See the photo gallery for new photos of the job site. We will be heading out tonight for Chicago. We are flying from Chicago to Miami Friday Morning and from Miami to Guatemala City. Keep us in your prayers.
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I hesitate to start this, as I seem to say way more words than most. I am emotionally charged as the anticipation of this trip has been a roller coaster ride. I’ve witnessed Jeff working very, very hard to prepare for this journey of a lifetime. I’ve witnessed both my girls volley back and forth between nervousness and excitement. None of them know what is in store for them, but they are anxious to get there, to get to work, to meet the people, to see this foreign country and life, and they are anxious to feel God’s presence there and help where needed.
Unable to go on the trip for multiple reasons, I’ve been battling my crazy emotions as I try to help my entire family prepare to travel so far away. But tonight after they finally departed the church parking lot, I am calm. The song that the Praise Band introduced this past Sunday was called “You Hold Me Now”. The verses are so powerful to me and have helped me so much this week.
In this life, I will stand, through my joy and my pain, knowing there’s a greater day, there’s a hope that never fails:
On that day, when I see, all that You have for me, when I see You face to face, there surrounded by Your grace: All my fears swept away, in the light of Your embrace, where Your love is all I need, and forever I am free:
No weeping, no hurt or pain, no suff’ring, You hold me now, You hold me now. No darkness, no sick or lame, no hiding: You hold me now, You hold me now.
Wow! And if that isn’t all the comfort anyone needs to calm nervousness and turn all of the unknowns into positive thoughts, I have to share this….
We ate Chinese take-out tonight for dinner. We traditionally always read our fortunes out loud and it’s usually a good laugh as some are right on and some are duds. There were only 3 fortune cookies in our bag tonight. I asked Lynley if she was going to read hers, and she declined, stating she didn’t want to risk getting a bad fortune two hours before she left on the trip. So, after I came home from seeing them off and before I settled in I opened the three fortune cookies. You may think I’m crazy, but I found even more peace after reading these:
#1: A smile is your passport into the hearts of others.
#2: Many a false step is made by standing still.
#3: Go above and beyond your duty, you will benefit from it.
Wow! Anyone else have goose-bumps? No duds tonight.
My prayers are with the entire mission team, and also the family members who must stay home and love and miss their family while they are away. Thanks to the church family, school prayer chain, friends, and family who are praying for this mission trip.
I hope everyone will give their input on this blog, whether you are in Guatemala or Trenton, Ohio!
Thanks to Christie and Brian for organizing the trip. Please keep the new pictures and updates coming!!
Amy you are so right these trips are both a joy and a fear. Fear for the safety of our team in a country rife with conflict. Joy that we are able to make these journeys in Gods name and that he will keep us safe as we spread his love. As I watched the team prepare to leave on Thursday I was so jealous that they were going without me even though I know this was not my year. My plan is that I will again join them next year. when you go on these trips you not only spread Gods blessing but you are continuallyblessed. the way we are able to communicate even though we don’t know the language is amasing. My thoughts and prayers are with the team. Teresa