The Power of God in the Grand Canyon!

Beau and I in beginning

Dad and Beau in the beginning

"Its over...we did it!" We exclaimed as we stood in awe, standing on the edge of the south rim of the mighty Grand Canyon. Our exhausted legs, and dust covered bodies peered over the edge with great satisfaction for one last time, as we knew this journey was finally over. My Dad, my son Beau, and I just finished a grueling hike to the bottom of Grand Canyon. This was an incredible challenge for us, and the massive down and up trek, left the 3 of us mentally, and physically exhausted. With that in mind, I couldn't be more proud of both my dad, and my young son for persevering through this journey. For any normal individuals this hike is daunting at best, but for my father, and son this was more/less miraculous.

 Many of you know but 16 years ago, my dad was struck by an out of control drunk driver while he was changing his tire on the side of the highway. The vehicle was going 70-75 mph when it struck, and obliterated both of his femurs. The driver sped off, and left him for dead in the middle of the highway. We didn't expect him to live, much less ever walk again. He never would regain the ability to run, as he previously enjoyed, but after months of rehab he began to walk again, unassisted. Through perseverance and a strong faith he has walked thousands of miles, and now at nearly 67 years of age, he has finished his 4th successful journey down and up the Grand Canyon.

taking a break at the bottom

My son, whom some know was diagnosed with Schizencephaly(https://www.physio-pedia.com/Schizencephaly) at one year of age. At the time of the diagnosis, we assumed he may never walk, let alone run, ride a bike, or even attempt any form of athletics. Over the course of his short 10 year life he has continued to persevere through multiple braces, hours of PT/OT, and chronic pain. His desire has always been to be treated like any other "regular" kid. It is because of that, many people don't even realize that he's been plagued by this disease. As he trained for this trip, when most kids his age were sleeping, he spent his early mornings running/walking thousands of stairs.

I don't tell you these stories to pat them on the back, or to laud the power of the human spirit. Although, the power of human perseverance is an important element. I tell you these stories to applaud the grace of our God, and the power of faith and reliance on Him. You see, my father, and son were both dealt incredible underserved tragedy....or canyons(if you will). They could have chosen to be overwhelmed, and paralyzed by the impossibility of the work ahead. They could have wallowed in deserved self-pity. Instead, they chose to look to Him who gives strength (Isaiah 40:31), and day by day, put one foot in front of the other. 

My reason for writing this, is for others to understand there is tremendous power in the canyon. No, not the monstrosity that is the Grand Canyon, but the "canyons" we all face in life. These canyons are the physical, emotional, relational, and spiritual struggles we face on this earth. The "problem of pain" or the reason for suffering has bewildered God-fearing men for ages. I too have wondered why Beau, and my Dad were dealt these hands through no fault of their own. As we walked out of the dry dusty canyon on that warm day, looking back at where we had come, we all felt a since of pride, and peace in persevering through the journey. You see, it was not the magic of the destination, because we finished where we started.....back at the top. The destination was this trial-filled journey.

Paul says it best in James 1:2-4: ² Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. ⁴ Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

God allows trials for our joy. What a crazy concept. He doesn't enjoy the pain that we go through, but he loves the product that those struggles will create. He doesn't expect us to passively live this life,
but to actively participate in our own spiritual maturity. We can roll over, or roll up our sleeves. God desires our full hearts, minds, and bodies to train to become more like Him. 

Paul says in 1 Timothy 4:8 ESV
For while bodily training is of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds promise for the present life and also for the life to come.

 Paul says again in Romans 5: 3-4 ESV
We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.

Beau and my dad would never have succeeded if it wasn't for their hours of training. Likewise, godliness does not come from passivity, but from active participation from us. This only happens in the form of Christian community, bible study, and prayer.  I'm so proud of their physical accomplishments, but I'm even more proud of the spiritual insights, growth, and maturity they gained along the arduous process.

As my dad said: Life's goal is character not comfort. If one could go down and up the Grand Canyon on an escalator it would not have the same impact on our mind, body, or soul. The beauty would be seen, but we would fail to be molded by the experience. The barriers are the blessing!

Great song about God making the impossible....possible:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZOBIPb-6PTc

We're finished

 

Technology is advancing in Guatemala!

Gracie taking care of Kiera

.....unfortunately, this blog site has never advanced...so please, once again, excuse the crazy photo layouts, the blog has a mind of its own!!

Over half of our time in Guatemala has past, as our work here has gone by rapidly. We've been lucky to have several visitors over the last 4-5 weeks, and they've all been a blessing to Shea and I, and especially our kids.

Pastor Corey and Pastor John....fun visit

One of the many ways our hospital project has advanced is technology. We now have many automated lab tests, a digital X ray, an ever increasing electronic medical record system, and much more reliable, and higher speed internet. This internet has allowed us to stay connected with family and friends more then ever. Its also allowed us the opportunity to send digital images for second opinions, and keep up to date on the latest medical information. The flip side is, it is also easier then ever to stay "distracted" by news, sports, social media, and other internet distractions. The days where I could come here to "unplug" are no more, for better or worse.

Colossians 3:1-2
Since, then you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.

Technology is not our enemy, in fact it is a valuable tool. Unfortunately, the "enemy" uses this tool to keep our eyes off of the one who desires an intimate relationship with us. There is a God-sized void in all of us that we have come to think can be filled through technology. To live life to the fullest in this digital age, we must prayerfully plead with God to help us turn our eyes away from the gigabytes of digital imagery and distraction, and instead turn our eyes to the glory of Jesus, and the true joy that can only arise in Him.

An example of this true joy happened the other day. We had a lady, at one of our clinics in San Andres, decide to follow Christ!  She is no longer setting her mind on earthly worries. She now understands that there is a God who loves her, who desires to give her the free gift of salvation, and who now wants a relationship with her.

We are so excited for her decision, which not only affects her life here, and now, her children, but also her eternity.  This is her first step in "setting her mind on things above", and this is what makes our time in Guatemala so important!!

Tyler and Noelle at our favorite local restaurant.

Tyler playing with the kids at the Orphanage.

Noelle getting to know one of the goats we brought for a widow.

Reid's second head laceration of the trip

Teaching dissection in science class

Shea feeding a malnourished child

My muddy girls

He is working in Guatemala!

 A great sunset overlooking the hospital

Once again the familiar sights and sounds of rural Guatemala have filled our eyes and ears. We see the long lines of people walking and waiting outside the clinic as the dust enters our living room from their feet. We hear the mixture of laughter and crying from small children as they wait to be seen. These sights and sounds are mixed with the cacophony of birds, bugs, farm animals and motor bikes which persist at a steady pace throughout the day.



Gracie made us a Bouquet

For our family, we've enjoyed being back in our familiar, rural city. We've appreciated seeing the advances that slowly, continue to unfold at Hospital Adonai over the year. Since our last visit, the lab has tripled in available tests, digital X-Ray is up and running (although Shea and I don't make the best Rad-techs), and our pharmacy seems to increase in available treatment options. We work diligently to wade through the red tape of government regulations, and necessary personnel to achieve the goal of a complete, functioning hospital. Everyday brings us closer to this goal. Despite obstacles over the year, Shea and I are happy to see that we have increased our ability to diagnose and treat the sick, which better allow us to be His "hands and feet".

Kiera always finds the cutest animals

Throughout this process, we have been faced with many unforeseen challenges, and difficulties. With these challenges and difficulties its easy to ask God.....Where are you? My expectations are that if I'm being obedient to God, that He should automatically, and easily open all the doors. When this doesn't happen, I'm left wondering..."Where is God?, or What did I do wrong?" What I've realized more over the last month is that God simply wants me to come to Him. When things are challenging it forces me on my knees with my hands lifted toward heaven. That posture of submission is what he desires. That is how a relationship of intimacy with Him is developed.

John 10:10 says: The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full

John 15:10 says: I have told you this so my joy may be in you and your joy may be complete.

Ever is one of our best nurses

It was great having our whole Az crew down for a week

He wants more from us then just "white knuckle" obedience. He wants to give us true joy and life to the full. This joy only comes through intimacy with Him, which can only be found by daily getting on our knees. Unfortunately, for me its often the challenges that force this posture. Thankfully, He's always there waiting.

Our first surgery was Reid's head(why am I not surprised)

Hanging out at our local restaurant

Grammy found some cool things to buy even in Guatemala

Matt pulled out this monster tooth with giant roots