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Team Tools
Hi Lynn –
Praying for you & the team as you work with God and love the people in Guatemala!
Hopefully there won’t be any live chickens in any of your van rides
Blessings,
Karen
Lynn,
To my faithful partner in prayer. I PROMISE to pray for you — scripturally this week! I can’t wait to hear all about God’s time with the team! We serve an amazing God and I appreciate you and your willing heart of service. You are a great role-model for seeking and service! Love you, Judy (“Seek the Lord and live…” Amos 5:6)
Lynn,’
It’s so cool that you have been called by God to serve him again in Guatemala.
Have a wonderful, spirit-filled week. Larry and I will be praying for you.
Mary Molegraaf
Lynn,
Thanks to you for being one of the “Moms” there. We so appreciate knowing our kids are in good hands. We will be praying for you and hope you have another wonderful experience.
Jodi
Hi, Lynn – You will undoubtedly be a blessing to those around you as you work for God’s kingdom in Guatemala. I’ll be praying for you throughout your journey.
Lynn-
I am so excited that you are in Sarah’s group this week. Just wanted you know that I am praying for you and the group and can’t wait to hear what God was able to do through your willing hands, feet, and words.
Sue Koetsier
Hi Lynn!
Thank you for being the hands and feet of Christ!
Just wanted to let you know we are praying for you. My kids have added you to their night time prayers, too.
Moooommmmmmmmmmmmmmm
ah, i am so jealous that you are there!
i am also very excited for you
as i work with my kids at the daycare, i will be thinking about you working with entirely different children living entirely different lives. i hope they bring you as much joy as tommy brought me today (and every day).. and i am sure they will.
i can’t wait to hear allllll about it and i will be thinking about you a lot.
as Marijke would say, “LET HIM UUUUSE YOU!”
iloveyou
Lynn,
I am so grateful for your willingness to serve as a RAD group leader and now as a leader with the Guatemala team! I pray that God would give you strength, health, insight and wisdom as you serve and lead in Guatemala. May you know Him more and make Him known!
Jack
Lynn, wow! It’s great to see you on this trip! I miss hanging with you at RAD group and retreats, etc… I hope that you have an incredible time in Guatemala! You are in my thoughts and prayers this week!
Hi Lynn – hope all is well and you have a wonderful day today. We are thankful for safe travels for the entire team! May God walk with you daily as you serve in Guatemala! Enjoy the day! Our prayers continue to be with you and the entire team.
I have just a moment before the kids get out of the showers and will decend upon the computers. Thank you all for your messages and prayers, especially the parents of my fellow team members. My group is the Master Crafters (there is a story here, but briefly, Adam was wearing a Mastercraft shirt, and we had to come up with a team name quickly). Our team is Adam, Jason, Becky, Sarah K., Jenny H., Maddie, and me. Our house building was challenged by the rain, but we all worked well together. By the end of the day, all of the groups were mingled as we helped each other. The base is great and those of us who were here before can appreciate the difference. Thanks to all who have worked her to create a place for us!
I am doing well, and have not had much opportunity to play with the kids because our kids are so great at it. Kels, I did think of you today because of all this place means to you, and all the children around. Bree, your spanish would be invaluable. Drew, you would like this. And Bill, I actually wore my hiking boots and your rain coat. Thanks. Keep us in your prayers, we have a long way to go. Love you all!
Mom/Lynn
Oh, Karen, just when I thought I had conquered my fear of chicken, they started letting turkeys roam!
Lynn, I think the team name is great, because we have a Master Crafter in heaven who has planned this whole trip and your team and the family you are building for. What better way to represent Him! Praying for good weather tomorrow, and a great couple of days as you build those relationships and share the love of Jesus!
Brenda
Hi Lynn,
I’m glad you got there safely and had a good Day #1! I have been thinking about you a lot and wondering how this were going. Sounds like a great work group! Master Crafters is a great name! I will keep on praying for you this week. It’s not much fun walking without you!
Sharon
Oh Lynn,
You are making such a difference and I love that there is another mom there. I wish I was there with you!! Have a great time tonight!
I laughed out loud at my computer when I read about the TURKEYS!!! Oh MY WORD!!!! I am so very proud of you that you didn’t let the chickens keep you from coming back!
It’s alllll gooood!
Kristy
So Adam is in your group – have fun and enjoy the week! Make him work hard!!
Lynn,
It sounds like an awesome time already! Love the Turkeys! I would be nervous too!
I cannot wait to see the new place for myself! Have a glorious time! Did I tell you I did find the earring when I was there last year? God is good!
Lori
Lynn –
Happy to hear you are enjoying the 5 star resort! It was a huge blessing to be a part of it.
Love your team name – thanks for leading this week.
Like Kristy, I laughed out loud at your turkey comment. God promises to never give us any more than we can handle so I know you’ll be fine this week
Have a great week loving & serving,
Karen
Lynn
Looks like it’s going well for the experienced builder there. It’s wonderful that you were willing to go back and serve God there again. I’m sure once again he will use you in ways you never expected. We know he usually does on this trip.
Lynn,
Thinking of you and praying for your team. Can’t wait to hear what impact God is having on your team as well as the local people.
Karen
Wow, it feels like we have been here awhile, with all we got done so far. Things seem to be going very well. There is a difference from coming to Guat with this group compared with the women last time. Both great experiences, but the kids of the village certainly get more play time with this group. The group is awesome, and so far pretty healthy. We are feeling your prayers. Everyone helps each other and we truly are working as a team. The kids are so willing to do whatever (the adults too). Tonight we were able to take a walk outside of the base (some of us). This, too, is a treat and a change from the last trip. It is so beautiful here.
Pray for the group as they jouney through the devotions for the trip. It is very thought provoking and life changing if you let it. Pray also for the kids who are impacted by the poverty compared to what we have. It truly is hard to process. And please cotinue to pray for health for the team. We still have much to do. I am so grateful to be here and humbled to be used.
Bill, Drew, Breanne, I miss you guys, and Kelsey I am so excited for you to come home. Dan asked about you. Love you all…
Lynn /Mom
Hi Lynn, Thank God that all is going well for everyone so far. I’ glad that u r enjoying yourself. I would luv to b there with u. Sounds like it’s beautiful country. We r doing well back here in MI. Work has been busy. I went golfing with Drew & Breanne Tonite. Enjoyed it. The car is still in the shop. I may have to borrow Ron’s suburban to get to Chicago. I doubt it will b fixed by tomorrow. I hope you are receiving many blessings. May u see the love of Chtist in the eyes of the children. I’m proud of you & luv uvery much. Bill
Awesome work in the rain . Houses look good How do u keep so clean ? I’d b covered with dirt& mud. Hey Where is your Yankee hat? or at least u could have a dufus hat like me. Keep Smiling, I love u much. Bill
I hope the kids aren’t wearing you out. I’m thankful that you are along as one of the moms for all those kids, it makes us moms back home feel better. Praying for you everyday.
Hi Lynn
Praying for you and the team as you dedicate your homes tomorrow…so rewarding,excting, uplifting. There will be many prayers coming from here and from the team tomorrow….May the Lord bless all efforts in bulding the homes and developing relationships. Each pictures I see warms my heart and reminds me of our experience there a couple of years ago. May the Lord bless you all.
years ago
hello mother!
sorry i haven’t written more
i have been thinking of you though, and i am still definitely jealous.
pppllleeaaasssse Dan i say hello! (and he should email me back! haha)
so the clinics start soon eh? i sure did love those.
i spoke with Anna yesterday and I am now going to Sweden 11 days later.
i hope that bit of news makes you smile a bit
i’ll tell you why when you are home.
i miss you!
Kels
Hi Lynn. Just to let you know I have been thinking a lot about you and Ester working for the Lord. Reading the blog it sounds like you are making an impact. I will continue to keep you in my prayers. Be safe. Love you.
Hi Lynn,
I was so excited to see that you are mothering my little sweetie this week. I thought about how amazing it is that the very person that I have prayed with for years is now leading her though this amazing spiritual encounter. I have to admit that I chuckled when I saw you in this one building picture….you had that “my hands are so stinkin dirty” look on your face – haha! I’m sure they were stinkin dirty and I hope you washed them before you ate anything. You looked completely under control putting up that house and…. just as I would have expected….. you can take any task and complete it with confidence. Keep up the amazing work and thank you again for having such a willing heart to serve. In Christ, Judy
I have a line waiting for this computer, so I’ll make this brief. Today was an incredible day–but long. The dedication went well and God’s Spirit was at work. The Ivanrest kid have connected so much with the kids and they village children should sleep well tonight with all the play they had, and candy. At the end of the day we had a pinata- WOW. But I connected with the women. We built our house for a 15 year old girl who was raising her 12 year old brother. They had both been abandoned by their parents, who live at the coast. She had an Aunt who was wathching over her, but she was truly beyond her years. Of course, I thought at my kids at 15, and could not imagine them being responsible for a house (not that you guys couldn’t) When the house was done and painted, the Aunt came in with the girl to see and broke down in tears. So did I! We hugged and she thanked me over and over for helping to make Griseyda’s life better (later Griseyda and her brother accepted Christ). She later showed me where she had lived, and she was going to get a new house next week. She is a Christian and has been praying for this for a long time. There were many other memerable moments. Esther is giving her heart to these people, and they are giving her theirs.
At this point I need a shower, and tomorrow is a village day. I am doing well, a few issues but nothing medicine won’t help. Love you all, and miss you. Kels, of course I’m happy that you will be home longer, and I’m eager to hear why. Again, Love you
Mom/Lynn
Hi Lynn!
Take some time to enjoy and kids and we are so thankful to have a “Mom” down there! Didn’t even think (or worry) about everyone getting sick this time, so hoping that everyone stays healthy!
It sounds like you are having an amazing time. I still remember like yesterday when you were questioning going to Guatemala the very first time and here you are back again! I know that it will be sooner rather than later that I too will make that trip! Each one of the posts keeps tugging at me to do something like this. Hope the turkeys are staying away from you – if not, just threaten them with being Thanksgiving dinner!!! Just a thought!
Enjoy and looking forward to hearing your next post of how God is impacting both our team and all those living there.
Jodi
A Poem For My Lovely Wife
Well, no sooner had he said good-bye and given a kiss to his lovely wife
Why that selfish ol hubby began to scheme & think to himself, ” I’ll have
lots of fun and live the good life”
He immediately thought, “Not only will I go to one ballgame, but what about
two or three”
Yes, he planned to fulfill his mantra of ” it’s all about me, me, me!”
But with his lovely wife away from home, his plans started to unravel
and implode.
For on the very first nite, the downstair’s bathroom overflowed.
And then there were headaches and hassles with our tired old Winstar
That left the haggard hubby shaking his head & wondering once again
about when they would get a new car.
New issues arose & the hubby started whining about how life can be so
rough and bumpy.
Instead of being full of joy, the hubby became doleful & grumpy.
But there is hope for this ole hubby because maybe there will be some
lessons learned.
The first is that if you live by ” it’s all about me”, you’ll only end up feeling
tired & burned.
And instead of seeking happiness from within, he should look up above.
It would also help if he would be like his lovely & serve others with a loving
Heart!
Love you Lynn I’m Praying for you & the team, Bill
I was touched by your dedication story . Awesome work by your team & that is a special 15 year old girl. I pray u will continue to have other such moments, love Bill
Hi Lynn
Just wanted to write to say Hi and also that we have so enjoyed reading your posts and seeing all the pics. What a memory you are making and we are so thankful for all that the Lord is doing in and through you and the whole team. May God’s spirit continue to more and work among you as you now move onto the medicine clinics. Thank you for all that you have done and are continuing to do.
Bill and Lisa
P.S Bill is such a talented man. I laughed out loud and so enjoyed his poem
Hi Lynn!
Hope things are still continuing to go well! It sounds like you are needed here at home as much as you are needed in Guatemala!! Praying that you are staying healthy and safe and continue to do God’s work. Thank you for being there.
Jodi
Lynn:
What a great team you have, the MasterCrafters! With God’s help that is truly what you all have become! I don’t know how you are able to keep up with such young, energetic kids–and, in addition to that, deal with chickens and turkeys. What a physical and mental battle you are waging! Know that you are in our prayers as you also face spiritual battles. God is victorious and has done marvelous works in the lives your team and Guatemalan brothers and sisters! The stories of His deeds are amazing to read, and we celebrate with you God’s goodness and power!
The Dooleys
Romans 15:5
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you a spirit of unity among yourselves as you follow Christ Jesus, so that with one heart and mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
I love you girl. I pray u have a wonderful evening. Beautiful day up here in MI. Went kayaking with Breanne & Ron down the Flat River. Nice trip with them both. Breanne & I went over to the Smit’s this evening- they served me well. ( It’s still all about me) I pray u have safe tavels tonite. Love u lots, Bill
Hi Lynn –
Many prayers lifted up for you & the team today as you share medicine & the Good News to people in the village.
Anxious to hear the updates about tonight and I hope you were able to find the right meds for yourself!
Praying for you now as you are probably leaving the village or in route to the base.
Blessings,
Karen
Hola Lynn -
I was reflecting about our trip to Guatemala and it just brought a smile to my face. The chicken in the van, the chicken in the outhouse, and of course the praying “outloud”. Little did we know what God had planned for us that night! I’m praying for you on this journey that God continues to use you in unexpected ways. The team is so blessed to have you with them!
Take care Lynn.
Linda V (#3)
Today was our day to sleep in, yet people are already up and starting to stir. We got in late last night, but had a blessed time at the village. I am not going to recap because I know that teams and Kevin are writing on the general blog. Bill, as we were driving to the village I tought of you . I knew you were kayaking and see the beauty of Michigan, but WOW. IT WAS BEAUTUFUL, AWESOME, MAJESTIC! We definitely should come here together some time. Maybe this can be your next trip to plan, a work crew for couples. I am being blessed in so many ways, but think of you guys back home, alot, too. I hope you have tons of fun today with the kids (whats up with Breanne and Drew not posting?) People are now waiting for the computer, so I will go. Thanks for the poem! It made me smile too. One of your best. Happy Fathers Day, Bill. I love you.
Lynn
Lynn-
Thank you so much for your leadership of the Master Crafters. You are a great example for the kids in your group, and I just wanted to send you a note to let you know you are in my thoughts and prayers. From reading your notes and those of the others, God is doing a great thing! We here at home are sharing with you in God’s tremendous workings in the Guatemalan people.
Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers,
Sue Koetsier
Hi Lynn, Just wanted to say hi and letting you know you have been in my thoughts and prayers all week. Have been so excited for you and the team as you minister to those around you. Sounds like an awesome experience!! Can so tell Graham is gone because his side kick hasn’t been here either. (Andrew). Hard to believe you will be home in a few days. Praying for safe travel today on the roads as well as Tues when traveling home. Sue
Lynn,
Thank you for the leadership you are providing on this trip. I (somewhat compulsively) follow the team blog and am so moved by the amazing stories. Praying for your last village visit today, for safety and for the Holy Spirit to work in the hearts of those you will meet. Contnuing to pray health, safety and Godsightings for you and the team. Connie Stegeman
Hi Lynn,
Sounds like all is going pretty well but I will continue to pray for good health for you and the others. I’m sure it is quite something to be on this trip with all the kids. Can’t wait to hear all your stories. Praying for you to get back safely tonight and that the rain stops. Be patient and remember God is in control! Enjoy the last few days and have a great trip home. God bless!\
Brenda Goodyke
Hi Lynn, Happy that your trip is still going well. I look forward to hearing your stories.I was happy to hear the worship service went & that u made it back safely. Praise God for the blessings u have experienced! Father’s Day was good. Kelsey is back home. Pray that trip ends on a positive note. Love u much, Bill
Lynn, wow what an adventure. Thanks so much for being there and caring about all our kids and sharing this time with them. Glad you all are safe and we are eager to hear all the stories. Safe travels home ! The Pettijohns
Lynn,
I can only imagine the stories you will have of this trip. I slept lousy last night thinking about the team. I got up and prayed for everyone and Lord answered ALL of our prayers. May the Lord continue to bless you as you travel home.
Randy D.
dun-da-dun-dunnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn…
HELLO!
we are finally reunited
It’s my (Kelsey), first day back and already I (Kelsey) am gone from the house [typical].
I (marijke), am house-sitting for my aunt while she (my (marijke) aunt), is on vacation and so I (Kelsey), am keeping me (marijke), company.
We (Marijke & Kelsey), are really happy to hear all that has been going on! It sounds awesome thus far but we’re excited to hear more and more. It sounds like it has been a fantastic trip for all involved.
We (Marijke & Kelsey), really wish we were there too.
I (Kelsey), had a wonderful time with Breanne, Drew, and Father at the cubs game! It was so much fun
We’re excited to see you and we love you!!!!!!!!!!
Kelsey
Hi all…real quick cuz final group devos are in 20 mins. We are packing and it is chaos. We have all 22 girls/women in our room and you ought to see it! O(n the other hand it is probably good you don’t
We have had a great trip with lots of growth and many hearts given to Christ. We had some adventures but God was in control. A women at McDonalds today told me that the difference between an adventure and a complication is your attitude. So true. I am not going to write about what we have done because I know so many others have. Thanks to all you who wrote. Parents, your kids are great..really every last one of them. This has been a great group, with everyone getting along. We have been blessed in so many ways. Tomorrow will be a long day so keep praying. Kels, I am soooo excited to see you (you too Marijke). Love you tons. Bill don’t forget to leave me a car and keys (I am hoping it is the van cuz I can get in with the code) Love you too. Lynn/Mom
Lynn,
Bad experience with Big Bird as a child? I think it is safe to say welcome home now?
What an amazing story you are living and writing! Thank you for the updates– how awesome to see how God worked through you and drew the team together, and those precious people you ministered to. I’m curious about those chickens and turkeys, though.
Lynn,
I just wanted to tell you what a blessing it was to cover you in prayer all week. I have spent years praying fervently for your children and it was so exciting to spend this week praying for their mom….scripturally from many of the same verses that we have prayed on behalf of our children. Remember how I struggled praying scripturally for our children to be called to be missionaries — and the moment that I let that go, my first child signed up for an international mission trip? How patient God was with me…..just waiting to dramatically change the hearts of my own children until I fully gave them over to him. Now – 4 children later…..and I could pray daily as you physically and emotionally and spiritually “walked” those verses beside one of my own. Wow – God is amazing!!! It seems trite to “thank you” for spiritually mentoring my own child this week. How can I ever thank someone for role-modeling Christ?! Your sincere heart and convicted Spirit were obvious to the team and to those of us left behind….and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts….for heeding the call to seek and to serve. I am humbled and honored to be your sister in Christ.
~Judy