back!

 

We're back from Guatemala! The trip was indescribable and frankly, as much as I like flushing toilet paper and eating American food, I wish we were still there. We worked with a ministry called DeepStream which is focused on spreading the love of Jesus and improving the lives of the citizens of Magdalena and Buena Vista, Guatemala. Deepstream builds homes, delivers food, tends to the poor and sick and recently started a Boy's Academy. It was a wonderful trip and after I process it all I will be sharing more about it.

Guatemala Update

We're going to Guatemala in November. And somehow it's paid for up to this point. And somehow my boss let me take a week off work. And for some reason God decided to let us go. It doesn't make sense to me, but I'm really excited about it.

I think this trip is going to be more than just a trip. What does that mean? I have no idea. All I know is that the other day I read the book of James. James got me through the summer of '09. I read it almost everyday. It kept me going. Anyway, I read it the other day while I was bored at work and I remembered Guatemala. And then I prayed for Guatemala. And then for my husband. And then for our tiny 2 person family. And then for our future.

I don't know what the future holds and sometimes that is really scary to me. And by "sometimes" I mean mostly all the time. I mean, what happens when God takes away your job? Or forces you to stop being so selfish? Or asks you to moved away from the small town you love and grew up in? Or has you give up your dreams of living in a mid-century-modern house and having the best vintage apron collection there ever was? Or wants you to adopt a baby from Africa when you have extremely racist family members? Or transplants you to a country where it's always hot? I don't really know. All I know is when you're loving Jesus things will be hard... but they will also be good.

We're going to Guatemala!

Ray and I are going to Guatemala in November with our church! We are incredibly excited about this opportunity. We will be traveling to Buena Vista, Guatemala to minister to the physical, as well as the spiritual needs of the people in the village. We will be working with an organization called DeepStream Guatemala. As some of you may remember, I had to the opportunity to go on a mission trip last year to Macedonia. It was extremely life changing as I'm sure this trip will be. My sister, Brie, went on a similar trip to Guatemala last summer and worked with the same missionaries we will be working with. She actually took the photos I posted above.

It's our responsibility to raise the funds for this mission trip. I sincerely believe that God
has called us to be part of this and we know he will supply the resources needed. We have to raise about $800 each ($1,600 total), which will pay for our flights, meals and lodging. If you are interested in making a donation, you can donate through paypal by sending funds to Ray at jimmyrayhancock[@]gmail.com (or just click on the "Donate" button below) or contact either of us through facebook, email or twitter. Even a donation of $10 would help.

Thank you in advance for partnering with us on this. Thank you for helping us live out a gospel-centered life. If you are unable to contribute financially, we ask for your prayers. Pray for us and our team as we prepare for this mission trip. Pray for the people we will be ministering to. I will be sharing more about the trip as we get closer to November. Be on the look out!

guatever

My sister Brie just came back from a mission trip to Guatemala with some people from my church. She really loved it. Also, she turned 20 yesterday.

Here she is with a babe in Guatemala.
Here is the whole group that went on the trip.

Good things not by Martha Stewart

- Last weekend was brought to you by the letter "O". Olympics + Olustee festival. It made me feel like the proudest American.

- A lot of random and unexpected people have been really encouraging about my Macedonia mission trip. Thank you.

- I will also be going to Guatemala for a mission trip in September with my church. YES!

- Disney World twentyten? Possibly.

- I'm currently sitting on my beautiful blue couch, drinking a grande iced white mocha with hazelnut and watching My Life as Liz. Best.

- Today is pajama pant Tuesday. Community group style. One time I was almost kicked out of my youth group for wearing pajama pants. It's a pretty fun story. Maybe I'll tell you.

- This weekend I will be making thank you cards on my goco. It's about time. I tell you how they turn out.

- I'm thinking about making home made oatmeal cream pies. I think that will give me at least 5 domestic goddess points.

I hope everyone had a great Valemtimes Day! Tell me something good.

tear down the house

A few weeks ago I finished reading A Million Miles in a Thousand Years by Donald Miller. I think if someone tells you "it was good" or "insightful" then maybe they didn't really read it. Or get it. To me, the book was brave and provocative and new. It made me think about God and people and how we're all creating this story together.

We enjoy music, movies, and books that contain good stories. I believe good stories resonate deep in our souls because we were meant to live them. We were meant to have “life to the full”. However, that does not at all mean complete happiness or health or wealth. It means a good story. Friendship, changes, heart break, tragedy, peace, love, and joy. I believe we have a short life and we can waste it with a boring safe story... or we can do something. We can move. We can write a better story.

So, that's what I'm working on. One way I'm changing my story is going to Macedonia in April
and Guatemala in September.

There's more, and I will be talking about it in the future. Also, watch this video. It might change your life.

this is no bird, it's a lady!

I was in a hateful mood earlier, and when that happens I try to remember things I love rather than hate. I came up with some good ones today.
I love:
banyan trees

Loretta Lynn

reunions

Exodus

this bag

These pictures my pastor has been uplaoding while in Guatemala. Aren't they beautiful?



welcome wagon (thanks Daniel)

Peter Pan the musical