Opening Night

Posted on February 9, 2015 by adrienneorris

The first day of classes arrived and the ceremony was had. I couldn’t help but think through it all ….that what we had talked about had really happened. I looked out over the crowd of faces as different people spoke and had chills thinking of how long some of them had waited for the opportunity. I watched their faces, read their body language and thought of their journey as well. The Ministry of Health was here along with representatives from San Pablo, making the day a very full day, but one that also sang the praises of Christ.

During the teacher training, the representative from San Pablo spoke about Emotional Intelligence and multiple ways of teaching and learning and I was over joyed to hear her talk. Afterwards I had the opportunity to speak with her and share more and was so encouraged by the values and focus that she had for education. So thankful for all that this day help and for the opportunity in front of us. Thanks for coming alongside us on this journey.

Foundations

Posted on February 1, 2015 by adrienneorris

Webster’s defines foundation as an underlying basis or principle of something.

Right now is such an important time, in every area of the ministry as the foundation is being laid. The principle is set. First things are first things. When I think about the fact that in ten, twenty or even fifty years, the work that is going into this year will still be continuing…. It makes me think of how important that foundation is.

I had a picture in my office that read “ The rains came, the streams rose and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock.” Matthew 7:25 These words encouraged me daily to be sure that my foundation in my life was built on the Rock. So many times it seems as if the winds are blowing and the rain is falling here as obstacles and set backs are the norm in this culture. But if we can keep our focus on building the foundation, then we can trust that the Rock will sustain it.

This week we took a day to dedicate the hospital project to the Lord and shared with all those who are involved the purpose of moving forward. Local mayors gathered to be a part of the ceremony as well as representatives from the school and many who have been involved with this project.

One of the most significant parts of the night was the burying of objects underneath this foundation – a Bible to represent Christ’s word and promises, wine to represent His sacrifice, wheat to proclaim that He is the bread of life, oil to represent the presence of the Holy Spirit and salt because Jesus is the salt of the earth… and also because salt is used as a preservative representing how we as Christians carry the responsibility to be the salt of the earth. There symbols represent the foundation of why we are building this hospital – because we believe that Jesus wants to move amongst the people here. And so, in a small hole in the center of the prayer room floor, nestled under the foundation will remain these things.

To read another perspective on the day, check out the Epperly’s blog at http://epperlyadventures.blogspot.com/

Here the mayor of Uspantan is addressing the crowd.

Duane took this as he flew over. You can see the hospital ground better than ever! The darker lines are the trenches that have been dug and filled with footer. The white lines are waiting to be dug and the tents are in the middle of the hospital. If you look closely beside the buildings on the side, you will see me in a grey sweater. I was waving 🙂

Work Program – Education for All

Posted on January 19, 2015 by adrienneorris

Over the last year I have learned how to value education even more than I did before. I have seen how just a little education can light a fire and turn around someone’s life. I have seen how a little education can give confidence to a mother to take her child to a hospital to save the child’s life. And I have watched the twinkle of hope flow into young bodies as they realize that they can dream for the first time of a future different from working in the fields until your body fails you from years of hot sun and back breaking work.

And so our hope has been to make our school available to anyone who has a desire to lift themselves out of their current life and press on. Our school is different. It is not easy. It requires work. And if you don’t have intrinsic motivation, you may not finish. But what is also different about our school is that we want these students to be leaders within their communities, to learn to serve others with gentleness and compassion, and to not be afraid of leading a different life than many of the adolescents that surround them. Pregnancy and drunkenness are often the norms in adolescent life here and our students have decided to continue with their education in hopes of breaking the cycles that engulf so many here.

To do this we have created a work program where students can earn a partial scholarship that will pay for their schooling. As part of their program, they work at the school to earn their scholarship. In dollars, school costs $60 a month. The students who are in the work program pay $15 a month and then work 30 total hours during the month to pay for the rest of their schooling. They may tutor other students, keep the grounds clean and the grass cut, wash dishes in the café, sweep and mop or any other odd things that need done around the school depending on our needs.

Last year we had three students in our work program that each had their own story. Each who wouldn’t have been able to go to school without this opportunity. All who were bright and capable and motivated. We have completed registration for our next class and have more students who applied for our work program than the funds to cover their costs. Essentially if the students don’t pay, then we don’t have income to cover the costs of the Guatemalan teachers who are paid. We had planned on limiting the number of students in our work program, but as we sorted through the applications, we know many of the families. We know that the students truly can’t afford the cost of school. We are reminded that we began this school for those students who could not afford to go to the capital to study or to another town. We began this school to reach those students who lay in bed wishing they had an opportunity for education and are more than capable. And so we are trusting God to supply the needs for them to go to school. If you would personally like to support one of these students with either a partial or a full scholarship ($450 a year), we are looking for others that want to raise the education level in an area that is desperate for true education.

Success stories

Pedro came to us walking from the mountain to the south. In each of his schools before he had been taunted and mocked because of how serious he was about education. He has a thirst for knowledge like I have seen only a few times before. He reads physics books for fun yet has the gentlest spirit. He is most often found tutoring his classmates and is at the school from sunup until sundown because the school has become his personal safe haven. His favorite students to help are those who struggle the most and he is constantly encouraging his classmates. He has the ability to study engineering or mathematics for his future, but humbly replies that he will study whatever door God opens for him. His father is a pastor whose income is very little and is known for giving away much of what they have. He easily sits atop the class academically and his future is directed completely by the doors that God opens.

Ana came to us from another area of Guatemala. She had worked for a year saving her wages to enroll in our auxiliary nursing program. When this program grew to become a professional nursing program, she had only enough money saved for the first year. Since she is from another area, she also pays for her room and food, which doubles her financial need. She comes from a family of 11 and they are helping her to pay for this portion and the work program allows her to pay for her academic portion. For a young girl to leave her family, move to a new area and be completely on her own is very counter-cultural. She is quiet and shy and often lacks confidence because she is a perfectionist. Academically she finished second in her class last year and is another child that is gifted, yet without this opportunity, she would not have an opportunity to finish her schooling. She has dreams for herself and has often had tears in her eyes as she speaks of wanting to continue on with her education.

Raquel is a different success story. She is from a village to the north east and received her education completely in this village. When she reached “junior high” there were only two students in her class and her teacher had about the same level of education as she did. I remember seeing her face at each meeting where we announced the direction of the school last year and she found herself in a seat on the first day of class. She hadn’t been in school for a few years because there was no program that she could afford. She was the first to apply for our work program knowing that this was the only way she would be able to pay for her schooling. As the year began, she was one of the students that struggled the most. A combination from being out of school a few years, lacking confidence in her abilities and seeing others around her succeed while she was seriously struggling threatened to keep her from finishing out the year. But she persevered when the switch went off in her head and she realized she really could do this. She studied relentlessly building her base in math and language to be at the necessary level and was easily our most improved student throughout the year last year. Her smile lights up a room and she is truly grateful for the opportunity to pursue more education.

**Names have been changed to protect their identity

There are more stories like this from our students. For me it was a privilege to watch their growth thorughut the year as they embraced their new opportunity. If you feel called to help support the new students asking for scholarships, their stories can be added to these others as we aim to provide an education for all who dream of breaking out of their cycles of poverty.

Butterflies

Posted on January 16, 2015 by adrienneorris

Butterflies. Most 8 year olds probably have butterflies as they prepare for the first day of school. Fourteen year olds probably do as well, but they might be more hesitant to admit it. I was told that most teachers do as well, and if you don’t …. then it’s probably time to retire. Last year at this time I am not sure if I had butterflies, but I am sure that if I did, they weren’t the same. Not that I know what to expect much more than last year. But I am prepared for a few months of chaos and hoping that things settle sooner rather than later. And I can actually say that it feels normal to have butterflies as the school year begins.

The school year in Guatemala runs from January through the beginning of November so we will be welcoming students on Monday. I was so happy when I visited the school on the first day and it actually looked like FALL. I love fall. It’s my favorite time of the year…. Because school starts in fall and because I love the colors of the leaves and the warm fall air. This year I almost feel like it is fall. Registration has happened. I have seen many new faces, and I am ready to welcome a new class.

A few months ago it appeared as if we may not be opening the Professional Nursing School. We found ourselves up against a wall of opposition as there was more red tape and legal issues to sort through. Yet God gave us the story of the walls of Jericho found in Joshua 6 and with this asked us to continue on. Just like the walls of Jericho burst open for Joshua, the walls have come down as well that were keeping us from pressing forward. It would have been easy to postpone for another year. It would have made our lives less stressful, but we were sure that God had asked us to do this and so we prayed and believed that if God was in it, we would move forward. And so we find ourselves welcoming four new classes of students this year – the first and second year students in our premed program, our first year of the Professional Nursing School and English students from preschool age to adults. We will have over 40 different classes taught this semester and it is sure to keep our heads spinning. Please keep us in your prayers!

Because of the expansion, there has been plenty of work to be done at the school. Here is a look at the new classroom that we constructed.

Adventures

Posted on January 10, 2015 by adrienneorris

This isn’t really ground breaking because we have been working at the hospital property for many months. All of those loads of dirt have been prepared and David officially began to dig the footings for the hospital. Inside the footings the men are laying rebar and then will pour the cement for the foundation. As I walked across the property I had chills thinking…. This really is happening. This property no longer will look like a field. The project really is going forward. Not a day has gone by without work being done or at least mental work as talk of the project is almost unavoidable around here at times…. But it is exciting to see all that is needed to be in one place. Another thing I have noticed as this project continues forward is how much pride the Guatemalans that are working alongside of us have in this project – the men that are doing the manual labor. To me some much of the work that they are doing is redundant and requires a lot of physical labor in the hot sun, but as the hospital takes more and more shape, they can see it too. It really is happening.

The Epperly’s have come for their stint for this year as they are the first of the DOCS group that comes through here. The kids enjoyed the footings as we took a look at all that was happening this evening. It was like an underground maze. If you would like to learn more about this family or the DOCS group, check out their blog here http://epperlyadventures.blogspot.com/

I have upgraded, although I’m not sure I want to call it an upgrade. I still prefer exercise over laziness. But this set of wheels has already saved me much time in running errands for the school this week. Thanks to all who supported my new mode of transportation. It will suit me well. The first time I took it to town, someone from the barber shop had to help me start it. I think I have a permanent bruise from where the kickstand indented my shin. And I have learned that cows move when you try to maneuver through them, but horses just kick you. Very good things to know when riding a motorcycle.

Construction is Happening!

Posted on January 6, 2015 by adrienneorris

Cement. Sand. Block. Dirt. Backhoes. Rock Crusher. These are the words that are constantly being discussed now. For those of you interested in the construction, I wanted to share some recent pictures with you so that you can see the progress.

At the hospital…. the team house is being built to house construction teams that are coming down to help. The land is being prepared. The rebar and block has been collected. And the guys are perfecting the cement making process.

And at the school the new classroom is being constructed to welcome two new classes of students. We did not have a room large enough to house the number of students that we are expecting next week for registration. And we also did not have a room large enough for a class of 25 students. And so we are building a room to serve this purpose as fast and efficient as possible!

Christmas Perspective

Posted on December 21, 2014 by adrienneorris

Have you ever thought of what Joseph might have been thinking? Or Mary? What were their emotions? What do you think were their emotions? Do you think that they understood what was happening? Do you think peace ruled in their lives?

Today I contemplated the Shepherds and the Wisemen. And my mind thought a little longer on the Wisemen. I listened to this rendition of their journey ( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2xJVwVUXkoo ) and it reminded me of my own journey over the last year. They were told to follow the star and they did. It wasn’t a day trip or even a month trip. I imagine they were on the road for quite some time. They weren’t actually at the birth of Jesus because of the length of their journey, but they found him after his birth in the home of Mary and Joseph. I imagine many along the way asked where they were headed. I imagine many along the way wondered why their journey was important. They didn’t know the length of their journey or their destination. Did they tell everyone that they were searching for the King? Did they always agree amongst themselves? When they arrived at Jesus’s home, was it what they expected? Here they were of noble status – yet they found themselves at the home of every day individuals, kneeling on a dirt floor, welcoming their King. The true picture of what that day looked like was sure different from what is depicted at times.

I am not Wise. I am not a man. But I am on the same journey as the Wisemen. Jesus has already come into this world. He has made His presence known. His hand still guides the steps of His followers. Like the Wisemen, I have heard the voice telling me to go. My eyes are fixed on that same star – the one that leads to the home of my Savior, my King. And right now He has placed that star over Guatemala. The journey is not always comfortable. But the destination is worth it!

As you contemplate this Christmas season, put yourself in the shoes of someone else in the story 2000 years ago. Mary in that stable holding a physical baby who was to become the Savior of the world. Or the Shepherds who God chose to be at the manger scene, just hours before were doing the same thing that they did day in or day out. Just like the shepherds, you have been chosen too to be a part of the story that God continues to write until the coming back to this earth of the Savior King. And so this season, let’s celebrate with joy and expectation.

Merry Christmas!

” Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Hebrews 12:2

Watching Each Step

Posted on December 6, 2014 by adrienneorris

Since school is out, I have had the opportunity to go to clinic in Chiminisijuan. This clinic is nestled high in the mountains offering amazing views…. And I love to go there because the people truly have a need….. Today’s trip was not as enjoyable as some others that I have had….

This last time there provided more of a challenge though as it had rained there and I don’t think the clouds had lifted for a few days. It was damp. It was cold. The road was slippery, so we had to park halfway and walk. I usually embrace this opportunity. It would have been better if I had thought ahead… I was without proper shoes to walk or a rain jacket. Some might have labeled me a rookie.

As I made my way down the road, I had to be careful of every step. It’s sort of like when I run, and I have to watch for the roots, cowpies, rocks, holes or anything else that might trip me up. On the road I was in search of the red dirt and the sand as these spots were more solid. If my foot found the lighter dirt, there was a good chance it would just slip – and potentially could face plant in the mud. On my very first trip here ten years ago, I feel a good ten feet down one hill and was sure I could repeat this adventure again. As I found solid footing, I trusted the rocks most and wished that the entire road was lined with rocks.

The walk gave me time to think and reflect on the conversations I had this week last with others– and drew a parallel with the trek to the clinic and our trek in life. School and classes are officially over and I am preparing for a break from teaching. I have seen some of last year’s students and listened to their current thoughts…. how they parallel so many other adolescents in the world today….

We all know that we try to avoid the trials in life. We try to avoid slipping or falling. We want to keep our feet on solid ground. We look for the rocks, we look towards friends, we look towards stability. We don’t want to end up cold or wet or miserable. And yet one wrong step might find us on unstable ground, headed in a direction that we don’t intend. How quickly it can happen – and we didn’t even see it coming. That’s why it’s always better to look where you’re going. To find the path that has the best chance at providing stability. Yet, sometimes we do slip. Sometimes we do find ourselves in mud that we do not want. Sometimes we have to backtrack a little bit. This happened to be along the road. I would be on one side, thinking it had the best footing for avoiding the mud, and my foot would just sink. I could continue on, or withdraw it and start again. In life we get stuck too. In life we slip into the valley. Sometimes knowingly and sometime unknowingly. It just happens. But if we stay there too long; if we keep going in the wrong direction without heeding the warning…. The option of turning back might not be available any longer. And so I tried to keep my eyes fixed forward, on the footsteps of others to see where the path was solid and where I wanted to take a turn.

And so my encouragement to you is this… to keep your eyes focused ahead, looking for the ROCK –which is Christ. The one who lays out our steps for us. The One whose desire is to get us to our destination on solid ground. And when you slip, because we all do, pick up your foot and put it back on solid ground. Retreat if you need to back to the solid ground.

Before I left clinic my day was more than brightened. This little girl was one of our last. She came up behind me without me seeing her and wrapped her arms around my legs. When I turned around, I was greeted with the biggest smile and laughter. God not only provides rocks to help us along our path. But he provides smiles as well to warm us.

“ For who is God, but the Lord? And who is a Rock, except our God? This God is my strong refuge and has made my way blameless. He made my feel like the feet of a deer and set me secure on the heights.” II Samuel 22:32-34

Cling to the Call

Posted on December 5, 2014 by adrienneorris

I have had two confirmations in the past week….. reminders of why we are here doing what we are doing. John Waller wrote a song called “Cling to the Call” that is on my morning playlist that is set to shuffle. It played this morning and was the reminder I needed as I have had a heavy heart this week…..

… cling to the call Cling to the peace that guards your heart

Cling to the promise though you stumble you won’t fall

I will uphold you now just trust me with all

Just look at me and I will lead you as you cling to the call…

What is a calling? What is the call that John talks about here? For each person I feel it is unique. For me it has become being obedient to the things that God asks of me in different seasons of life. But as I reflect to all the places God has taken me and grown me – junior high, high school, college, Guatemala, Virginia, Pennsylvania, Guatemala – the call on my life has remained the same. To love Jesus and love those He puts in my life. All of these circumstances have changed me, challenged me, grown me into who I am today. Yet I believe each of these experiences were important for me to be who I am today.

When I came to Guatemala, I was actually expecting something to change. I was expecting to not be drawn to the adolescent crowd. I was expecting to have to change who I was. I had mentally brainstormed ways that would be more culturally appropriate to teach and relate. The way I approach my students, the way I teach is not common. It is very direct, very awkward at times…. And is about as far away from typical Guatemalan culture as you could get. I actually feel out of my comfort zone teaching counter culturally as opposed to within my comfort zone in the states. But as my time here stretched from weeks, to months to a year…. God responded clearly that He had prepared me for this time for this reason for this position – to be bold, direct and speak truth. And He confirmed this to me over the last year as He kept on telling me He wanted something different for these students.

As I tried to grasp the language and a vocabulary to not only understand but be able to respond back, I found that it was during these times (a direct conversation with a student or another teacher) that the words flowed smoother from my tongue than any other time. Times that I will credit only as “God Moments” as I am pretty sure I could not remember those vocabulary words again in a normal conversation. And those were the times that gave me the most encouragement… as He confirmed to me that our calling can be cross-cultural and that He was asking me to do something different for a reason.

There are cultural differences, teaching differences, barriers, boundaries, different ways of doing things and challenges every day that many times took my heart away from the calling that I cannot deny on my life. At times I feel as if I drifted away and was distracted as demands of paperwork and different priorities pulled me away from having the time to do what God had asked me to do at times….. but He continued to press it upon my heart and keep me steadfast focused on what was before me. He continued to call me out and remind me how important people were to Him, how important relationships were. And if we cling to Him, cling to what He has called us to- He upholds us. He leads us. He strengthens us. His love becomes our love. And we love because He first loved us.

As we approach this Christmas season, my pastor has been doing a series entitled “Every Person has a Story.” This is the story of how you came to Christ….. and on how you have encountered Christ in your life. This is the story about what Christ has called you to live out in your life. For me this has been on ongoing story – where I could write chapter after chapter. And I know that He is not done using me. To me it is interesting that these two challenges have closed out my school year here. I know it is just another time where God is reminding me to keep my eyes focused on Him.

We each have a story though. And everyone’s story is different. Don’t be afraid to share your story. And cling to the calling that you have in your own life as well to live out what God has asked you to do…. even when it might seem counter cultural or uncomfortable at times.

Thanks for following along on this journey – may you be blessed during this Christmas season.

A Year in Pictures

Posted on November 28, 2014 by adrienneorris

My heart for education is to see students who believe that they can’t, achieve what they thought was impossible. And so this past year held many moments that I could share that made it all worth it. I wanted to share this video with you that puts together the year in pictures….