In June we will be moving again. We were shaken and rattled when we moved here...we are going to shake and rattle again.
I don't have a lack of faith, just a nervous ponder. I see three big hurdles ahead. I know this move encompasses many more. However three surface again and again as I prepare myself to embrace the change.
We are moving out of Guatemala City to a town called San Lucas. Why? Well, it’s much closer to El Rosario and it has a good Guatemalan school for our kids.
Hurdle 1 (in no particular order).
The new house. We have found a house to rent :) One we like with just enough space. However it has so much less than the one we’re in now. Our current house is furnished....with everything from a coffee maker and dishes to bed sheets. It was move-in ready. It was nice to arrive and have everything set up, but honestly it has too much stuff. Less stuff will be nice, but...
The new place is unfurnished. It has nothing. NOTHING. Not even appliances. No beds, no sheets, nothing. In Guatemala unfurnished means no stove or refrigerator. So there are things we will need to buy. Things we will call our own. I think we’ll start with a coffee pot :) The challenge or hurdle is that things cost more here. Fruits & vegetables cost less... household items big & small, cost more. The good news is we've learned to live with less & we are ok with used.
Hurdle 2
Tuition. Our kids will be going to a Colegio, a private Guatemalan school. I have had the pleasure of teaching at their current school which is for missionary kids. I do not get paid, however my kids receive free tuition because I teach there. It has been an amazing blessing.
Why private? Well, public education in Guatemala will not prepare our kids to go to college and more importantly it would not be safe for our little "gringos". They may look a bit Guatemalan... but they would be potential targets at a public school.
Hurdle 3
Submersion. Guatemalan schools started in January. Their calendar school year runs January through October. Our kids finish this school year on the American calendar in May. They will have a few weeks for summer break and then start school mid-term in July at the Guatemalan school. They are ready and they are brave. It’s a Spanish speaking school. It will be a long rough semester. PLEASE pray for their strength and endurance. It will be complete language submersion. It's going to be tough.
So as spring fever is coming...this first year of school in Guatemala will be over before we know it... and then we will be on to our next challenge as we continue down this missionary road. If you are reading this and you know our story, please pray for these hurdles... and the many others we will face with this new move!
We are still looking for a few people who would be willing to pray about supporting our mission monthly. If you would like to support what God is doing through us in Guatemala, click here.
If you are praying about support and have questions and would like to Skype or talk on the phone, do not hesitate to contact me directly. You can email me at vondasisneros@gmail.com or call our Magic Jack number in Guatemala, 970-449-9449 (local call for you). I would love to hear from you! And we would love to tell you all about our ministry in Guatemala.
Follow our journey and read George's blog at www.GodCalledUs.com
