Lori Decator
Ivanrest Impact Ministries – Guatemala
June 26 – July 3, 2007
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- AJ Bredeweg
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- Heather Ring
- Jason Door
- Jillian Maas
- Joni Holsem
- Jordan Dooley
- Jordan Greiner
- Kelly Berens
- Kelsey McInnis
- Kevin Van Wyhe
- Kevin Vanden Bosch
- Kimberly Smits
- Kristy Van Wyhe
- Lara Rosema
- Larry Molegraaf
- Lauren Duimstra
- Lori Decator
- Marijke Stob
- Nate Door
- Rachel Van Dyken
- Ross Vander Lugt
- Sandra Van Enk
- Spencer Vanderheide
Ivanrest Impact Ministries - Guatemala 
Lori! I am SO excited for you to go to Guatemala!!!! I’ll be praying your way through the trip!! Huge hugs! I’ll miss you! Shannon
Thanks Shannon!
lory we will be thinkig ad praying for you every day .
This is such a pretty picture of you!!!!!!!!!
Lori,
It’s so great that you decided to go to see what Melissa loved so much. She will be there with you in spirit, and the Lord will use you to minister to the people that you meet there.
It will be a healing week for you. I’ll pray for you every day.
Stay safe and healthy.
Hi Lori,
It’s finally here-all the preperation is finished. Now the fun comes. Have a great week and enjoy the people, food, work and all the things that Melissa loved about Guatemala. She’s watching over you as you take her place. Enjoy!
Love,
Greg and Kathy Door
Hey girl!!!! You are flying right now!! I am praying for your safety!! Love you!
Hi Lor, You are on my mind every day. Try to have some fun along with all the work. Melissa will be so proud!! Don’t let her or yourself down!! I’ll take care of Sam & Mikey. I love you and pray for you everyday.
Lori, I am so incredibly excited for you. I pray that you will be able to enjoy the week in Guatemala serving our Lord. I know that there will be a lot of emotion as you think of Mel and her work there, but know that you are being held up in prayer by many, many people. May God give you what you need for each moment. My memories of Mel are so strongly tied to Guate, that it is hard for me to think she is not there phsically. But, I know that she is watching you, absolutely just geeked to see you there! 🙂 She’ll be singing right along with you guys, too! Love and prayers, Dawn
LORELAI — I cannot even begin to explain my excitement for you as you experience this place that Melissa loved so dearly & held so close to her heart. You are in my thoughts & prayers constantly this entire week. I hope everything goes well & you stay healthy & strong. I love you!
–Erin
Hi Lori!
I will be praying for you this week in Guatemala! I am so ahppy for you that you get to experience serving there. I will never forget being there with Melissa and working with her building houses, mostly she just played wiht he kids =) Aaron always gave her a hard time about that. I am sure you will fall in love with the children too. Know that I am praying for you this week.
Leah
Just in case you were wondering…you did look exactly like Mel at the airport! Give Mel all my love while you are there…I know that she is there…and I hope you feel close to her this week! i love you a ton
i miss you so lorali! this is wierd not being able to tlak to you on the phone! i hope you got SOME sleep last night! I love you so much and hope you have an amzing time sharing and seeing all the amzing things melissa saw and did. show her light to everyone cause i know you have it all in you now too. love you!!!
Gol, darn it lor…I just sent you a nice email and it said error
Lori, I have goose bump knowing your there … and Melissa is with you as always, in heart and spirit. You go girls!
Love, Nan
Now get your hat on and get to work!
Lori, was the pilot or co-pilot able to tell you where you were all the time like he did on the way to Mississippi? I hope you brought the atlas with to help Dan navigate Guatemala City. Have a great week, the devotions at night are incredible! It seems that Guat. can break a heart and pray again that yours will be healed. Renee and I will be looking forward to hear what God has done on this trip! Have a great week, we’ll continue to pray for you and the team. Ron and Renee
Hola Lori,
WOW, you are finally in Guatemala and experiencing for yourself all that Melissa did and told you about. I know she is watching from heaven with a huge smile on her face and saying, “Way to go Mom.”
God will use you to do amazing things because you have been faithful to His call. Enjoy it all.
You are in our prayers.
Love, Linda Klein
Thanks everyone for your messages! I am very tired but very excited!
Ron, the driving here is a little too scary even for me! I thunk I will just keep my mouth shut!
Love you all!
Lori
Hi Lori. I am so thrilled that you were able to take this trip. Mel would be so happy and proud. You will receive so much blessing from the work you’ll do. I am praying for your safety.
Love and prayers, Eva
Lori, so glad you have arrived, did you get enough diet coke and more m & m’s ? Hope you can continue to locate all the fountain machines there….wish I was along to buy you one. Have a great time, and we all will be praying for you. the Pettijohn family.
I am little depressed about the diet coke situation.
It is not easily accessible1 I am still scoping it out!
I love you Samantha ad Mikey!
Love Mom/Lori
Blessing to you Lori!
We’re praying that all is well and your new surroundings are comfortable. God is good… and has a wonderful plan for you guys this week. Trust that He’s there every step of the way and know that the family you work with and for will be blessed for many years to come. Lara should be thrilled that you guys are working together on the same team. I know that you and your family have been in her and our prayers for so long. Have a wonderful week, and enjoy being Christ’s hands and feet!
Praying daily for health and strength for you and the team.
Doug Rosema
Hello Lori.
I talked to Shirlee and she said if we go to Mississippi we will be driving, so there you go, no flight for you, cause I need someone to read the map.We hope and pray that things are going well,and all of you are in our prayers. Feel His power and grace through the entire week.
In His Grip, Herm & Shirlee
Mom glad you made it safely!! Mikey says hi!
Hey Lori,
What journey you have been on. It’s so wonderful to see all the good that you are doing. Enjoy your time in Guatemala.
Megan
Hurry up and find a diet coke fountain machine…. QUICK!!! Cuz I am having withdrawals for you just thinking about it!!! Oh and I just ate some guacamole at lunch for you so make sure to eat something yummy for me there!!! Hehehe! Shannon
Say Lor!
I am glad to hear you all made it there safely. I hope that experiencing this will be happy for you. We both know Melissa is looking down on you, Lauren and the whole gang.
Do they have Diet Coke or better yet, Starbucks?? Ha! Are you having withdrawals??
Is it shopping day yet?
Post some pics!
Love you,
Cheri
Lori
I can relate to the diet Coke thing, isn’t that the best!! Maybe before the womens trip in January you could solve the lack of accessibility problem so I will be able to get my daily dose.
How was your first building day? I bet you worked hard and then played hard with the village children too. Enjoy the singing tonight and know that Melissa is probably leading the choir of angels right along with you.
Always in our prayers
Mike and DEb Door
Lori,
I too can relate to the diet Coke thing – Coca-Cola Light just isn’t the same if it’s even available. Probably should have packed one whole duffel full of diet Coke! I know Kelly would be right there with you.
It is so wonderful that you are able to make this trip. From all I’ve heard and read, it would make Melissa so proud!
Hope you stay well, enjoy your time there and have a safe trip back. We are all thinking and praying for you.
Jodi Berens (Kelly’s mom)
Dear Lori, Joni mentioned that you were in the same small group together and I had to admit, I almost expected God to work that out. Did you know that Melissa was Joni’s first small group RAD leader? I can still picture her sitting in our living room talking about how Guatemala changed her life forever. How amazing is our God?! Now he has brought you here to experience part of what made Melissa so on fire for Christ! Although you don’t really know me, I am committed to pray for you in a special way this week. I am sure that you will face emotions that most of us can’t comprehend, but I pray with confidence knowing that our God will walk with you though the highs and the lows! He will bless you for following his call and will fill you with peace that only He can provide. Please give Joni and hug for me and care for her – she is my homesick one. In Christ, Judy
Hi Lor,
I hope things are going well. I’m sure you’r having a ball. I will talk to Mikey about “regular grandma” tomorrow. I’m Praying for you and Lauren.
Love, Mom
Lori!! Oh man alot of people have been writing on here! I hope that you are having the best time ever and that you are working hard for God. What group are you working with?? Are you having fun? It’s werid not seeing you today. Pash is the best with you there. I’m really glad that you come :] I hope that you keep safe. Keep an eye on Amber for me, I don’t want her to get into any trouble!
Love you and miss you,
Hannah
Dear Lori,
What an amazing person you are! I hope you can feel the showers of love and prayers that are being sent for you by countless people! From hearing the stories of previous years, you are probably exhilarated, emotional, and exhausted all at the same time. I hope no one adds queasy to the list! If you are especially sore and tired, just ask Lara to rub your feet for you, she would love to. That’s what team mates are for, right? I hope you have a wonderful trip, I know it will be very powerful! Wishing you His strength, as well as His peace!
Shelly Rosema
Lori,
I’m so glad you’re there, I mean, I wish I was there with you, but what an amazing experiance to have…I know you’ll be a blessing to all of them, big and small. Keep Him in your heart always and my prayers for comfort, grace and strength are ALWAYS with you
Blake
Hola Lori i do love you soo much ,i thinking of you always.
so it’s better than you ever imagined huh? i love you and miss you! it was sad b/c i didn’t have anyone to go to coffee with tonight…but then i decided after drinking four diet coke’s today, i really don’t need coffee, maybe that is God’s way of providing for me while you are gone! i hope everything is spectacular, and i’m praying for you! love you!
Lori, no diet coke….what’s a girl to do. Keep looking! Jeff and I thnk about you eveyday and are so glad you and Lauen are together and are experiencing this. We love you and know you are always in our thoughts and prayers. We can’t wait to hear from you!
Love & miss ya
Jeffey and Chrissy
Hi Lori, Today, while I was looking through my bible for verses to share with Kelsey, I came across the verses I read the day after Melissa died (I had noted it in the margin). I want to share them with you. “He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. And he will be their peace.” Micah 5:4-5 Melissa, and now you, have partnered with the Lord in shepherding his flock to the ends of the earth. They will live securely. I pray that He will be your peace this week as you continue Melissa’s passion. God bless.
Lynn
Hi Lori
Just want you to know that we are praying for you each and every day that you will experience the Lords arms around you as you do the work that Melissa loved so much. May the joy and hope of a life with Christ that Melissa so eagerly embraced and shared with others now give you a peace this week in Guatemala. A favorite verse for me is: Lamentations 3:22,23-Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning:great is your faithfulness.
OOPS – forgot to sign my name to the post above. Can you guess how old I am- getting forgetful!!
Deb Door
Hey Lor,
Glad to hear you all made it safely. I love to see all the pictures of your great works. It must just be amazing to see the children and their smiles when they see you and your team. I know that Melissa is there in spirit and keeping you all strong and in good humor. Can’t wait to hear from you and see more pictures. I asked Lauren to give you a BIG HUG from me. Miss you tons!
Wish I could be there to sing HIS praises with you all.
Love,
Raquel
Lori I hope that you had another amazing day. I just wanted to let you know that I’m praying for you and I miss you :]
Love,
Hannah
Hi Lor,
Mikey and Sam just left. He slept 3 hours this afternoon. He can say Guatemala pretty well. I got a map for him to see so he told Sam that “regular Grandma” was in the orange place!
On the map Guatemala is colored orange. I hope things are going well for you. I know this must be hard. I’m proud of you.
Love,
Mom
Dear Lori,
We were so excited to hear that you are on Kevin’s building team, or I probably should say that Kevin is on you team!! We are thrilled that Kevin will be able to get to know you better as you build relationships among your team members. I will be praying for each person on your team two times a day. I will be praying for you specifically at noon and at midnight. Don’t worry – I am a night owl. Kevin also briefed us on the Grandma and Grandpa that your team is building your house for. We will be praying that God opens their hearts to you guys to build a relationship and then that they will open their hearts to God’s love and His gift of salvation – we so desire that their eternal “house” may be in heaven. Stay safe, healthy, cool, and strong.
Our God Reigns!
Love, Beth Vanden Bosch (and the rest of the V.B.’s)
Hi Lori! Mom sent the web-site for Ben and I to check out! I’m so proud of her 😉 We’re thinking of you. This looks like an amazing time and opportunity! We see why Melissa was so passionate about it. I hope you are having a wonderful time and I hope the experience is bringing you close to Melissa in a way you haven’t felt yet. I know she’s with you smiling the whole time and laughing with you and at you 🙂 I’ll pray that you leave with a new found peace. Take care of yourself!
Lori, Today should be very special for all of you. So happy to hear that you are putting that verse on the wall….will it be in Spanish? They will so enjoy that and learn from that. What a testimony….This is so very cool that you are there and we can share in it, even though we are not in Guatemala. I feel like I can hear all of you singing at night. I am sure that Melissa hears it. Love you, The Pettijohns
Hey girl!! Don’t be mad at me….. the picture of you and the Guatemalan girl is hanging up by the copier and in the breakroom by Melissa’s photo! Don’t say you look ugly either or I’ll beat you with a tortilla chip!!! Love ya!
Mrs. Decator! I am overjoyed that you are able to go to Guatemala and experience the place for yourself-the place that Melissa grew to love and adore. I know this trip is going to change your life like it did mine and I am so happy that you have the opportunity to be there. There was a picture posted with you and a little girl and she is so adorable. It looks like you are having a wonderful time with the sweet little kids! I am also happy to hear the little boy whos leg got run over was ok..he was definently in my prayers last night along with the team. I think it is so neat that Melissa’s picture is hung in the base…how amazing is that! I bet it’s hard to see that everyday but at the same time a comfort knowing where she is and that someday we’ll all be there with her. I always thought that when I was in Guatemala that I was getting a glimpse into what Heaven was going to be like. The love and joy on everyone’s faces there makes it hard to feel anything else and I’m hoping you’re feeling that same feeling right now. I know God is usuing you in so many ways in Guatemala right now. He’s using you to be a witness to others and he’s working through you each and everyday as you pour your loving heart onto the people there. I hope you have a wonderful day today seeing that it is your last day in the village. If I’m right, you’re decorating and painting the inside of the houses today and then you’re dedicating them. The dedications are one of the most awesome parts of the trip. God is present in each and every house and amazing things will happen today. I pray that the rest of your days in Guatemala are wonderful and just remember that everyone back at home is praying for you..and not only during the week when you are in Guatemala but when you are home as well. You are in my families prayers and we thank God for giving you the courage and strength to get through each and everyday. I will continue to pray for the strength in the coming days as well. I’m hoping to go back to Guatemala sometime soon..maybe you as well..and that would be awesome. Again, everyone back at home loves you and is praying for you. May God Bless you as you work for him in Guatemala!
Lori, I’d like to share one of my favorite quotes ….
“Your talent is Gods gift to you;
What you do with it,
is your gift to God”.
Needless to say, God has blessed you with many talents and is so pleased with your gift to him. May he continue to bless you and others making a positive impact in the lives of the people of Guatemala. Melissa is beaming with pride. Stay safe.
Hi Lori,
Can’t wait to hear all of your stories and see the pictures of this trip. Enjoy the wonderful work you are doing there. You will forever have a place in the hearts of the many of the people you are helping. Miss you!
PS Shannon and Betsy are having a difficult day today. Jason could not drive them to Cold Stone Ice Cream. Diet Coke and ice cream-the 2 major food staples.
Lori, I’m was excited to see that you were on Spencers team. He loved Melissa so much and this will be a great way for him to get to know you a little better. How awesome that you can be in Guatemala. All the messages we are reading from everyone is great. Gives us just a little taste of whats going on. I’ve been reading all the stuff about Diet Coke and you. Well I cannot drink a Diet Coke without it on ice and a straw to go with . Just a little something about me you did’nt know. Have and awesome time and we will continue to pray for you and the whole group. Love in Christ Sue V.H.
Hi Lori,
Hope all is ok. You and Melissa are in my thoughts.
Jay
Hello everyon!It is Saturday morning (I had to ask, I didn’t know what day it is!) it is so beautiful again! We are packing medicine and going to a village three hours away today! I am excited. A few people are sick, so we hope that will pass soon!
I have sen the last house Melissa built and her notes on the wall! It is vry good to be able to see that. It is very tough too! I have been taking walks right where she built her house and didn’t knowit!
That is all for now,
Love you all!
Lori
PS.The guacamole was soooo good! I went back three times!
Just soak it in, and enjoy your time there. I know that God has something new for you. .
Lori,
I pray for you every day. What a special week it is for you, I hope it will help with the healing process.Enjoy your time there, I love seeing your beautiful smileon th epictures with the children. Mary Molegraaf
Hi Lor, I hope you are not one of the sick ones. I hope you are feeling the blessing of going non. God has a purpose in mind for you. I love you and miss you.
Love, Mom
Lori:
The pictures of you with the children are beautiful. To be immersed in the people and the ministry Melissa loved must be…. I can’t even imagine the full spectrum of emotions you are experiencing…. Know that our prayers are with you each day.
Love,
The Dooleys
Psalm 91:1
He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.
Lori,
I love you!! i hope you are having an amazing time in guatemala. I cant wait to talk to you! I have an awesome story to tell you. I love you so much and im praying for you always!!!
love,
ashley
Dear Lori –
It is 0210 AM in Michigan – I told you I was a night owl – actually I am at work now and my patients are sleeping at the moment. The house/dedication/family pics are awesome! It has been fun to watch slabs of cement turn into actual houses! And now five houses are no longer just houses – each has become a HOME!!! I continue to pray for you at noon and midnight each day. Love to you all, Beth Vanden Bosch
Lori, thoughts and prayers for you….we keep praying that this is going to be a wonderful experience for you. Love those photos of you and your smiling face !!!!!!!!!! Great to see the Love of the Lord shining through you. Thanks for being courageous and being an great example for all of us. Love, Carole , Bob and Dixon
Hello everyone! We set up the medical cliinc yesterday! I can’t even comprehend how these people have to live! Very eye opening! We also saw the most awesome volcano erupt on the way home! I can’t believe I was lucky enough to see that! (not really erupt) just spray lava all over, I guess)
Anyway, I have to go.
Love to all
Lori I hope that you are doing well and you aren’t contracting any sickness from ambles. I hope that you have an awesome last couple of days. See you tuesday!
love,
Hannah
Hi Lori!
Just wanted to let you know we’re praying for you every day! I imagine you won’t be getting any phone calls in the bathroom there. 🙂 May the Lord watch over your every step, and fill you with the peace and joy only He can give. Keep loving on those kids–what a joy you must be to them!
Ann
Lori – did you ever find the diet coke vending machine? We can’t thank you enough for beng there with Lauren and showing her the way. Mellissa has been with both of you during this trip we know it! We love you both and are in our thoughts and pryers.
Love ya
Jeff and Chris
Save some beans for me to buy!
Glad to hear all went well and you will be home soon.
Great pictures of you and the kids.
Would love to see all the pictures and hear the stories sometime soon.
Love and hugs~
Raquel
Lori:
We will be praying for you without ceasing.
The Dooleys
Lori – I am lifting you up in prayer girl!! I am so sorry you are sick. The Lord will take good care of you though!! Hugs hugs!! Love you!
Shannon
Oh no I wish you weren’t sick. We miss you and are ready for you to come home. I cleaned your apartment for you! I’m worried about you and I hope you’re alright. Mikey told me he misses you SO MUCH. He asks about you like 10 x a day. Everytime we walk into your apartment he calls for you and tells you’re we’re there!
Lori –
We are praying for you – constantly – please know that.
Love, The Vanden Bosch’s
Dear Lori
We are so sorry that you are sick! We will pray that our Lord will give strength and quick healing to you. Take care and God bless.
Love
Amy Degraaf
Lor, Lauren just called from Huston to tell me you are not coming home!! i am worried sick! if you can communcate with us some how please do!! I’m praying for you. Please let me know something. I’ll talk to Kevin this afternoon when they get home. Love, Mom
Lori!! I am so sorry that you are sick! I’ll be praying for you and that you have a speedy recovery! I’ll miss you at the airport.
Love,
Hannah
Lori,
We are praying that you feel better quickly so that you can return home. God has been with you so far and will continue to take care of you.
Mike & Deb Door
Lori,
Please let us know something as soon as you can, mother is worried sick again.
Jay
Lori, I’ve been praying for you all day. I’ve asked everyone I know to pray that you will be able to travel and return home quickly. Know that God is with you each and every moment. In Christ’s love and care, Mary
LORI!!!!!!!!!
I MISS YOU SOOOOOOOOOOOOO MUCH!!!!
PLEASE GET BETTER SOON AND I WILL SEE YOU WHEN YOU GET HOME : )
Praise God you are starting to feel better!!!!! I’ve been praying….. I know Samantha and Mikey miss you tons!! So do we at work!! Hugs girl!
Lori,
We will be praying for you!
Aaron and Leah
Lori,
It is just unreal that you could not make the trip back home with everyone. Please get better soon so you can come home on Thursday. I am worried about you, be strong!
Love, your big sister
We’re really worried about you…I am glad to hear you are getting better though. Mikey is going crazy without you. He hung out with Gabe last night though.
OOPS! I’m on your computer mom and I was signed in as you…so that was really me that left the last comment!
Lori,
We are all praying for you. Continue to to put your trust in Gos he will carry through. Can’t wait to have you back home.
Kevin Van Wyhe
Praying for my sister! I love you Lori. Hope you feel better soon and make it home safely. Love and hugs!
Raquel
i’m praying for you lori! i love you and i can’t wait until you get back so we can talk about all the amazing things God is doing in your life despite you being sick!!! love you sooo much!
we are praying and hopingyou fellbetter
Lori,
I miss you so much and have been praying that you feel better! I hope that you are! I’m glad you get to spend more time down there. I hope you get a chance to talk with Dan. I love you so much!!
Lori,
My prayers are with you always! I’m so happy that you’re able to come home now!