Thanksgiving 2014 – Guatemala
Our family Thanksgiving tradition includes tracing our hand prints onto a white tablecloth. In each of our fingers, we write down something for which we are thankful. This week, I’ll take time to share something I’ll be writing on the tablecloth this year. I’m hoping you’ll contribute to the conversation by leaving something for which you are thankful for each day.
Here is the first thing I’ll be writing down this year:
Guatemala
This one word captures a lot of my focus this year (again). I am so thankful for the opportunity to serve in the village of Xenacoj for the third summer in a row. It’s not just about building houses or traveling to someplace far away. It’s about building relationships. It’s about transforming lives in Guatemala, in the United States, and in our own home. And it’s definitely about having a mission mindset.
This year, I’m thankful for Betty, Marcos, Wendy, Fernando, Jose, Rosita, and El Abuelo. We may have helped their family by building a house for them, but they deeply impacted our family. This is the same for Angela and her family. These two families touched us in ways that words cannot fully describe.
This year, I’m thankful for German, Suzie, and their family. They hosted us in Xenacoj, and they made sure we felt welcome. Because of German’s family, we know we will always have a home in Xenacoj.
This year, I’m thankful for Dave Sgro of Go! Ministries. Dave demonstrated a man after God’s heart. He is a man whose heart breaks for the things that break the heart of God. Our family came home inspired thanks to Dave’s honest sharing throughout our time in Xenacoj.
This year, I’m thankful for the generosity of those here in the United States who helped to make this trip possible. It’s takes a team to pull of this kind of trip, and many of you were part of this trip through your donations and prayers.
This year, I’m thankful for the folks from Liberty University Medical School. They were part of our experience at the end of our trip this year. They came scouting possible locations for medical students to serve and learn. They showed our family the power of vision. In the coming year, they will have the opportunity to provide medical support to communities in Guatemala who will benefit in a major way. On top of this, we met some great lifetime friends through a couple of days together.
I could go on and on. Guatemala once again left a huge impression on me this year!