks with rocks for like an hour. We didn’t get home till 2am! But today I’m super excited cuz it’s shopping day! (definitely my thing)! And then we get to back to the village again so I can see Lesly. I’ll find you something cool Jace, but no cars…you got too many! And I’m gonna jump on you at 3am when I get home so you wake up if mom lets me. Talk to you soon again if I can!!
Sorry I can’t write all the time, there is 3 computers for 33 people. I’ve taken like 80 pictures. Went to the market today and bought a few things. We also went to McDonalds; McNuggets tasted super good! And no, I’m not writing everything down in my journal, I don’t think you understand that we literally do not have free time, there is always something going on so CHILL. But I’m all packed up and ready for home, I wanna come back next year!!!
I extremely miss you guys; can’t wait to see you!
(there’s no way I would last more than a week at ASU…so forget that!)
LOVE YOU
Are you telling your mother to CHILL???? Geeeezzzzz….you just know how much I value journaling and I don’t want you to forget anything!
Boy that will make the college visits easier this summer. 
Besides, you have the rest of your life to live where you want to!
So, I’m glad to hear that ASU is out….I guess Grand Valley it shall be!
We are ready for you to come home too! Jace’s shoot got changed to tomorrow so call me on my cell when you can and if I can answer I will – can’t wait to actually talk to you.
LOVE you!
Just wanted to write one more time – not sure if you’ll get it before you leave in just a few hours. Really wished you were home tonight…I woke up to tornado sirens about 1am. It took a few minutes for me to come to and realize what was going on. I turned on the tv to see where the storm was as the thunder was getting louder and the lightening more intense. I was just getting up to close the bedroom windows hoping that might keep the noise from waking Jace up when one of those LOUD booms crashed and before it was done Jace had flown out of bed and was wrapped around my legs….you can picture this, right?
Well from the looks on the tv reports this was a very dangerous storm and I knew we needed to head to the basement. So, I got Jett out of his crib and we headed downstairs – all attached because Jace was still wrapped around me with his arms….you can picture this too, right? Poor thing gets so scared! Of course I was scared too and knew if you were here you would have Jace in your arms and be calming him (and me) down. You are so good at that! Anyway, the storm has passed and both boys are back to sleep. Hoping I can fall asleep soon too.
Love you…you’ll be home in just over 24 hours from right now!!!!
Hey, any special requests for food, drinks, meals for when you get home????
Oh…cute part to that story which I forgot to share….when I got Jett up he just kept laughing all while Jace was crying. It was funny and even Jace could laugh – well, not laugh, but he thought it was funny that Jett was laughing. “he should NOT be laughing when it is storming outside”…jace
Hi Jordyn, What a wonderful experience for you and your friends from your church to go to Guatemala and help others. God Bless you all and have safe travels. We will be excited to hear your adventures. Love, Aunt Andrea and Uncle Bill in Wheaton, IL
Thank you times a million to EVERYONE who posted on here and prayed for us! It made my day seeing all these comments : )
But back at home I am excited but I already miss being in Guatemala. I was getting used to life down there and it’s alot different here at home, I forgot how to perform simple everyday tasks such as brushing my teeth using actual water from the sink! But it feels good to be home.
This was one of the best weeks of my life and I can’t believe how God has filled me, and I love it. I can’t wait to go back next year!