2 posts tagged “ficker”

I'm learning a lot about leadership and decision making on this trip.  I am finding I have plenty of room for growth.  I will admit this trip has different dynamics than the typical trip.  On this trip we are working with missionaries that we are not used to, and Clark and I are bouncing back and forth as leaders.  It has been a challenge for Clark to step back and let me lead.  It has been a challenge for me to step up and lead when Clark is around.  Fortunately, God has worked ways for this to be easier than either of us expected.

I'm getting to understand and work with teenagers a little better.  It is a process because of the differences.  However, it has been good for me.  I look forward to the remaining days as there will be much more change.

For continued updates on our missionary events please visit the Real Missions Blog at :  www.2008guatemalateam.blogspot.com

We arrived safely in the town of Canilla on Tuesday.  It is a long and tedious drive, but well worth it.  We got to meet the Fickers, and they are an amazing family.  I will write more about them later, but I'm sure you can imagine a little of what it takes to be a family that moves to Guatemala when you don't speak Spanish and sets up a camp and outreach....and then stays for 15 years!

Yesterday we got to visit a small village (aldea) called Chicoxop.  This aldea is of Mayan decent.  Most of the people there speak Quiche which is a dialect of Mayan decent that has mixed a little with Spanish, but mostly is very distinct.  Needless to say, we had to communicate mostly through hand motions and facial expressions.  When we did try to translate, we had to speak, then our translator would repeat what we said in Spanish, which our aldea translator would then repeat in Quiche.  Quite a process!  By the end of our time there we had put on our VBS with some games and crafts, done two dramas, and a couple funny skits.  We loved every second of it.

From a leaders perspective:  It is great to watch as the youth we brought here begin to jump into their roles and begin to find their purpose on this trip.  You can pick out which ones are 'helpers' and which ones are 'leaders' and which ones are great with the kids.  I look forward to assisting these gifts to grow and encouraging these young people to continue to stretch.

I'll write more when I can next.  We leave for another Mayan aldea today.  Pray for our safe travel, a great welcome, and the Lord's love to be communicated.

-Philip