Eight is enough....

My kids and I! (Vincent never smiles for photos! He's our biggest ham! )

I hear it often..."Your pregnant again? Surely, this being number eight you are done...right? Cause eight is enough!"  We found out in March we are expecting again. This will put 5 years between Vincent and baby. 16 years between Valerie and baby due this November. To be honest with you, I am glad the Lord has changed my mind many times over the years. Had you of asked me right out of high school and in my early 20's I would of said 2 kids was all I wanted. After we had Kristen (4th child), Nate and I thought hard about not having any more children. We decided we'd wait until later on to make a permanent decision or maybe not do anything at all. Now don't get me wrong. While I didn't think we'd be pregnant again. I did think we'd have one more. You see, Nate and I had been planning on adopting. We got all the paper work in order that was needed to adopt a child from Colombia. My heart has changed forever after living in a third world country. I want to take this moment to share how my views on adoption had changed and encourage you to examine your hearts and see if the Lord might have adoption in store for you.


I always have enjoyed being pregnant. I love feeling the baby move inside of me. I love seeing how big I get and though there are times when it is hard, hot, and uncomfortable, I cherish the 40 weeks I am pregnant. It doesn't stop there. I love the stages of life my kids go through...well most of them, maybe adolescent years have grayed me more than ever. But, I am thankful daily that I can stay home with them all, and watch them grow.

Back in the States, I surrounded myself with like minded people. I have good friends who are terrific loving moms, and wives who encourage me. Nothing better than having wise women to look up to and desire for me to have the same godly fruit. This is where my heart changed. I have lived here now for almost 4 years. I have seen the worst of the worst. I have heard stories that for those who love kids would break your heart. I am a minority here. I can share my views of what motherhood should look like, but I come from a totally different lifestyle then the people here.When you are not in the majority group, you opinion can seem foreign. For example: family devotions, homeschooling, keeping our kids with us, playing with your kids, making rules for our kids to abide by, chores, sibling having love to one another. While I share my views often, some people here think we are funny always having our kids with us, and not letting them stay in the streets. Or not sending our kids to the public school here. Not letting our girls date now. The list goes on and on. I am no longer surrounded by like minded people. Thankfully, they do see good fruit from our children, though the majority  attribute it to good kids...they don't see it's a process of training, love, and obedience to the Lord in us.

  Daily, I see babies (under a year and a half) play unattended by themselves. I see neighborhood kids out all hours of the day and night playing with others in the neighborhood, but never their parents. No one to guide them, or explain how to treat others, no one shows them what is correct behavior. The parents are clueless to what goes on day to day in their children's lives. I see kids who are hungry, yet their mom tells them to share their meal with a sibling. I see little kids have more responsibility caring for their younger siblings than the parent or grandparent of their household. I just saw a baby sitting alone outside eating handfuls of pebbles, and her mom, when confronted said "Yeah...so?" I have seen babies who were once happy, grow through the years and become very distant, blank and expressionless kids. I have seen parasites crawling in a child's leg and moving around, but the mother would not spend $2.00 USD, for the medicine, which is sold here on the island.

Neighborhood kids taking care of their siblings.

Today, I walked past two  kids playing in our neighborhood even though they don't live around here. I asked them, "Don't you have school today?" (They have different school calendars here vs. the States) The brother and sister answered me both at the same time. The girl said "yes", while the brother said "no". I thought the boy's teacher didn't come to school therefore making it a day off for him. (Here it is very common for the teachers not to attend school for a variety of reasons. Many times due to being intoxicated. But that is another blog for another day.) I asked the little boy, Luis, "Why not?" His answer was "My mom doesn't have money."  My first thought was why would that matter to a kid going to school. He explained to me that his mother had not bought him his book bag and school supplies for the year yet, which means he can't go to school. However school restarted July 13th meaning that he hadn't been to school in some time. These are simple things a child needs that are not given, not because the family doesn't have the ability to provide them, but because their parents, in their brokenness, do not think education is a priority.  But trust me, I can paint a darker picture for you, child abuse, sexual abuse, increasingly high pregnancy rate of kids ages 12-15, kids who have never been to school, The list can go on and on.  These are some of the many reasons I think about adoption. Here in this brokenness and lack of governmental support to enforce laws, kids are hurting and are not available for adoption. I would hate to see those children who are in the adoption system here.

   The one thing, after living here, I have learned is: I along with many people I know could give a great life to a child who needs a loving family. It's not because we/they are rich. You are rich when you know what the true meaning of being a mother and father is. It's not providing them with designer clothes, or the many different sporting events, or activities to put them in weekly. It's not about what college you can send them too. It's about love! There is a cycle of brokenness that doesn't stop from one generation to the next that prevents the people here from changing.  Maybe you can change this cycle. You can give a child what he/she needs. While many can say adoption is too expensive, there are ways to do it with out paying upwards to 10, 20, or even 30 thousand dollars. You can get involved with your local social service government system and become a foster parent, where many times it turns into a child needing adoption.

  So I leave you with this, I am not sure 8 is enough. I am not close minded to say this is all the Lord has for our family. I do know this, The Lord has grown me over the years and has changed my heart for the better. To know I can give thanks to Him for all that I have and all we can give to our family. Knowing this truth is awesome. It is hard to see the stuff I see here daily. It is hard to see parents so broken, blind, and uneducated not have the wisdom I have to go on daily. It does make me pray! For my family, for the families here in Bocachica and around the world. Maybe the Lord will place on your heart the desire to adopt.

Lohr/Beall team

Left to right: Andrew, Meghan and Zach

We had the joy to spending 11 days with these three. :) This was Zach's second time in Bocachica. He had come with his father and sister the year earlier. This time he brought his fiance and younger brother Andrew. It was a blessing to see these young adults doing the work of the Lord. 

They did a week long VBS with El Shadday on the life of Daniel.

Vacation bible school was a joy to be part of. To see them all take turns daily leading the teachings, preparing the games and crafts, and watching them interact with the children was precious. The teachers enjoyed having them and the children loved participating in all activities. 

One of the many crafts, Homemade tambourines. 

Water balloon toss!

 They made filters, washed sand for filters and delivered filters. It was a great to see them take joy in bringing families on the island a way to have clean drinking water.








They also helped us make a docking site for our boat. This will help us store the boat in an area that is more accessible and cleaner place to store the boat. We are thankful for their help with this.

I loved how Zach, Andrew and Meghan had the energy to do many things. They loved playing kick ball at night with the community kids, and also visit the beach many times. Most of all I think I loved seeing and hearing the fruit of the Lord each of them have in their lives. From Zach desiring to be a strong provider and Godly husband, to Meghan wanting to be a server and help meet for her husband. All the way to Andrews gift of delivering the word of the Lord effortlessly and his talks about wanting to serve the Lord in all he does. It is a privilege to see such mature fruit in young adults. We and the community of Bocachica were blessed. God is good! May all we do glorify His name.

Get to know Luis and family better~

Luis Viracacha, works with Juntos installing and building the sand filters. He, a native of Colombia, provides the sanitation and hygiene classes for all who receive a filter. Luis is a very self motivated individual who enjoys helping the community understanding the need and importance of clean water. This position provides some of his monthly support needed for him and his family to live on the island of Bocachica, while doing mission work.

Some back ground history of Luis and his family.

Luis and his wife Adriana were struggling in many aspects of their life in Bogota,  9 years ago gave their life to the Lord. Knowing things they needed to overcome could only happen with the help of Him. They started attending church regularly, and seeking discipleship from the leaders of their church. With their hunger they grew in their faith and knew the importance of sharing the gospel with all they can.

Three years ago they moved from Bogota to Bocachica to start working as missionaries. Their family is 100% immersed in the community and have a heart to share the Word with others.

Luis, in addition to working with project Juntos, also works with El Shaddey, a local after school program here on the island. He is a teacher for the youth ages 15-18. He mentors the youth as well as provide resources and help to the families of these youth. He has a passion for this age group. He helps influence them to make good decisions in regards to their life choices. On the weekends he does a sports program with the children of Bocachica. While teaching sports to the children he teaches them to have respect for others, themselves and their family. He also encourages them to stay in school and also shares the Word with them weekly.

Some of Luis's group of youth from El Shadday hanging out with the team from Maryland.

His wife Adriana also is a teacher of El Shadday, and she helps particular kids that are falling behind in school. She tutors kids who struggle with reading and math. She also makes baked goods and sell them on the island.

Luis, Adriana, and their son Juan, are very active in their church here and support other churches in the community.

We would like to share a little about the families that recently received filters that Luis has worked on. Thanks to Feed the Hunger Burlington NC, for donating them!

     Mr. Edwor Castro asked for a filter due to stomach issues which included strong pain and diarrhea. There family is happy to report these issues have subsided due to the filter.

​
Mr. Erlei Otero Diaz wanted to better his hygiene for him and his family which have started with consuming clean water. The two youth Donairo and Erlei Jr. have enjoyed the process of filter making they sometimes volunteer their time to help Luis wash sand for other filters.

​Othenel's family states their sanitation and hygiene have improved due to receiving a bio-sand filter.

​ Please join us in praying for the De La Rosa family. On Wednesday July 1st, this little boy passed away due to ongoing health issues. This family heard in the community about the benefits of the bio-sand filters, and asked to receive one to better their hygiene and sanitation for their family.

Thank you for your support to our family and project Juntos! We are blessed to work here in Bocachica bringing families a way to have clean drinking water! If you would like to donate a filter to a family in need please contact us through our email: ariel.family.mission@gmail.com 

In Him,
The Ariels

More hellos and goodbyes

There are many styles of mission work, ours has developed into to hosting and hospitality to visitors and volunteers on a regular basis. As a result, there are many Hellos and Goodbyes.

This week we said goodbye to Raphaela, from Germany, who has been working with our project for the past five+ months. Raphaela's sister and brother in law come visit the last three weeks. They spent some time touring Colombia and spent a few days touring the island with us. It was great having them here. It is hard to say goodbye, but we are blessed the Lord gave us this time together and a new friendship we will cherish.  They are now homeland bound.

Left to right: Gregor, Anna, and Raphaela

Jonathan Snyder is a teacher from Bogota in a Bilingual school. He came to visit our projects and work in the community as well as relax a bit. He is a USA native that is working as missionary with youth. The boys enjoyed playing and roughing around with him. He helped Luis with the filter project, and played soccer with him and the young folks.


Jonathan Snyder

Adriana left to Bogota for two weeks to take care of business, and visit family. She is experiencing the Bogota cold after living and adapting to the island heat.



We said hello to two new tortoises, The kids named them April and August, they roam around our lot eating the sparse grass. Kristen has adopted them and takes very good care of them.

August the tortoise is a fast mover. My boys often ask why people say tortoises are slow??? He loves ripe bananas and has taking a liking to April.

April, is a shy tortoise! She trusts Kristen and knows her touch.

Zippy the turtle gets a weekly scrub down with a toothbrush to keep her clean and her water changed. 

This month we also say goodbye to old school books and start with some new. We are grateful to the Sumrall family, who are missionaries, working Cartagena. They gave us a bunch of books that are the right grades from some of our kids..While we have to wait on our other books to come in November, we are always thankful to have access to the internet to keep all kids occupied.

Funnies from the boys. We find some worksheets in their school books have words or pictures the boys don't know due to living on the island.

Mailman: the boys have never experienced mail being delivered, nor seen a mail truck.
Patrick had a photo of a stamp, with a confused look he asked what is this?
Another time, he pointed to a picture of a pretzel wondering if it was a toy or food.
Patrick wants to go to the States and get a bucket you can go down a hill with. (a sled)
One of the pictures needing to sound out was a gas pump. We don't see those here on the island, and when in the city we walk so the boys never notice gas stations.

Prayers for the up coming month:

Please join us in praying for a team we have coming from Maryland July 10th. For safe travels, health, and the work projects we will doing.

We are almost half way done with the pregnancy. :) Pray for our son as he continues to grow.

For the community of Bocachica. For those we come in contact with. That the Lord would be glorified in all that we do!

Thank you for your prayers and support to our family.

Happy 4th of July to you all! Enjoy a burger for me!

Tara

Impressions from home

First impressions, being away from home for 3.5 years is enough time that there are first impressions again. The USA brought back the old like a new experience. The smell of green, Bocachica has green in the rainy season, but the smell isn't the same as NC. The grass smelled what I would have imagined green would smell like. I know the smell of brown, the dirt and dust. Burlington smelled of freshness and green. Grass felt like carpet, soft and clean.

 Food, there is something spiritual about food. I think I had an experience when I came back and tasted the ordinary. The flavors were rich and deep. The quality of food and the tones. Baby back ribs, bacon, Ginger chicken, steak, Italian sausage. There is so much variety that three weeks isn't enough to review the American menu.

Safety, it is strange that the laws of order liberate one to exercise freedom, even strange freedoms. No walls with iron bars and barbed wire. Some inject fear into such tranquility, but the reality is there is freedom to do a lot without recompense. Bikes in the lawn, windows open at night, a simple lock on the door with no one needed to guard the house.

 Abundance, there is so much of everything. Cars, clothes, houses, shopping centers, tools. Everything can be done right with the right tools. Everything functions in order, and it is upsetting if on occasion it doesn't. Water, electricity, telephones. I enjoyed the blessing of being home, it is the best place in the world, I think. It is sad to imagine that the majority population in the world will never get to live in an environment like the USA. Bocachica is closer to the environment of the world majority, it has benefits, but it is hard living compared to the USA. Americans have a privileged place in this world. That privilege shouldn't be rejected, though that seems to be in style these days, but used to bless others. Use the advantage to lift others up, and spread the good news.

Patriotism, after touring Washington DC and seeing the history of our USA. Seeing the museums and monuments gave me an appreciation for the work and lives that have gone into our past. Christianity has had a major part in this considering the referencing of God in so many places. At the Lincoln memorial a friend mentioned how awe inspiring it was to read what is inscribed on the walls. Not only the quality of writing, but the depth of relationship with God that shows. The USA can try to ignore this aspect of history, but until they erase the stone it is permanently reminding us. The Christian culture of the USA is something that is taken for granted and something that I miss.

 Church, Christ's bride, it was refreshing to see old friends, and renew relationships. The church seemed the same and new. The church in NC wasn't so overwhelmingly lost in sensation. I think because we have the church in Bocachica. Two very different styles and places, but very similar. Similar because of Christ. I miss our friends from Antioch, but the building, liturgy, music didn't create the ambiance. What triggered emotion was fathers holding young children close, something that isn't common in Bocachica. A young sister crying for her sister that passed away. Gray hair showing among many sitting with third generation heritage. It is great to experience church in the ways it is supposed to be.

Via Geoff Gentry

Via Jorge Caraval

 Thank you all who helped with this trip, and all those who support our work here in Colombia. It was great to see you all, it was refreshing and fun.
We think of you all often, blessings,
Nate

Christ covers it all.

Happy Resurrection or Easter! The past couple of months Atonement has been a theme that has been circulating the internet. The Bible doesn't define atonement plainly, it alludes to it and over the past 2000 years people have been studying and developing what many us now take for granted. Much like the Trinity, we know the basic idea, and don't have rediscover it in the Bible. It is fully supported by the Bible, but we take for granted what many have argued about for years.


 Many times today when theologians talk about topics like atonement, they don't offer anything new as much as find out what truth has already been said and perhaps forgotten. After reading and hearing some of these folks this past spring I heard something that glued together ideas that float in my head. 
 The view that Christ has died for us is simple on the surface, but the details... One detail is interesting. That Christ's death was abundant. In Adam all men were affected by one sin. Everything felt the curse. Since then, sin has multiplied and continues. In Christ, though, the atonement is abundant. By one man all that sin is covered.


Romans 5:17, "For if by one man's offense death reigned through the one, much more those who receive the abundance of grace and the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ."


It has to be so abundant as to swallow up even your future. It is that one act by one man that rushes over the past, present and future of us all.

 This is an aspect of Christ that is important to be aware of. It helps make sense of the miracle at Cana. Christ not only covered what was necessary, but went beyond that with the quality and quantity. Not only did he forgive a man his sins, but He healed him also. He fed the crowds, but he also had left overs. He gave his disciples fish, and enough to about sink the boat.  He works and delivers extra beyond the need.

 One problem of our human condition is fear of scarcity, it is what drives the Capitalists market. Economics 101 is supply and demand. If you can increase demand your profit goes up. Watch how high the prices go up when something seems to run out. (Twinkies) What is notable about the fear is  we are non-critical with ourselves. We pay the extra money to guarantee we get the iphone because we need it. Even in small things like a coffee, we are not critical of ourselves in how generous we are to ourselves. This is the difference between us and Christ. His abundance went out to others.

"You will again have compassion on us;

    you will tread our sins underfoot

    and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea." Micah 7:19

Christ is Abundant in His work. It doesn't barely reach the edges of humanity with just enough to cover the debt, He washes over it and drowns it. Part of the Christian walk of maturity is the imitation of this behavior. Because we have received this abundance, the Christian walk should include the abundance of giving. Practice the same practice we already know for ourselves, but turn it outward to others. Give the same quality of service to our neighbors that we bestow on ourselves. It will help us evaluate how we use our resources, perhaps we are to extravagant towards our own. Perhaps we will be more liberal with blessing others.

This Easter season we celebrate the sacrifice of God generously giving His only Son, Christ abundantly living with us, and His sacrifice being more than sufficient. Christ "who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us," which is the Holy Spirit.

 Walk in the abundance of grace by imitating that action toward others, and not fearing scarcity for ourselves.

Concierto para el Rey de reyes

This Easter (Semana Santa) season Nate had an idea that we could do a concert for all villages on Tierra Bomba to enjoy. Now we have never put on a concert, but loved the idea that we would have a night to worship the Lord. Many people in Bocachica celebrate this holiday by drinking at the bars. Any holiday on the calendar that is red (federal holiday), they drink. They don't know the meaning behind the holidays which are observed. This year we wanted to have a night for the whole family, a clear way to present the gospel, and a way to provide an alternative to the bars (cantinas).

Yeklin Pao de Avila Seca presenting the Gospel to all! 

 It was a success! There were at about 1200 people there, a great percentage weren't christian either. There was great music, and a clear message of the gospel given. The people were impressed and loved the event. They already want to do it again. Like our name "Juntos", many came together to make it happen.

Mitchel Martinez of Tierra Bomba

We found out there is a lot of planning that goes into hosting a concert. Finding bands to attend, food vendors to sell, security, and medical team to help and a lot of time going into getting the word out. The Lord blessed us with wonderful help, and sponsors to help make this night a success.
We had Snoot from Medellin bring a team of 30 people. Margarita Osario Cano works with Gospel Park doing Christian concerts, and she helped us by guiding us and showing the vision of what they have done. Her fiance, and brother also helped out with logistics. Risen a band that came as missionaries last year came again to preform in the concert as well as bringing a friend from another band to preform. We are grateful for the partnership with Snoot.

Margarita Osorio Cano of Gospel Park helping us with our logistics team.

Logistics team

Raphaela, the girl from Germany, put in a lot of time with design and promotion of the concert. We are thankful for the work she has done here with us. She is a great team player, and even took the leadership for bringing in a band from Cartagena and hosting them at our house for the concert.

Raphaela always with a smile!

Luis and Adriana's new house is broken in for service. The bands were held in waiting in their patio, they gave hospitality to the Snoot team that night for meeting up. Adriana made popcorn and drinks to sell at the concert. The new house turned into the pivot point for all things needed for the concert. It is great that the Lord is already using this investment for greater things for Him. Juan's bed even became available to sleeping babies that needed a quiet place.

Luis and Adriana's house in the back ground. Singers from Pueblo Fuerte church

The churches in the community came together to provide the instruments and microphones for the concert. They were represented in the performances as well. Volunteers from both churches helped with setup and sound. It helped to create better unity within the Christians on the island.

 There are students in Bocachica that are part of the civil defense in Cartagena, and they provided emergency medical if it was needed. The local guys from the church helped them with security as well. We are thankful for them because the emotion and energy surged during the concert and they helped keep everyone safe while still having a good time.

Civil defense practicing backboarding.

Resting with the security guys after the concert.

I am grateful for our family too. We have a large family, but it is a blessing. We can accomplish much more than we could if it were just two of us. All the small errands, the work of setup, cooking for teams, and a myriad of other tasks that would require a staffed team to preform are handled by our children. The size of our house and the daily needs of living required for a large family are easily available for teams that come as well. We can welcome in a team of 10 and the dynamics don't change to severely because we are already used to handling large amounts of people. The last night we had supper here at the house and there were 50 people around the table enjoying themselves. Without the large family dynamic already in place this would be impossible to do.

Group game after supper in our dining room.

 Our supporters monthly are the reason we can stay and serve here. Thank you to those who support us and those who especially gave to this event. With the support we rented the sound equipment, paid transportation, bought gifts for the concert, fed the workers who helped. We were able to buy the materials for promoting the event, pay workers to help move heavy equipment, and extra miscellaneous  items so that we had everything we needed.

Kids winning prizes from sponsors

It was a group effort for sure, and it is great that we could publicly glorify the Lord.

We hope you all had a great Semana Santa and Resurrection Sunday!