Where do you work / Describe your site:
I work in Guatemala. Our primary focus is on communities in the areas surrounding Magdalena Milpas Altas and El Gorrion. I work at the site called Media, where we are responsible for all our full-time staff’s communication photos and videos. Also, together with outreach participants, we produce an outreach DVD summarizing the team’s time serving God here in Guatemala. Also, we have recently opened a media school, where we use our skills and resources to teach young people media ranging from general computer knowledge to design using the latest software. Of course, we also teach photography and videography. Through this effort we hope to not only fill a void for our ministry’s needs, but also to share the love of Jesus. We do this not only through teaching skills but also by our actions, giving them the recognition that they have value and worth as a creation of the most high God!
How long have you been working with SI?
I began full time work with SI when I arrived in Guatemala on September 17, 2012.
What is your favorite part of your work?
I not only have the privilege to do something I really enjoy, but I get to serve God in full-time ministry! Going out into the community is an adventure. I visit all our ministry sites and capture images of God’s hands and feet in action through my co-workers and team participants. Like looking into a mirror that every time it is viewed it reflects a bridge communicating what God is doing through His people.
Where are you from?
I am from the Reedley, California.
Is there a major hurdle you had to overcome to get to field staff? If so, what was it and how have you seen God work?
At the age of 45 with a full-time teaching career of 16 years, just the transition from life in the states to full-time service in Guatemala was a huge hurdle. After dealing with the call to go, family, friends, and questions without all the answers, I spent two years fund raising. The entire journey from early discussion to buying the plane ticket was almost four years. At times it was discouraging, but in the end every obstacle along the way was crossed. God’s timing was perfect. When I thought the time was now, God said “wait.” When I thought wait, God provided the open door. Even now God continues to be faithful not only in the big financial support question, but in the day-to-day things that arise. When I realize God has yet again provided an answer, it is the best feeling to know that God is the one who called me and is on my side.
Why did you decide to join the SI team?
A home church connection with Students International planted the seed for me to participate on a trip to Guatemala in 2009. This was followed by another trip to Guatemala in 2010 and a summer with Students International in the Dominican Republic in 2011. I believe in the mission model of Students International, but most of all God provided the heart change for me to be willing to leave all I knew behind and join the Students International team.
What is one thing you are looking forward to in your future ministry with SI?
I am looking forward to seeing what God is going to do! I have lived way too long under the phrase, “I don’t have all the answers. I’m on a need-to-know basis and right now God does not need me to know…” I know there are many plans for growing our media site ministry, and this is exciting to me. I don’t know how it is all going to look, but God knows, and in His way and His timing it will be perfect. This is what I look forward to by faith!
