RPC Guatemala

Feb 26 Team Meeting!

2012-02-15T07:35:00.000-08:00

On Sunday, Feb 26 we will meet from 12:30-1:30 in the the Sr Hi Loft (south tower, upstairs).

This will be our first meet and greet of the entire team. This is a time to get through the details of the paper work; you'll need information from your passport and your medical insurance card.
Each team member will need a prayer partner! Think of someone you know that you would like to ask them to lift you in prayer while we are working in Guatemala. If they're not a RPC member, then please bring an address too.

We have a full team of 40! Feel free to bring your parents (along with any questions or concerns they may have).

Looking forward to seeing all of you there!

Summer Mission Team is a GO!

2012-01-04T13:07:00.000-08:00

We have 35 team members who are signed up for our Summer Mission Trip! That's more than enough to make an impact.

We will meet as a team a few times prior to the trip. Some will be informational and some will be pre-planning and prepping for our trip.

Look for an email by the end of next week for details. In the mean time, get those passports up to date and check in with your doctor or World Travel for immunizations (see the links at left).

Adios

Financial support letter request

2011-11-29T07:34:00.001-08:00

We have a sample letter available upon request. If you need to ask for some financial support from friends and family, we encourage you to do service work to attain your goal.
Post a request here. I'll email the letter directly to you.

Keep those applications coming!

2011-11-22T06:11:00.001-08:00

We have almost half the team! Still looking for your application to join us! Don't let financial problems hold you back; where there's a will, there is usually a way!

The application link is here on the blog (see left column) or at the church website: www.roswellpres.org

You can post questions here.

Deadline for applications & deposits (or full payment) is Dec 18, 2011.

Hacking problems

2011-11-15T09:31:00.001-08:00

I apologize for the worry and concern of a horrible email sent through my BELLSOUTH account. This was hacked into on 11/15/2011.

I have lost all my contact information and files.

Please delete anything that comes from the lisajenn@bellsouth.net account.

Sign-Up NOW for Summer Mission Trip!

2011-10-30T19:01:00.000-07:00

October 1 through December 18, 2011 is the time to Sign-Up for our summer mission trip!
We are filling 40 team spots. Once you turn in your completed application and deposit ($750) OR full payment ($1500), you will receive a confirmation. Applications are available on the church website; www.roswellpres.org.

May 25, 2012 - June 2, 2012
$1500 per person
Includes airfare, ground transportation, hotels, all meals, bottled water, and exit tax.

You must have a valid Passport. (see links on the left to apply for one)
Note the required immunizations for travel to Guatemala.

Information Meeting! All are invited.

2011-10-17T13:26:00.000-07:00

We'll be in the Sr High Loft on Sunday, Oct 23, 2011 at 12:30 p.m. to talk about the Guatemala Mission Trip. Bring your curiosity, your questions, your friends, and if you're a student...bring a parent!

Learn more about what we do while away in Guatemala!

The application is available online at the RPC website: www.roswellpres.org
Use this link to go directly to it: Guatemala 2012 application

Sign-up deadline is Dec 18, 2012. We take the first 40 completed applications with deposit, then start a wait list.

Visiting the Youth at RyeX!

2011-10-10T18:58:00.000-07:00

I am coming by on Sunday, Oct 16, 2011 to tell you how to sign up for the Summer 2012 Guatemala Mission Team!

You want to sign up early! We would like to have a team of 40; 20 youth and 20 adults.

Watch for bulletin notices and a table in the Narthex of the Main Sanctuary.

PWGuatemala 2010 Slideshow 2.mov

2011-10-10T18:51:00.000-07:00

Guatemala Summer Trip 2012

2011-09-19T10:11:00.000-07:00

Planning has begun for our Team Mission Trip to Guatemala. The dates will be at the end of May 2012 or beginning of June 2012. We will take a week of our time to travel to the mountains of Chichicastenango where we will work and fellowship as we are called by His Spirit. Our Guatemalan friends have missed us and look forward to working hand in hand again this summer!

An application will be available soon at the church website. www.roswellpres.org Sign-up for RPC members will open on October 1, 2011. Non members can sign-up beginning November 1, 2011. Final deadline will be December 18, 2011.

The cost is $1500 per person. This includes airfare, ground transportation, hotels, three meals a day, all water (to keep you hydrated), Ibuprofen (to keep the aches away), and your exit tax to get back home!

See the links on the left for more details.

If you have any questions about the trip, please don't hesitate to ask!

Summer trip postponed

2011-02-15T14:57:00.000-08:00

Our summer mission trip has been postponed. We will not travel to Guatemala in June.

Due to a multitude of issues, the council has decided to skip this summer's team trip. The project plans are ongoing and any funds can be easily transferred to continue supporting our friends in Guatemala. Please look for a personal email concerning your deposit.

The Feb 27 meeting is canceled.

Thank you for your interest in the trip. We hope to see you on future trips.

JUNE 2011 Summer Mission Trip

2011-01-17T18:45:00.000-08:00

The trip is currently scheduled for June 3-11, 2011 (dates are subject to change).

Applications (available at www.roswellpres.org) and deposits were due December 2010 (originally due in November, then were pushed back).

Full payment of $1350 is due by April 10, 2011. Most of our expenses are paid in advance so without payment, we cannot confirm your flight, hotel, or food.

Save the date: SUNDAY, FEB 27, 2011.

We will have a meeting at 12:30 p.m. (after 11:15 service). Room TBA.

Guatemala 2011 SIGN-UP!

2010-10-19T06:49:00.000-07:00

The summer mission trip will be JUNE 3-11, 2011 (dates are subject to minor changes).

$1350 per person, all inclusive! That's airfare, transportation, hotels, 3 meals a day, lots of fresh water, exit taxes, and a week of fabulous service work!

See the church website for the application form. www.roswellpres.org

Please drop off the completed application and the deposit to the church office at your earliest convenience. Deadline is November 30, 2010.

We're Checked in and ready to go!

2010-06-13T10:05:00.000-07:00

The whole team has checked in and we are safely at the gate in Guatemala City Airport.

Scheduled to board within the hour. Still showing on time.

See you at the Delta baggage claim at 7:15 p.m.!

adios!

Sunday, June 13, 2010

2010-06-12T22:45:00.000-07:00

Delta flight 596 is on schedule (at this moment) to arrive Sunday evening at 6:17 p.m.

It's a direct flight of 3 hours 40 minutes, so feel free to check the Delta website for other updates.

If we're on time, we should be at the baggage claim area by 7:15 p.m.

See you there!

peace,

Lisa

Schlepping 101

2010-06-12T15:31:00.000-07:00

Friday with final touches

2010-06-11T21:18:00.000-07:00

Half the team took off to finish up at River Run; or was that the Gunning Estates? A couple had a job at the nurses quarters and the rest of us stayed at the hotel. We were hosting dinner for our 171 scholarship students and there was plenty of set up to do.

Our team of 43 built 5 homes, poured 2 slabs, painted a school, 1 siding job, 1 roofing job, electrical work, did Vacation Bible School at two schools, hosted a community bbq and a scholarship dinner for over 200 people! We also worshipped with two local congregations and had fellowship and devotional time with each other everyday. By the grace of God, we were able to do His work as He led us to it.

We had a crazy evening at dinner with all the RPC sponsored students. The students really enjoy this meal we share and so do we! The international language of smiles, giggles, and hand motions go a long way in this room.

As a welcome, house warming gift, we provided some food items and 2 mattresses per house. I couldn't get back up there today, but I was told that the woman who moved into one of the homes, walked inside with tears of joy. This mother had told us how the waters came up so quickly that they only had time to get the family out with a bit of clothing as they ran to higher ground. She watched from above and wept as she saw her house and belongings taken by the waters. Today, she moved her family into a new home. Can I hear a big AMEN?!

peace & blessings

Thursday and we are working!

2010-06-10T22:16:00.000-07:00

Before I forget, last night for dinner we had some very special guest. Steve Osborn's wife, Sheryl and their son Joshua joined the team (just for the day, but who can leave 58 kids for any longer?). The Osborn's run Love the Child and presently have 58 children (48 are under 5 years of age) in their care. Sheryl shared a piece of their journey. They are a gift from God for so many orphan children here.

After dinner we were blessed to have Bill Vasey speak to us about his call from the Lord. Bill is known for his work on translating the Bible into the Quiche' language (just to name one thing). He is a missionary here in Guatemala serving Primitive Methodist Church. He encouraged us to go home and tell our church how important our work here is to the local missionaries. When groups like ours show up to work here, the local people see the Lord's eyes through our eyes, they see His hands, His feet, His love. This opens the door for the missionary to speak of God's love for them. We do these things because God loves them and he calls us to share that love. He was an inspiration to us!

Right after breakfast we set out as a team. Four trucks filled with tools, working hands, and loving spirits. We are almost done with 4 new homes! Three of the four sites have the concrete poured, the siding up, roof done, and most of the trim work completed. Did I mention that it rained most of the day? That no one complained as we all continued to work on the homes!

So, we're down to one slab to do (work horse Chinn required), 4 front doors (complete with handles) and some finishing trim on a couple (Bruce is getting very handy with the chain saw)... we also decided to do a couple of mini-porches on two of the homes (if we schlepped the concrete out there, we are going to use every bag!). Our goal is to be done shortly after lunch tomorrow.

We have our scholarship dinner in the evening. RPC members sponsor 173 children and they are ALL joining us for dinner!

Keep praying, we're not done yet!

Wednesday is here already

2010-06-09T06:03:00.000-07:00

We are on our way to breakfast, then straight to work. The whole team will be building together.

Here's a picture for some sweet thoughts.

Wow! The whole team went to River Run today. We set up four work crews and worked on four new homes! We ran out of wood and it's tough to find here. The Guatemalans actually cut it to order so we are hoping to have enough to finish the homes tomorrow. At 4:00 p.m. we all rallied at the new bridge for a "homeowners association sunshine visit". There are several youth on our team that did personal and group projects. Tied Together made blankets and Snoddy III collected soccer (football) equipment. They gave out the goodies to the families of the village where we are working.

It was a full day. Your kids are learning how to swing a hammer, how to level post, hang siding, and hopefully we'll do roofing lessons tomorrow along with concrete mixing, pouring, and smoothing. All in a good days work.

The ride home was interesting. It started raining and remember we move about in the bed of trucks. A tarp was the over head. They loved it!

All is safe. Showers are on going. Dinner in a few minutes. Devotionals and movie night.

7:00 a.m. comes early.

peace & God's blessings,

Lisa

Tuesday, 8 June

2010-06-08T20:01:00.000-07:00

I think I missed a day. It was a long day yesterday. Our River Run team moved a 2 ton rock... we had a visual on how God moves mountains! I'll let one of the boys give the details. All is safe and very happy! Let me give you seed to question them. Ask about forging the river and leverage. I won't give away any more. It was a total guy experience and the energy was high when they returned to the hotel.

Today we set out in four teams. The River Run crew was out by 8:00 a.m. with the A team of schleppers close behind, then two sets of Vacation Bible School. A couple of the girls on our team made blankets for every student at Chulumal. We handed out those blankets today. VBS is always fun and the local kids had a great time. At noon we re-grouped. The River Run got a second team, the Chulumal school painting was finished up, and a Pray America house went up. All teams are back safe and sound. We had a fabulous meal and should sleep extremely well.

Lots of moving parts and tomorrow is all new again.

Keep those prayers coming!

These are pictures of our River Run work project! We are building 4 new homes!

We have new goals!

2010-06-06T19:56:00.000-07:00

We have been given an opportunity to help. Our project money was all spent on Pray America Homes and eXtreme make over projects of concrete slabs, tin roofs, and tons of paint for the Chulumal school to get a new fresh coat. We made a call home to RPC for emergency funds to rebuild homes here (a small town that lost ten homes to the waters). Loss of life, homes, and all their belongings. As a team we decided to go out on faith to start at least one home. We canceled a restaurant meal for 43 (our whole team) so we could use the money to build. Today we got confirmation that RPC will provide funding for us to do more! Before I could announce it to the team we had a date with another local church. We walked down to Paster Abel's church to share messages, music, and fellowship. While we were there a local missionary got up and challenged the church members to share in this journey with us. The church members took up an offering while we were there. The men will join our team to work and the women will gather clothing and food. We may not speak the same language, but the Lord fills us all with the same spirit! There's the fuel money we will need to move supplies and crews back and forth!

Please continue to pray for our continued good health, inspiration, and well being as we serve the people of Chichicastango.

peace & blessings,

Lisa

PBJ crew is too much fun

2010-06-06T06:11:00.001-07:00

Because this group always has a fun time...

The PBJ crew is a different set of hands each night. They make about 80 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for the team lunches. It's always good to see this in action.

Sorry about the lighting. It's a storage room we have this little gathering in.

I think if you click on the picture it will go to it's normal size and you may even be able to figure out who's who.

FYI - we're wanting to do some extra rebuilds in a nearby town that was hit hard. They lost ten homes. For those of you wondering how you can help... maybe you can. I'll update soon.

Day 2, Saturday

2010-06-05T17:52:00.001-07:00

This morning we went to the boy girl thing. Boys went out schlepping and girls went into town. There's water at two places right now...the hospital (the well RPC put in a few years back) and this hotel! The local people are in lines filling buckets and 5 gallon containers.

The guys all worked hard, all day. We met up at Chulumal for a bbq with our prayer partners. We had two homemade grills made for us, 200 burgers with some trimmin's! Yum.

If I figure out how to download video, I'll add it later.

Mark & Bruce went on a scouting mission and found a town that was hit hard! Please pray as we try to help rebuild some of the ten homes that were lost.

We're at Casa Del Rey!

2010-06-04T16:25:00.000-07:00

Delta got us in the air about 30 minutes late, but the flight attendant was so entertaining no one noticed. The flight was uneventful and we landed safely in Guatemala City.

With over 80 bags, Delta only managed to lose one of ours. We loaded up on the bus, passed around Burger King lunches and water and away we went!

A quick stop at the Katook for a stretch break and back on the road. There is mud slide remanents every where. The driver did a great job.

We are settling in now. Dinner is at 6:30 p.m.!

Delta is flying!

2010-06-03T08:32:00.000-07:00

Today was the first flight out to Guatemala City!

Flight 461 took off on time. Our pre-team is on the way!

DELTA check in, re check!

2010-06-02T19:19:00.000-07:00

Keep watching Delta. I will also keep it posted here on the blog. Delta flies, we are a go-go!

The city of Guatemala is hard hit and we will have a much longer bus ride. Bring SNACKS, a book, maybe cards, speed scrabble, mind games? Think hours of quiet time.

The packing list is here to the left (ok, scroll down a bit). In light of the mess, you may want to scratch the scrubs and bring 3 pair of work jeans. 6 t-shirts are still a good idea and a sweat shirt or flannel shirt is good for the cooler evenings. Flashlights may come in very handy this year. :)

PASSPORT. Do you have it? Is it in your hands? You MUST have your passport!!!

One checked bag with all your supplies for the week (uh, the blue day pack stuffed with goods) and your VBS goods... t-shirt to rip apart, mug to break, and socks to make into puppets!

I will be in the lovely RyeX red "ONE" t-shirt at the security queue from 7:00 a.m to 7:30 a.m. Those tables with the zip lock bags, yeah... I'll be there, so please check-in with me; then make your way to the gate where Stephen will be in the same lovely RyeX red "ONE" t-shirt. Give him a tap on the shoulder and let him know you've made it!

If you did NOT make it tonight and need a copy of your flight confirmations, please email me.

peace,

Lisa

Guatemala Volcano & Tropical Storm

2010-06-01T15:49:00.000-07:00

Last week a volcano erupted south of Guatemala City. The ash created such a problem that the airport had to close.

A tropical storm hit the city and the continuous rainfall created mud slides and sink holes.

National Geographic Traveler gives some details:

http://blogs.nationalgeographic.com/blogs/intelligenttravel/2010/06/volcano-and-storm-trouble-guat.html

The airport is due to open again later this week.

I hope to see most of you on Wednesday evening. 6:45 at Ragamuffin.

Baby formula needed

2010-05-20T02:59:00.000-07:00

If you have room in your suitcase (and a few extra dollars to spare). There's a need for baby formula. One can of the powder formula (any brand, any kind will do). Similac, Enfamil, Good Start, Walmart even has a popular brand, Parent's Choice. With over 30 babies, the orphanage needs all kinds!

I will collect it once we arrive at our hotel.

Does everyone have all their immunizations?

Valid passport.

RX for travelers, uh, tummy problem needs.

Blue day pack full of supplies needed for our trip (we did this at our last meeting).

Any chance of getting together on June 2? Please post a comment of "yes" that works for me or "no" can do. If more than half the team is available, maybe we can meet up for a final count down!

Luggage Pick up!

2010-05-07T10:54:00.000-07:00

According to my sign in sheets, the following people did NOT make it to the Luggage Meeting last week. You will need to make arrangements to pick up your supplies that need to be packed into your checked bag for our trip.

Brian C

Stephanie F

Rebecca G

Lindsey

Davy

Lindsey & Davy, you may need to check with Finkel about field day supplies to pack!

Sunday, May 16, 2010

2010-05-07T10:52:00.000-07:00

RPC will be recognizing and commissioning all summer mission teams at the 11:15 worship service on May 16. Please make plans to attend this service. You do NOT need to sit together during the service. Please stand and be recognized at the appropriate time (it will be announced from the pulpit).

Sunday, MAY 2, 2010 Meeting!

2010-04-21T15:03:00.000-07:00

buenos días,

We'll have a luggage round-up, pile-up, mess of a meeting on SUNDAY, MAY 2, 2010.

12:30 p.m.-1:45 p.m.

Senior High Loft room

Bring your Vacation Bible School donations (the socks, t-shirt, & coffee mug).

Other supplies for the week will be there. Each team member will be taking his supply bag home to pack with his/her personal items. NOTE: If you decided to use a carry on bag for all your personal belongings, then PLEASE bring an empty suitcase with you that we can fill with supplies for you to check at the Delta counter on the day of our departure! (Each Delta ticket includes one checked bag in the price)

IF you cannot attend, please ask a family member or a friend to come by at 1:45 p.m. to pick up this bag for you. It is extremely important that you get this to Guatemala for our trip! If all else fails, contact Lisa Jennings and make arrangements for a pick up.

I will give a brief over view of what our week will be like in Guatemala, packing list, and some general rules of what is expected of you as a team member.

Guatemala Coffee purchase. This year it is prepackaged and must be ordered before we arrive. We are using a different supplier and it is only available in ground (no whole bean). The cost is $8.00 per pound and I will need your money by May 2, 2010. Please make the check payable to Lisa Gunning as we need to pay cash for the coffee. We are limited on the amount that we can purchase this year so please get your order to me as soon as possible. You will receive the coffee while we are there and will need to pack in your personal suitcase for the return home.

I hope you are all up to date on your immunizations! I pray that all of your passports have arrived! And I am looking forward to seeing all of you at this meeting!

Don't forget that the final payment is due April 30, 2010.

If you have not given me a copy of your new passport, bring it to this meeting.

In a perfect world, we'll all meet as a team for an Ice Cream Social just prior to our departure!

peace & joy,

Lisa

SPENDING MONEY & Balance of team fee due

2010-04-13T19:14:00.000-07:00

For those of you wanting to purchase goodies while in Guatemala, please drop off a check for spending cash to be converted for you. We need this by next week, April 21. Make the check payable to RPC with "Guat spending $" in the memo line. Drop it at the church office, in the Sunday offering basket, or in the Guatemala Mailbox.

The final payment for your team fee is due April 30, 2010.

RPC youth $1000, RPC adult $1350, Non-members $1550

Please NOTE: A private email with your balance due will go out this week.

VBS needs

2010-04-13T19:09:00.000-07:00

Don't forget to toss a few of those extra (stray) socks from the laundry room into a bag for Guatemala. They will all turn into wonderful sock puppets!

Diane has also requested a donated t-shirt from each of us and a colorful coffee mug (to be broken for mosaics).

Questions should be directed to Diane at diane@roswellpres.org

Sunday, March 21, 2010 Meeting

2010-02-23T14:39:00.000-08:00

Due 2/28/10 - Prayer partner letters.

I hope you received your email from Lisa Gunning concerning prayer partners. This is a new idea, so please be patient as we grow a fresh branch onto our great Guatemala experience! The letters are to be turned into Lisa by Feb 28th (there's a box on top of the elder mailboxes in the Main Hall of the church). Questions? contact Lisa G at lgunning@bellsouth.net

Mtg 3/21/10 - Team Gathering in Sr Hi Loft at 12:30 p.m.-1:45 p.m.

We will gather as a team for a brief business meeting; a payment of $400 will be due; we will work on some things for our work week.

A light lunch will be available. Donations for food is always welcomed! Thanks.

Passports for Tickets!

2010-02-06T23:16:00.000-08:00

Hi All,

If I do not have your passport information, I cannot purchase your ticket. I need this information by Sunday, Feb 7, 2010.

You should also have a minimum of $400 toward your cost paid into the church (that was due by 1/24/10).

Have a great SUPER BOWL SUNDAY!

The Team is FULL

2010-01-27T21:11:00.000-08:00

Sunday was well attended, and we are now a full team! There is a wait list.

Sam H, Lisa J, Ben C, Chuck M, Mark K, Lisa G, Bruce G, Chuck K, Debbie S, Lane A, Stephen F, Carmen E, Mark S, Lisa S, Diane D, Tom D, Mike H, Charles C, Lindsey R,

(2 additional leader names pending)

Stephanie F, Paul J, Richard K, Beth Anne C, Rebecca G, Alicia M, Emma W, Chad L, Sarah C,

Catie S, Garrett O, Chaz G, Brian C, Samantha S, Dan S, Connor H, Mark S III, Margaret S,

Scott W, Rachel D, Hannah D

At this point your application should be on file, a copy of your passport turned in (yes, even if it's expired; note any name changes), and a minimum of $400 paid toward your cost.

If your passport is expired or you do not have one, please apply/renew as soon as possible. Check with your doctor about your immunizations being current.

Check blog weekly for upcoming dates!

MEET n GREET, Januay 24, 2010

2009-12-20T11:49:00.000-08:00

Our first meeting will be on Sunday, January 24, 2010.

RPC Senior High Room (this is the room at the top of the stairs).

12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m. (immediately following the 11:15 service)

All confirmed team members, parent(s) of youth team members, and/or interested in joining the team, are welcomed to attend.

Please bring a black & white copy of your passport (or you can email a copy to me).

Thanks!

Taking Names!

2009-11-17T14:42:00.001-08:00

Here's a quick list of the team we are building for 2010.

Lane A

Beth Anne C

Brian C

Ben C

Sarah C

Diane D

Rachel D

Tom D

Hannah D

Carmen E

Stephanie F

Rebecca G

Bruce G

Chaz G

Lisa G

Sam H

Chuck K

Mark K

Richard K

Chad L

Chuck M

Alicia M

Garrett O

Debbie S

Samantha S

Mark S

Lisa S

Mark S III

Margaret S

Catie S

Emma W

Lisa J

Paul J

Stephen F

Summer intern ?

35 confirmed deposits. Thanks! You guys will be hearing from me soon!

APPLICATIONS FOR JUNE 2010

2009-10-06T11:25:00.000-07:00

The Guatemala 2010 Team Mission trip is being planned now.

The application is available on the RPC website now!

(go to http://www.roswellpres.org/article124999.htm , see: To Register: Click Here for Guatemala 2010 June Mission Trip Application Click here for the RPC Release and Waiver of Liability (required) Medical Consent Form

Travel dates are June 4-12, 2010 (dates are subject to change).

RPC youth: $1000. RPC adults: $1350. Non-members $1550.

What a trip!

2009-06-14T15:43:00.000-07:00

The flight home was uneventful. The hide and seek luggage game at the Atlanta airport was no fun, yet we all managed. Well, we did lose Grant for a few questionable minutes. :)

As planned, we were down at the baggage claim area right at 7:30 p.m. and a BIG THANKS to all the parents who were there waiting for us! I know the kids appreciated your welcome and I did too!

Each team member contributed to a fabulous week of service. They gave their time, body, and hearts over to the Lord and through their actions, the Spirit was shining brightly in the mountains of Guatemala. What a great team of youth. Parents, please give them the praise they deserve for the amazing good they shared so openly with so many.

I am thankful for your faith in your child to do this; I am thankful in your trust to allow the church to take them on this international trip; I am thankful for God's gift of this time I was blessed with in sharing 9 days with your children.

They woke early, worked a full day, attended devotionals each evening and had great fellowship time together till 11:00 (they would have gone longer, but it's lights out at 11).

I hope you find time to go through all the pictures they brought home and hear each story. There are so many stories! Ask about what they ate for breakfast? Where did they teach VBS? What age were their kids? What they ate for lunch? Did they do PB&J? Describe the school they taught at? Who did you sit with at scholarship night? What work site were you on? What songs did you sing? Who were your roommates? What did you see at the market? How did you get around... bus? truck? tuk-tuk? Was the hospital like American hospitals? Did you walk up to work sites? Did you get to paint? Did you see a surgery (okay, this was a special treat for a few pre-med thinkers)? What was Abel's church like (Sunday's service)? Did you see the slaughter house in use? What was the name of the dog that attached itself to our group? Who is Steve? And my personal favorite... what's your best take away moment?

You have incredible kids. Don't let another day go by without telling them that. Thank you for sharing them with me!

peace, love, & joy,

Lisa

Delta says we're on time

2009-06-13T07:59:00.000-07:00

We're loading up for the jump to the airport now. Delta still has us on time. We'll see you around the baggage claim tonight.
Almost home....
peace, joy & love to all of you who have been praying for us!

Friday, choose your path

2009-06-12T06:27:00.000-07:00

We're about to have breakfast. The food here is great. Eggs, toast, pancakes, bacon, fresh fruit, yogert and cafe' leche', yum.

This morning you can go to the Lake or to Love the Child. Then we'll meet back up at the airport hotel in the City. Last minute details....

A reminder, we land tomorrow at 6:09 p.m. With any luck we'll show up at baggage claim around 7:30 p.m. I won't leave until all the parents show.

Adios!

Thursday, to Market we will go!

2009-06-11T17:07:00.000-07:00

Thursday and the world famous market of Chichicastengo is calling. First things first... finish up at the hospital, do the audit and one more job site. Serapio's house doesn't have cement floors! Imagine that? The pastor here, that helps us all year long, that's Serapio.

By lunch we were all done. Groups went out shopping for some bargains. And bargains, we did find. You won't believe the stuff your kids are coming back with.

We wind down with the craziness of luggage tonight.

Devotion time will include communion. We have much to be thankful for!

Wed, finishing up projects...

2009-06-11T06:39:00.001-07:00

We built 2 new Pray American homes from the slab up. Under the direction of Mr. Squires, everything was square. We completed 9 extreme home make overs and upgraded real estate prices significantly in multiple areas. We saw of the poorest of the poor and tried to make their lives a bit better. Today we're going to do the Southern living tour of homes. One highlight should be visiting Virginia the pig and getting an update on her growth and family plans. Through out the greater Chulumal area we will visit 3 of the Pray America feeding centers. We'll wrap up the day and the tour by making gifts of rechargeable lanterns to some of the award winning homes within the Southern Living Tour. -Mark Snoddy, Jr.

Despite what your church email (of the Sunday bulletin) says, we are not back yet. Still in Chichi.

Keep the prayers going!

Tuesday, June 9

2009-06-09T20:38:00.000-07:00

We finished building a second home today! We also completed two more extreme makeovers. We are well into the remaining two makeovers. As a matter of fact, we will more than likely be done by lunch time tomorrow! Mr. Snoddy is presently looking for more construction sites that we can work on for the remainder of tomorrow and Thursday. How's that for an amazing team! Go Guat 2009!

This may be the youngest team ever for Guatemala. Ann, can you check that some where in church records? :) We have 10 people less than last year and have done more work, in less time. Praise God for using us in such wonderful ways.

FYI: Your kids are learning how to do tear downs, paint and how to drive a nail. They can now officially help around your house. What a nice kudo, eh?

Keep the prayers going!

Monday, action!

2009-06-08T16:02:00.000-07:00

We started our day at 7:00 a.m. and by 8:30 a.m. there were teams loaded and moving out!

Vacation Bible School at Chulumal till noon.

Vacation Bible School at Quiche' till noon.

Team Squires - a new build from the ground up.

Team Gunnings - eXtreme make over.

Team Overman - eXtreme make over.

Team Chinn - hospital painting.

At noon we were back in vans and trucks redistributing team members from VBS to work sites.

Great news... Team Squires completed the house! Really, the new family is moving in today!

Team Gunning finished their first job too! Team Overman is finished there first site! Woo Hoo! And team Chinn is well under way. We have 8 sites in all to work on and three more days to get it done.

Keep those prayers coming. It was another beautiful day!

The team is now cleaning up for dinner. Can I tell you that the concrete schlepping folk are all white? The painters have a lovely shade of grey/black hands now, and those doing the digging, well... there's not enough hot water for this.

It is the Lord's day today!

2009-06-07T17:00:00.000-07:00

We slept in this morning, till 7:30 a.m.! The local missionaries do a worship service here at Casa Del Rey. We had breakfast, then joined them at 10:00 for a great service! We gathered as a team at 11:30 for pre-market rules. Lunch on the go and off to the world famous market of Chichicastengo! The sun was out all day again. Keep the prayers going because we would love three more days of this beautiful weather.

This afternoon we joined Abel at his church. We can walk from the hotel, so this is especially nice for us. Tim was the guest preacher and Finkel lead us in music. Four of our young adult leaders were asked to lead the the children's Sunday school hour. It was good to hear the good news in English, Spanish, and Quiche'.

God's grace is good!

We have special guest joining us at dinner tonight. The people who run the hospital, Alma and Antonio; the doctor missionary and his family, Dr. Tom, Jeena, Rosie, & Laura; and the Dr. Don who traveled from Roswell to help with surgeries all this week.

Maybe some pics later....

adios for now.

Day 2, Saturday

2009-06-06T11:23:00.000-07:00

P.S. There's a two hour time change we needed to adjust to.

Personal devo time was at 7:00 a.m., I found the coffee early. Yum, Guatemala coffee is the best! Remember, our day started at 5:00 a.m. Ouch!

The whole team went over to Chulumal for a little fellowship with Serapio's church. This is also one of the schools where we will do Vacation Bible School (Monday thru Wednesday).

There are two teams out right now setting up various work sites. Okay, so they are what we sweetly refer to as "schlepping" bags of cement. Two truck loads were delivered to different parts of the city then our big strong guys load up the pick up trucks and deliver to our work sites. The remaining people are back at Casa Del Rey, setting up for our big dinner with all the scholarship kids. This is always a fun evening!

I took a break for lunch. There's a picture of a typical sack lunch for the week. Good stuff!

Almost done (and it's taking forever to type with one hand).

living la vida loca--day 1

2009-06-05T18:19:00.000-07:00

The RPC Guatemala Team could be found bright-eyed and bushy tailed this morning at 5am, heading towards the Atlanta airport. All managed to schlep their supply bags to the check-in counter, grab that golden boarding pass and arrive safely at the gate! A few hours later, we arrived in Guatemala City with all 74 bags! Lunch was on the bus and we were on our way to Chichicastengo.

We're here. We've loaded, unloaded, loaded, unloaded and moved around enough luggage (not to mention the water and power aid) to last another year. Had a team meeting, dinner, and devotional time. It's been a long day and not quite done yet... The PB&J gang is busy making tomorrows lunch for the team.

We start all over again tomorrow at 7:00 a.m.

Thanks for all the prayers!

My bags are packed, I'm ready to go...

2009-06-02T14:47:00.000-07:00

I'm gathering my personal bag items and thought I would share. I do NOT like to over pack, so this is what I call traveling light.

2 pairs of scrubs (my work pants)

1 zip away water resistant pants (yes the ugly ones), working pants

5 t-shirts

1 long skirt (for church services) & a matching top

1 night shirt

8 pair underwear

2 sports bras

6 pairs of socks

work shoes/closed toe!

work gloves

1 flannel shirt

1 rain coat

shampoo, deodorant, toothbrush, toothpaste, comb, hair ties, facial cleaning wipes

sun screen

1 bandanna (you may want to bring a hat)

day (drawstring) bag

On me will be a pair of jeans to travel in, a very comfy t-shirt (Red RyeX, "ONE") so you can find me at security check in, a pair of shoes that will go with my skirt (closed toe), and my back pack filled with these things:

- MY PASSPORT

-copy of Delta Confirmation ticket info

-medicines

-an ink pen

-bandanna

-sun glasses

-eye glasses

-hand sanitizer

-a book to read for the week

-a bit of cash (coffee while we wait and maybe some munchies)

-my laptop (okay, so I have to...to keep up with all the details!)

-Guatemala cell phone (this is for leaders in Guatemala, not for phoning home)

Day pack...

2009-05-31T12:42:00.000-07:00

Your typical day pack. It has your work gloves, hand sanitizer, tissue (uh, tp) , sunscreen, safety glasses or sunglasses.... your lunch and water fits in here too. We leave in the morning, bringing everything we need for the day. We don't go back to the hotel between VBS and working.

This could also be your purse/bag for the flight, just fill it with your papers/passport and things. Once we're in Guatemala it becomes your day pack!

yes it's a mirror image; web cams do that.

COUNT DOWN

2009-05-31T12:26:00.000-07:00

Here we go into the last week before our travels. You should have picked up your envelope with a copy of your e-ticket for the trip, a copy of what is packed inside your supply bag, a copy of your passport, a small Guatemala booklet filled with priceless info!

I am hopeful that everyone has picked up their supply suitcases by now (there were only 3 left in the office as of Thursday afternoon).

Please go over the packing list (on the left) and if nothing else, solid enclosed work shoes, work gloves, and hand sanitizer ... the rest of the things, we can share and trade as needed (but do you really want to go there?).

You are responsible for getting to the airport Friday morning. Please get there between 7:00-7:15 a.m. This is an international flight, you will need time to check your 2 bags, go through security (see me there) and then make your way to the gate, where you will have a final check in with Finkel.

Any questions?

peace,

Lisa

Thank you!

2009-05-19T07:00:00.000-07:00

The commissioning went great! Many thanks to all of you who attended the service.

The meeting was also well attended. Hopefully you all made it to the check list of luggage pick up, personal tagging, emergency contacts, and for the 20 year old plus crowd, the child protection policy form.

All payments were due at the end of April. The church has made all the required payments on your behalf for your airfare, hotels, in country transportation, food, taxes, and exit fees.

Please check your prescriptions for dates to start your malaria pills.

Once you have walked thru all the check list of payments, luggage, and forms... you can pick up final papers which include an e-ticket for check in.

Packing list is here on the blog, left column. KEEP your Passport on your body. Do not pack it!

Order coffee today with Lisa Gunning. lgunning@bellsouth.net

Beanie Baby collection for the scholarship kids we sponsor! Please contact Lisa Gunning with how many you have... lgunning@bellsouth.net

Ask your friends and neighbors for any beanie babies or small stuffed animals they can donate to a very wonderful cause!

MAY 17, 2009

2009-04-30T08:42:00.000-07:00

Please attend the 11:15 Sunday service (sit where ever you like) to be commissioned as a part of a RPC Mission Team. After service we will go to the Fellowship Hall for a team meeting, lunch (bring $3 per person), and VBS preparation! Maybe we can even learn a song while we're gathered as a complete team. :)

We will also be taking orders for Guatemalan Coffee! This is a great gift for any special friend or for your parents, who so lovingly allowed you to join the team.

Here's the check list that you should have already done!

-paid cost in full; ZERO balance due on your account.

-brought in your personal suitcase to be tagged (empty, to Jennifer).

-delivered supply suitcase to the office (and possibly picked it up already).

-spending money for exchange.

-passport copies (2 black & white) turned in

-all immunizations done

-payment

-certificate of service (auction)/work night

-application & deposit

PAST DUE!

2009-04-17T09:36:00.000-07:00

A few things to be sure you've done:

-Supply suitcase to church office! (we are short about 20 bags, are you one of them?)

-Spending money to be exchanged from U.S. to Q's (due 4/15/09, I'll take this till Wed 4/22/09) PLEASE mark the memo line "Exchange money Guatemala"

-passport copies (these were due on 4/15/09 and I am still shy about 6 members) two black & white copies to the front office.... like yesterday!

UPCOMING DATES TO NOTE!

APRIL 29, 2009 Final payments are due. Each team member needs to be paid in full. Please contact Carmen for your balance (carmen@roswellpres.org).

MAY 17, 2009 All mission teams will be commissioned at the 11:15 service. Please plan to attend.

MAY 17, 2009 Team meeting at 12:30 in the Fellowship Room. We will be preparing the VBS supplies, have a team lunch, and get more details for the trip. Bring $3.00 per person for lunch cost. :) This is for TEAM MEMBERS ONLY, those actually traveling on the mission trip.

Thanks & food for thought...

2009-03-31T07:23:00.001-07:00

Thanks to all those who have been making on-time payments or have already paid in full! This helps reduce the paper work!

Thanks for making it to the meetings and bringing in your supply suitcase. Oh, you haven't done that? PLEASE, go grab a suitcase and bring it to the church now... at least put it in the trunk of your car so you can leave it on Sunday. :) Be sure to put your name in it and if you want this returned or donated (there are luggage forms at the desk).

Drop off two copies (black & white) of your passport by April 15, 2009. NO excuses. You should have this by now and I need the copies. In an envelope, at the front office, attention LISA/Guatemala.

Cash for Guatemala spending... Write a separate check to RPC, note Guatemala cash on the memo line (with the team member name) and drop that with your passport copies.

I recommend $75-100 U.S. which converts to a real shopping spree in country. The money will magically appear in your hotel room in Chichi already converted to Q's... isn't that amazing? Due by April 15, 2009.

Last and final payments for every team member is due April 30, 2009. If you need a balance please contact Carmen at the church (carmen@roswellpres.org). Don't forget to make a note in the memo: Guatemala/team member name.

Happy Spring Break!

MARCH 18 - WED NIGHT

2009-03-06T08:00:00.000-08:00

Team Meeting to do EITHER Wed, March 18 or Sunday, March 22. Please let Lisa know which one you plan to attend. You can reply online to this blog or email her at lisajenn735@yahoo.com.

Bring an empty suit case with you. "What kind of suit case" you ask?

A BIG (preferable rolling) suit case for supplies to be packed and checked onto the airplane with us. Each team member will (hopefully) be allowed two bags for our international flight. We use one of these checked bags (this reduces our mission cost) and you will still have one bag with your personal items.

Feel free to bring your suit case to the church office now (that means today), prior to the meeting. Just please bring it by Wednesday, as we are packing things on March 18 (yes, it has begun). If you want the bag back at the end of the trip, please be sure your name is clearly marked on the bag. If you are donating the bag (do not need it back), then just place a slip of paper inside saying donated by (you).

March 18, Wednesday night, 6:30 p.m.-7:30 p.m. Senior High Room. Parent(s) of youth should come to one of these. Dates, money, immunizations, passports, times, locations, schedules,... these are a few items we'll go over. June will be here before we know it!

If you can't make it Wednesday night, then March 22, Sunday is a must for you. 12:30-1:30 p.m. in the Senior High Room.

FYI, I really like to start and finish on time. I will make myself available after both meetings for additional questions. Sorry, no food, just good information to know!

Thanks!

peace, love, & Guatemala!

THINGS TO DO!

2009-02-11T11:39:00.000-08:00

Hi all,

Many of you have turned in your Silent Auction item or Certificate of Service for the big event on 2/27/09. If you haven't, please log on to the church website, go to Mission Outreach, you will see the big puzzle pieces on the right hand side of the page, "click here" will take you to the donation form, so no excuses!

Let me know what part of the evening you'll be attending, so you can help out at the event. Isn't being a team member the best!

The next scheduled meeting will be Wednesday, March 18 at 6:30-7:30 p.m. OR Sunday, March 22 at 12:30-1:30 p.m. I will give the same information out at both meetings, this is for your convenience, every team member needs to attend (one).

A second payment is due by March 18. Please submit $300 toward each team members total amount due. Payable to RPC and note the "team member name(s)/Guat 09" on the memo line of your check. This can be dropped in the offering plate at any service or mailed into the church office, attention Carmen.

Service Certificates Due FEB 15th!

2009-01-29T11:11:00.000-08:00

Each Guatemala team member needs to donate a Service Certificate to the Silent Auction. You can do this as a family or with another team member (groups of 2 or 3). Examples for you...

- Baby sitting services. 4-5 hours.

- Lawn care services. Cut, edge, rake. ?

- Hauling service. Have truck & muscle. 4 hours within 20 miles of Roswell

- One home cooked meal delivered to requested home. Salad, dinner, dessert.

- Pressure wash a home; up to 2500 sq ft

- Tutoring services for elementary math (or your best subject); 2, 30 minutes sessions.

- Hand wash car.

Be creative. What do you do and can help others by offering your service?

Submit your idea in writing with the contact name, phone, and email. Please put it in an 8x10 frame and drop it at the church office. Any frame will do, I will transfer the information onto a standard certificate (so don't stress over your handwriting).

Thank you!

~yes, you can also just hand it to Lisa on Sunday morning!

OUR FUND RAISER, FEB 27, 2009

2008-12-13T10:52:00.000-08:00

Faith In Action sponsors a Silent Auction to raise funds for all the RPC mission projects. This year the event theme will be "Connecting Neighbors...Near & Far", don't be the missing piece. It takes a lot of small pieces to come together to create the big picture. Right now, you (as a team member) need to talk about the Silent Auction and the pieces we need to make it a smashing success. A few things:

-donate any extra, duplicate, or unwanted Christmas gifts to the Silent Auction team;

-create service projects (baby sitting, cooking a meal, yard work, what ever) into gift certificates to be auctioned;

-vacation homes can be auctioned (you can decide the guidelines);

-lunch with a celebrity/politician/teacher/preacher/etc;

-any product or service that can be donated to the auction!

People have all kinds of interest, so what may not sound great to you, may be the very thing some one else has been looking for!

Every team member will be participating in this event. If there is a conflict with the night of the event, be sure to contact me about being a part of the planning team.

Each team member needs to donate an auction item (feel free to do this in multiples of two or three). See the church website for the donation form.

Where can I get my immunizations?

2008-11-17T16:10:00.000-08:00

Your regular doctor may be able to help you with many of the immunizations you need to travel to Guatemala. Most of you are more than likely current with your Tetanus, as well as Hepatitis A and B. Do check with your doctor to be certain of the dates. Tetanus requires a booster to those adults who will be traveling with us. The Typhoid immunization can be given by injection or it can be taken orally (pay attention, it's a bit tricky). I have personally used both World Travel Care (see the link to your left) and Passport Health. I also know of some past team members using the North Fulton Health Center here in Roswell (www.gradyhealthsystem.org).
The health care providers at World Travel will review all current recommendations for traveling to Guatemala. They will also provide a prescription for the ever popular Cipro (or another kin to it) for travelers diarrhea. Malaria tablets are often prescribed too.

November 2008

2008-11-14T07:05:00.000-08:00

Thanks to all of you who came by last Sunday for the Meet & Greet. Told you it was a simple, hello. My index cards of questions were a breeze for most. If you weren't able to stop by you missed the informal mix of who's on the team. Next go round is a formal meeting with details.

Are Sunday's a good meeting day? (Here's a perk for you checking this blog.) Let me know with a comment.

For now, enjoy your Thanksgiving! We'll meet again, after the holidays!

First Meet & Greet

2008-10-28T07:10:00.001-07:00

Welcome to the Guatemala 2009 Summer Team!

The deadline for sign up was 11/2/08. The spots are all filled and there is a wait list. Congrats to all of you who chose to sign up early, beat the rush, and save your seat!

On Sunday, November 9, 2008 we will do our first Meet & Greet after the 11:15 service. Please meet outside the Fellowship Hall (near the magic coffee machine).

To sharpen our skills as servers, you can stay and help with the Veterans Lunch. Each team member will be required to assist in at least two RPC projects prior to our departure. This is a celebration lunch that the youth host each year. We can help set up, serve and/or clean up. Send me a note if you want to participate (they only need about 8).

Peace,

Lisa

Mark your calendar.

2008-10-20T22:58:00.000-07:00

Guatemala Team 2009 will be taking off on Friday, June 5, 2009 and returning home on Saturday, June 13.

The deadline for sign up is Sunday, November 2, 2008.

A total of 50 youths & adults will be traveling on the team.

Official notices will come to you, via email on 11/2/08.

Our first Meet & Greet is set for Sunday, November 9, 2008.