Team Member Pages
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- Jenna Veldboom
- Carlie Wolffis
- Sat Pics
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Team Tools
Hey Sarah-
Isn’t it great that I get to be the first to write a note to you!
We will be praying for you each day that God will protect you and that you will make a difference in the lives you will come in contact with.
We are proud of you and love you!
Mom (Dad, Josh, & Nate too!!)
Dear Sarah,
Have a wonderful week. You will work harder than ever, and be blessed more than ever! The Lord has great things in store for your group this week. Open your eyes and ears to see and hear about what He will do through you and the team! Larry and I will be praying for you.
Mary Molegraaf
Sarah,
I am so jealous!! I wish I was there with you right now! Praying that you make it safely to Guatemala and that you have an amazing time being God’s hands and feet. You are going to ROCK!
Kristy
Praying for you!!
Hope you have safe travels and an awesome time. I know that God will use you in amazing ways to spread His love!
Hey Sarah-
Your first day and each time I’ve talked with you you’ve been eating!!! Have a great trip and be open to whatever God has in store for you!
Love,
Mom
Sarah-
May God use your smile and laugh to reach the wonderful people of Guatamala. Praying for you…
Hi Sarah
I was checking the website to see if you guys made it there safely. I pray that the Good Lord has you in His care. I hope you are ready to use those drilling skills you learned! Remember, if you are His hands and feet, He will be there with you helping you drill or do whatever task He has in store for you.
Love You
Dad
Sarah -
I pray travel went well today and were a sea of purple going through customs with ease. I’ll be praying for you tomorrow, your first building day – take it all in, it is amazing to see how the families live and cook. Use your gift of height!
Take care Sarah.
Linda
Good Morning Sarah-
Hope you had a good night’s sleep last night, and I hope you could find everything packed in your bag!
Work hard today and use the talents God has given you for His Glory!
Love you,
Mom
Hello Sarah
I hope your first day of building a house went well. Did you get to use your new found talent of running a drill? We continue to pray for you and ask that you will be blessed and be a blessing as you continue on in this mission project.
Love You
Dad
The first day went well. It rained a lot but we didnt let that stop us. Dad, yes, I used a drill, but I’m not very good at it. Mom, I did sleep well. Thank-you for all the support and prayers. We had an awesome first day of working. Please pray for good weather so that we can finish the houses.
Miss you and Love you!
Sarah
Hi Sarah-
Great to hear from you. I’m glad it went awesome for you today. You are in our thoughts and prayers at all times. Work hard and let God use use however He will.
Love,
Mom
Hey there so we boney chicken tonight and I saved you a plate full of gizzard just for you; it will be waiting for you!!!! See I can still find ways to bug you. Have fun.
Your extremely loving brother
Sarah,
I hear that you’re in Kristina’s team–that’s so cool! It sounds like the rain was a little bit of trouble today, but not enough to keep you guys from getting the houses up! I’ll pray that tomorrow will go well for you and the team! Hopefully the rain will hold off as well!
Brenda
Sarah
It is so good to read all the reports from you guys so that we have an idea what it is like down there and what is happening. God is definitely doing amazing things through all of you already and we just can’t wait to see what else is in store. Praying for health and strength for you and continued wonderful, God filled moments.
Love , Bill and Lisa
P.S We did tape your favorite Show on Monday Night so we have you covered : )
Hi Sarah,
I’m happy to hear that you got to use the training you received on running the drill. I’m sure you will have it mastered by the time you are done building houses. I hope that your team is working well together. It’s great to read the updates about what’s happening in Guatemala. May the Lord continue to bless you as you work for Him.
Love You
Dad
Good Morning!
We have woken here to a beautifully sunny day. According to Kevin’s update, it sounds like you may see a beautiful day also. In spite of the weather, I’m sure you will see an absolutely awesome day today. I’m so proud of you and the work you are doing. The pictures are wonderful, and the work you are doing is too. Enjoy and love the people around you. And watch for God’s work through your team today.
Love,
Mom
Hello Sarah.
I hope your having a great time. Is there a basketball hoop? Never hurts to get a little practice in. Stay safe and well. Thanks for your efforts doing God’s work .
In His Grip Herm & Shirlee Medema
Sarah! I am glad that you have this opportunity and answered God’s call for you to go to Guate! It is such an amazing place and experience. I know God will use you to make a difference there! Work hard but be sure to enjoy the kids! They will melt your heart!
Praying for you all!
Jason
Sarah
Looks like your working hard down there. Keep up the good work. Praying for you this week as you let yourself be used by God. Sometimes he asks that we go outside of our boxes but don’t hold back or you’ll miss the blessings you will receive when you respond to those nudges he gives you. Stay healthy. Looking forward to hearing all the stories.
Hey-
I loved seeing pictures of you. I knew you would wear that red shirt the first day!!! We miss you here but know that God has great things in store for you down there with the children and people of Guatemala. Can’t wait to hear more!
Love,
Mom
Sarah:
Awesome pictures! How good to see your face beaming in the photos, and I know it comes from joy deep down in your soul! This is one of my favorite devotionals, and I thought you might like it too.
“He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver.” Malachi 3:3
This verse puzzled some women in a Bible study, and they wondered what this statement meant about the character and nature of God. One of the women offered to find out the process of refining silver and get back to the group at their next Bible Study. That week, the woman called a silversmith and made an appointment to watch him at work. She didn’t mention anything about the reason for her interest beyond her curiosity about the process of refining silver.
As she watched the silversmith, he held a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. He explained that in refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest as to burn away all the impurities. The woman thought about God holding us in such a hot spot; then she thought again about the words Malachi 3:3: He sits as a refiner and purifier of silver.”
She asked the silversmith if it was true that he had to sit there in front of the fire the whole time. The man answered that yes, he not only had to sit there holding the silver, but he had to keep his eyes of the silver the entire time it was in the fire. If the silver was left a moment too long in the flames, it would be destroyed.
The woman was silent for a moment. Then she asked the silversmith, “How do you know when the silver is fully refined?” He smiled at her and answered, “Oh, that’s easy, when I can see my image in it.”
Know that God always has His eyes on you!!!
Lynette Dooley
Hola Sarah -o
It’s wonderful to hear how things are going there. You didn’t need a ladder did you?!?!!? I’m praying for good weather so you can get your houses painted and finished tomorrow. Enjoy designing! I’m also praying that you bond with your Guatemalian family and that you feel Gods presence, power and love during the dedication.
Take care!
Linda
p.s. – I watched “that” show on Monday night and someone got a tatoo (for real).
Today was a great day. The rain held off until we were back at the base. Of course it started to sprinkle when we were taking a walk. We had to sand some of the house and put this pink stuff on the outside (I don’t remember what it is called). Right now, we are waiting for pizza. I am excited because I wasn’t feeling well yearlier and it is food I know will not upset my stomach. Dan gave me some medicine that took away the sickness. I am excited for painting and dedicating the house tomorrow. Today, my team was able to meet part of the family we are building a house for. It is a fifteen year old girl and her twelve year old brother. That was exciting to finally meet who we are building a house for. Those kids where we are building are so adorable. I just want to take one home. They are so excited to see us and run after the vans when we leave. The love candy and getting their pictures taken. It is exciting to see them. Guatemala is so beautiful that a camera cannot capture the beauty. I can’t wait for the rest of the week to see what God has in store for us.
Josh: I’m looking forward to that gizzard when I get home! It was nice to hear from you. Enjoy the house without me.
Mom and Dad: I miss you and cannot wait to see and tell you everything. Mom-just so you know, I’m writing down what I eat so you can know.
Thank you all so much for the prayers and support. I cannot wait to share stories with you!
Love you,
Sarah
Hi Sarah!
What an awesome opportunity you have to be the hands & feet of Jesus! We’ll be praying for your work & your health & safety. Enjoy your adventure & be sure to record your memories with pictures or a journal so you’ll be able to share them when you get home.
In His love,
Mrs. Stover
Sarah-
Praying for you as you serve God this week.
Hey baller chica! So glad to see that you were able to go on this trip to Guatemala! Praying that God will richly bless you as you serve Him in this way – God is gonna bless you as you serve! Be ready – it is life changing! God bless you, girl!
dawn
Hi Sarah!
If you didn’t remember, we are camping in Muskegon this weekend. We are in the car as we took Josh’s computer and drove along the road looking for someone who had wireless internet that we could borrow. Guess what! We found one and are now sitting in a parking lot somewhere. Today was a good day, but tonight we are supposed to get a storm. Nate had to go in to work, so only Josh is here with us.
We are so excited to hear from you and know that you are doing great!!. Glad you could have pizza for dinner and hope you are feeling good.
Keep working hard for Jesus. Tomorrow will be a new experience, enjoy it and be open to what God has in store for you.
We love you Sarah!
Love,
Mom, Dad & Josh
Today was an awesome day. It was dedication day. It was so much fun to see the family living in my house. That was so cool. It was also sad to have to say good bye to those children. I will miss them, but at least we get to stop once more on Monday. I’m going to miss the little girl named Linda. She was my buddy. I am feeling better. Some other people are not feeling too well. I’m excited about getting to sleep in an extra hour tomorrow. The time is flying by so fast. It’s hard to believe that it is already friday.
Thank you so much for the support and prayers.
Mom: I completely forgot that you were camping this weekend. Tell Josh that he needs to go tubing and have Dad pull him in a figure 8. I was wondering if I could leave my scrubs and some shirts like that Nicaragua and Michigan shirt here. That way I can have room for things I get here. Have fun camping!
Love you and Miss you!!!
Sarabobeara! We miss your buns so much! Hope your having a great time! Ok thats all. Bye!
Hola Sarah -
Sounds like yesterday was an awesome day – all the families accepted Jesus into their hearts and newly build homes. It’s great to hear your updates. I pray God continues to work through you at the Medical Clinic today. I also pray that many people come forward tonight and accept Jesus into their hearts. Bless you Sarah.
Linda
Hey Sarah!
We’re home. I’ll write more later as we are unpacking now. Yes, you can leave whatever you want to to. Write more later!
Love,
Mom
Sarah-
I have a little more time to write right now. Both Dad & I are so proud of the work you are doing in Guatemala. You and your team have impacted so many lives. What an incredible opportunity you are having. We anxiously await to read postings from you and the others so that we can be a part of what you are experiencing. I’m glad you are feeling better. Nate wonders what those pills are that you took to make you feel beter. I think sometimes he could use one of them!!
It was different camping without you, but I’m so glad that you are able to to a part of this team in Guatemala.
Your trip is almost finished. It’s hard to believe, but the people in Guatemala will remember you every time they look at their new home.
We are praying for you all the time and cannot wait to hear first hand about your trip. By the way, how many pictures have you taken?
Love you,
Mom
Sarah,
It is so awesome looking at all of your pictures! It is very evident how much you are loving this! your smile says it all! Praying that today as you work in another village that God will continue to use you and your many gifts. Please know that you are beign prayed for continually!
Many blessings to you,
Kristy
Hello Sarah!
I haven’t written to you in a while as we were camping this weekend. Thanks for the father’s day present and card. You definitely have a tradition going.
It’s great to hear how the Lord is using you in Guatemala. We continue to pray for your health and safety. We will be praying for your safe return to your base tonight and that the rain will hold off to keep the roads passable.
Continue to let God use your hands and feet to His glory. When I think of how poor these people are I remember the words of Jesus, “Whatever you do for the least of these it is like you are doing it to me.” So Sarah, the work you are doing is like you were doing it TO Jesus – how awesome is that!
Looking forward to seeing you again.
Love Dad
Sarah -
What an amazing travel adventure the team was on last night, I can’t wait to hear how it went. I pray you continue to feel God’s presence with you every step of the way. Enjoy your day at the market. I pray you will continue to share God’s love when reconnect with your building village.
I also pray tonight you feel the spirit move you like nothing you have ever experienced before, it will be amazing!!!
Thank you for being Gods hands and feet this week.
Bless you!
Linda
Good Morning Sarah!
I can’t wait to hear about your amazing journey last night. What an opportunity you had last night. I am so thankful you were able to make it back even though it was very late. Have a great day at the market today.
Love,
Mom
Sarah, Great photos of you on the site, such a happy face and doing so much to change lives ! Thanks for serving and being used by God. The Pettijohns
Hey…I dont have much time but i wanted to say hi! last night was an adventure. i cant wait to tell you about it.
mom: 264 pics!
love and miss you all!!!
Sarah
Hey Sarah-
Hopefully you will have a chance to read this before you leave. It’s hard to believe that it’s almost the end of your journey. What stories you will have to tell, and what an impact this will make in your life! Call me when you get into the states. Are you having another layover in Atlanta? Nate seems to think that he wants to come and pick you up when you get to Ivanrest. I’ll let you know for sure when you call.
Enjoy your last night. It sounds like it will be a great ending to an awesome trip.
Thanks for being open to doing God’s work in Guatamela.
Love,
Mom
Sarah it is so amazing that the time is almost up. Praying that it all went well. I love seeing the picture of you giving your testimony! I can’t wait to hear your stories!!
See you soon
Kristy
Hey all!
The market was so much fun today. We spent so much money! I dont know how I will be able to fit it all in my suitcase! I cannot believe it is the last night. I dont want to go home yet. The weather has been so amazing. Last night, the sky was clear and we were able to see the stars for the first time here. I hope it is clear tonight so the stars are out again. Shopping was so much fun. Bargining was so awesome! Last night was a late night. We got home at 2:30 and got up around 8:30. We will be feeling the loss of sleep when we get up tomorrow morning and leave before 7. We will be in such a good mood when we get home. We were able to visit the village we built at this afternoon to give picture frames to the families we built for. I was so much fun to see the little girl that became my buddy again. I was cool to see what the family did in the house we built.
Hey mom. we do have a layover in atlanta. i will call you when we are there to find out what happened on the Bachlorette. tell everyone else i say “hi”.
Love you all and cant wait to see you!
Sarah
Hi, this is your grandmother VB. This is your first adventure out of the country and it is my first time ever sending you an email (I guess that is what you call this.) Anyway I really enjoyed reading your messages you sent and the messages sent to you. I have been praying for you every day and glad to hear you are doing so well and enjoying your mission trip. It sounds like you are really working hard. Good for you. I will enjoy hearing all about what you did and looking at all your pictures. Hope you have a good trip home. I love you Grandma VB
Sarah -
Jenna -
I am praying for safe travel for you and the team today. Thank you for being our hands and feet this past week in Guatemala! It was such a blessing being your prayer partner!
Linda
Sarah,
It sounds like you had fun shopping yesterday! The market is very cool in Antigua! I hope that last night was a good night, too. Praying for you guys as you head home today.
Sounds like you had a great week experiencing God in Guate Sarah!
Being home is way different than I ever imagined. I feel as if I need to sanitize every five minutes. Showering is way different n0w. I have missed the water pressure of my shower at home. Life here in the states is so different. All the memories keep coming back to me. Like Bible verses we painted, the feeling of exhaustion building a road in the dark and watching God’s hand pull up the vans. The feeling of complete fear when I stood up to give my testimony when I was sure that I didn’t want to. One moment I was sure that I didn’t want to give my testimony, and the next moment having the microphone in my hand. As I was giving my testimony, I didn’t know what I had just said or what I was going to say next. That was an amazing experience.
I hope that some day, I can go back to Guatemala and visit the village we built at and see the little girl that became my buddy. I will never forget her or the experiences I had in Guatemala.
Going on the plane for the first time was a fun experience.
Guatemala is a place that I will miss. Being back h0me had made me feel grateful for the things that I have. Guatemala has grown on my heart and I wish I could have stayed longer!
Thank-you for all the support and prayers.
Sarah