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Team Tools
Hey O-steggles!
Hope you have a great time In Guatemala! Miss you and your family.
-Becca
Hey Liv, Tomorrow is the big day! Praying that God will bless you and the team with safe travel, health and many great opportunities to share your faith. I
love you very much and can’t wait to see how God uses you on this trip! Love, Mom
Olivia:
Hope you have a wonderful week! We will be praying for you!
Mrs. Noordyke
Liver,
I am praying for you this week. I will pray for you to touch lives and to be touched….to be a blessing and to be blessed……to feel love and to give love!
Peace and Love — Mrs. H
ahh bummer i missed your call today, sorry
but i had a crazy day, first day was so AMAZING i love you and miss you much hope you arrive safely
Olivia, I am so excited for you! You are about to embark in a grand adventure and the coolest part is that you will be making a lasting difference in the lives of the Guatemalan people you meet AND your team! God has give n you so many gifts and talents, I can’t wait to hear how he uses you for His glory! You will be in my prayers all week!
Love, Kristy
Olivia,
Praying that you will feel God’s blessings this week as you are His hands and feet to the people of Guatemala! We will be praying for each one of you! God bless!
Mrs. Postema
Olivia,
You’re on your way! Praying for you this week – may the people you meet see God’s love thru you and may He use you in amazing ways to bless and love others!
Love you! Michelle
Hey Olivia,
Hope you’re having an amazing experience already.
I’m praying for God to grow a deep passion for Him in your heart, and that you will experience Him and see Him as you are His hand, feet, and heart to the people you encounter.
Blessings!
JZ
olivia i hope things are well your phone has been buzzing all day don”t worry i answered all your messages work hard and have fun love dad
Liv,
Just want you to know that dad wrote that all by himself. (and you know that was difficult for him). He originally started it by saying “olivia this is my first ever facebook post” I started laughing and said “you’re not on facebook” and he said “i’m not?”. Too funny. I’m sure you’re pretty tired after a long day of travel and excitement. Sleep well. Praying for you and the team and all that lies ahead of you. Serve with your whole heart and enjoy every moment! Love ya, Mom
Hi Olivia!
We thought your mom and dad’s messages were cute! We are keeping you in our prayers and can’t wait to hear all about your trip!
Love, Jill and Troy Austin
Hi Olivia! Glad to hear that you have safely reached Guatemala. You have the heart to do great things for others… I have witnessed that full well, right here in the States! God has amazing things in store for you. May He bless you in this entire experience. Love Mrs. Brower
Hey Liv,
It’s so awesome that you are willing to take a risk and serve God in a foreign country and a people whose language we don’t know! It’s amazing how love is a universal language and is often spoken best without words. May the people you encounter in Guatemala get a glimpse of God’s love through you and the team this week!
May God bless you as you pour out your life for those around you:)
Jack
Well hello everyone! thanks so much for all your love and support! I’ve had an amazing trip so far, and can’t wait to start building tomorrow! Today we sorted meds and beans and rice! We are really far ahead so hopefully we will be able to spend more time in the villages with the family and kids! The people here are amazing and show love to us in so many ways! The hour bus ride from the airport to the base was amazing! Seeing the homes and the way people live breaks my heart in so many ways! I totally regret not taking spanish the first 2 years of my high school years, as i hate looking at a sign and having no idea what it says! i have learned so much all ready and can’t wait for what God has in store for me over the next week! Keep praying as it never seems to stop raining! God is good! thanks so much for all your love and support! Love you all so very much! xoxox. -olivia
Hey Ottalia! What an adventure–I cried reading your message. I am excited for you as God speaks to you through this experience. May you hear every word,(even tho you can’t read them!), feel every touch and be strong as you work with your team! I will pray for your strength– body, soul and mind. Be Blessed. Love you, gram g
Hi Ophelia,
Thank you so much for the update.
DO WORK LIV!
Hey Olivia,
So glad you made it safely. Sorry to hear it’s raining. I will be praying that the rain stops and that you feel God’s strength as you go out to do His work today. Stay strong!
Love,
Mrs. Groen
Wow, God breaking your heart for the things that break His heart. So glad God is speaking to you. Praying the rain lets up so that you guys can get the work done.
Still praying that God stirs up more passion for Him in your heart!
Dear Olivia,
I love how this website makes me feel like I’m connected to you and the work that you are doing in Guatemala. I know that you think I’m a paranoid nervous nellie but honestly, I am at total peace. I have this constant sense of excitement that you have this opportunity. I can’t stop thinking “I wonder what she is doing/seeing/feeling right now”. You are blessed to have an awesome group of leaders and teammates to experience this with. We are praying that the rain will stop, for good health for all of you and most of all that God will work in you and through you in powerful, life changing ways. Can’t wait to hear all about it. Love you, Mom.
Hola! Coma estas? tengo tired! It has been a long but very fun day! Putting cement on walls with my 4 amigo friends is something i will never forget! I also thought i would never take a single picture here, well ive taken aboout 200 in the first day at the work camp! thanks mom. When it rains its unexpected and hard and powerful, so keep praying for the rain to hold up as its very hard to work in the rain! I am having so much fun with the team, but even more with the little kids, as they yell candy when our vans go buy…it makes me smile and makes me also feel bad! as i grow up with candy within reach 24/7! anyways..i better wrap this us! love you all and hope all is well! I’ll be seeing yah! <3.
so how is that house coming along? If it’s anything like the tree for you and KB built at the shack…I don’t know. Maybe your skills have improved since then. I keep wondering whose on your team. Let me know if you get a chance. Praying that you’ll keep livin strong and givin strong. Night, sleep tight. Love you. mom
Dear Olivia,
I just read your postings and can feel your enthusiasm for the week. I know that God will be using you to keep up the energy level of your team! It is a blessing to experience living in another culture for a week; keep your eyes open – you will learn that other cultures have so much to teach us. We are praying for you each day.
Love,
Sheri
Hey Olivia,
Thanks for the update. So glad to hear that you are finding such joy in your work, even in the rain! What awesome memories you will have from this trip. It will be like no other! It’s so obvious that God is touching your heart through these little children. Keep your eyes and ears open! We will continue to pray for good health and safety, and that the rain will stop. But most of all, we will pray that God continues to show himself to you and through you during the rest of this week.
Love,
Mrs. Groen
Liv,
Looks like your first day of building went good. I love being able to see the pictures. It’s impressive! I can’t imagine how excited the family you are building for must be. From the pics it looks like there are lots of people eagerly watching, especially little kids! Praying that you will continue to let God work in you and break your heart for the things that break His. Klifman Grandpa and Grandma said to tell you that they love you and are praying for you. Love you! Mom
Olivia
Great to see you down there working and having some fun too! This will be an amazing week for you. It’s so neat after getting to know kids in RAD group and then seeing them go and do something like this. It’s exciting. I know from my own experiences what its all about and how you will see God in the most exciting ways. So many God sightings to tell. Be open to where God leads and he will use you in ways you maybe never thought of. Praying for you.
Thank you for posting about your trip and the pictures. We are very proud of what you and the other young people are doing for the people of Guatemalo. This is a real Christian trip. You look like you are having fun while you are working. May God continue to bless you and the team. We love you very much. Grandma and Grandpa S.
OLIVIA! Prayin each day goes well for you! Enjoy it…. take a deep breath and take it all in, it goes fast!
2nd day of building went really well! best part of the day is me, riley, kevien, and al went to a 2nd village were kevin and al’s sponsor children live. Its amazing to me how much lvoe they have and they didnt even no me and riley! Looking forward to tomorrow as we dedicate the houses to the family! Really excited for that! Mom- my small group is me, angie, jenna, mrs. g, dixon, chad, and katlyn! Thanks so much for all your prayers and support! They all mean so much,,,this is becoming home to me and a place i never want to leave ever! Hope all is well athome, missing you all! Love ya xoxoxox.
Dear Olivia,
Reading the team blog, looking at the photos and writing notes of encouragement to you and the team has become my newest obsession. (I havent played Farkle it 2 days!!!!) It is so interesting to follow the progress and experiences of your team. I pray that you are enjoying the adventure and staying healthy. Our house is so quiet, Dad is working again tonight so its just me, myself and Lucky and he just keeps licking! Annoying! You look great in your scrubs, maybe you should consider starting a new trend at home. There comfy aren’t they? (and cheaper than Buckle jeans!) Know that I think about you all the time and pray for you many many times throughout the day. Hope to see a note from you soon. Love, hugs and prayers, Mom.
PS: right after I posted I saw your update. How cool that you could meet the kids that Kevin and Al sponsor! I’m glad you are loving in there but you do need to come back home. You are missed here! Don’t count the days you have been there or how many days you have left, count the moments and the memories andtreasure them in your heart. As long as you have memories, you are never truly apart from those you love and hold in your heart. Love ya!
Hey Olivia….
Hope your having a great time on your trip! We’ve been praying for you while you’ve been gone. Can’t wait to hear all about it when you get back… Dew and Quesso for sure!
Love,
Mrs. DH
Olivia, your joy is simply contagious! Thank you for sharing. I love the pictures of you and the little kids! I knew they would fall in love with you! Praying for the big day tomorrow as that is why you are there. Praying for your family, and Hermano Jesus as he leads them. Keep having a fabulous time! You are making a tremendous difference.
Big hugs,
kristy
hola mi hermana. como estas? yo estoy muy cansanda. yo NESECITO mas dormir. yeah, im sure you are starting to learn some spanish while there haha i miss you and love you very much thanks for the updates sounds awesome
Guten Abend Olivia,
Please keep posting those pictures and messages. I am glad that you are having such a great experience. Please make sure Mrs. G. shares her candy with the kids.
Olivia! It sounds like you are having an incredible experience!!! I am so happy that you could go on this trip! You will never forget it! I have done it 4 times and remember each one like it was yesterday! And the friendships you are building are incredible! Kevin and AL have a true passion for the people down there and it is great that you could see that first hand! I am praying for you today as you all dedicated the homes and as you go to the medical clinics tomorrow! Those clinics will truly change your life and leave a lasting impact! Open your heart to God as this trip is not close to being done yet! God is gonna do work!!! Praying for you Olivia!
Jason
Buenas diaz! i am very tired and exhausted, but i know when i get to the work cite i will be awaken by the many kids wanting dulce! I am very excited for today as we dedicate the houses! I miss my firends and family! But glad i am here! Al jergens is going down..i have the best prank ever planned! Hope all is well at home. love ya all! xoxox.
Hey liv,
Sounds like your having an awesome time look forward to your posts. They help us all feel part of your trip. Our thoughts and prayers are with you guys often. Have another great day.
Mrs Tolar
Olivia,
Sounds like you are having an amazing time. God is so awesome!! Keep working hard and allowing God to work in and through you as you so his love to the people of Guat. Keep working for the Kingdom.
Steve & Amy
Hi Olivia – it is good to see so many photos of the entire team and the work that is happening in Guatemala. Thank you for taking the lead and going to Guatemala – that is a very big step and you are having impact on so many people there, along with yourself. Enjoy the day and what God has in store for you!
Liv, I just got back from taking Mrs. Huyser to get her chemo. That was a new experience for me. It took about 4 hours and we just sat and talked. It was nice to spend time with her. It is hot and humid here today. We are going to Rutledges pool for awhile. How was the dedication? Isn’t it powerful to know that a family is enjoying a home that didn’t have one before that you helped build? They will never forget the love you’ve shown to them. It is my prayer that they will come to know the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Love you more, Mom
Remember: I warned you about pranking Al- my guess is you will be sorry! Every thing is good at home, just too quiet. Tomorrow will be another exciting experience for you and the team as you head into the villages. May all that come in contact with you see God’s love. Be prepared for me to ask you lots of questions when you get home (I know how much you love that!). I can’t wait to hear all about everything! Love you, mom
Hi Olivia
So great to hear and read the updates from you and all the others. Everyone says something just alittle different and tells just alittle different part of the story and it helps to put it all together. I know that you are having the time of your life when you say you don’t ever want to leave! Wow! How awesome! So thankful that you can be apart of bringing others to Christ, giving God more and more glory! Keep up the great work.
Lisa
Olivia! I hope things went well today!!! I am praying for safe travels and a great harvest tomorrow! Also I am always in favor of a great prank against Al!!! Let us know what you did when you can! Praying for you!
Jason
Hey Olivia! Hope the trip is going great, and I think it’s awesome that you are willing to let God work in your life in special ways like this =) Have a great rest of the trip!
WOW! what a day! today at the villages we had a pinta which was teh craziest thing i have ever seen in my whole life. Blood was definatly shed with all the little children. As it was hard to say goodbye to this village, i know 2 more await us in the days that follow! Thanks for all your prayers, as they make a huge impact on the trip! Love you all…buenas noches!
Olivia,
It is so exciting to hear all the little bits and pieces from all of you. Often times I will choose to read your blog because I know I will get the “detailed and expressive” version from the day. Today your writing was shorter…..but you are probably exhausted from the past few packed days. We have all been praying for your families so it was neat to see you in a picture with them. I hope your time in the villages is blessed and I hope you continue to experience good health. May the Lord be with you in this next phase of service. Love, Mrs. H
Good morning Olivia,
I am sure you are exhausted after an incredible time yesterday! It is so exciting readingall that God has been doing. Today you will be amazed at what happens: when you arrive in the village and you start unloading the meds, a few brave kids will come up right away. there will be lots of smiles but usually they hang back a bit, until you bring out the soccer ball! I can just picture you and Riley taking on the boys and having a blast!! Tonight during the movie, look up at the sky…you will simply be amazed at all the stars. It is so dark but the millions of stars will be shining down on you. Just think that those of us in Michigan tonight, will be looking at those same stars, praying for you! Today I am praying for safe travel. Keep Psalm 121:8 in the forefront of your heart today, “the LORD will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore.” big hugs,
Kristy
hey liv! sounds like you are having an amazing time! enjoy your visits to the villages as you show Gods love to the people you meet and build relationships with your team. may you grow deeper in your faith and love through this mission trip and be as much of a blessing to others as they are too you! may your love and passion and contagious smile show others how amazing Gods love is. cant wait to hear all the details about your trip and see your pictures, praying for you and your team- miss you! love, michelle
Hi Ophelia,
Of everyone there, you look the most professional in your scrubs. Don’t get to carried away in your procedures the next few days. Although you might need to perform surgery to get the kids off from Graham. Thank you for your posts. I pray that you continue to have safety and wonderful experiences.
I miss you. I had to unload the dishwasher myself today.
olivia i have at least 4 dates scheduled for you i have been answering all your texts and goods things are happening. we miss you it is very quiet around the house. we stocked up on beans and rice for you when you get home. tomorrow is a worldwide holiday so have a good holiday love papa chico
Hi Olivia,
I am really enjoying reading the blogs and the wonderful updates. I always get a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes while I am reading them. (Troy told me not to be sappy, but I can’t help it.) Guatemala holds such a special place in my heart, and I am so proud of you and all the wonderful things you are doing for the beautiful and sweet people that live there. You are truly a blessing to many people. God must be so proud of you! Sending you all my prayers and a great big hug!
Olivia,
Dad and I are so very proud of you. We love you so much. There is no greater joy than to know that you are walking with the Lord. We know this trip will leave a huge impact on your life. We all talk about the love that you and the team are showing to the people of Guatemala but from all the posts and pics it is obvious that they have shown this team much love. Praying for you as right about now you are probably showing the Jesus video in a village. May the Holy Spirit work in amazing ways. Love, prayers and hugs,
Mom and Dad
Hey Liv,
It is heart-warming to hear about all the good that is happening in Guatemala! We make a life out of what we GIVE, not what we GET – thanks so much for giving! A smile, a hug, a helping hand or a word of encouragement or a gift of time can mean so much – thanks for bringing each of these in the name of Jesus!
Jack
Wow, today was such a great day! As it is late in the night, i cant sleep! Our 3 hour drive to the village today was such a great experience. Seeing God’s beauty in the mountians and the valley’s takes my breath away. When we finally arrived at the village it was a little akward as we hadn’t built relationship with these kids yet. But once we brought out a soccer ball and starting playing, it was like we were family! Then, they watched the Jesus film, we sang, people gave their testomonies, and Jesus spoke to the people, and many people came forward and accepted Christ as their savior! It was something i will never ever forget, and something i look forward too tomorrow! I am dreading leaving this place, as i could spend my whole summer here fixing this broken counrty. To be honest, i do not miss home, as this place has become my new home! Sorry mom. I can’t tell you how much i appreiate your thoughts and prayers. Thanks again. love you all xoxox. adios amigos!
Dear Olivia,
It’s Fathers day and we are at your mom and dads for dinner. It was good. Saw your pictures and read a little about what you were doing. We remember to pray for your safety and your spiritual growth while you are there and that it will be a life changing experinece. Lots of love, Grandpa and Grandma
Dear Olivia,
We know that you are facing new challenges as we sit and pray for all of you this evening. We are p raying that you will sense His Spirit in a powerful way –leading you to new revelations, opportunities and unleashing His great love to those village people. We look forward to hearing of your safe return to base. I’m so glad to hear that you love the people there sooooo much — but I agree with your mother — you cannot staaaaayyyyy! Blessings, Liv. ~Mrs. H
Dear Olivia,
We know that you are facing new challenges as we sit and pray for all of you this evening. We are p raying that you will sense His Spirit in a powerful way –leading you to new revelations, opportunities and unleashing His great love to those village people. We look forward to hearing of your safe return to base. I’m so glad to hear that you love the people there sooooo much — but I agree with your mother — you cannot staaaaayyyyy! Blessings, Liv. ~Mrs. H
Olivia, Boldly praying for your team and the people you are going to meet today. May relationships build quickly and their hearts be opened to hear the Word. I love reading your posts. Iknow my life has been impacted by you going on this trip and I can’t wait to hear details of how its imacted you. It is so gripping to follow the postings and I can hear the excitement and anticipation in your thoughts. Not many experiences that compare is there? I am so thankful you were able to go. You’ve said a couple of times tht you don’t want to leave. Leaving Guatemala, a place you have quickly grow to love, will not be easy. I know what it’s like to live in such tight community with your team too, and going back to a regular routine is hard at first and even though your back with family, it feels lonely. Try to remember that the only way for it not to hurt would be never to have gone in the first place. I KNOW that you wouldn’t have wanted to miss this, so you can’t be sorry that you went. Treasure the memories in your heart until you can return. And in the meantime, remember, there is a mission field all around you, no matter where you are; take advantage of it!
Have you been sick at all? Kevin’s post said several kids were not feeling real well so it makes me wonder. You havent said anything. I loved Mrs. G’s comment “you can never trust a fart”. Praying that the team will stay healthy. Love you so much,excited to see you and even more excited to hear about EVERYTHING! Mom
TEAM IVANREST:
As I pray for the people of the village you are in and anticipate that they maybe hearing the gospel for the first time right this very moment, this song comes to mind:
GOD OF THIS CITY
You’re the God of this city
You’re the King of these people
You’re the Lord of this nation
You Are
You’re the light in this darkness
You’re the hope to the hopeless
You’re the peace to the restless
You are
Bridge:
For there is no one like our God
There is no one like You God
Chorus 1:
For greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done
In this city
Greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done here
Verse 2:
You’re the Lord of Creation
The Creator of all things
You’re the King above all kings
You Are
You’re the strength in our weakness
You’re the love to the broken
You’re the joy in the sadness
You Are
Bridge:
Chorus 2:
For greater things have yet to come
Greater things are still to be done
In this city
When glory shines from hearts alive
With praise for You and love for You
In this city
Greater things have yet to come
Greater things are still to be done
In this city
Greater things have yet to come
And greater things are still to be done here
We praise God for the Kingdom work that was done in and throught your team this week!
Olivia:
You look so cute in your scrubs, but I know there is a fierce warrior…with a tender heart of a servant…inside them! Your posts are amazing, and I can tell you have a passion for your brothers and sisters in Christ in Guatemala–not just to provide an earthly home for them, but also a heavenly home. Though you will be leaving them soon, you have confidence in knowing that you will see them again in heaven. How cool that God chose YOU to be the one to bring them to Him. Your faith, courage, confidence, love, and joy are an inspiration to many of us old people! You truly set a beautiful example!
Lynette Dooley
“How grateful I am that You have linked me to the greatest possible purposes, the highest of all reasons for living: to know and love You…to show Your love to other people…to glorify You…and enjoy You now and forever. What an honor!”
Ruth Meyer, 31 Days of Praise
Hey Olivia,
I am so touched by your comments. God is doing amazing things through you and in you, and it is obvious you will never be the same again! I love looking at all the pictures, too. So glad you made it back to the base safely last night. God has heard our prayers! Sounds like it was quite a trip. Can’t wait to hear about your experiences in the village. Still praying. . . . .
Love,
Mrs. Groen
Hi Olivia,
Love to hear the updates from all of you. Hope you are having a great time and staying healthy. You are all doing such an amazing job and this will be something you will never forget. I had to laugh at your Mom’s comment about not playing Farkle – this trip is keeping all of us off Facebook!!!! Unfortunately it’s not keeping me off my phone – I am getting so much better at typing on my phone! Have a great day today and tomorrow and we are all so anxious to see all of you tomorrow night.
Love,
Mrs. Berens
I’m a late comer at writing but I have been thinking and praying for you and the whole team. Glad to hear you are having a good time and making a difference in all their lives down there. You sound like you will be sad to leave (which will be soon) but there will be no sadness from all the folks back home waiting for your return.
Olivia, May your last night in Guatemala be one of blessing and inspiration to you and each member of your team as you praise and worship the One who has been so faithful to you on this mission. Love, Mom
Olivia, So happy to hear that the team endured the night well, and that you all are safe. Know that we have been praying for all of you, and are anxious to hear all the stories. God Bless ! The Pettijohns
Hello everyone! Last night i definatly learned the difference between 2 wheel drive and 4 wheel. It made me realize the small thigns i take advantage of. Like cars with 4 wheel drive, and paved roads! Today was a lot o fun! I put my shopping shoes on and went to work! I could have stayed a lot longer shopping and buying many thigns. I am glad i left though, for i do not need any of the thigns i bought! I will miss many things about this place. The car rides with kids yelling “dulce”, the 5 minute showers, the long days without makeup, and this team that has become my family. I have built many relationships that i want to keep going. Coming here has taught me so much! We went to mcdonalds today, and food has never tasted so good! Me and riley met an american friend. He was very nice! Well me and al gotta go kick some butt in euchure! Thanks so much for all your prayers! Pray for good travel tomorrow! xoxox.
p.s mom, love you and no…i have not gotten sick…my back is killing me though! cya soon! and you dont have to come get me, adams dad is dropping off his truck at church..adam wil bring me home! thanks xoxo.