tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-9116975431114426952024-03-13T10:15:17.775-04:00Life in Guatemalaour story in progressChris and Holly Steedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02125272542743018043noreply@blogger.comBlogger75125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-911697543111442695.post-68487784634636826822018-07-12T16:30:00.000-04:002018-11-19T11:53:30.666-05:00Jack is Leaving<!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">In May, Jack graduated from high school.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our emotions have been all over the place. We
know this is a normal time of kids leaving the nest and parents being sad but
for missionary parents, it’s those emotions times 100.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Being in different countries will be hard. We won't be able to see him as often, not to mention just being able to jump in a car and going where he is like many of our friends do with their kids in college. When we moved to Guatemala, almost 8 years ago, </span></span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">one of the things we were thankful for is that our family (us and the kids) have been together.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">We’ve had to let go of parents, sisters, brothers, aunts, uncles, grandparents, etc., but our little family unit stayed intact.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Soon, a part of us will leave and it's just sad.</span><span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">At the same time, it’s exciting. His life is just beginning. In August, h<span style="font-size: 12pt;">e’ll be starting
college at Bethlehem College and Seminary in Minneapolis, Minnesota.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">He feels God calling him to
missions in <i>Cambodia</i>.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">OK, that’s so far
away but one thing at a time.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">We’ll take
Minnesota for now even though it seems like it’s somewhere close to the North
Pole and will feel like it too for our Florida/Guatemala boy.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">He’s excited and nervous.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> He's a true missionary/ third culture kid. He'll be reentering a culture he's not familiar with anymore even though it's his passport country. He's leaving his "home". </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">For him, we will be far away too but he’s
ready to be on his own and jump into whatever God has for him.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">We are thankful that there are so many people,
friends and family, who have offered to have him with them for breaks and
holidays when he can’t come home.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">We are
thankful for people who can be on a plane to him faster than we can if need be.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">We are thankful for all the people that love
him.</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Pray for each of us as we embark on this new season.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Goodbye Guatemala</td></tr>
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<br />Chris and Holly Steedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02125272542743018043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-911697543111442695.post-18320732696461934262018-07-10T12:00:00.000-04:002018-11-19T12:01:19.505-05:00Citizenship<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">Once our adoption became final according to the Guatemala
government, which took a year after the girls came to live with us, there was a
mandatory 2 year wait by the US government before we could apply for
citizenship for them.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>At the time,
we were not exactly sure what we needed to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Guatemala is closed to international adoptions so we did not adopt our
girls as US citizens but rather as Guatemalan residents.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The guidelines from the US perspective are
not clear because Guatemala is a “closed” adoption country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We did not know anyone personally who had
gone before us and knew exactly what to do.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> So, w</span>e asked the US Embassy in Guatemala and they were unsure but
their ultimate advise was to apply for green cards as the girls cannot obtain
citizenship since we do not reside in the US.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>At their recommendation, we started the green card process with the
thought that we would have what we needed for the girls to travel to the US this summer when we bring Jack back after he graduates.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">As we were almost at the end of that process and over a thousand dollars in application fees paid, a friend heard something different
from the embassy when she inquired about her son - we need to file for a path to
citizenship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Now we were completely
confused!<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> Note - since our original contact with them embassy, the administration has changed. The new group confirmed that the green card was not for people who reside outside of the US and we can petition citizenship and only need to be in the US for the interview. So much time, money and efforts have been wasted on the wrong thing!</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , "helvetica" , sans-serif;">It took several weeks to get all of the paperwork together for the citizenship applications. We consulted with an attorney who specializes in this process and followed her instructions. Once we the applications submitted, we applied for emergency visas so we could all get back in time for Jack. Our embassy contact was able to help us get the visas quickly. Since the N600K takes 3-15 months to process, we've decided to take a little "furlough" and stay in the US while we wait. Once it's processed, the girls will be called for an interview. If all goes well, they will be sworn in as citizens and get passports. This is the final step of the adoption process for them. </span>Chris and Holly Steedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02125272542743018043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-911697543111442695.post-4060634435243388742017-04-14T11:59:00.000-04:002017-04-14T11:59:03.227-04:00Jack's Pigs<br />
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We're on a roll with farm animals!<br />
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Jack saved up a little money. He wanted to invest in something that would earn more money so he could have a little savings when he goes off to college next year. He did his homework and decided to raise pigs and sell the meat. (If you know Jack, you know that he now knows everything there is to know about pigs). We've got the space and they are way down on the property, out of the way of people, so nobody ever has to smell them, cause pigs don't smell good! There was an old foundation of an animal pen or something that he used so all he needed was a roof and walls. He and his grandpa got it built when they were visiting over Christmas and in February 2 pigs arrived. He got them from some Mennonite people about an hour and a half away in Tecpan. They are known to have good pig meat and were willing to sell a couple of piglets. Not just any old pig will make a good profit. Who knew! We don't eat much pork here in Guatemala, mostly because we've heard that there can be parasites and that's true. These guys are given parasite treatments on a regular basis so we are anxiously awaiting some good pork. <br />
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Jack is working HARD!! He takes really good care of the pigs and has had to clean their pen ALOT. The cold here upsets their tummies so he's had to clean the pen extra. He's a trooper though and does what needs to be done. He's up early before school at 5:30am to feed them and takes care of them when he gets home, then he takes a nap.<br />
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They've only escaped once so far and really aren't much trouble to have around. Of course that's easy to say because Jack is doing all the work. Their time will come in June and we'll see what the profit margin is. If it's good and he's not too tired, then he'll do it all over again. Chris and Holly Steedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02125272542743018043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-911697543111442695.post-48840502445182843842017-04-13T16:38:00.001-04:002017-04-14T11:57:13.882-04:00The Sheep<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-J2qdhfnMQ0U4XC1pJPUAPmyC6ZTzMIou1FbYLOErPWZq70hvJ-6Zrbb68_yX6WOAuT9ktZSrV6IUYszN_7gK5a2jchJtzQ3H5-Xx8m9KkdPsX3OeWkjAF3A-XOOOPC8vmzbVY3i_Spo/s1600/IMG_0009+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-J2qdhfnMQ0U4XC1pJPUAPmyC6ZTzMIou1FbYLOErPWZq70hvJ-6Zrbb68_yX6WOAuT9ktZSrV6IUYszN_7gK5a2jchJtzQ3H5-Xx8m9KkdPsX3OeWkjAF3A-XOOOPC8vmzbVY3i_Spo/s320/IMG_0009+%25283%2529.jpg" width="274" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mama</td></tr>
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Throughout our 6 years here and working with 12x12, we've received may gifts from the families who received a house. The gifts have ranged from meals, vegetables, fruit, handmade items, a beautiful mirror, plants, etc. It's always humbling to receive something from people who have very little but want to show kindness and gratitude to us. This is apart from their thankfulness to God for His provision and the donors for their generosity. Last year we got the most interesting (and humbling) gift yet, Pelibuey sheep. Yes, farm animals. This family raises them for meat and gave us 2! Chris tried really hard to not take them because #1 we don't need any more animals and #2 we don't want to take away from their livelihood, but there was no leaving without them. Sometimes we just have to let others bless us in a way that speaks to them. To not accept it would rob them of the joy of giving, thus we took the sheep. They gave us a male and female so they would reproduce and we'd have an endless supply of meat - they say it's "tan rico!" which means really good. I'll never know cause I'm not eating it! I don't know, I prefer to eat meat that comes wrapped in plastic, from a grocery store. I'm not keen on eating something I've seen in person. <br />
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To show our complete lack of farm animal experience (we're missionaries not farmers!), we thought they were goats so we call them "The Goats". It wasn't until recently we discovered they are actually sheep. And it's really an odd situation being that the sheep are mother and son but I'll stop there. Apparently that's acceptable in the sheep breeding world. When we first got them, we could pet the male and he was pretty calm but now he's a full on animal and can head butt like nobody's business so we stay clear of him. He's not a friendly!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The male</td></tr>
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So, now we have 2 baby sheep/goats! And they couldn't be any more precious. Pretty much from the start, the mama rejected one of them so they have been affectionately named Favor and Minus. Poor Minus gets nothing - no love, no milk, nada, just a swift head-butt from his mother. We have had to hold the mama down so Minus can nurse and now consider ourselves professional "goat wrestlers". Since this was not an <i>easy,</i> long-term solution and hazardous because sheep have very strong head-butts, we were buying fresh goat's milk from a guy who drives his truck around every day, with goats in the back, selling milk on the street. That got to be too expensive so we've switched to fresh cow's milk. Minus takes a bottle 4-5 times a day and everyone is happy. He's the cutest little thing though and to hear him call us, as if he was calling his mama, when we walk up with the bottle is too much!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Minus<br /><br /></td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Favor the day he was born with Jed</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Minus</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kendy and Minus</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Favor</td></tr>
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Chris and Holly Steedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02125272542743018043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-911697543111442695.post-51833574922373383842016-12-20T14:22:00.000-05:002016-12-20T14:22:02.816-05:002 Years With Our Girls<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyRqMt491FJunRN3m_nNJjwrF0Nf3pXIYvyQNnKBmtbLCjcQEgjxxOrCFgtBb8GTamb-pljMNLEtl6I6bQctOM2HoJQX6nEAyj6GcHcyqBpTCH7cbXTSN6Q57543rI2F-XIUhWYoqGhEc/s1600/DSC07261+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyRqMt491FJunRN3m_nNJjwrF0Nf3pXIYvyQNnKBmtbLCjcQEgjxxOrCFgtBb8GTamb-pljMNLEtl6I6bQctOM2HoJQX6nEAyj6GcHcyqBpTCH7cbXTSN6Q57543rI2F-XIUhWYoqGhEc/s320/DSC07261+%25281%2529.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our first official family photo at the adoption agency.</td></tr>
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On December 10th we hit the 2 year mark since our girls became part of our family. With biological children, time flies and they grow up so fast. With adopted children, who didn't come to you until they were 3 and 5 years old, time travels at warp speed! It's just crazy how fast they are growing and sad at how much we've missed of their young little lives. They are at the age where they change so much so quickly. Once kids start losing teeth it's all downhill from there. Their faces change, they get taller, and it goes on and on and there is nothing we can do to make it slow down. At least they are still cute and not asking to date yet. That would throw us over the edge. :)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Angela 1st Grade</td></tr>
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Angela started 1st grade this year. It's been great for her but she seems so much older now that she has started school. In 4 months time she's become more independent and is becoming her own person. It's neat to watch but it'd be nice if it happened just a little bit slower. Angela has the natural gift of creativity. She can make the most amazing creations out of things we would throw away. Her latest creation is this Christmas scene made out of a candy cane box complete with Santa, a reindeer, tree and a train. One time she cut out a pair of glasses out of the plastic from a Barbie box.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kendy got a mask from a kids meal and Angela wanted one too so she made her own. </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kendy Kindergarten</td></tr>
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<br />Kendy is doing kindergarten at home - this picture really captures her personality and her school uniform. :) She is not ready to be away from her mama yet and her mama is not ready for her to be away so it works out nicely, most days. We are taking this year to work on our bond and a few attachment issues. It's been time well spent. Kendy's natural gift is singing. She has a beautiful voice and will make up a song about anything - putting on her shoes, riding to the city, cooking dinner, etc. She's always singing. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our 1st Christmas</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our 2nd Christmas</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This year, our 3rd Christmas<br /></td></tr>
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So, so much has changed in each of our lives over the past 2 years. These girls are such a blessing to us and those around them. I remember when we went to the adoption agency to get our referral. They told us their story and showed us a picture. They said we could take a few days to think about it before we gave our decision, we told them we didn't need to. They asked if we wanted to talk it over, but we didn't need to. We knew going into the office that day that whoever they had for us were who we had prayed for and who God wanted us to have. <div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our most recent family photo</td></tr>
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Chris and Holly Steedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02125272542743018043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-911697543111442695.post-34691989962597626452015-12-24T11:29:00.000-05:002015-12-24T11:30:07.817-05:00The Nativity<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXQX4VwQhqI0nnZWsWPlhlR1hoyY8PrmJKQJJeBsV8pvtr4oyHS4pPzH-vT1yOYbAnm9PJ_qAvWpiyOb1oDsBm_d04Po7etFbTbV7M2ewZuENg62X7ZUL17ABXeRo7inUU_Oew6rp62ys/s1600/DSC05586.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXQX4VwQhqI0nnZWsWPlhlR1hoyY8PrmJKQJJeBsV8pvtr4oyHS4pPzH-vT1yOYbAnm9PJ_qAvWpiyOb1oDsBm_d04Po7etFbTbV7M2ewZuENg62X7ZUL17ABXeRo7inUU_Oew6rp62ys/s320/DSC05586.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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This Christmas we decided to do something different. We headed to the Christmas market and looked for items to make a nativity scene. We thought it'd be fun for the kids to pick things out and make it their own. This time of year there is a whole section set-up that sells everything you can imagine for a nativity as well as Christmas decorations - moss, grass, figures, mangers, pine cones, colored sawdust, garlands, lights, etc. <br />
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The scenes are something many families (not so much poor families) make every year and they can be quite elaborate and are probably equivalent to our American Christmas tree. Ours is pretty basic but we've got ducks and turtles. </div>
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We had to haggle a little bit for the baby Jesus. The starting price was $10 but we got him down to $2.50</div>
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Mary and Joseph are orange but this is Guatemala and they like things bright. </div>
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<span style="text-align: center;"> The 3 wise men complete with frankincense and </span>myrrh, a gold ring too. <br />
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Christmas Eve is the big day here - Noche Buena. Today, families are busy preparing tamales and a hot fruit punch which is the traditional meal. It takes hours to make and they will eat at midnight. We will receive lots of love today in the form of this yummy tipica food. It's one of our favorite things to eat! <br />
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Chris and Holly Steedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02125272542743018043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-911697543111442695.post-54280387721215286532015-09-08T11:01:00.001-04:002015-09-08T11:02:52.830-04:00Outta Sorts<div class="MsoNormal">
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It’s been an unsettling couple of weeks here – in our family
and in Guatemala.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The government is all
in an uproar with the president being impeached and then arrested for
corruption (Google it if you are interested in reading all about it). <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There have been protests and demonstrations
for months now.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Our school was closed for
safety reasons the day of the big protest last week, the one that the whole
country participated in to oust the president.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Sunday was primary election day and it was crazy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There were riots all over the country.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We could hear the one in Magdalena from our
house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was in font of the school, which
was the voting location.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We went to
church in the morning but were advised by friends to stay in and not
leave.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>On Monday morning when we took
the kids to school, there were fires still burning, presumably ballots, and
police at the schools.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>We also saw truck
loads of police with riot gear throughout the day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It was slightly nerve wracking and makes us
sad for this country and how it’s been taken advantage of.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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On August 10<sup>th</sup>, we got the keys for the Project
for Hope property and it’s been non-stop ever since.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>LONG days working, making repairs, cleaning,
etc., and getting the place clean enough to move into which we did, a week ago
Saturday.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It doesn’t stop there
though.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>There is a tremendous (I am not
exaggerating with that adjective) amount of work to be done here.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Right now, we are working on our leaky roof,
getting internet, a working well so we don’t have to pay for water, and laundry
hook-ups for the Nortons.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Not to mention
cleaning and gardening this soon to be oasis.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The place was vacant for several years, which gifted us layers and
layers of dust/dirt on every surface imaginable.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I will write more about this endeavor
later.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"><br /></span></div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBnbmXrPx8gPtgtUNbkC51XU9KIVcrFgMU4CucrCZTfQ1HXEF2H67qQczuskaNFLAErJJf2Hn_TyI_QwmHrsShr9P7V-FiazPmPwyRz6IlAQrB7PoHu5PWCpC5ql7GMQ4hU-TS7iRnVSw/s1600/IMG_20150907_073543.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBnbmXrPx8gPtgtUNbkC51XU9KIVcrFgMU4CucrCZTfQ1HXEF2H67qQczuskaNFLAErJJf2Hn_TyI_QwmHrsShr9P7V-FiazPmPwyRz6IlAQrB7PoHu5PWCpC5ql7GMQ4hU-TS7iRnVSw/s320/IMG_20150907_073543.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">giving Pete some love</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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With all the changes in our lives since the property and the
boys starting school, Kendy ,aka Baby Gurl,<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>is all outta sorts.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She doesn’t
know if she’s coming or going.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s 4
and in her short life, her world has been rocked many times.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s gone from home at birth, to an
orphanage shortly after, back home, to another orphanage and then here with
us.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I am sure in between those trips to
orphanages she was placed in foster care too.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>So, something like moving to another house takes her back to a place and
feeling she can’t express with words, just actions – crying, screaming, etc.,
when things feel out of control for her.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When are things out of control for her?<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>When it’s time to eat or get dressed or go to bed or go somewhere. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So let’s just say all day.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s “Toddler Insanity” all over again.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She’s not been sleeping well and gets in our
bed most nights. Everyday<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I tell her over
and over that we love her, we will never, ever leave her, this is her family
and she will be with us forever. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I was
happy this morning because she was able to tell me that she missed our old
house.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>That gives us something to go on
and something to talk about.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As for Angela, she’s a trooper and takes it
all in stride.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Her feathers aren’t ruffled
quite as much and she’s able to talk about her feelings most of the time.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></div>
Chris and Holly Steedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02125272542743018043noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-911697543111442695.post-9454032739377260652015-08-19T16:28:00.000-04:002015-08-19T16:28:42.028-04:00Life With Girls<br />
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The last 7-ish months have been a blurr. Lots more crazy in the house since the girls came. We went from having "older" kids 8, 13, 16 to having a 3 and 5-year-old around (now 4 and 6) and that brought our parenting journey to a screeching halt! We went from semi-smooth sailing to bumpy back roads. It's taken us back to a time/place that we haven't been in so long that we don't even remember what we did "back then". It's kinda funny and kinda not. The amount of daily conflict in our house has tripled. I feel like my primary job is a court appointed mediator, in a bad divorce, with crazy people who refuse to give in and who can't be reasoned with. It's quite tiring!<br />
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Having little ones around who did not come from me is scary. I take for granted all the things the boys "know" because we raised them, and all that the girls don't. For instance, don't touch outlets, or hot things on the stove, or try to break up a dog fight, or open the door when someone knocks, or put things you found on the ground in your mouth, and on and on and on. There are plenty of times I want to say "You know better than that" but the truth is they don't. <br />
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People have asked "Is it everything you ever imagined?" Well, not exactly. I imagined girls to be delicate little creatures who don't delight in bodily functions like boys do or fight with each other or act like wild animals. I've learned that girls are really no different than boys, just slightly more dramatic and manipulative. They are crazy and full of energy and the boys have met their match. They remind me of the days when Jon was little - always have them in your sight and don't leave scissors laying around!! One afternoon, Kendy (the youngest) had one of those Barrel of Monkey games, except a miniature one, on the floor in her room. The moneys were out so just the barrel was there. I came in and noticed it and that the floor was a little wet so I asked her about it. She retracted faster than a turtle, a given that something not good is about to come out. Her sister was quick to give her up and told me it was pee. What!!! Apparently she had to go the night before and went in the tiny, little cup. Seriously... she's got skills to be able to pee in something so small, I'll give her that but the bathroom is right outside their door. She is Jon all over again, who I vaguely remember peeing through the screen of his bedroom window once. She's a handful for sure. A few days ago she told me that she felt something crawl in her ear. I said it was probably water since she just got out of the shower. She started to cry so I got my glasses and a flashlight just to make her feel better. I wound up pulling out a rather nice sized piece of foam that was way down in there. I think I'm going to get her a nanny.....<br />
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But seriously, they are great and we are happy to have them. When they first met us, they called us "Abuela and Abuelo", grandma and grandpa. It was cute but slightly prophetic because that's exactly how we feel sometimes, way too old to be doing this! <br />
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They are biological sisters and appear to be from the caribbean side of Guatemala. There is a population over there of people with African dissent so they don't look very Guatemalan. They've got the afro hair and dark skin. We don't know exact details but they were given up by their grandmother because their mother was not able to care for them. It's kinda sad. But, they are with us now and we trust God that this is how their story goes. <br />
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<br />Chris and Holly Steedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02125272542743018043noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-911697543111442695.post-9679560759303300242014-05-16T10:22:00.000-04:002014-05-16T10:22:13.111-04:00Sugar & spice and everything nice....<div style="text-align: left;">
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We wanted to share some exciting news and prayer requests…<br />
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For some time we have been looking into the possibility of adoption. We've always felt that we weren't quite finished as a family and there has always been hope that one day we would have some girls join us. Since moving to Guatemala, we had heard many things as to whether or not we were eligible to adopt as foreigners so we decided to wait until we had our permanent residency completed to look in to the possibilities. About a year ago our residency was finalized and through some different connections we began to investigate directly with the government to see if we met the qualifications to submit an application. In January of this year we attended a half-day workshop, the first step in the process, and learned, as permanent residents, we are eligible to adopt. After that, we spent two and a half months getting paperwork together from many different sources. We then met with the government attorney who reviewed all of our paperwork. He said everything was in order and they accepted the application! <br />
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A few weeks later the psychological evaluation was scheduled. We (Chris and Holly) spent a morning telling our history, our family histories and drawing lots of pictures. The picture thing was interesting because neither of us are artists and we were specifically told not to draw stick people. We came home and googled the significance of what we had to draw (person, couple, family, house, and tree) and felt we might have failed that part right off the bat for various reasons and lack of artistic skills. The next day the boys went in and talked to the psychologist and drew their own pictures. That was a lively meeting to say the least! If after spending an hour with those 3 together, they felt it was a good idea to give us a few girls, it would be a miracle. But they did and called us a few weeks later to come out for a home visit. After asking more of the same questions and looking at our house, the social worker congratulated us and told us we were going to be parents <i>again!</i> <br />
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Yesterday, we spent all morning at an informational/preparation meeting and left with our official certificate of adoption eligibility. Now, we wait for the call. We know we will get 1-3 girls. When you've got 3 kids, what's a few more?!?! We know that they will be anywhere from 18 months to 5 years old. We are super excited and super nervous and praying that God will not give us more than we can handle. Right about now we are asking ourselves if we are crazy!<br />
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After we receive a referral, we have 10 days to accept or not. If we do, there will be a series of visits with the girl(s), just us and later the boys - they probably don't want to scare them right away. :) If all that goes well, they will come home with us. They will be ours but it will take the courts about 6 months to stamp and sign off on all of the documents. After 2 years, we can get them passports for the US and apply for their naturalization. In the meantime, we should be able to get them travel visas for when we go back to visit. <br />
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Please pray with us. We know that these little girls will have their own stories, will have been through some type of trauma, and leaving all they know to come to our family will not be easy. We fully expect there to be a difficult adjustment period and are praying that it be short and we <i>all</i> will have the patience needed. We have alot to do to get ready for them - get their room ready, clothes, toys, etc. There is not one girl thing in a house full of boys. :) We also need to be prepared emotionally for what to expect. We are all excited to say the least!!</div>
Chris and Holly Steedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02125272542743018043noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-911697543111442695.post-74134010869767584062013-12-17T20:34:00.000-05:002013-12-17T20:34:49.869-05:00Marcedona<br />
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This precious, 32 year-old, mother of 6 was in a horrific accident in late August. She was cranking up a machine that grinds corn and her hair got caught in the axle and torn off 90% of her scalp, one ear and half of the other. Her whole entire family (mother, father, sister, brother, husband, kids) and people in the village rushed to help only to find her laying on the ground unconscious. They thought she was dead and were afraid to touch her, so she laid there for about 30 minutes unattended. When they realized she was alive, she was put in a truck and driven 30 minutes to the nearest "town". (They live in a very remote village in the mountains). There, she was transported by ambulance to a hospital in the city - over an hour away. Now you are probably thinking that once she got to the ambulance, she was stabilized and given pain medication, etc., but I highly doubt it. Where they were, I am sure the ambulance wasn't much more than a means of transportation. <br />
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Marcedona spent 2 months in the national hospital. She had several skin graft surgeries and a surgery to insert a tube where her ear was to keep the ear canal open so she would not lose hearing. When Chris went to visit her family shortly after the accident, they were very concerned about the skin grafts because they had never heard of that before. He explained it to them and that helped them to understand that she needed it to survive. They live in a small remote place and have little knowledge of "modern" things. In all, skin was taken from 7 places on her thighs - very painful she said. She still needs one more surgery and possibly one that will give her a prosthetic ear.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Her youngest daughters</td></tr>
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We went to visit her at home and she is doing well. One of the most difficult parts of the whole ordeal was being away from her 6 children and the rest of her family. The memory has left a lasting impression on everyone and we are praying that God will heal that so they can move on. She is grateful to God and how He has provided for her and her family. <br />
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We shared her accident with our prayer team, the hearts of a couple of people were touched to help. As a result, bus fare was provided for her dad, husband, and brother to go see her when she was in the hospital. They've been blessed with food, the medicine she needs until her wounds heal, and a water filter so she can wash her head with clean water. Some folks sent sterile bandages and gauze that we could not get here in Guatemala. The timing was perfect because she needed the gauze and a team was coming a few days later. During our visit we explained that it's not the "Gringo's" who have helped, it's God who has provided and He has a plan for her life. He brought her through this terrible ordeal and she's a miracle. <br />
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Please keep Marcedona in your prayers. Pray that she would be healed mentally, emotionally, spiritually and physically from all that she has gone through. Thank you!!<br />
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Chris and Holly Steedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02125272542743018043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-911697543111442695.post-62303137360431151502013-11-28T23:55:00.000-05:002013-11-28T23:55:21.408-05:00Thankful<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Took a quick picture of Holly today while we were out in Buena Vista celebrating Thanksgiving with some friends. What a great picture! I've been married to this beautiful lady for 21 years today! Thankful for such a loving wife and mother to our children. How appropriate that today is Thanksgiving... Happy Anniversary Babe</div>
Chris and Holly Steedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02125272542743018043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-911697543111442695.post-1145915403128266282013-11-20T08:12:00.000-05:002013-11-20T08:16:15.688-05:00Baby Eddy<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A cutie!</td></tr>
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Baby Eddy was born on September 10th. Right before he was born we helped his parents build a block room. They lived in a cornstalk shack and wanted (really needed) a better place for their baby. We brought Baby Eddy, his dad Eddy, and his mom Miriam, and a few relatives home from the hospital and have kept up with him every since. Miriam had a c-section, not something you ever want to do in Guatemala, and took awhile to recover. This little guy has struggled with nursing and gaining weight from the start. He was born at 6lbs, 5oz and at 6 weeks he weighed 5lbs, 8oz. He's 10 weeks now and weighs 7lbs,11oz. He is being seen my Dra. Sara, a local pediatrician, and Lesbia, a local lady who is going to school to finish her nursing degree so she can work with moms and babies. Lesbia and I are visiting twice a week to weigh him and encourage Miriam with her first baby. She started supplementing with formula a couple of weeks ago and Eddy is gaining weight! She's 19 and can't read so Lesbia takes the time to explain things to her - how to care for herself and the baby, nursing, how to mix the formula, etc. I just hold him and listen to all of the new spanish vocabulary words I am learning relating to babies. He smiled at me today and it just melted my heart. He's a sweet baby!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Lesbia and Miriam</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little smile</td></tr>
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<u><br /></u>Chris and Holly Steedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02125272542743018043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-911697543111442695.post-77975799553473130352013-09-15T22:42:00.000-04:002013-09-15T22:42:40.765-04:00Fun With BooksWe had friends visiting from Jacksonville this weekend. They came with loads of books in Spanish to share with kids here. It was tons of fun and the kids had a blast! They started out reading "The Little Red Hen" ("La Gallinita Roja"). The moral of the story was to help one another. After the story, they had a craft and got to take home a book at their reading level. It was a great way to encourage kids to read. Thanks Lisa and Ashleigh!!!<br />
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<br />Chris and Holly Steedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02125272542743018043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-911697543111442695.post-45293087192780091152013-04-23T11:07:00.000-04:002013-04-23T11:07:11.742-04:00If You Move, They Will Find You....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We moved the week before last. We have been blessed with a house that is more "open" and has a little more space for the boys to do their crazy boy thing. It's been good for our spirits to feel like we live outside more than feeling like we live in a cave. The kitchen, dining room, office, living room and a half bath are on the first floor. There are 2 bathrooms, 2 bedrooms and a family room on the second floor. The third floor has a patio and 2 team rooms. It's a great house with a lot of character. After ALOT of work and cleaning and gallons and gallons of paint, we were ready to move in. <br />
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Here is where we (I) wash dishes. For those of you who know me, I don't mind dishes in the sink. Sometimes I have more important things to do like water my plants, referee boys, or answer the door a million times day. Don't worry, I will get to them as soon as I am done writing this - I am waiting for the water to come in. :)</div>
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This is the cute little sink in the kitchen but you would have to be 4 feet tall to use it so it's the hand washing sink for the kids. Not sure what the thought was on that. I know Guatemalans are short but not always that short. </div>
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This is the 2nd floor. Both floors have a nice patio or as my sister would say "veranda" outside the rooms. We've had one rain so far and this area stayed dry so that is nice. </div>
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This is looking down onto the patio where the boys can play and be "outside" since we are really outside all the time now. </div>
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We have 2 team/guest rooms on the 3rd floor and a nice sized patio area too. </div>
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While we don't have a yard, I got a little dirt patch to plant some things in. Yay!</div>
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The house is a little off the beaten path so we thought it would be a little quieter over here. So far, not so much. I think if we moved to Mars, people would turn a chicken bus into a rocket, powered by tortillas or manure, and find a way to get to us. We've had more people knocking in the last few days than we've had in the last few weeks at the other place. Their needs don't change and it's still a privilege to help them no matter where we live. <br />
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P.S. I did the dishes. If you have a dishwasher, hot water at your kitchen sink or even a faucet, be thankful! :) </div>
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<br />Chris and Holly Steedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02125272542743018043noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-911697543111442695.post-11141185030812626082013-03-12T16:58:00.000-04:002013-03-12T16:58:55.546-04:00Going Without Food<br />
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Miriam was over a couple of weeks ago and I notice that she looked a little thin. She's pretty thin anyway but she seemed even more so that day. In the last couple of weeks, I have seen her several times and each time, I've noticed it. She was over late last week and as she was leaving, I looked at her calves and she has no muscle, her legs are just sticks. Yesterday, I saw her in the street (the weather was warm so she was wearing a sleeveless top) and she looked emaciated to me. I mentioned it to Chris and said that we needed to talk to them. Selvin has been sick so I went to their house this morning to check on him but he was at school. Since it was just "us girls" (me, Miriam and Kelly) I thought I would ask her why she's so much thinner and the answer caught me off guard. She explained that since Kelly is eating more and nursing less, there isn't enough food for everyone so she doesn't eat as much. It's more important for Kelly and Selvin to have enough food than her. Her husband Marco has not had regular work so they don't have much money for food. I wanted to cry right there. She goes without food so her kids can have enough when there is so little to begin with. <br />
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We have seen our share of malnutrition in kids here and the results of it, even death. I haven't encountered it in an adult until now. Cargo trucks leave ours and the surrounding villages daily, loaded with fruits and vegetables for export and there are hungry/starving people all around us. It's one thing to miss a few meals but for an adult woman to get to the point where it's noticeable that she's not eating enough isn't good. I explained to her the importance of her getting food too but what else can I say when there isn't enough. If she had it, she'd eat it I'm sure. All they had in their house to eat this morning was a corn drink - nothing else. Later, I took them some food and told her to come to us if they are ever without and we will help. </div>
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I wish I could give Marco a regular job so he could provide for his family better. He's a hard worker and he doesn't drink like alot of men here do. It's hard when you can't help people the way they need it. Praying for God's provision for their family and wisdom for how we can help them. <br />
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Here are links to other blogs about Miriam and her family.......<br />
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<a href="http://steedstory.blogspot.com/2012/03/miriam-and-marco.html" target="_blank">Marco and Miriam</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.steedstory.blogspot.com/2012/11/a-wedding-for-miriam.html" target="_blank">Miriams's Wedding</a><br />
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<a href="http://www.steedstory.blogspot.com/2012/10/guatemala-education-project.html" target="_blank">Selvin's Education</a><br />
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Chris and Holly Steedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02125272542743018043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-911697543111442695.post-36471018803913201322013-02-15T09:35:00.000-05:002013-02-15T09:35:20.053-05:00Remember The Lord Your God...<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Remember The Lord Your God... because He will remember you. </span><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Those were the words Pastor Mario spoke to David's family. He then quoted Deuteronomy 8:18...</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">"<span style="background-color: white;">But remember the </span><span class="small-caps" style="background-color: white; font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span><span style="background-color: white;"> your God, for it is he who gives you the ability to produce wealth,</span><span style="background-color: white;"><sup class="crossreference" style="background-color: white; font-weight: bold; vertical-align: top;" value="(<a href="#cen-NIV-5156A" title="See cross-reference A">A</a>)"></sup></span><span style="background-color: white;"> and so confirms his covenant, which he swore to your ancestors, as it is today".</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">We celebrated David and Roselia's home. This was one of those special ones where the story might sound far fetched unless you were on the ground here to witness it. We didn't even realize all that happened until we heard the whole story at the key ceremony. </span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white;">David came to us in need of a home years ago. He has a small plot of land but no means to build a home for his wife and four daughters. They were living with a relative at the time. Fast forward to the Sunday before Thanksgiving, when the Stevens family was visiting us from Indiana. Chris and the family were on the way back from Buena Vista. (We had one more house to build before the end of the year and Chris needed to decide between 2 families, David's being one of them). They were on their way to see the <i>other</i> family so Chris could get a feel of which one to do next. As they were getting ready to round a corner, Chris saw David and Roselia walking toward them in the street. This, in and of itself, is a miracle because Chris usually drives past people we know on the street and never "sees" them <i>and </i>we had not seen this family in 2-3 months. He stopped and discovered that they were out looking for wood to build a shack on their land which was nearby. The family member told them they had to leave so they were </span>essentially homeless at that point. We knew immediately that they would get the next home and our friends visiting knew this was the family they wanted to sponsor a home for. Pretty neat story but that's just our side of it. For David, he learned on Saturday that they would have to leave and find another place to live. They prayed and asked for God to provide a place for them and Mario suggested they build a little shack on their land - they were praying for God to provide what they needed to build the shack - wood or cornstalk. That night, David had a dream that he was out cutting wood from trees. They got up Sunday morning and went out looking for pieces of wood to buy from people near their land. On the way they passed a little church so they stood outside and sang songs for a few minutes, worshipping God and praying for His provision. As they walked away from the church, they met Chris in the street. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The key ceremony was one of those moments where we could feel the presence of God and the communion between Him, David and Roselia and their family. It was a special moment. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In the midst of their need, they stopped to sing praises to their Lord. Chances are, had they not sang, they would not have seen Chris and he would have gone to the other family and decided to build that house first. </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>Chris and Holly Steedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02125272542743018043noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-911697543111442695.post-68278646801753211842013-01-31T21:13:00.000-05:002013-01-31T21:13:43.935-05:00Education Project Video<div style="text-align: center;">
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In case you haven't seen it here is a short thank you video for everyone that helped with the education project back in October & November. In the last few weeks the Children here began their school year. The project supplied several families with whom we are working school uniforms & supplies. It's hard to believe these are the things that keep kids from going to school here! We hope you enjoy the video.</div>
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Chris and Holly Steedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02125272542743018043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-911697543111442695.post-11210920757362301662013-01-24T09:39:00.001-05:002013-01-24T09:57:23.587-05:00Haide<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Haide's family has a 12x12 home, that's how we know them. They live way down the bottom of a hill in Buena Vista. When visiting them last year in February, Haide had quit school which only started in January. She was 11 at the time and was frustrated from kids making fun of her but that's all we got. Gladys (her mom) told us they needed supplies and uniforms. They got some help with all that and Haide went back. In September we visited them again to let them know we were going to ask people in the US to help with school supplies the next year and see if they would need help again (we knew they would). This time we learned that Haide will be going into the 5th grade but......she can't read. Of course this was one of those God appointed moments where we knew we had to help this girl with school. Otherwise, she doesn't stand a chance at having a better life. We left that day wondering how she was going to get help and praying that she would. There is no way she would get any help from the school there. How is this going to happen? </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Some time passes, our school supply/uniform fundraiser in the States was truly blessed and many kids were going to get help with school. We asked the family that sponsored Haide's home to sponsor their supplies/uniforms, we never mentioned the reading issue. Not only did they send money for the supplies, they sent 3 times what we needed! This will give Haide the opportunity to go to a small private school here in Magdalena to get the help she needs with reading. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The school is called Colegio de Memorial Norma De Monroy. We took Haide, her mom and baby brother there yesterday to get registered. I could tell she was nervous. What I thought would be a short registration process turned out to be a longer talk. The Director came out to see Haide and took her back to a room to see if she really could read (I don't think she believed her) and how much. While she was there, the assistant asked Gladys if they ever hit Haide or if she is punished for not reading. She asked if she hugs her kids and loves on them. Is their home a happy environment - some really blunt questions. When the Director returned with Haide, some more personal things came out and the questions got more blunt. It was a little awkward and there were tears but we left knowing this school would be a good place for a young girl who is timid and feels bad about herself for not being able to read. Turns out, she's 12 and doesn't even know her letters....and she was going to 5th grade. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">The verse for this story is the same as many others:</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Ephesians 3:20</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span class="reftext" style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://bible.cc/ephesians/3-20.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;"><b>20</b></a></span><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, </span><span class="reftext" style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px; margin-left: 1px; margin-right: 2px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px; vertical-align: text-top;"><a href="http://bible.cc/ephesians/3-21.htm" style="color: #0092f2; text-decoration: none;"><b>21</b></a></span><span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;">to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Amen!</span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">In getting an education, the odds are stacked against kids in Buena Vista. There are kids who graduate from 6th grade who can't read and write. It's baffling to us but there is hope for them! </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: #f9fdff; color: #001320; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21px; text-align: justify; text-indent: 25px;"><span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.educatebv.com/" target="_blank">Educate BV </a> is there and doing incredible things to help the students further their education and helping the community. Check out their website. The Schmidt's and Harman's are doing great things for Buena Vista! </span></span><br />
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Chris and Holly Steedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02125272542743018043noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-911697543111442695.post-9105981919052426932012-11-30T08:38:00.001-05:002012-11-30T08:38:23.745-05:00The Pig Family<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The family with the pig</td></tr>
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In a place where it seems everyone's name is Carlos, Jose, Maria, Sandra, Perez, Lopez, Hernandez, or Valesquez, etc., it's difficult to remember the names of people. We visited a couple of families recently and later I asked Chris about a certain one. He didn't know who I was talking about and I didn't know their names so I said "The family with the pig living in their house....the pig family". From here on out, they will be known to us as such. We also have "The Tree House Family" because they live a little ways out of town, up on the side of the mountain, in the woods. Being there reminded us of being up in a tree house. There was "The Plastic House Family" because they lived in a home made of plastic. Sometimes the reference is funny and sometimes not.<br />
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This couple, Paulina and Casimiro, live in a home/area with one of their sons, their daughter and grandson. They sleep on their only bed and Paulina and Casimiro sleep on the floor. This is one of the roughest homes we have seen - made out of sheets of lamina with gaps at the top where the cold air blows in and probably rain too, dirt floors and of course, the pig right in their cooking area with a few chickens. Do you know how dirty pigs are? If not, check out Google because if I go into those details I would be talking inappropriately and I tell my boys not to do that. It's disgusting, not to mention a health hazard. He's not their only hazard though. There are the elements they are exposed to and they cook over an open fire on the floor. Just from meeting this couple, you can tell life has been hard for them and they struggle to get by. They have a son and his family who live next to them in a small, two-room concrete house. We have seen this before - kids and their families live "inside" while the older parents basically live "outside". <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">pila where they wash</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">the pig </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">their stove</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">where they sleep</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">their son, daughter and grandchildren</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">their granddaughter </td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeFxY40ZynISjGL3_o3R0ODuQYS9dRqtwrsGXXqfZCM3YTQ2iRBzuk3aTdJiXkgh35CpEzqO-Z9YUtgU4l5fcduRQBkkDxe1iB1a1Y0dISw9pWGX-rvXMk4fmddeLGqUJLCGCWEZkJNhE/s1600/p1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeFxY40ZynISjGL3_o3R0ODuQYS9dRqtwrsGXXqfZCM3YTQ2iRBzuk3aTdJiXkgh35CpEzqO-Z9YUtgU4l5fcduRQBkkDxe1iB1a1Y0dISw9pWGX-rvXMk4fmddeLGqUJLCGCWEZkJNhE/s320/p1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">guys from Church on the Way bringing food</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDFf61ZwrdMG6K8nBVbqe0tlFlFJ5eBpsxPmhdhFnJK5jEeYutoSNoIkbqIN27OVQ4dxUVP0oSNM6AAZeyR4OJhknPZEPz3Xzo-UHlQ2SS18uMuw98mN18pLcSEOGLZYLUd-W3AcLiDrk/s1600/p6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDFf61ZwrdMG6K8nBVbqe0tlFlFJ5eBpsxPmhdhFnJK5jEeYutoSNoIkbqIN27OVQ4dxUVP0oSNM6AAZeyR4OJhknPZEPz3Xzo-UHlQ2SS18uMuw98mN18pLcSEOGLZYLUd-W3AcLiDrk/s320/p6.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">great guys from Church on the Way</td></tr>
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<br />Difficult story but it has a happy ending....they are getting a new home - thank you Church on the Way. Can't wait to post the update! The gift giving season is upon us and this family will receive one that will change the way they live and put a little hope in their hearts. <br /><br />Chris and Holly Steedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02125272542743018043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-911697543111442695.post-32235731089054679812012-11-04T13:49:00.002-05:002012-11-04T13:49:19.404-05:00School is Out!We've whined and complained for 10 months, but now it's time for a little break - school is out. Woohoo - we could not be happier! Jed had a little Prekindergarten program and Jack had a fancy graduation. Nothing special for Jon other than pure joy. Here are some pictures....<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9U9ORXszvm0kke2SCpa2aOyUztOlIGQ3qpkm-8lQ0JwXHXG_-ENpyotbdi8FpQYJcrFBMrhVOPqUULsu7Cn1Vd6D1AHhXOlpwI5D4EFcWO5KV35eg05BCSOQlvnzrgDvjMTDRDMkp6ME/s1600/sun1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9U9ORXszvm0kke2SCpa2aOyUztOlIGQ3qpkm-8lQ0JwXHXG_-ENpyotbdi8FpQYJcrFBMrhVOPqUULsu7Cn1Vd6D1AHhXOlpwI5D4EFcWO5KV35eg05BCSOQlvnzrgDvjMTDRDMkp6ME/s320/sun1.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">So excited to be going to our little brothers program</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A little toy soldier</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyxHJQYp9IYcb1ChRyaR8BWz_le1NQtTQ6QIoBu_xAMOJZ4Ea4vFyxdATfuTXSyjWkg-xtVC-7xrbNSt1hvbOO-YV80iBmvAy7mDo2PUkgTsRs2dW-rO4nhXu5D17vFGkpXwW5kI_J3A0/s1600/sun2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyxHJQYp9IYcb1ChRyaR8BWz_le1NQtTQ6QIoBu_xAMOJZ4Ea4vFyxdATfuTXSyjWkg-xtVC-7xrbNSt1hvbOO-YV80iBmvAy7mDo2PUkgTsRs2dW-rO4nhXu5D17vFGkpXwW5kI_J3A0/s320/sun2.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The paparazzi of parents</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Very proud of our boy!</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jack's cupcake was the only one with blond hair :) </td></tr>
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Chris and Holly Steedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02125272542743018043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-911697543111442695.post-80261571249047062942012-11-04T13:04:00.002-05:002012-11-04T13:04:37.272-05:00A Wedding for Miriam<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We've met many couples who live together and are not married. In spanish, they refer to each other as "spouse" but we've learned that it doesn't necessarily mean they are "casado" or married - they are "unidos" which means together. They love each other, are committed to each other, have kids together but never had the wedding. In asking a few questions, the answer is always the same - they didn't have money for a wedding. No surprise for people who live in poverty. Here, weddings are a big deal and expensive. You have to feed and entertain LOTS of people. The same goes for funerals. The moment someone dies, the family starts buying food to prepare for all the people who will come to pay their respects - it can be over 100 people. There is no option. They will borrow themselves into great debt for a lost loved one. I'm sure some will do the same for a wedding but not the ones we know. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The happy couple</td></tr>
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Marco and Miriam met in their youth group at church. One day there was a picnic at a park. They got to talking and here we are, 10 years later. They have lived together for 8 years and have two precious kids - Selvin 7 and Kelly 1. We met them because they received a 12x12 house - read about it <a href="http://steedstory.blogspot.com/2012/03/miriam-and-marco.html" target="_blank">here</a>. A few weeks ago, we had some friends in town. We went over to visit and got to talking. They told us about their upcoming wedding at their church. Every 2 - 3 years, the church puts on a wedding for couples who want to get married but don't have the money. They provide all the food, music, cake, ceremony, etc. The whole church helps out to make it a special day. As Miriam was sharing, she told us that they were going to wear their regular clothes, nothing fancy. Now, if you haven't read about their house yet, they are POOR. They barely have money to eat and sometimes don't even have that. We asked them what they needed and they said "nothing" - they never want to ask us for anything and rarely do. They feel that we have blessed them so much with their house that they do no want to take advantage. It was like pulling teeth out of a bear to get them to let us help pay for the cake, punch and flowers - at this point we didn't know the event was for 500 people! so we only helped with flowers and part of the cake. As we were leaving, we were all thinking the same thing - we have to get them proper clothes for the wedding. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the paca - we found the dress!<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"> </span></td></tr>
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A few days later, we headed to the paca (used clothes market) in Antigua. If we were in the US, we would have gone to a place like David's Bridal to shop but "Dorothy, we aren't in Kansas anymore." So where do we go? The paca. This is the place that stuff Goodwill can't/won't sell goes to die. There are different vendors set up who have tables with piles of clothes to pick through, some have things hanging up and sometimes there are piles of stuff on the ground. Nothing is in order according to size, etc. It was a small task to try and find all the clothing this family needed but after a few trips, we got it all - dresses, shoes, shirts, pants, jackets, ties, right down to little tights for baby Kelly. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Natalia (Miriam's mom), Kelly, Selvin, Marco, Miriam</td></tr>
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The wedding was lovely and the church was so kind in hosting this event. There were 3 other couples who got married that day as well. The mayor came and preformed a civil ceremony first followed by a church ceremony and then a big reception. I've said this before and you will hear it again and again, it really is a privilege for us to be part of all what God is doing here. I don't know how Miriam felt about what she would wear to her wedding or even if she prayed for God to provide something nice but He did. God has used us and a few of our friends many times to help this family with food, medicine, clothes and now their wedding. It's not us, it's Him and it's an honor to be His hands and feet. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Baby Kelly </td></tr>
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Chris and Holly Steedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02125272542743018043noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-911697543111442695.post-39406931683268783392012-10-16T09:43:00.000-04:002012-10-16T09:43:01.245-04:00Guatemala Education Project<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">After living here a little while and thinking in terms of what makes a "long term impact" in helping to break the cycle of poverty, we believe education is one of the keys. If a child can go to school, learn to read and write, and further his/her education by learning specific skills and a trade, their chances of getting a job that pays a good wage <i>greatly</i> increases. If having a job that can support a person or a family - a house, food, medicine, clothes, schooling, etc., then the chances of that person/family living in poverty greatly decreases. We know countless single moms who can't read or write and countless people who have never gone past the 6th grade, some of those can't read and write either. How do they support themselves and their families? They have jobs that pay minimum wage working in fields and tiendas but they struggle and therefore live in extreme poverty. We've asked ourselves, what can we do and the most logical answer would be to give those people a better job. But what is necessary for a better job? An education. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Here in Guatemala, primaria (elementary school) is free for students to attend. However, students may only attend if they can provide the required supplies and uniforms. The cost of those things is approximately $90 US Dollars. That amount of money is as much as one family might earn in one month here. Many families make much less money than that. Multiply that by 2 or 3 or 4 schoolchildren in a family and it is easy to see why so many kids do not get the most basic education. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Last month we started an education project that we are VERY excited about. We know so many kids and families here in Magdalena who can't always afford food and who often have their kids work to help support the family. We help these families as much as we can, but now we are helping the kids specifically. We have been working with some folks at Journey Church in Jacksonville to get these kids' school expenses sponsored, giving them an opportunity for an education. It has only been a couple of weeks, but people in the States have already poured so much love and support on these kids! We are thrilled and we are basking in God's goodness. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Unfortunately it seems we have hit a little bit of a bump. Getting an education is a challenge but for a couple little guys we know, the challenge is greater.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Meet Kevin and Selvin......</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Kevin 11 and is in 2nd grade. Most 2nd graders are about 7 years old. Kevin isn't like most 2nd graders, though. He dropped out of school this year because he can't read. Last week we took him to a tutor. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">She said he was "slow" and needs a lot of help - extra time doing assignments, more explanations, help with reading, etc. She recommended he go to a smaller school that could give him more attention. The only problem is that there is no smaller public school. There is no help for him at public school. The only schooling option he has right now is private school. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Selvin is 7 and is going to be in 1st grade. He has never been to school before. We just saw Selvin and his family last week, all dressed up. They were headed to enroll Selvin in a small, private school in a nearby town because he is "especial". We had no idea Selvin was in need of a special education! What we do know is his family was going there because they heard it was free and it seemed like their only option for an education for their son. But, the school they were going to visit is only free for students who live in that area, which would not include Selvin. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Both of these families are poor, poor and barely have food to eat and sometimes, even as I'm writing this, not even that. I have given both families food this week. Private school is not an option or even a possibility for these families. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">But I really can't accept that school is over for Kevin and that Selvin will never start. Both of these boys just got a pass to go work in the fields for the rest of their lives and are destined for a life in poverty. However, God put our family here for many reasons and these boys are two of them. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">There is a small, private school here that's great (affiliated with a group in the US) and takes all kids. ALL kids! This is really the only option that Kevin and Selvin have, but the tuition is around $30/month per child plus supplies and uniforms. After they have been in the school for 6 months, students are put on a waiting list to be sponsored by people in the US. Even after they are sponsored their families are still responsible for 1/2 the tuition- $15/month. It is my understanding that once they are in the school and they get sponsored through the organization, they are set for however long they stay in school, even through basico (middle school). But right now we are just praying that God would make a way for them to be enrolled at the school. We are trusting that He will work out the details. The tuition would be $300 for this year for each boy. School starts in January.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">I know it's a lot but it's not too much for God. </span><br />
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Chris and Holly Steedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02125272542743018043noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-911697543111442695.post-12725504125702025762012-08-20T11:52:00.000-04:002012-08-20T11:52:51.245-04:00Sara and Paula<br />
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In February of this year, there was a team of men that came to minister to widows for the week. One of the days they were out looking at a 12x12 house. As they were leaving, Chris saw a home across the way and remembered a lady who had come to our door looking for help with her house. Her name is Sara. He didn't know much about her situation but remembered that she lived in that house so the guys decided to go over and talk with her. Turns out Sara is a widow. 19 years ago her husband left to go to the US to work and has never been heard from since. Sarah was pregnant with her daughter Paula at the time and has done all she can to make a better life for them. Amazingly, Paula is still in school (she works during the week and goes to school on Saturday) and between the two of them working, they managed to buy a small piece of land to hopefully one day build a house on - one that wasn't made out of plastic and wood slats. Right there on the spot the men decided to build a house for this sweet lady and her daughter. Their lives are forever changed. Not only did they get a better home, they now have running water and electricity too. What a blessing!<br />
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Sarah is one of the nicest and most talkative Guatemalans we have met. These gals are great and it's neat to see God answer the prayers they have been praying for so long.<br />
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<br />Chris and Holly Steedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02125272542743018043noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-911697543111442695.post-116194477205739282012-07-16T08:54:00.000-04:002012-07-16T08:54:25.842-04:00Stoves<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">15 stoves arrived </td></tr>
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To date, we have put in over 50 stoves! What's the big deal about a stove? The primary benefit has to do with health and safety. There are lots of little ones running around and we have seen first hand the burns a fire can inflict upon a small child - falling into it or pulling scalding liquid onto themselves. It's horrible. Most people here cook over some sort of open fire. Some use blocks with a grate, the top of a 50 gallon drum, or just a plain old open fire on the ground. Alot of times we walk into a home or kitchen and have to walk right back out because of the smoke. <span style="background-color: white;">Many people here suffer from eye and lung problems due to the smoke they inhale from cooking on a daily basis. If you have ever been here, you know what I'm talking about.</span><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">These stoves burn the smoke so there is less smoke and a chimney for ventilation. </span><span style="background-color: white;">The secondary benefit has to do with efficiency. They use 60% less wood which means less trips up the mountain.</span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white;">Last summer there was an article in a local magazine about ONIL stoves made by Helps International. We bought a few as a team project to see if they would work well for the people here. They worked great! Our friends from</span><span style="background-color: white;"> Word Fellowship Church, New Jersey and </span><span style="background-color: white;">Church For The Beach, Florida saw</span><span style="background-color: white;"> the need and have raised funds for more stoves. Between these 2 churches and a few donors, LOTS of families are cooking safely and more efficiently. We are also able to provide work for our friend, Arturo, who installs each one. He's got a wife and family. It's a blessing for many!</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Before </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After - much safer for these guys</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Church For The Beach and Arturo </td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Word Fellowship</td></tr>
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<br />Chris and Holly Steedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02125272542743018043noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-911697543111442695.post-70158013464437772152012-06-24T18:00:00.000-04:002012-06-24T18:00:23.456-04:00Rain and Cold<br />
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The rainy season is in full swing here. There is a nice tropical storm hanging out over Guatemala - last year we had one hang out for almost 2 weeks. Not only does this make me seasonally depressed but sad for many of the people around us. Here, rain = water in the house, soaked bedding, clothes on the line that don't dry, pneumonia, mold, mud and misery. There is no drainage system so some people literally have water running through their homes. Not only are the living conditions rough but it's prime time for pneumonia. The average temperature with rain is 60 degrees. With the dampness and altitude, babies and young children can get pneumonia so easily and several babies in the 12x12 families have died since we moved here. Life in the rain is difficult, especially for those who do not have adequate housing. <br />
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<br />Chris and Holly Steedhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02125272542743018043noreply@blogger.com0