It’s been hard and there have been more struggles and negatives than positives. Coming back to Guatemala and adjusting, we’ve had many things not go the way we had planned or wanted them to. Being in the U.S. it is so easy to take things for granted. We didn’t have to worry about Sammy waking up because of the wind and objects hitting the tin roof we have on our house. We didn’t have to worry about having warm water in our kitchen sink (we don’t have a kitchen sink and thus no warm water in it). As we returned to Guatemala we knew we didn’t have to worry about our truck running well because it hasn’t had any issues since we bought it (We’ve been back for almost two weeks and not only did the battery have to be replaced, but it’s been at the mechanic for a week – possibly something wrong with one of the rear brake drums). We were hopeful and excited to likely be moving the after-school program to a new building located a couple of doors down from us by the beginning of February (things are not looking positive – we haven’t heard back from the landlord in over 10 days after originally, he seemed excited about having renters). We were excited that Sammy was back to a good nap schedule only a few days after being back (We quickly realized it is a real challenge for him to sleep when there are lots of kids in the house during the after-school program). We were looking forward to preparing a lot of new things for the program last weekend (and I (Andi) had my worst sickness in years Friday night until Sunday night). We knew we had a good group of volunteers to help us out this year for the program (but we only had one volunteer available to help out one day this week). We were anticipating many of the kids who came to the program last year to be back (The first day we only had 8 kids with the older group and 5 with the younger). We were looking forward to watching a Chiefs/Saints super Bowl (and guess what – the Patriots made it back again ughhh). Sorry I had to add at least some humor to this or else I would just get frustrated thinking about everything that’s gone wrong (looking at it through our eyes) since we’ve returned.
We’ve been annoyed, frustrated, and angry, with each other, with Sammy, and with others through all these disappointments, negative experiences, and circumstances. I’m not sure how we’ve made it through except by God’s loving presence. One night after a long day, God laid on my mind the verse “Do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself – each day has enough trouble of its own.” I thought, well absolutely each day has enough trouble – maybe too much trouble. I was able to dwell on that verse as I went to sleep. Through my time writing this update I am kind of annoyed thinking back at everything that has gone wrong- but God has also reminded that He was in the midst of every negative, disappointment, and challenge that happened as well. He has brought a whole group of new kids to the program (There is a good possibility that we could have 17 or 18 kids tomorrow (Thursday) in our older group and 8 of them we had never met a week and a half ago.) God has allowed us to make connections with other people and we have more volunteers and help coming soon. (One guy comes early next week, another early February, our first PTR intern in mid June, and a whole family possibly in July). I am back to good health and praise God that Shauna and Sammy didn’t catch my sickness.
There are still some of those negatives that we can’t quite see how God was or is in the midst of them, but there’s nothing we can do but trust Him.
- We are still not sure what is wrong with our truck – Please pray that once it is fixed that it will continue being a reliable vehicle.
- We aren’t sure what is going on with the possible new building – Please pray that God would open that door or another available building in our town that we can rent. We need to have our home be a space for us as a family (especially now as Sammy continues to grow and become more mobile).
- We know that Sammy struggles to sleep with extra noise – Please pray that God would allow him to sleep on a normal schedule until we can move into a new building.
So hopefully that gives you an update of what the past two weeks have been like for us. We need your prayers because we can’t do this alone. There’s always a mountain or high point on the other side of a valley and we are excited for what God is going to do in the coming weeks and months.
Here are some photos of the first week and a half with the kids.
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| Our verse for the first two weeks. |
If you would like to see a few videos check them out here:
If you don't already follow us on social media click the link to the right side →. We post photos, videos, and updates multiple times a week.
We had a wonderful time in the U.S. with family and friends and were encouraged greatly. Your generosity through your finances is inspiring and we are excited to say we have made it to 94% of our monthly goal. Thank You!
Again we are excited to see how God is going to work in the coming weeks and months, and your prayer support is a crucial part to our ministry as well. If you would like any more detailed requests or information feel free to e-mail us. We would also like to be covering you in prayer and would love to hear some specific requests or items to be praying for. Shoot us en e-mail or message. Let's support the body of Christ together.
Striving to serve with eyes pointed toward JESUS
Muchas gracias,
Andi, Krishauna, and Samuel
If you have any questions or want to know more about our ministry and what we are doing in Guatemala send us an email at abrubaker@pushtherock.org or krishauna@hopeforhome.org.
If you feel God is calling you to support us financially you can go to pushtherock.org/donate and find Andi Brubaker on the drop down menu. Dios le bendiga.
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