The Josiah Foundation - Helping those in need

Read excerpts from Tiffany's journal about her daily thoughts while part of a Josiah Foundation mission team to Guatemala. Don't miss Jessica's journal notes at the end giving her account of seeing God at work in one of the Guatemalan homes! U.S. team consisted of six young adults working towards degrees in the medical profession (Michelle, Richard, Harmony, Tiffany, Jessica, Marissa), two physical fitness professionals (Chi, Stephanie), one business professional, (James), and one engineer (Dave, also President of The Josiah Foundation). Don't worry about the roster, you will see them all in photos below.

Tiffany's Journal Excerpts:

May 12 – Day 2 (first full day in Guatemala)

Journal Quote:  You are not here merely to make a living.  You are here in order to enable the world to live more amply, with greater vision, with a finer spirit of hope and achievement.  You are here to enrich the world, and you impoverish yourself if you forget the errand.

Bible Quote:  May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in Him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.

Harmony, Stephanie and Chi measuring out either rice or beans

Marissa loading bags of groceries for distribution. Harmony and Michelle in background.

 We just got done delivering groceries to three families – it was a lot harder than I thought.  We have not seen these families before.  The first one broke my heart – Sandra (Mom) and Jonathon (child).  Sandra was raped when she was 14.  When she was raped, the offender hit/slashed her in the eye which left her left eye blind.  Every time she looks in the mirror she is reminded of what happened to her.  She went to a doctor to see if there was any solution and she may get a prosthetic eye.  The total cost of the procedure would be $500-$600.  She would still be blind in the one eye, but the scarring and her face would be fixed.  Jonathon (6) was the result of her rape.  She is a fantastic mother and loves him very much.  She tells us she never looks at him and feels sadness for what happened, but feels joy for such a blessing out of a horrific situation.  She is now married.  Her current husband works out of town which is common around here.  Jonathon is also sick.  His white blood count is up and his red blood count is down.  He has been taking Pediasure which is 600Q ($74 US) a month.  It is helping but she is out.  We gave her enough money for one month of Pediasure and pray the rest comes.

I feel sick.  I want to crawl inside myself.  My heart weeps for these people.

May 13 – Day 3
Chiquimula

Journal Quote:  Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap, but by the seeds that you plant.

Bible verse:  Plant your see in the morning and keep busy all afternoon, for you don’t know if profit will come from one activity or another – or maybe both.  Ecclesiastes 11:6 NLT

Today was an intense day – we got up and met at 6:45am for breakfast at…you guessed it – Pollo Campero!  After spending an hour at breakfast having fellowship, we went to the wheelchair distribution – it was the first time in 14 years that Chris (Bethel Ministries) had been to this town.

I fit the first wheelchair by myself today – in 3 years I haven’t fit a person by myself.  Granted, it was pretty easy and all I had to do were adjust the foot rests.  It felt good.  It was so sad though…because the child I did fit in the wheel chair was 8 years old, I asked his Grandfather and Mom who were with him, if he went to school and they said “no, because he is in a wheelchair.”  I thought to myself, “what does that mean exactly?”  It broke my heart.  The child was beautiful and 100% present and sharp.  I think it was possibly the school that didn’t allow him to go…????

Jorge and Michelle working on a specialty fit	Just about done	Local Pastor praying with one of the wheelchair recipients
Richard and a satisfied young man	James fit this little guy's wheelchair	Her happy smile is a wonderful thank you!!

 Journal Quote:  All who have accomplished great things have had a great aim; have fixed their gaze on a goal which was high, one which sometimes seemed impossible.

Bible verse:  Philippians 3:12 (THE MESSAGE) - I’m not saying that I have this all together, that I have it made.  But I am well on my way, reaching out for Christ, who has so wondrously reached out for me.

This was Alicia's home before we arrived.

The following insert is in reference to a home we built for a widowed mother of two young boys.

Alicia’s husband had been a bus driver in Guatemala City and was shot to death because he didn’t pay money as demanded by the organized criminals who extort money from many of the businesses in Guatemala.

We made it to the site to build (in the afternoon) and worked our butts off from about 1-5 hauling sand, cement, rocks, cinder blocks- preparing the perimeter, and mixing and preparing cement.  It was intense!  It was like 100 degrees (no, I am not exaggerating).  I thought Harmony was going to pass out from a heat stroke.  I felt proud to be part of such a great team.  We then came back to the hotel to shower – we were a mess!  Then the electricity went out!  We all sat on the patio of the hotel with portable mirrors outside trying to put our make-up on!  Hilarious.  You know, at the time it was annoying, but it turned out to be one of my favorite laughing fests. 
Chris told us that 13 people gave their life to Christ today at the wheelchair distribution.  Praise God!

May 14 – Day 4 
House building Day!

Journal Quote:  If leaders are filled with high ambition and if they pursue their aims with audacity and strength of will, they will reach them in spite of all obstacles.

Bible verse:  1Timothy 6:11-12 (THE MESSAGE) 
Pursue a righteous life – a life of wonder, faith, love, steadiness, courtesy.  Run hard and fast in the faith.  Seize the eternal life, the life you were called to, the life you so fervently embraced in the presence of so many witnesses.

We just finished building “most” of the house.  Long day.  This morning, Michelle, Harm, I, Chi, and Richard worked with Howie trying to build a house, or rather, starting to build a house.  It was definitely a challenging day. 

This morning, Shel, Harm, I, Chi, and Richard started building the house with Howie after Pollo Campero.  It was SUCH a challenge!  We didn’t know how to do ANYTHING – the land was SOOOO small, uneven, unsquare, and there was only a narrow path in front with a cliff on the opposite side.

It was SO hot and humid!  Not so much humid, but hot!  The land is beautiful country but so hot and poor.  It took 3 hours to put up the first wall. The second wall went up faster, more problems than the third wall.  The rest of our team returned (they had been doing the food distribution) and helped us the rest of the afternoon.  We were so spent.  Hot, tired, and frustrated.  Richard prayed for us for strength.   We ALMOST finished everything.  We have to go back tomorrow and finish up. 

I don’t think I’ve physically ever worked as hard as I have the last two days.  I feel like I lacked stamina and sucked.  We are still learning.  I hope it comes.  I’m so exhausted.  God was with us today.  He was here.  I praise Him for getting me through today.

Alicia's young boys Jose and David and their younger "cousin" (not sure of relationship) were eager to help.	Dave and his young friend.	They boys absolutely loved the beds!
Did we say the boys loved the beds??	Tiffany and Jose and David.	It was awesome to see this precious family in their new home - fully furnished and complete with new water filter and efficient cooking stove.

A very happy group! Older lady at left is Alicia's Mother.  Bethel Ministries Director Chris Mooney is in front at right.

May 15 – Day 5
Chiquimula to Chimaltenango

Journal Quote:  Get over the idea that only children should spend their time in study.  Be a student so long as you still have something to learn, and this will mean all your life. 

Bible Verse:  Psalm 27:4 (THE MESSAGE)
I’m asking God for one thing, only one thing:  To live with Him in His house my whole life long.  I’ll contemplate His beauty; I’ll study at His feet.

On our way home to Chimaltenango from Chiquimula (5 hour drive).  We just finished lunch at McDonald’s.  I haven’t eaten McDonald’s for at least 3 years and for some reason, it tasted like THE BEST MEAL EVER! 

We then went back to the house site to finish painting, putting in the stove, and water filter.  Alicia (Mother we built the house for whose husband died last year) and her two sons (Jose and David) did not have any furniture but one tiny small table.  Apparently when her husband died, her Mother-in-law took ALL the furniture.  Chi felt bad and wanted to help…So Steph and Chi went to Paiz (similar to WalMart in the states) and bought them EVERYTHING!  Everything one would need in Guatemala anyway.  They got Alicia and her sons plates, cups, pots, pans, towels, shoes, sheets, a clock, soap, and a kitchen table with chairs.  WE also built them ALL beds and gave the family 400Q.  Chi gave the family her watch to sell for money so they can afford food for awhile.  Chris and our team also bought her groceries for her new home.  They should last about 2 weeks.

Alicia, Jose, and David got a furnished new home.  They cried when they saw it.  Seeing the looks on their faces made EVERYTHING worth it.  I cried.  It was beautiful – and all because of Him.  We also met Alicia’s mom who was so cool!  It was neat to meet her.  She was so grateful and happy for her daughter and grandchildren.  It was amazing and brought tears to my eyes.  I am right where God wants me.
May 16 – Day 6
Journal Quote:  You can’t live a perfect day without doing something for someone who will never be able to repay you.

3:30pm – We just left Hermano Pedro.  Hermano Pedro is always hard for me.  We took Fidel, Sonja, Veronica, Moises, and Minor to Pollo Campero. They LOVED it.  They ate ice cream and it made their hearts smile.  Fidel (cerebral palsy) is doing much better than he was the last time we were here.  He found his two sisters in the US and now has communications with them.  The rest of his family is dead.  We took them to the park and there was a band – Fidel played a Maraca with his foot.  He is currently studying computers.  He paints, waves, and does computers with his feet.  Chris got him a computer so he can progress in his work and studies.  He is 24 years old.  It is crazy.  After the park, we went back to Hermano Pedro and I hung with Henry.  He is 6 now.  I stayed with him all afternoon and it was great.  I know he could care less (lol) – but I love him and would LOVE the opportunity to adopt him.  That is something I will have to pray about since adoption is now illegal in Guatemala (for Americans anyway).  It was so sad, we got there around 1:30pm or so and when we got there, the kids were in bed.  I pulled Henry out, he was clearly drugged.  It broke my heart.  I spent a ton of time with him – he stood up on his own today.   I almost cried.  It breaks my heart…more than half of these kiddos could walk if someone worked with them every day.  Ivan, Henry, and several others could walk if someone had the time and took the time.  Many others are smart and could be great leaders if given the chance.  Chris said they only get out of the walls of the orphanage about once a month, some not at all.

Harmony and Minor at lunch	Ready to go to lunch!	Tiffany and friend back at Hermano Pedro

 May 17 – Day 7

Puerto San Jose – Free Day.  Beach!
Journal Quote:  Goals provide the energy source that powers our lives.  One of the best ways we can get the most from the energy we have is to focus it.  That is what goals can do for us:  Concentrate our energy. Bible Quote:  A wise man will hear and increase learning, and a man of understanding will attain wise counsel.  Proverbs 1:5 NKJV

May 18 – Day 8

San Rafael El Arado, Hands of Hope Clinic (Anita and Greg)

Journal Quote:  Nothing is as real as a dream.  The world can change around you, but your dream will not.  Responsibilities need not erase it.  Duties need not obscure it.  Because the dream is within you, no one can take it away.

When we got to Hands of Hope Clinic I decided to build beds while the rest of the girls worked at the clinic.  I worked with Richard,  Dave, Darvy, and Paquito.  It was fun.  I have discovered I love handiwork and construction-like activities…especially outside.  While working on the beds,

Bible Quote:  Steep your life in God-reality, God-initiative, God-provisions.  Don’t worry about missing out.  You’ll find all your everyday human concerns will be met.  Matthew 6:33 THE MESSAGE.

Thought:  What is my dream?  I could see myself living here and/or serving the people here.  I could see myself leading groups working with the Josiah Foundation.
Journal Quote:  Things turn out best for the people who make the best out of the way things turn out.

Journal Quote:  There’s no thrill in easy sailing when the skies are clear and blue, There’s no joy in merely doing things anyone can do.  But there is some satisfaction that is might sweet to take, when you reach a destination that you thought you’d never make.
Thought:  Wow.  How true for today. God is so faithful.  It’s exciting and eerie and AMAZING!

 Note by Dave Penner: We worked with the Hands of Hope Medical Clinic to provide beds as pictured below.  The beds are a huge help in preventing the respiratory illnesses that so easily inflict those sleeping on dirt floors, the same floors upon which chickens and other animals often have free reign.

Mayan woman and children in front of clinic	Happy recipients of new bed	Jessica and young girl enjoying the new bed

May 19 – Day 9

Journal Quote:  You can’t experience success beyond your wildest dreams until you dare to dream something wild!

Bible Verse:  God can do anything, you know- far more than you could ever imagine or guess or request in your wildest dreams.  Ephesians 3:20 THE MESSAGE. 

We worked at the feeding clinic and distributed toothbrushes to the school.  We distributed over 450 toothbrushes.  We then did a lice shampoo.  It was so sad serving people that don’t have enough to eat, can’t afford toothbrushes, and even know how to brush their teeth.  It breaks my heart to be here daily.  How much we in the US take for granted.  We fed over 250 people today.  The feeding clinic runs 3 days a week to ensure kids get at least 3 good meals a week.  Every child cleaned their bowl clean and the moms picked up the scraps off the floor when we were done so they could take them home to their families.  It wasn’t like the kind of meals we have in the states either, every child got one bowl of spaghetti with spaghetti sauce.  The feeding clinic couldn’t run on the funds that were given, so they cut workers in order to be able to supply the kids with food.  So two people made all that food for 250 people, cleaned up, and probably got paid 7.00 US dollars a day.  I just think of the waste in the US, and it just blows my mind and causes my heart to creep into my chest.  The tears come.

School children with their new toothbrushes and toothpaste	School girl with her new toothbrush	An advantage of being bald-no need for protective head covering when doing lice shampoos

 May 20 – Day 10

Journal Quote:  The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality.  The last is to say thank you.  In between, the leader is a servant.

Bible Verse:  Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant.  Matthew 20:26 NLT

So, today started at 6:45am at Pollo Campero.  I worked in the clinic with Anita.  Richard and Marissa also worked in the clinic.  The rest of the group worked on building beds.  Working with Anita was amazing.  When I was in the clinic seeing patients and practicing medicine I felt at home.  I LOVED it.  The second patient we saw was a 21 year old young woman who was 12 weeks pregnant – On Tuesday (two days ago) night she had brown blood discharge with water.  When we went to listen to the baby’s heart, there was no heart beat.  Anita was pretty sure she was losing the baby if it was not lost already.  She sent the patient for an ultrasound anyway, but she really felt the baby was dying and that the mom was losing it.  It broke my heart.  There were a few UTI’s and a yeast infection, and I gave a Diclofenac injection – but all I could think about was this patient losing her child.  The patient showed no sign of emotion which is common in Guatemala, but one could sense the fear and sadness.  I cried.  I cry as I type this.  After clinic, I washed women’s and children’s feet but I could not get the pregnant woman out of my mind or heart.

May 21 – Day 11

Journal Quote:  The purpose of learning is growth, and our minds, unlike our bodies, can continue growing as we continue to live. 

Bible Verse:  The mind of a person with understanding gets knowledge; the wise person listens to learn more.  Proverbs 18:15 NIV.

So before I move on to today, I need to share last night.  Last night we went to my favorite restaurant in Antigua, Tre Fratelli.  We sat on the roof and shared and it was wonderful.  There was also a lightning storm which made the evening remarkable.  The lightning was beautiful and lit up the sky.  The electricity went out and the only lights we could see in the entire city of Antigua was the lights at the Cathedral. I guess God had enough power to light that!  After all, He doesn’t need electricity!  After dinner, Chris drove us to the Cathedral and we got to see it and take pictures.  It was amazing, breathtaking, and absolutely beautiful…

This was the bed that the dear family slept on

So this morning, we ate at Pollo Campero at 6:45 am.  Sigh.  We then went to our job sight and started tearing apart the house for the next house project.  Currently, a lady and her mother live there.  The woman was taking care of two abandoned children which were not her own.  We roll up at the house which was a complete hole, as expected, but when we started taking it down and the demolition process started, I was SHOCKED.  It was disgusting.  I felt SO bad.  First of all, we started to take their stove apart and there were termites EVERYWHERE.  I am not afraid of bugs, but I just about flipped when I saw masses of them scurry as I picked up the concrete block.  Then, as if the bugs and termites weren’t bad enough, we saw several (not just one) mice dart along as we moved things out of the “house.”  As they pulled their mattress out I saw quite possibly the most disgusting filthy thing I have ever seen in my life.  There were holes and dirt everywhere and who knows what might have been living amongst the springs.  I would not touch it with a ten foot pole.  What broke my heart is that people actually live like this and are grateful just to have a place to lay their head at night.
Journal Quote:  This is your moment!  Throw off the lines.  Leave behind the safe harbor.  Catch the wind and sail into the open waters.  Seek adventure.  Go after your dreams.  Discover your life.

Chris showing the family how to use their new efficient cooking stove. Notice the chimney going out the roof to keep the smoke out of the house.	This little girl clearly is please with her new home; complete with cook stove, water filter, shelving and beds.	As always, neighbor kids love to hang out while we work.

 Bible Verse:  Dear friend, listen well to my words…Those who discover these words live, really live; body and soul…Keep vigilant watch over your heart; that’s where life starts.  Proverbs 4:20-23 THE MESSAGE.

When Chris and I were waiting for the X-rays I asked him about a lot of stuff.  (Editor’s Note:  x-rays were taken of little Maria’s hip, Carmen’s daughter, for Tiffany to take back to Denver for further consultation with medical experts.)

Chris said that often we are so busy talking to God that we don’t wait for him to come to us.  God wants to come to us sometimes.  He wants to hold us and love on us.  I never thought of it that way but it’s absolutely true…and comforting. 

We can wake up with the Spirit every morning!  God is in us, but we have a choice everyday to pick up the Sword (His Word).  Those were Chris’s words, not mine, but it is so true and prevalent in my own life.  How often do I put God second to getting ready in the morning when I am late for work, put him on the back burner while seeing patients, or better yet, completely disregard prayer because I am exhausted…?  He is in us, but we have a choice with how intimate we want to become with Him.  It all starts with a choice…a choice to follow Him, a choice to lay down our crosses daily, and a choice to pick up our Sword and fight the good fight – being in the world but not of it.  The key I believe is doing this all with love.  An oxymoron?  This is why we need the Spirit- we can’t possibly do it ourselves.   How prideful we are to think otherwise.
Journal Quote:  When you come to the end of all the light you know, and it’s time to step into the darkness of the unknown, faith is  knowing that one of two things shall happen:  Either you will be given something solid to stand on or you will be taught to fly.

Bible Verse:  For we walk by faith, not by sight  2Corinthians 5:7 NKJV.
After X-rays, we went to the building site, but before we got there, we got a call that Howie sliced his hand.  Jorge had to take him to the hospital and we finished mixing the concrete and pouring the foundation.  Then, a rainstorm hit…rainstorm is an underestimation, I felt like I got a shower in 1.2 seconds with the privilege of simultaneously trying to cover a foundation with free sides of muck, dirt, and grime (not to mention friendly little “critters” who were also wet and keeping us company).  We got soaked, it was CRAZY.  At one point we just stood in the rain and laughed.  Oh my gosh.  It reminds me of the saying, “Life isn’t about waiting for the storm to pass.  It’s about learning to dance in the rain.”  Praise God I was with fellow dancers of life!  Otherwise, we may have been waiting for eternity…
Tomorrow we will finish the house…:) 

Bible Verse:  This service you do not only helps the needs of God’s people, it also brings many more thanks to God.  It is a proof of your faith.  Many people will praise God because you obey the Good News…and because you freely share with them and with all others.  2Corinthians 9:12-13 NIV.

May 22 – Day 12

Pre-Fab house building – Chimaltenango

Journal Quote:  I am defeated, and know it, if I meet any human being from whom I find myself unable to learn anything.

Bible Verse:  Teach the wise, and they will become even wiser; teach good people, and they will learn even more.  Proverbs 9:9 NIV.
6:20pm – Today went by so fast!  We started our morning at 6:15am when Chris picked us up and we went to Pollo Campero for breakfast.  We then went to his shop to load 2 boxes that weighed 750 pounds EACH.  Man, it was crazy!  I can’t believe our team was able to lift the boxes!  What a feeling of God’s presence and strength.  It was a pre-fab house which I was excited about doing because I have never built a pre-fab house before.  I actually ended up working on bunk beds and shelves with Jorge today.  We worked ALL day.  Jorge and I built 3 beds and shelves.  The rest of the team put the house together.  We got everything done to include a stove, beds, dishes, towels, pillows, water filter, and blankets.  Praise God the cement floor was fine after the crazy downpour yesterday.  That was TOTALLY God. 

May 23 – Day 13

Journal Quote:  It is not in the pursuit of happiness that we find fulfillment, it is in the happiness of pursuit.

Bible Verse:  He who pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.  Proverbs 21:21 NIV.

My last day in Guatemala.  I’m sad.  I don’t want to go.  This morning I got up at 5:30am, packed my bags and we left to deliver food/sanitation packages.  We went first to the lady’s house we built yesterday – their house was clean and there was no dirty filthy mattress in sight.  They were very proud of their new house.  It seemed as if they would keep it nice and this was a new beginning for them.  It was neat to be a part of. 

Elsa and 4 of her 5 children

We then went to see the woman at the well – Elsa.  We call her the “woman at the well” because we met her last year and she had a well.  We tried to get water from her well and realized what hard work it was.  She had nothing to eat and if she did find work, she made less than a dollar a day.  The rest of her day was spent getting wood so she could make a fire to cook what little she did have, if she had anything.  She has moved since we saw her last year.  She lives in a shack (which is generous) that she rents for $13.00 (US)/month.  However she is only allowed to stay there one year.  The land has no running water, no bathroom, and no electricity.  This is not uncommon, but it is still very difficult to observe.  She is a widow and has five children (Keysi-12, Kenia-11, Londi -8, Greiven – 6)  She also has an older son who was not home at the time who is 14.

Chris has told her to be looking for land so she can move her house and settle down permanently.  It was such a God moment with added angel winks!  When we got there (she did not know we were coming) she told Chris that was going to call him yesterday because she found a piece of land and today…BOOM, we all show up with food and a little extra money for her (not enough to buy the land, but hopefully enough for a few extra meals).  She told us she found land with electricity, water, and a bathroom.  The total cost of the land (house included) is $5,600.00 (US).

Journal Quote:  The difference between perseverance and obstinacy is that one often comes from a strong will, the other from a strong won’t.

Bible Verse:  God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation.  Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him.  James 1:12 NLT.

And from Jessica’s journal:

My face feels to dirty, my legs have a little heat rash and need a shave, I'm sure I stink like the trash can, but I cannot tell. There are clouds above and a nice breeze in the air. It's almost five and we have an hour to shower before dinner. It was our second day of work here in Chiquimula. Half of the gang worked on the house while the other half of us distributed food bags. After lunch we all rejoined and continued to work on the house. I chose to do food deliveries because I love to pray and I praise God for my desire to pray for others. We visited four houses and each house had it's own story, all very impactful. God must have been looking forward to this day because one of His children recognized Him as Lord of her life!!! Her name is Jenny. Chris Mooney began talking with her, I would say she is in her high twenties, married with kids. You could tell Jenny was a little uncomfortable and she was not looking at Chris. Jenny was very hesitant, but after a long conversation in Spanish Chris informed us she was ready to accept God into her life! It's really a huge decision for her to make, especially without her husband there. Normally all decisions, especially one as life changing as this, are brought to the husband first. Anyhow, we all surrounded Jenny and laid hands on her as Chris led her in prayer. After that something else pretty amazing happened; Jenny left for a second and came back with her two kids asking if we would pray over all of them! What an opportunity! Now our prayers are for Jenny's husband and that he also will accept God as Lord of his life. Delivering groceries is so much more than providing food to families, it's also a chance to hear their stories, bring gladness, and share the love of Christ!