I haven't done this in a while. But as I was working on my sermon for Mothers Day, I had a few thoughts about my own mom. I didn't want them to be fleeting thoughts that vanished as quickly as they came...so here I am.
My moms not online. We tried that for a few months and my nerves couldn't take it. And even if she were she'd never manage to find this without my help. Her and my dad crack me up. I can't count the number of times I've "fixed" their tv or phone, or BOTH. So,I guess I'm writing this as therapy for me, or maybe it's for my kids who've been robbed the joy of knowing how cool grandma used to be. Mom's got Parkinson's and lately she's had more bad days than good. Her memory isn't too good, her strength isn't that strong and she's not able to do many of the things that have brought her joy throughout her life. But mom's got a great heart...well, not physically...she's a walking heart attack on top of her other issues...but emotionally, her heart is strong. She still has such great love for her kids and her grandkids. Even on her worst days, her grandkids just have to show up to pull her out of wherever it is her disease takes her too. She never lets us part company, either on the phone or in person, without a serious "I love you, son!"
My mom has always had heart. When I was a kid and my birth dad left and My parents divorced, that's when I learned what "heart" was all about. She was ferocious. She wasn't about to let her kids suffer or struggle or do without. And we didn't. She never spent one day, to my knowledge, moping around the house feeling sorry for herself. She worked hard to keep us in our home. She did without so that we could have Nike shoes and decent ball gloves. We ate a ton of hot dogs and Mac-n-cheese, but we never went hungry. She'd take us fishing, which I'm sure was at the top of her "fun things to do" list. She would hit grounders and pop-flys in the back yard until it was too dark to see. She did everything in her power to make sure we were plugged into an environment of godly men that would teach us "men-things" and provide the masculinity that young boys so desperately need. There's no telling how many times she had to swallow her pride in order to make sure her kids came first.
In short, my mom was a kick-ass rock star of a parent and she did a lot of it by herself. ( I know, the preacher isn't supposed to talk like that and mom would be the first to point that out, but saying she did a good, or even a great job just doesn't convey the sentiment). My mom is awesome and she got us a dad that's pretty awesome too. There aren't many 30 year old men who want to step in and raise somebody else's kids. Mom waited. And the right one showed up. And life, though it had fallen apart at one point in time, fell back into place. A good place. And look at us now. I know mom trusted the Lord to take care of us. And He did. And he still does.
I'm thankful for my mom. She's not the woman that she used to be. And I partly wonder if those years of doing it all and giving her all, aren't the cause of her failing health now. One thing I know for sure though is that even if she knew then what the price would be for pouring herself out for her kids...She'd do it without a second thought.
My mom is my hero and my champion. Moms like her are the reason we have Mothers Day. I love you, mom! I'm still praying I can become half the parent you are.
Thursday, May 11, 2017
Monday, June 29, 2015
So blessed.
Wow! I guess I say that a lot, but WOW! We've been working like machines. The flooring group has done great work and I'm so very proud of them. They have to set a steel beam with cement, then place metal runners that hod ceramic tile. The runners are welded to the beam. Then they will place wire mesh on the ceramic tile, followed by cement. It's heavy, but should withstand the wet salt air that engulfs is majestic mountain.
The other group is digging. And digging. And digging. Since I possess ZERO skill, I'm on a shovel. The downside to digging here is that all that we dig out has to be carried UP the mountain. The bucket brigade might be worse than shoveling. We've all don't that. The new patio we are making requires a retaining wall. Thankfully, all the boulders we've carried up hill will be lighter when we carry them back down hill.
We've had so many groups of local church folk join us. That's been a blast. One group wanted to give us a concert. It was awesome. After a few numbers they wanted us to sing for them. They about freaked when Bert asked for the pastor's guitar. We rocked...kind of. Ok, not really, but we smiled and meant it and that made us a big hit.
It was Joe's birthday, and they sang for him. Then they gathered around him and prayed a birthday blessing. We were all so jealous and tried to convince them that we each had a birthday this week, so that they'd pray for us. No avail.
Tomorrow we will hopefully get everything ready for cement on both jobs. The group from the church said they'd come back and help us mix on Wednesday. Without Mike Stence, this will be a HUGE blessing. Mike is a Colombian cement machine. It's the hardest work I've ever done.
One crazy thing, today was a holiday, which means the weekend was an extra day. On weekends, people leave the cities in the valley and come up to the mountain to cool off. Last night we had a car that parked right outside the camp and bumped techno music till midnight. We estimate he was pushing 10,000 watts. It was unbearable, but not against the law until midnight. The policia showed up at midnight and he shut it down and drove off.
We've had 3 nights of music like this. One ended at midnight. One ended at 3:30 am and one ended at 5 am! It's been tough. Not much sleep. A lot of work. But we've had quite a bit of fun making new friends, breaking down the communication barriers and sharing in song and scripture together. Today pastor Jose' from Hamandi came and shared about the need in the church for more scripture and prayer. It was an awesome and powerful devotion. We connected, though it was difficult with the language deal. He hugged and kissed my cheek a dozen times before he reluctantly headed for his home. He was tired too, his neighbors partied till 4 am.
I've spent a fortune on international data to bring you this blog. Hopefully there's enough data left for one last post at the end of the week. If not, I'll be home by Sunday morning....I hope. Until then, find a way TO BE A BLESSING.
The other group is digging. And digging. And digging. Since I possess ZERO skill, I'm on a shovel. The downside to digging here is that all that we dig out has to be carried UP the mountain. The bucket brigade might be worse than shoveling. We've all don't that. The new patio we are making requires a retaining wall. Thankfully, all the boulders we've carried up hill will be lighter when we carry them back down hill.
We've had so many groups of local church folk join us. That's been a blast. One group wanted to give us a concert. It was awesome. After a few numbers they wanted us to sing for them. They about freaked when Bert asked for the pastor's guitar. We rocked...kind of. Ok, not really, but we smiled and meant it and that made us a big hit.
It was Joe's birthday, and they sang for him. Then they gathered around him and prayed a birthday blessing. We were all so jealous and tried to convince them that we each had a birthday this week, so that they'd pray for us. No avail.
Tomorrow we will hopefully get everything ready for cement on both jobs. The group from the church said they'd come back and help us mix on Wednesday. Without Mike Stence, this will be a HUGE blessing. Mike is a Colombian cement machine. It's the hardest work I've ever done.
One crazy thing, today was a holiday, which means the weekend was an extra day. On weekends, people leave the cities in the valley and come up to the mountain to cool off. Last night we had a car that parked right outside the camp and bumped techno music till midnight. We estimate he was pushing 10,000 watts. It was unbearable, but not against the law until midnight. The policia showed up at midnight and he shut it down and drove off.
We've had 3 nights of music like this. One ended at midnight. One ended at 3:30 am and one ended at 5 am! It's been tough. Not much sleep. A lot of work. But we've had quite a bit of fun making new friends, breaking down the communication barriers and sharing in song and scripture together. Today pastor Jose' from Hamandi came and shared about the need in the church for more scripture and prayer. It was an awesome and powerful devotion. We connected, though it was difficult with the language deal. He hugged and kissed my cheek a dozen times before he reluctantly headed for his home. He was tired too, his neighbors partied till 4 am.
I've spent a fortune on international data to bring you this blog. Hopefully there's enough data left for one last post at the end of the week. If not, I'll be home by Sunday morning....I hope. Until then, find a way TO BE A BLESSING.
Friday, June 26, 2015
Working like dogs
Today we started our 2 projects....flooring and making a giant patio that will be used for cafeteria overflow and special things at the camp. Today was mostly demolition. Removing 75-100 year old Colombian concrete is no simple task. Hopefully tomorrow we will make more progress. On the mountain it is impossible to get heavy equiptment, so everything is done manually. No Bueno.
Tonight after supper we gathered around a TV to watch as Colombia was beaten by Argentina that was fairly devastating. It was exciting though. A youth group from the Bethel Church here came out for a retreat. About 40 of us all together. Cheering and yelling wildly. Good times.
Our kids are doing great and blending nicely. Hunter beat everybody in UNO. he was sickly this morning, but finished strong. He even gave the sledge hammer a few swings.
I'm trying to come up with something spiritual to say, but my fingers keep locking up from cramps. So I will just say we are blessed. And tired. And hopeful that we can make some major advancements tomorrow. I'm hoping the group that arrived are wanting to join us in our work. I doubt they will, but hey, I'm gonna pray for it. Thanks for your prayers and encouragement.
Be a Blessing
Jeff
Tonight after supper we gathered around a TV to watch as Colombia was beaten by Argentina that was fairly devastating. It was exciting though. A youth group from the Bethel Church here came out for a retreat. About 40 of us all together. Cheering and yelling wildly. Good times.
Our kids are doing great and blending nicely. Hunter beat everybody in UNO. he was sickly this morning, but finished strong. He even gave the sledge hammer a few swings.
I'm trying to come up with something spiritual to say, but my fingers keep locking up from cramps. So I will just say we are blessed. And tired. And hopeful that we can make some major advancements tomorrow. I'm hoping the group that arrived are wanting to join us in our work. I doubt they will, but hey, I'm gonna pray for it. Thanks for your prayers and encouragement.
Be a Blessing
Jeff
Wednesday, June 24, 2015
Shifting Gears
Tomorrow begins the second part of our Colombian adventure. We will say goodbye to everyone at General Assembly and load into the bus, under Freddy's skillful ability, and head up the mountain. We've had a great time at the GA and everything has been superb. The host committee is to be commended for pulling off the nearly impossible task of connecting all these international dots. I'm glad to be moving on though. I'm not a very good tourist. I'd rather be working. Or at least telling everybody else what to do (I learned from John Lovelace!!). I really miss John and hate that he was unable to make the trip. John would've loved this. Especially to hug the necks of many of his spiritual children. John, every time I look around Colombia I can hear your voice and see your face. I'm praying Gods best for you tonight.
Anyhow, tonight I reflected on the fact that most of those who have invested in me spiritually were connected to this amazing country. Maybe that's got a lot to do with why I love it here so much. it connects me to the footprints of those who've tried to lead and guide me in the footsteps of Jesus.
Today we ate at a Brazilian restaurant. WOW! We made it to the 9th round of meat. Then surrendered to dessert. A peeled pineapple, dipped in butter, rolled in cinnamon and grilled. Whew Baby...that'll make ya slap yo mamma! Figuratively of course, mother.
Got some great deals in the mall. Swam at the pool and finished off with supper and a soccer game in the patio lounge.
Hopefully all the electro-gadgetry will still work on the mountain and I can keep you up to date. If not, don't worry if you don't hear from us....unless you see us on the news...then, WORRY. At supper, Bert told Sandra that if we die in a crash on our way up or down the mountain, not to spend the $$$ to ship us home. I said if we crashed on THAT mountain we'd be little more than a handful of dust. I seriously doubt we die, but...if we do...well, just remember we were happy, full of meat and coffee and serving Jesus. Not a bad exit strategy in my book!
Thanks for your prayers and keep them coming. Especially pray that our witness for Christ will be a strong one.
Until we talk again...
Be A Blessing
Anyhow, tonight I reflected on the fact that most of those who have invested in me spiritually were connected to this amazing country. Maybe that's got a lot to do with why I love it here so much. it connects me to the footprints of those who've tried to lead and guide me in the footsteps of Jesus.
Today we ate at a Brazilian restaurant. WOW! We made it to the 9th round of meat. Then surrendered to dessert. A peeled pineapple, dipped in butter, rolled in cinnamon and grilled. Whew Baby...that'll make ya slap yo mamma! Figuratively of course, mother.
Got some great deals in the mall. Swam at the pool and finished off with supper and a soccer game in the patio lounge.
Hopefully all the electro-gadgetry will still work on the mountain and I can keep you up to date. If not, don't worry if you don't hear from us....unless you see us on the news...then, WORRY. At supper, Bert told Sandra that if we die in a crash on our way up or down the mountain, not to spend the $$$ to ship us home. I said if we crashed on THAT mountain we'd be little more than a handful of dust. I seriously doubt we die, but...if we do...well, just remember we were happy, full of meat and coffee and serving Jesus. Not a bad exit strategy in my book!
Thanks for your prayers and keep them coming. Especially pray that our witness for Christ will be a strong one.
Until we talk again...
Be A Blessing
Tuesday, June 23, 2015
Speechless!
I know that's hard to believe coming from me....but straight up, I AM SPEECHLESS. Many things have happened since I last had time to write. Let's begin with Sunday
SUNDAY
Today we worshipped with the San Pablo Church in Guacari. From the moment the bus came to a stop, we knew the presence of God. Like VIP's we were ushered to the front of the church amidst hundreds of hugs and kisses. Throughout the duration of our service, we were inundated by wave after wave of an outpouring of Gods spirit. There was much joy, passion and unrestrained worship. There was also much dancing...of which we were all participants. Good stuff. 100 degrees, 300 people packed in a room for about 150. SWEAT UPON SWEAT.
To let you know how awesome our service was...after the bus dropped us off, those still on the bus went another 20 miles to another church. They worshipped, ate lunch and drove the 20 miles back and we were still in service. CRAZY.
SUNDAY NIGHT
There was a very special service where the families of all past and present missionaries gathered to share their stories and experiences growing up as missionary kids. It was such a joy to see their reunions and to be drawn into their experiences.
MONDAY
TODAY WAS COMMITTEE MEETING DAY. My committee was steeped in a new problem before the church...the U.S. focus of an increasingly global church. I foresee as this begins to play out, there will be a great deal of restructuring necessary if we are continue to flourish and promote the great news of Jesus throughout the world.
MONDAY NIGHT
Tonight was our 90 year birthday of Colombian ministry. When we showed up, I noticed my name was on the program!!! After a long day, I was still in shorts and Chacos. In the U.S. I would have participated in the service as is, but in Colombia, that would be an extreme No-No. As panic began to set in, my awesome wife said, "There's John Wood!" K
I pleaded my case with him, and he reluctantly agreed to take my place. I was so disappointed that I had blown it...it was such a great honor to be selected for participation. And now, I had to sit as a slouchy spectator.
John grew up as a missionary kid here in Colombia, the son of spiritually GIANT parents...Bill and Katherine Wood. He had his fair share of struggles. And his parents never gave up on him. The same hope they held out for John, they had for everyone else...myself included. So anyhow, back to the story. John went forward to the front of the sanctuary so that he'd be ready to read when MY time in the program came up. Having grown up here, had John stayed in his first seat, he would've spent the entire worship service hugging and greeting his childhood friends. But now, with him being me, he was in the front row. Ready to hear the Arminean Pastor issue a call to those who knew they were to be involved in the Lord's Harvest. I couldn't see from my seat, but John got up and went forward, answering Gods call to ministry. After the service he came back to me and told me, "Thanks for screwing up and coming to worship in shorts!" He then proceeded to fill me in.
I know that I know that I know...there was much rejoicing in heaven as his mom and dad high-fives each other in the presence of Christ and Kingdom. John's parents were so special to me...I am so glad my failure led to a very great victory. Needless to say, I was an emotional train wreck after that. God is great.
(Dear parents, we are fine. Hot and sweaty, but fine. Your grandkids are well too!)
Blessings to the folks at FCPC and to my dozens of followers around the world.
Be a Blessing!
SUNDAY
Today we worshipped with the San Pablo Church in Guacari. From the moment the bus came to a stop, we knew the presence of God. Like VIP's we were ushered to the front of the church amidst hundreds of hugs and kisses. Throughout the duration of our service, we were inundated by wave after wave of an outpouring of Gods spirit. There was much joy, passion and unrestrained worship. There was also much dancing...of which we were all participants. Good stuff. 100 degrees, 300 people packed in a room for about 150. SWEAT UPON SWEAT.
To let you know how awesome our service was...after the bus dropped us off, those still on the bus went another 20 miles to another church. They worshipped, ate lunch and drove the 20 miles back and we were still in service. CRAZY.
SUNDAY NIGHT
There was a very special service where the families of all past and present missionaries gathered to share their stories and experiences growing up as missionary kids. It was such a joy to see their reunions and to be drawn into their experiences.
MONDAY
TODAY WAS COMMITTEE MEETING DAY. My committee was steeped in a new problem before the church...the U.S. focus of an increasingly global church. I foresee as this begins to play out, there will be a great deal of restructuring necessary if we are continue to flourish and promote the great news of Jesus throughout the world.
MONDAY NIGHT
Tonight was our 90 year birthday of Colombian ministry. When we showed up, I noticed my name was on the program!!! After a long day, I was still in shorts and Chacos. In the U.S. I would have participated in the service as is, but in Colombia, that would be an extreme No-No. As panic began to set in, my awesome wife said, "There's John Wood!" K
I pleaded my case with him, and he reluctantly agreed to take my place. I was so disappointed that I had blown it...it was such a great honor to be selected for participation. And now, I had to sit as a slouchy spectator.
John grew up as a missionary kid here in Colombia, the son of spiritually GIANT parents...Bill and Katherine Wood. He had his fair share of struggles. And his parents never gave up on him. The same hope they held out for John, they had for everyone else...myself included. So anyhow, back to the story. John went forward to the front of the sanctuary so that he'd be ready to read when MY time in the program came up. Having grown up here, had John stayed in his first seat, he would've spent the entire worship service hugging and greeting his childhood friends. But now, with him being me, he was in the front row. Ready to hear the Arminean Pastor issue a call to those who knew they were to be involved in the Lord's Harvest. I couldn't see from my seat, but John got up and went forward, answering Gods call to ministry. After the service he came back to me and told me, "Thanks for screwing up and coming to worship in shorts!" He then proceeded to fill me in.
I know that I know that I know...there was much rejoicing in heaven as his mom and dad high-fives each other in the presence of Christ and Kingdom. John's parents were so special to me...I am so glad my failure led to a very great victory. Needless to say, I was an emotional train wreck after that. God is great.
(Dear parents, we are fine. Hot and sweaty, but fine. Your grandkids are well too!)
Blessings to the folks at FCPC and to my dozens of followers around the world.
Be a Blessing!
Saturday, June 20, 2015
Wow!
Today was our first real day of action. It's been an impressive day. The Colombian folk have been amazing. Guillermo Arguello and staff at the Colegio Americano have done an excellent job. The shuttles have been pretty decent, and as always...the food has been superb. Worship was lively and the Renaissance Quartet from BU did a great job. They kind of broke from their Gospel bread and butter and did a little contemporary number. I was blessed.
Our hotel is pretty outstanding. In fact it's highly doubtful I'll ever stay in a place this nice again. Yesterday was mostly spent lounging by the pool and resting up from our journey to get get here. We ate empanadas and drank mañana postobon. I wanted to go down to the stable and suit up for a match/game/round/contest of polo, but didn't have the time.
The Wooly Mammoth Woodpecker is still here. Today there were 2. Even if they end up tasting like chicken, I may go ahead and eat them just to shut them up. If these things were anywhere near home I'd visit Proving Grounds Taxidermy with a sackful of them. They're insane. Worse than 10 screaming kids at Wal-Mart. And yet...they're beautiful.
One of the local schools held a graduation prom here at our hotel last night....talk about a party. I have never heard the Macarena like I did last night at 12:30 am! Sadly, that was just the start. The other guests at the hotel said it lasted until 5 am. I slept through it somehow. Our glasses were rattling across the counter and the TV didn't go loud enough for us to hear it over la musica....but I slept right through it.
The kids are doing great. They made friends today, though neither actually learned the names of their new Colombian "Best" friends. THey have argued less than I thought they would...they seem to be eating about everything. And they have been impressed by the sights they've seen. All in all, I think they're having a blast.
I saw several old friends today from the U.S. as well as Colombia. Some genuine Hero's of the Faith. I met Marta Daza's mom, dad and sister. They are much more pleasant than Marta...kidding. But THEY are here. They all 3 could pass as sisters. (not the dad...he looks like a man).
We're all pretty exhausted. Not near enough sleep for the 16 hour day we had today. 16 hours in Wing Tips! Tomorrow we will be worshipping at numerous churches in the area. I'm looking forward to it. We will eat lunch with our host church and have some free time in the afternoon.
Want to give a shout out real quick to the folks at Citizens National Bank in Albion. Thank you for letting my parents see this blog. Hope you all have a great Fathers Day tomorrow. Praying blessings on our congregation in Fairfield tomorrow. I hope y'all have a great day of worship. Holton will do an excellent job.
Keep checking back for more info. if all goes well I'll be back!
Be a Blessing!
Our hotel is pretty outstanding. In fact it's highly doubtful I'll ever stay in a place this nice again. Yesterday was mostly spent lounging by the pool and resting up from our journey to get get here. We ate empanadas and drank mañana postobon. I wanted to go down to the stable and suit up for a match/game/round/contest of polo, but didn't have the time.
The Wooly Mammoth Woodpecker is still here. Today there were 2. Even if they end up tasting like chicken, I may go ahead and eat them just to shut them up. If these things were anywhere near home I'd visit Proving Grounds Taxidermy with a sackful of them. They're insane. Worse than 10 screaming kids at Wal-Mart. And yet...they're beautiful.
One of the local schools held a graduation prom here at our hotel last night....talk about a party. I have never heard the Macarena like I did last night at 12:30 am! Sadly, that was just the start. The other guests at the hotel said it lasted until 5 am. I slept through it somehow. Our glasses were rattling across the counter and the TV didn't go loud enough for us to hear it over la musica....but I slept right through it.
The kids are doing great. They made friends today, though neither actually learned the names of their new Colombian "Best" friends. THey have argued less than I thought they would...they seem to be eating about everything. And they have been impressed by the sights they've seen. All in all, I think they're having a blast.
I saw several old friends today from the U.S. as well as Colombia. Some genuine Hero's of the Faith. I met Marta Daza's mom, dad and sister. They are much more pleasant than Marta...kidding. But THEY are here. They all 3 could pass as sisters. (not the dad...he looks like a man).
We're all pretty exhausted. Not near enough sleep for the 16 hour day we had today. 16 hours in Wing Tips! Tomorrow we will be worshipping at numerous churches in the area. I'm looking forward to it. We will eat lunch with our host church and have some free time in the afternoon.
Want to give a shout out real quick to the folks at Citizens National Bank in Albion. Thank you for letting my parents see this blog. Hope you all have a great Fathers Day tomorrow. Praying blessings on our congregation in Fairfield tomorrow. I hope y'all have a great day of worship. Holton will do an excellent job.
Keep checking back for more info. if all goes well I'll be back!
Be a Blessing!
Friday, June 19, 2015
Somebody tell my mom that I'm ok!
After 2 broken airplanes yesterday, we finally landed in Cali about midnight...only 4 or so hours behind schedule. Checked into our hotel about 1:30 am. The kids oooh'd and aaaah'd over all sorts of stuff here at the hotel, and finally around 3 we all collapsed. Woke up at 7 am to the sound of some sort of pre-historic colombian woodpecker the size of a 3year old kid. I need a cup of coffee, so I'm heading out to explore the compound. Just wanted my mom to know I'm ok. That is all for now, benediciones!
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