In December 2010, I went on my first missions trip to Guatemala. I had no idea what to expect so I was nervous and excited at the same time. In Guatemala I stayed at a orphanage with 500 to 600 kids from babies to the time they were ready to be on their own. Every morning the team and I would do some sort of work like painting transition houses, sanding walls, digging ditches for pipes, building a soccer field and wrapping christmas presents for them. The second half of the day we played with the kids.
This is where I had no idea what to do. I was forced out of my comfort zone. Not knowing how to speak spanish I found a way to communicate with them and play games. Of course it wasn’t easy at first but each day only got better and better. I made lifelong friends with girls my age and we clicked! Its like we have known each other forever.
During the time we are there, we spend one day out in a different city or even at the base of the volcanoes doing a Block Party. A block party is sort of like a VBS but just for the day. Seeing how other people live has definitely changed my life and the way I think. We are so blessed to have such simple things. When I got home from this trip I found myself thanking God for letting me be able to just go to the fridge and get something to eat when ever I wanted. Also, a hot shower! I was in Guatemala in December so it was freezing and taking a shower was not very fun! lol.
Since I was 18 I have been to Guatemala 4 times. Its almost like a second home to be honest. Every time I go now, I spend the night with the girls instead of sleeping in my own room. I eat with them when they ask and even have movie nights. With the older girls, we are able to leave the compound and walk to the local store and get food for a party 🙂 I can’t even express how much all of these trips have changed my life but I truly know what it is like to love someone how Christ loves them. The kids and the girls my age will always have a place in my heart and I will continue to visit them. I think about them EVERYDAY!
From these trips and my trip to Ecuador, I have decided it is time for a longer more intense missions trip. I want to see God work in ways I have never seen. It will be difficult at times but I know HE is with me 🙂
Thanks for reading 🙂
