Delays...or blessings?

After taking a hard look at what we needed to accomplish as far as fundraising goes, I made the decision to go ahead and teach summer school. It will allow Bill and I to finish paying off our debts, and hopefully be free and clear when we leave. Our new launch date is now August 2-August 5.

Even though this is a delay in departure, it becomes a blessing when you look at what we will be able to accomplish with those extra two weeks. That's two weeks we'll be able to finish the work on the house for the renters (can't afford to sell in this market), and ensure that we've got everything either sold or packed away in storage. The storage, well that's another story. I had no idea that a 20x10 shipping container sold for $2800! We definitely need to rethink that idea, and figure out how to safely store our valuable (they're valuable to us, anyway!) keepsakes. Everything else in the house will be sold or given to Goodwill.

Right now, we estimate that we still need approximately 70 people to pledge $30 per month to support us at the mission house. I realize that seems like a lot right now, but that's the same as a Grande Venti at Starbucks per week, or dinner for two once a month. Or...a dollar a day. We're hoping that we can get the word out to everyone, so that God will move and provide the support.

God is faithful, and He will not forsake us. He's called us, we believe, and now we're going to trust that He will provide through people that He calls to support us.

God Bless y'all.

Lisa

Our new home in San Lucas...

The following are pics of the Missionary Ventures mission house in San Lucas that Bill and I will be managing. It's quite large, and we'll be responsible for all of it, the lots next to it, and all other associated duties as we're assigned. Our main duty will be to make sure the house is ready for mission teams as they arrive, make sure they are cared for exceptionally well, and maintain/repair the house and the grounds. I think we'll be busy!

Mission house courtyard

view from the upper balcony into the courtyard

the mission house apt. (our new house!)

the main dining room at the mission house where the teams eat

one of the dorm rooms

one of the shared baths

Drive or fly? Hmmmm....

It is across Mexico we're talking about, by the way. :)  Yep, we're contemplating it. Yes, it would be easy to fly to Houston and then make the hop to Guatemala City to our new home in July. We'd just have to have everything packed, and figure out how to ship it. The expense of the tickets and the shipping...well, that is an issue. That's what faith in God is for, right? He always provides!

If we drive, then we could take Bill's truck, cram it full of our stuff, and not have to worry about shipping. Yes, we'd be forever at customs crossing the border. Yes, we'd have to deal with two dogs (we'll deal with them either way...they are going to Guatemala with us!).  Yes, we've heard all the horror stories. That's what faith in God is for, right? He always provides!

Join with me in praying about this, please! We're going, we just need direction on whether it's by land or by air.

Preparing to go....

Oh my word! I looked at the calendar today, and realized that there are 6 Mondays left of school. Yikes! That means that in approximately 12 weeks, Bill and I are moving to Guatemala to start this brand-new chapter in our lives. We will be living in San Lucas, about 30 minutes from the center of Guatemala City and handling the mission house for Missionary Ventures, International  http://www.mvi.org/  and working with the mission teams as they come in from around the nation to serve in Guatemala. Randy and Brenda Purcell, our directors in Guatemala, will also have us help them in the work they do supporting the local pastors, churches, feeding centers and projects to bring assistance and the knowledge of Jesus Christ to the people of Guatemala.

We are very busy fundraising at this point, and are looking for about 80 people who are willing to commit to donating $30 a month each to the mission effort in Guatemala to help support Bill and I at the mission house. One-time gifts are also appreciated. If you would like to donate online, you may go to http://www.mvi.org/, and click on the donations tab. If you would prefer to mail your donation, you may send it to Missionary Ventures, International PO Box 593550, Orlando, FL 32859-3550.  Please mark your donation "Preferenced for the future ministry of the Rileys". You will receive a tax-deductible receipt, and your money will be properly accounted and utilized.

At this point, Bill and I still need to pack up the house, rent it, sell what we can (furniture, books, odds and ends), put the bikes and the rest in storage, (anyone have a storage container or a truck or train car just sitting around?), and attend training in Florida. Life is moving quickly. We'd appreciate any and all help anyone has to offer. Give me a shout out if you have ideas, or you want to help.

God Bless y'all!

Lisa