There is so much to blog about...after 4 days...that it is hard to know where to start. So we are going to chomp off little bits when we get time as we get settled in here. Thanks for the multitude of prayers that have gone up on our behalf during the past week! They have been answered and we are beginning to get settled in here. We have about 40 emails to get to so we will get to them when we get a chance as well. Thanks again for your overwhelming support for our mission here in Guatemala. We have been blessed and hope you are as we share a little glimpse of God at work here.
At His feet,
The Klandermans
Monday, July 28, 2008
Saturday, July 19, 2008
5:30 and I'm awake!
Do you ever have one of those times where you wake up for no apparent reason and your brain will just not shut off? Good morning to all those early birds out there. Here I am...wide awake and feeling so blessed...and I would love to share with you. First of all, to those of you who came to say good-bye and eat some cake last night, a huge thank-you! How good it was to get in all those hugs and smiles...and tears. For those of you who we didn't get to spend much time with (I can't believe how fast an hour and a half goes) from the bottom of our hearts, we love you and pray that God continues to work in and through each of us in the next year as only He can. Thanks for your friendship and support. We are blessed by you...thanks! Our prayer time last night was nothing short of amazing. To be surrounded by brothers and sisters in Christ, lifting it all up before God, laying it all out before Him...aloud and silently...it is something that will carry me through many a lonely night in Guatemala. Thanks to the literally hundreds of folks who lift us up weekly if not more often. God is using you in amazing ways and we have been blessed. Lastly to my family...I have the most wonderful husband in the world...as many of you know... and I am so blessed to spend this next year serving God in new ways in a new place with the one God gave me to have and to hold till death do us part. I love you Aaron and can't wait to begin our adventure next week. Caden, thanks for loving your momma so much and for shining Jesus' light to me in so many ways. I look forward to watching you grow in so many ways in the next year. My Maya Joy, you are such a blessing. I pray that God continues to use you to minister to so many around you with your giving spirit. Jesus loves you too. Lillers, Your smile and your kisses are priceless to me. I can't wait for the adventures we have together in our new home this coming year. I'm praying for you too. To my parents...Mom & Dad, what can I say. You gave me life and shared Jesus with me, what more could a girl ask for. Thanks for your prayers and endless support. We love you and hope to share what you've given us wherever God leads. To Aaron's folks...who each in their own way are amazing people who have not only given me my husband...and for that alone I can't thank you enough...but you have challenged me in my faith and helped me to grow more than you'll ever know. Thank you for that gift. Dad & Elizabeth, thanks for your support and for sharing second chances with us. We love you. Mom, what a blessing to have you here this weekend. Thanks for driving the many miles to share in our prayer time and visit. You are an incredible person. Know you are loved. And we will pray as you each begin new adventures in different places that God will supply all your needs and fill you with His Spirit to shine for Him. Bryan & Ang & Lauren, thanks for your smiles and for your e-mails and constant encouragement in this whole process. You are a such a blessing and know we are praying for you. Little Bro, what can I say...I will miss you dearly...and not just because my computer actually works when you are around...but you have placed my mind at ease so many times about what is to come in the next year, answering all questions I have, sharing contacts, websites, and your experience so freely. I can't wait to see you in September and love you limitlessly (should be a word if it isn't). Thank you and God bless as He continues to use you in such big (and little) ways wherever in the world you are. I love you! And lastly the Pates...here come the tears again. Steve, thank you for loving my sister more than life...for being a passionate God seeker and liver (not the organ, but the action) of life. Take care of my sistor' and may God bless you as you pursue Him where he leads. T-man & Ayla, A-me-me loves you very much and will get as many kisses and hugs in as I can in the next few days. I love watching you grow and pray that you have a great time growing up at camp under God's watchful care. How blessed you are, little ones. Know your cousies are praying for you and Uncle Aaron and I as well. And Mendy...my little Sistor' & my best friend. I will miss you soo much. You have changed my life in more ways than you will ever know and have helped to make me a better person all along the way. From the letters you left me on my pillow when you were little, to the Bible study/exercise club you had in 4th grade (thanks to your friends too...you know who you are) that challenged your 7th grade sister to look at her seeking God efforts, to living the camp ministry that God has placed in your heart and being an example of a God seeker, to always laying it out there when worshiping God and leading us to do the same, to introducing us to a little book that changed our lives (Reader FYI: The Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey), to taking care of & loving my little ones so much, to sharing your heart and listening to mine...I can't thank God enough for the blessing you are to me. So when you are in Washington and wherever God leads us in this world...I am your biggest fan and can't wait to see what God's going to do through you & your family as you pursue Him with all that you are.
Well I think that is it for now. Thanks for your prayers, your encouragement, & support. May this day God has given us be lived to its fullest. At His feet, Amy
Well I think that is it for now. Thanks for your prayers, your encouragement, & support. May this day God has given us be lived to its fullest. At His feet, Amy
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Farewell Open House & Prayer Time
You are invited to:
At 8pm we are going to have a prayer time together and we invite you to stick around and join us for this final group prayer time before our trip. We will have contact info, videos going of where we are headed, and itinerary prayer journal for our trip, and of course cake & punch. We would love a chance to see you and say good-bye before we are off. If you need a map click on the Overisel Reformed Church link to the right, then About Us. God bless and hope to see you there.
The Klanderman/Pate Farewell Open House
on Friday, July 18 from 6:30-8pm
in the Family Life Center at Overisel Reformed Church.
Come and go as you please and just bring yourselves.on Friday, July 18 from 6:30-8pm
in the Family Life Center at Overisel Reformed Church.
At 8pm we are going to have a prayer time together and we invite you to stick around and join us for this final group prayer time before our trip. We will have contact info, videos going of where we are headed, and itinerary prayer journal for our trip, and of course cake & punch. We would love a chance to see you and say good-bye before we are off. If you need a map click on the Overisel Reformed Church link to the right, then About Us. God bless and hope to see you there.
One week!
A little peek inside of what goes on in a person's mind a week before a person leaves for a year.
Utilities...all taken care of as far as shutting things off that are not being used and direct payments from our computer in Guatemala...Technology is so amazing. Check!
Ants...as good as dead...exterminator came this morning. Buh-Bye Bugs! Check!
Plastic totes for packing clothes away have been purchased. Check!
Straps and tags for luggage purchased. No clothes falling out on the runway... Check!
Garage sale funds, deposited & spent. Check!
Painting Window frames...something Amy "has" to do before we go...because if we wait until we get home...it will never happen! Check!
To do list:
Bathroom supplies sorted through.
Games and toys made ready for packing (bagging everything & leaving boxes behind)
Clean things out of bedroom closets to store.
Preparing for Open House on Friday...not too much on our part. Thanks Mom & Jane!
Purchasing last minute "needs"
Put a hold on our vehicle insurance.
Final packing & repacking.
Keep praying...Praying...PRAYING.
Utilities...all taken care of as far as shutting things off that are not being used and direct payments from our computer in Guatemala...Technology is so amazing. Check!
Ants...as good as dead...exterminator came this morning. Buh-Bye Bugs! Check!
Plastic totes for packing clothes away have been purchased. Check!
Straps and tags for luggage purchased. No clothes falling out on the runway... Check!
Garage sale funds, deposited & spent. Check!
Painting Window frames...something Amy "has" to do before we go...because if we wait until we get home...it will never happen! Check!
To do list:
Bathroom supplies sorted through.
Games and toys made ready for packing (bagging everything & leaving boxes behind)
Clean things out of bedroom closets to store.
Preparing for Open House on Friday...not too much on our part. Thanks Mom & Jane!
Purchasing last minute "needs"
Put a hold on our vehicle insurance.
Final packing & repacking.
Keep praying...Praying...PRAYING.
Answered Prayers for our Home!
A huge thank-you and welcome to Amanda Jacobs who is the answer to the many prayers offered up about our home. She and her daughter are going to be living in our home for the time we are gone and we are so amazed at God's blessings through them. Not only is she willing to take care of our home, which is priceless in our eyes, but she will be taking care of Beanie, our cat, which is another answer to prayer. Amanda, we are so thankful for you. Way to go, God!
Friday, July 11, 2008
Party for the Kids
On Friday, June 27th the parents of Caden, Maya & Lily's church friends put on a party for all the kids as a farewell. They had a blast!
Great smile, Trenton! Kids wait in line for the birdseed race.
Caden is the closest racer with Brianna & Avery close behind!
The big kids had fun bouncing little soccer balls into the flower pots in the middle of the kiddie pools...but I think the little girls had more fun playing in the water. Lily with Abby & Kaitlyn.
The boys eating their ice cream! Nice bunny ears Lucas! Luke, Caden & Jesse couldn't be happier.
The whole gang (only a handful couldn't make it) ...30+ kids.
They gave Caden, Maya & Lily some activities to do on the plane and a great scrapbook of well wishes from their friends. How cool is that! They also raised funds during Sunday School this year for our mission trip...Amazing!
A huge thank-you to our great friends at ORC. What a blessing you are! We will miss you more than you know. Thanks for all you are and all you do...and most of all for sharing the love of God with our children. We have been blessed!
Great smile, Trenton! Kids wait in line for the birdseed race.
Caden is the closest racer with Brianna & Avery close behind!
The big kids had fun bouncing little soccer balls into the flower pots in the middle of the kiddie pools...but I think the little girls had more fun playing in the water. Lily with Abby & Kaitlyn.
The boys eating their ice cream! Nice bunny ears Lucas! Luke, Caden & Jesse couldn't be happier.
The whole gang (only a handful couldn't make it) ...30+ kids.
They gave Caden, Maya & Lily some activities to do on the plane and a great scrapbook of well wishes from their friends. How cool is that! They also raised funds during Sunday School this year for our mission trip...Amazing!
A huge thank-you to our great friends at ORC. What a blessing you are! We will miss you more than you know. Thanks for all you are and all you do...and most of all for sharing the love of God with our children. We have been blessed!
Prayer Update-July 9
This is brief but God is so good. Thanks for your prayers and support. You are such an encouragement.
Thanksgivings: Ephesians 1:11-12 (Message) It's in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone.
1. Our home will be lived in while we are away. A few details have to be worked out but the answer is here and God is so good! Amazing! Yeah God...Go God...WoooHoo!
2. Garage Sale today was an amazing spectacle. We are exhausted but thrilled with how God used so many...many of which were you...to make this first day of the sale beyond comprehension.
3. Clean carpets, every nook and cranny purged of "stuff" and the feeling that though the time comes quickly...we will be ready. Thanks God for peace of heart and mind in chaos of the past few days.
4. For Caden & the joy of playing with "T" (Thatcher) during the day today. How much we will miss our cousies (cousins for those of you who need interpretations of the Klanderman-ese) and thanksgivings for Garage Sale days of fun.
5. For notes of encouragement, for hugs, for laughs, for smiles, for old friends & new, for the love of God that flows through his people. Amen & Amen.
6. Our police reports for our visas have returned and are all set for our trip. What an answer to prayer! About a week before I thought we'd see them. Go God!
Requests: Ephesians 1:17-19 (Message) But I do more than thank. I ask--ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory--to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for his followers, oh, the utter extravagance of this work in us who trust him--endless energy, boundless strength!
1. Caden's adjustment to all the newness that will be happening in just a few short weeks. For new friends to be made and safety in exploring his new surroundings. For him to be closer to God each day through this life changing experience.
2. That many minor projects will be finished up in the next week. Safety, patience and acceptance of things that just may not get done before we leave.
3. Garage sale tomorrow to finish strong and be packed up quickly to send to Love INC.
4. For a home to be found for Mendy & Steve's cat (ours will be staying in our home...another answered prayer) or peace about what needs to happen if no home is found. (Any contacts would be appreciated)
5. Continued prayers for strength for goodbyes that are to come. They will be hard...but God is good. Just pray.
6. Katie & Robb Lubbers. Pray for God's mercy on their lives, his healing power to wash over them and his strength to lift them up. Pray what God lays on your heart and if you get a chance check out their blog (link to the right) and let them know you are praying for them.
God Bless each of you. At His feet,
Aaron, Amy, Caden, Maya & Lily Klanderman
P.S. If you would like to officially join our prayer team please e-mail us at klandermansgo@gmail.com.
Thanksgivings: Ephesians 1:11-12 (Message) It's in Christ that we find out who we are and what we are living for. Long before we first heard of Christ and got our hopes up, he had his eye on us, had designs on us for glorious living, part of the overall purpose he is working out in everything and everyone.
1. Our home will be lived in while we are away. A few details have to be worked out but the answer is here and God is so good! Amazing! Yeah God...Go God...WoooHoo!
2. Garage Sale today was an amazing spectacle. We are exhausted but thrilled with how God used so many...many of which were you...to make this first day of the sale beyond comprehension.
3. Clean carpets, every nook and cranny purged of "stuff" and the feeling that though the time comes quickly...we will be ready. Thanks God for peace of heart and mind in chaos of the past few days.
4. For Caden & the joy of playing with "T" (Thatcher) during the day today. How much we will miss our cousies (cousins for those of you who need interpretations of the Klanderman-ese) and thanksgivings for Garage Sale days of fun.
5. For notes of encouragement, for hugs, for laughs, for smiles, for old friends & new, for the love of God that flows through his people. Amen & Amen.
6. Our police reports for our visas have returned and are all set for our trip. What an answer to prayer! About a week before I thought we'd see them. Go God!
Requests: Ephesians 1:17-19 (Message) But I do more than thank. I ask--ask the God of our Master, Jesus Christ, the God of glory--to make you intelligent and discerning in knowing him personally, your eyes focused and clear, so that you can see exactly what it is he is calling you to do, grasp the immensity of this glorious way of life he has for his followers, oh, the utter extravagance of this work in us who trust him--endless energy, boundless strength!
1. Caden's adjustment to all the newness that will be happening in just a few short weeks. For new friends to be made and safety in exploring his new surroundings. For him to be closer to God each day through this life changing experience.
2. That many minor projects will be finished up in the next week. Safety, patience and acceptance of things that just may not get done before we leave.
3. Garage sale tomorrow to finish strong and be packed up quickly to send to Love INC.
4. For a home to be found for Mendy & Steve's cat (ours will be staying in our home...another answered prayer) or peace about what needs to happen if no home is found. (Any contacts would be appreciated)
5. Continued prayers for strength for goodbyes that are to come. They will be hard...but God is good. Just pray.
6. Katie & Robb Lubbers. Pray for God's mercy on their lives, his healing power to wash over them and his strength to lift them up. Pray what God lays on your heart and if you get a chance check out their blog (link to the right) and let them know you are praying for them.
God Bless each of you. At His feet,
Aaron, Amy, Caden, Maya & Lily Klanderman
P.S. If you would like to officially join our prayer team please e-mail us at klandermansgo@gmail.com.
Sunday, July 6, 2008
Our Last Family Lunch Together
A glorious tradition for our family has been eating lunch at Amy's parents on Sundays for many years. These past 2 years have been great because her sister and family and brother have been around and it has been fun eating together once a week. Today was the last time for now as Mendy & Steve are visiting friends next week and Steve & Chad will be driving out their stuff next weekend to move to Washington. We will be following July 24 with our mission to Guatemala and Chad's heading to Mozambique in October. But we took some time at church today to take a few pictures. We are so thankful for our family and cherish the knowledge that their prayers are going with each of us wherever God leads. We love you!
Children: Caden, Maya, Lily, Ayla, & Thatcher
Adults: Aaron & Amy, Chad, Mom & Dad, Mendy & Steve
Grandma & Grandpa & the grand-kids!
The Happy Pates
Our FamilyThursday, July 3, 2008
Welcoming Ayla Noelle Lillian Pate
Introducing our new niece...
Ayla Noelle Lillian Pate
Parents: Steve & Mendy Pate
Big Brother: Thatcher William Jones Pate
Parents: Steve & Mendy Pate
Big Brother: Thatcher William Jones Pate
She was born Monday, June 23 at 12:59 pm at Zeeland Hospital. She weighed 7 lbs. 12 oz. and measured 19.5 inches. Pictured here snuggled with Uncle Aaron and her favorite blankie bear from cousins Caden, Maya & Lily at 5 days old. What a precious gift from God!
Prayer Update-July 3
Dear Prayer Team,
Wow...what a Wednesday. This may be a little long today in the Thanksgiving category for what we went through yesterday. More details are in our blog. Hope this finds you well. Thanks for your prayers!
Thanksgivings: 2 Chronicles 5 excerpt from verses 11-13 (Message) The choir and trumpets (total of 288 musicians (1 Chron. 25)) made one voice of praise and thanks to God--orchestra and choir in perfect harmony singing and playing praise to God: Yes! God is good! His loyal love goes on forever!
1. We drove safely to Lansing yesterday and returned home with only 2 drips on our car. (This was in the direct line of some very powerful storms yesterday. We are praying for those of you left in the wake.) You are amazing in your power, God.
2. All visa documents are safely in the mail and headed to the consulate in Chicago. Thanks God for helpful strangers, a generous restaurant owner, and time we never thought we would have to tour our State Capitol. All gifts from you!
3. Much getting checked off our "to do" list. Thanks God for time to prepare.
4. Lily has been running a low grade fever on & off for the past few days. Remnants we believe of the immunizations we got last week. Thanksgivings for a strong immune system and knowing that God is working in her body to prepare her for what lies ahead. Thanks, God for our delightful little girl and the "toughness" factor that you blessed her with.
5. Thanksgivings that the children's immunizations are complete and Caden & Maya were so brave that Lily told the nurse, "They are not ou(ch)y. Me next!"
6. Some very good possibilities of people interested in "renting" our home. Thanks God for preparing others for our journey as well.
7. The generosity of God's people in supporting the financial aspect of our trip. All foreseen needs have been covered, including our car fund, and knowing that God provides more than enough for all our needs our hearts are confident in He who Supplies.
8. Thanks for family and how precious it is to spend time with them. Help us to cherish each moment now for times when we will be apart ahead of us.
Requests: 2 Chronicles 6:33 (The Message-verse is from Solomon's prayer at the dedication of the temple) Listen from your home in heaven and honor the prayers of the foreigner. So that people all over the world will know who you are and what you're like, and live in reverent obedience before you, just as your own people Israel do, so they'll know that you personally make this Temple that I've built what it is.
1. That all details which still need to be figured out will be set in place, not by our will, but by God's. Give us patience and the resolution of heart that we just may not know some details before we leave...and that is ok. For we trust the One who knows.
2. Lily will continue to thrive in God's care. Pray for safety for our little blondy in Guatemala in health & general ways. Pray that we continue to train her up in the way she should go, so she can live in God's promises all her days.
3. Pray for the "right" decisions to be made about our home.
4. Pray for our Moving Sale on Wednesday & Thursday (especially for Mendy & Steve who are getting rid of much "stuff" for their move) and may God use it for the good of everyone.
5. Pray for VBS in our community the week of the 14th. God, use Uncle Tim and all the volunteers to minister to your people right here in Overisel. Change hearts and renew spirits.
6. Pray for our prayer team, each person who has given of themselves to pray for us. God work in them as only you can and fill them with your Holy Spirit. Help each of us to see the next step in your plan for our lives and step forward into it.
If you need more details for any of the above, check out our blog at klandermansgo.blogspot.com anytime. Have a great week.
At His feet,
Aaron, Amy, Caden, Maya & Lily Klanderman
Wow...what a Wednesday. This may be a little long today in the Thanksgiving category for what we went through yesterday. More details are in our blog. Hope this finds you well. Thanks for your prayers!
Thanksgivings: 2 Chronicles 5 excerpt from verses 11-13 (Message) The choir and trumpets (total of 288 musicians (1 Chron. 25)) made one voice of praise and thanks to God--orchestra and choir in perfect harmony singing and playing praise to God: Yes! God is good! His loyal love goes on forever!
1. We drove safely to Lansing yesterday and returned home with only 2 drips on our car. (This was in the direct line of some very powerful storms yesterday. We are praying for those of you left in the wake.) You are amazing in your power, God.
2. All visa documents are safely in the mail and headed to the consulate in Chicago. Thanks God for helpful strangers, a generous restaurant owner, and time we never thought we would have to tour our State Capitol. All gifts from you!
3. Much getting checked off our "to do" list. Thanks God for time to prepare.
4. Lily has been running a low grade fever on & off for the past few days. Remnants we believe of the immunizations we got last week. Thanksgivings for a strong immune system and knowing that God is working in her body to prepare her for what lies ahead. Thanks, God for our delightful little girl and the "toughness" factor that you blessed her with.
5. Thanksgivings that the children's immunizations are complete and Caden & Maya were so brave that Lily told the nurse, "They are not ou(ch)y. Me next!"
6. Some very good possibilities of people interested in "renting" our home. Thanks God for preparing others for our journey as well.
7. The generosity of God's people in supporting the financial aspect of our trip. All foreseen needs have been covered, including our car fund, and knowing that God provides more than enough for all our needs our hearts are confident in He who Supplies.
8. Thanks for family and how precious it is to spend time with them. Help us to cherish each moment now for times when we will be apart ahead of us.
Requests: 2 Chronicles 6:33 (The Message-verse is from Solomon's prayer at the dedication of the temple) Listen from your home in heaven and honor the prayers of the foreigner. So that people all over the world will know who you are and what you're like, and live in reverent obedience before you, just as your own people Israel do, so they'll know that you personally make this Temple that I've built what it is.
1. That all details which still need to be figured out will be set in place, not by our will, but by God's. Give us patience and the resolution of heart that we just may not know some details before we leave...and that is ok. For we trust the One who knows.
2. Lily will continue to thrive in God's care. Pray for safety for our little blondy in Guatemala in health & general ways. Pray that we continue to train her up in the way she should go, so she can live in God's promises all her days.
3. Pray for the "right" decisions to be made about our home.
4. Pray for our Moving Sale on Wednesday & Thursday (especially for Mendy & Steve who are getting rid of much "stuff" for their move) and may God use it for the good of everyone.
5. Pray for VBS in our community the week of the 14th. God, use Uncle Tim and all the volunteers to minister to your people right here in Overisel. Change hearts and renew spirits.
6. Pray for our prayer team, each person who has given of themselves to pray for us. God work in them as only you can and fill them with your Holy Spirit. Help each of us to see the next step in your plan for our lives and step forward into it.
If you need more details for any of the above, check out our blog at klandermansgo.blogspot.com anytime. Have a great week.
At His feet,
Aaron, Amy, Caden, Maya & Lily Klanderman
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
