Good Sabbath evening, my heart is very full today and tears are flowing freely as we had a wonderful day of service to the beautiful Guatemalan people. Yesterday was my niece Kristen’s funeral.
She fought retinal blastoma for 48 years. She dedicated her life to service and sharing the light of the Lord through sharing her trials through books she has written and lecturing around the country and teaching how we can find holy places where ever we are no matter our circumstances. I was heart broken that I would not be able to attend the funeral due to this Guatemala trip, her husband James told me to go ahead and come as that is what Kris would have wanted me to do. Christ said “IF ye do this to the least of my brethren ye have
done it unto me” So here I am. Our sermon today was on service and getting out of ourselves to
serve others. We do not need to write books or lecture around the country or go to Guatemala to serve. Service can begin at home with our families, neighbors and coworkers. It is a privilege to be part of this great team of extraordinary people who are a superb example of how to give selflessly, with no complaints despite GI distress, aching backs and lack of sleep. It is a joy to be part of this great work.Thank you for including me. LORRIE
Now on a lighter note, this trip has been amazing and FUN! We call our room the “Old ladies room” where we stay up late at night talking about our “aging ailments”. We have even had a slumber party with pictures to prove it. The men next door wonder what we are up to. It has helped to have the down time to have some relief from the suffering we see in the community of Membriall where we are serving. I’m grateful that God granted me the opportunity serve and bring smiles to the beautiful children that we see in clinic each day. Love and peace, Linda
This is my third mission trip to Guatemala serving the Iglesia Galilea and Membriall. When arriving I found I had many friends from the churches, school previous patients, interpreters, chefs(the best) and team members. This helped me with caring for the patients and knowing what resources are and not available. The dedication of all the above is inspiring and brings joy and hope to me. This is Gods way of saying he is in control. I would recommend others to return to this mission. Each trip for me as been more fulfilling and life changing. Our team is working well together. Shannon and Jenni are rock stars!!!! Here’s to being an ambassador of Christ in Guatemala and home in the states.
Arleen (Member of the old ladies room but not quite one yet)
Buenas noches mis amigos! After a short blog comment hiatus due to home responsibilities, I am back on the scene. Great post and pics everyone. I have enjoyed reading about everyone’s experience through their own perspective. I love how there is an “old ladies room”! Anyway keep up the good (and hard) work. I’m sure you’re feeling “joyfully exhausted” by now. God’s grace and strength to all of you to finish strong. Shannon thanks for letting me borrow your husband, aka home improvement jedi master. This young padowan has much to learn. Jenni – you are loved and missed! And in honor of the Alabamans in the room – good night y’all! :)
Love seeing the smiles faces and reading all the stories. You all are rock stars.
Shannon, you are great example of an amazing women and I could not be any prouder of you for taking this on. Aidan and I miss you, Valcor not so much. Lol, he just needs a bed. If anything is messed up when you get home though I am blaming him.
Jenni, Corey is a home improvement stud now and said he can’t wait for the next project, maybe expanding the house with an indoor amusement park:)
God bless you all
Hello Arleen, Amy, Randy, Dan, Linda, Albita, Shawnda, Shannon, Zac, Vicki, Dan/Laurie and family, Jenni and everyone that I don’t know. I love reading all your posts, and seeing all the pictures. I know so many of you on this trip. What an amazing team, wish I was there. You are doing amazing work. Lorri, your niece Kris was an amazing women, I have heard her speak at my church and was so inspired and touched by her words. My condolences on her passing she was a great example to us all. Jenni, I can hear you laughing in that picture on here. Give Berta a hug for me. So good to see her up at clinic. Praying for you all. Enjoy your last clinic day caring for and loving these sweet people. squeeze some babies for me. !!!!
Melinda Vranes
Hi guys! I’m sorry I haven’t left a note until today but I have been praying for you all! I know you’re tired and that tomorrow will be a big push so I’m praying for strength and that you sleep well tonight!
Wish I was there as I miss all my Guatemalan friends and laughing with Jenni and Amy! BTW I know what you you two are laughing about behind my back! I trust that God gives you some awesome moments tomorrow and a safe trip home with no delays.
Malinda
Hola damas y caballeros
Look at me Jenni I can use the translator for spanish on Google. Tell Rudy how fluent I am now. I do hope y’all are having a wonderful time serving the people of Guatemala. I wish I was thee with you all, I do miss it. Always remember that the impact you have on them, is by far surpassed by the lasting impact they will have on you. Say HI to all and irrespective of what Jenni tells you, hamburger patties will last for 2 days in a back pack for a snack.
Yours in Chrsit
Butch
Hello Team! Wow, Lorri, what a powerful post. It sounds like we can all learn how to live life to its fullest from your niece, she sounded wonderful! It looks like everyone is having a good time, ( Love the slumber party pictures…squeeky bunk beds and all) ….and enjoying the relationships that are formed amongst the team as well as in the community :) You are making such a difference by giving your time, knowledge and resources to show God’s love.
Heather