~blessed to be returning

It truly is amazing how time flies. My first trip to Guatemala in 2009 seems so long ago, yet the memories are as fresh as if it were just yesterday.

Each year, leaving Guatemala becomes harder and harder. I am convinced I leave a little more of myself there each time.

On May 3^rd, 2014, I will have the privilege of returning to Guatemala on my 6^th short term Missions Trip. Once again, our team will be working alongside the Arms of Jesus Children’s Mission (AOJ) in Parramos, whose purpose is to develop the Physical, Emotional, Educational and Spiritual lives of impoverished children and their families. This is done through their Child Sponsorship Program, Food Distribution Program, Home Building and more!

In 2009 our team was the first of its kind to focus our efforts in the impoverished village of Pampay. Since then, we have returned each year to continue to the work that was started there. We have formed relationships with the women and children in the village, and it is always exciting to return.

While in Pampay, we will be running a Vacation Bible Camp for the 100 or so children in the village. For a few hours each afternoon, the children come alive as they hear Bible stories, make crafts and sing songs. They are excited to come, and excited to learn.

This year my role in VBC will be to teach music. These music classes remind me of how my own love of music was sparked. I never thought that I would be passing that love on in a poverty stricken village in Guatemala! Now some may argue… Crafts? Music? They don’t need that! They need food, better shelter and to hear that God loves them! While those needs are real, they don’t negate the need for a creative outlet. Most of us have experienced music in a way that these children have not. We dance to it. We cry to it. We relate to it. These children have not had that same opportunity. These children have never heard live orchestra play. They have never seen a piano up close. It is my prayer that through our work in Pampay. These children’s lives will be enhanced by Music, and that they too will grow to love it.

One of the most rewarding areas of ministry we will be involved in is house building. This year our team will build four homes for families in need. There is always something very special about the days spent building and blessing homes.

While the physical work of building the home is always the same, the experience never is. Last year we built a home for a family whose little boy was being sponsored by our team leaders. After the house had been built, we handed the family their set of keys, a Bible, and sheets, blankets and pillows for the new beds we had also bought them. The little boy then turned to his mother and said five words I will never forget: “We will be warm tonight.” No child should ever have to go to bed cold. But sadly, each year, we meet a hundred or more who do.  

While a 16 by 20 foot home may seem small, these homes that we build provide protection, warmth and stability. Meeting the families who graciously receive these homes is an experience I will never forget.

Another highlight, of course, is getting so spend a few precious moments with the children that I sponsor: Lidia and Evelin. There are no words to describe the feeling as you see the faces of your two beautiful girls through the crowd. It is not uncommon for the children to come running up to any / all of us for hugs. But it is so great to look down and recognize the two little faces staring back up at you. The joy in their eyes is unmistakable, and their love for you is real.

Last summer I added a new child to my family… Karlita! I had not intended on sponsoring another child… but God had other plans! When I met Karlita she instantly climbed up on my knee and settled in for a cuddle. (See picture below) Other children wanted to play, but not Karlita… she was content to just rest in my arms. Now I don’t have children of my own. But I suspect the feelings I had were similar to those of a mother holding her child. I never wanted to let go.

Lidia, Evelin and Karlita are precious and deeply loved. Without sponsorship, they would not be able to attend school. They would not be guaranteed a meal each day. They would be at high risk of abuse, rape and sex trafficking.  It is not an exaggeration to say that child sponsorship changes lives.  

I know that the work done through our team in Guatemala would not be possible without the prayer and support of family and friends back home. I am thankful for, and continue to be amazed by the support and encouragement that has been given to me over the years. I would ask that you consider joining our team as a prayer partner. Each year that we are welcomed back to Pampay is a blessing that we do not take for granted. We are aware of the opposition, and your prayers are invaluable as we share Christ’s love in this village.

This trip would also not be possible without the financial support of friends and family. Each member of our team has been asked to raise $1900. This will cover our travel expenses, and will help cover the cost of the homes that we will build. If you wish to make a financial contribution, please contact me directly.

Thank you in advance for your prayer and support. In the weeks leading up to, and during our trip (as much as possible), I will continue to document some of our adventures and how lives are being changed on my blog. I hope you will visit … read the stories and see the faces and work you will be supporting.

Under Grace, Christa