September 19-28, 2008

It is going to be hard to sum-up what God did during those 10 days in Guatemala. I wish that you could hear from everyone, because each person that was on the trip was affected in different ways. I believe that each of us went on this trip with the right heart, but God spoke to us in areas in which we needed to be challenged. Spiritually, this was a trip that God used in many of our lives to refocus, redirect and recommit. As I said before, each of us has a story to tell!

We arrived late Friday night, finally getting into bed at midnight (2 am our time!). Saturday morning started bright and early at 7:30, and we worked all day getting everything prepared for the week ahead. We worshiped on Sunday at Union Church, a small English speaking church in Guatemala City. The people were warm and welcoming, but we missed being with our church family at Northwest!

After church we headed to the Guatemala City dump where Kari started Mi Refugio more than 20 years ago. Visiting the city dump is unlike anything you will ever experience. Getting off the bus you are bombarded by the overpowering smell of garbage and the sights of complete poverty and filth. As you walk along the streets; your thoughts race with, “How can people live like this—right here in the middle of the waste and infestation?” We passed by the building in the dump which housed the first school for the children and could only imagine what that would’ve been like for Kari—a young woman, reaching out to these needy children all by herself. But, in the distress of this group of peoples’ way of life—joy is found living right along with them. One of the teachers from Mi Refugio couldn’t wait to show us her home. The single room was approximately ten by twenty feet and she explained that, at one time, thirteen of her family members lived there!

Words cannot describe the feelings and emotions that run through your mind when you are hit with this reality of poverty. These people have nothing. But the love of Christ and the joy that a relationship with Him brings, changes a life from futility and despair to a life full of joy and happiness despite surroundings. And we were humbled.

The week of work at Mi Refugio was challenging, but life-changing! The days were long, beginning at 6:45am and ending around 11pm, but the time spent with the children and knowing that Kari’s load was lightened, kept us going. Each day as the students arrived at school, we would soak them with smiles and hugs. After a time of singing with the children and a devotional from the Word, we would head off to eat breakfast with the students and interact with them in a less structured time. It was hard to know that, for many, the breakfast and lunch they received from the school were oftentimes their only meals for the day. Knowing that many didn’t eat dinner—that they had very little, if any, food on the weekends—broke our hearts.

Throughout the day, we each had various duties around the school grounds. Many of the women worked in the bakery and kitchen where they helped to prepare the meals and taught the children to cook—an opportunity they may never have at home. Some taught English classes, and without an interrepter for the classes, it was a learning experience for everyone involved! We also helped the children learn to sew—another practical skill that they could use throughtout life. The men worked on construction projects, the computer lab and electrical needs. A couple, who are dentists here in the States, set up a small, clinic for cleaning and minor tooth repairs. We also taught classes on personal hygiene and physical fitness were other issues we tackled. All while bringing the students the love of Christ through every interaction.

Following our workday, which usually ended around 5pm, we would meet up as a team for dinner, worship and Bible Study. We focused on some of the challenging sayings of Jesus—His call for total surrender to the will of God in our lives. Oftentimes, it is very easy to go on a mission trip and say that we are serving God, but at the same time, be far from God in our hearts. God used this time each night in the Word to move us to examine our hearts and lives, and to challenge us to a deeper relationship with Him.

Friday night brought us a time of sharing our impressions of the trip and what God had taught us throughout the week. A common thread among our thoughts was how the children touched our hearts, and how the servant attitude of Kari was an inspiration and challenge to all of us. But, it was also exciting to hear how the Word ministered in each of our lives in different ways.

I am so thankful to have had the opportunity to lead the team again this year! It was a group of people who were in Guatemala only to serve others. Even though the days were long and tiring, each member of the team did what needed to be done without question or hesistation. I am so proud of each one. Our team represented Christ and Northwest well!

Thank you again for all the supplies that you contributed. We were able to deliver fifty full suitcases to Mi Refugio! Your prayers prior to, and during our ten days there were felt, and we cannot thank you enough for partnering with us on this trip!

In Him,
Pastor Tom