On June 4th, 15 people traveled to Guatemala to spend 2 days with orphans, provide them all custom-fit shoes, bring gifts of formula and supplies, take them to the zoo, spend two more days with impoverished people in Pueblo Nuevo cooking them meals, praying with the children, and visiting their homes, and furnishing 42 homes with water filters.
I am priveledged to say that I was part of the team.
And now what...
We did a lot of brainstorming on the trip about things we could do to help the orphanage. We discussed that what they really need is financial support to keep the lights on, the nannies paid, and to provide essentials the government doesn't provide like meat to sustain the malnourished children they shelter. We discussed "sponsoring a child programs", and Christmas gift contributions, and having shoes and beds made by local artisans. We discussed selling hand-made scarves and jewelry in the US, made by women like the ones who came to our hotel to raise money for the orphanage. These kinds of women's co-ops are growing in support all over the world. (I'm particularly intrigued about this and want to learn more, as it's empowering women in much the same way I believe in my Arbonne business). And most importantly, I know that Valerie will take future teams back to Guatemala to hug and love on these beautiful children and let them know that God loves them and they are special. We have no idea how long our faces and the memory of our hugs will linger in their little minds. But I know that their faces continue to linger in my mind!
Supporting the orphanage is a passion for Valerie because it's where her son was raised and they came to know and love the people and children of Guatemala through their journey. I will continue to support Valerie and plan to go back on future trips! And, eventually bring my daughters along to grow from the experience. It's inspired me to work even harder at sharing the gift of the Arbonne business with others, as I know that my alignment with a business model that enables me to be self-employed has given me the flexibility to pursue my passions. It's given me the courage to find out what they are. And when I see amazing people who are successful in business AND in life, passionately helping others....I know I am where I am supposed to be. I also know that others yearn for that kind of life. And I can help them discover it!
And ...it's motivated me to think about my unique passions and the gifts of experience, knowledge, and compassion I have to share. My family's journey has centered around having a daughter who was born with Congential Heart Defects and the medical complications along her journey. It's about how it has molded and shaped our family, me, my younger daughter, my marriage, and our outlook on life. As I was on this trip, I was popping into Facebook whenever possible to get updates on a couple children undergoing heart transplants. As I have followed their stories, I remember clearly what they are experiencing as they wait for a miracle and fully turn themselves over to faith. I know they are searching for hope and a belief that anything is possible. And I can give them a little piece of that.
So, my immediate mission... before leaving for Guatemala, Heart Heroes, the non-profit I co-founded received a grant to proceed with publishing our family's story. Which will lead to childrens' books and other coping tools for children with heart defects all over the world! This project is my immediate focus and priority.
I also know that there are local initiatives and projects with my church that I can support and involve my children. I think I'll be more responsive to those requests now. And now that I am a "missionary", I'll support others in their journeys of mission work.
So, for now, I will say good-bye to Guatemala. I will cherish the experience and learn from it. And I will one day go back! Thank you for letting me share my journey and my inner-most thoughts!
With Gratitude,
Sondra
Thank you to Across All Borders for leading us on our Mission Trip to Guatemala! Visit www.acrossallborders.org
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
A Glimpse At Our World
During the trip, I was reading a book called "The Hole in our Gospel" by Richard Stearns. He is the former CEO of Lennox China luxury good retailer and now the President of World Vision. It's a great book that really makes you think about the world, and faith, and the disparity between the haves and have-nots. It's eye-opening.
On the way home, I became really absorbed in the book. I think I was trying to make some sense of what I had experienced. Before the trip, I had some strange reactions from people about why I was going to Guatemala. Why didn't I just stay home and do something charitable in my own community? This book put it into perspective. As Americans, we tend to think we are the center of the world. The following statistics from Richard's book clearly show us a different glimpse of our world:
It you took the 6.7 billion people on the planet and represented them in a single "global village" of just 100 people, this is what the village of 100 would look like:
Out of 100 people:
60 would be Asian
14 would be African
12 would be European
8 would be Latin American
5 would be American or Canadian
1 would be from the South Pacific
51 would be male, 49 would be female
82 would be non-white; 18 white
67 would be non-Christian, 33 would be Christian
In summary, we live in a world that is non-American, non-white, and non-Christian. Wow! Those numbers shocked me!!
Looking at it from an earnings standpoint is even more shocking! The average income in America is $38,611 per person or about $105 per day. However, that represents only 4.5 percent of the world's people. And more than half the world's population earns less than $2 per day.
The discrepancy between the wealthiest and poorest people on earth is vast.
Much of the book focuses on biblical principles that implore us to think about our "neighbors" not just as the people that live next door to us, but the people with whom we share the planet! He also shared how we are experiencing "compassion overload" because we see the commercials for the starving children, and we get mail, and letters and we have become numb to the fact that this exists in our world. We think we can't do anything that will have a significant impact. But he makes the point that everyone did just a little there would be a ripple effect. I found this to be extremely thought provoking and wanted to share it!
I know this book opened my mind and the experience of going to Guatemala opened my eyes to see that we have "neighbors" in distant places. And as much as I'll continue to support local charitable causes through my church and other foundations, I now see that I have a global responsibility too. We all do, whether we want to believe it or not.
"He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little." 2 Corinthians 8:13-15
With Gratitude,
Sondra
On the way home, I became really absorbed in the book. I think I was trying to make some sense of what I had experienced. Before the trip, I had some strange reactions from people about why I was going to Guatemala. Why didn't I just stay home and do something charitable in my own community? This book put it into perspective. As Americans, we tend to think we are the center of the world. The following statistics from Richard's book clearly show us a different glimpse of our world:
It you took the 6.7 billion people on the planet and represented them in a single "global village" of just 100 people, this is what the village of 100 would look like:
Out of 100 people:
60 would be Asian
14 would be African
12 would be European
8 would be Latin American
5 would be American or Canadian
1 would be from the South Pacific
51 would be male, 49 would be female
82 would be non-white; 18 white
67 would be non-Christian, 33 would be Christian
In summary, we live in a world that is non-American, non-white, and non-Christian. Wow! Those numbers shocked me!!
Looking at it from an earnings standpoint is even more shocking! The average income in America is $38,611 per person or about $105 per day. However, that represents only 4.5 percent of the world's people. And more than half the world's population earns less than $2 per day.
The discrepancy between the wealthiest and poorest people on earth is vast.
Much of the book focuses on biblical principles that implore us to think about our "neighbors" not just as the people that live next door to us, but the people with whom we share the planet! He also shared how we are experiencing "compassion overload" because we see the commercials for the starving children, and we get mail, and letters and we have become numb to the fact that this exists in our world. We think we can't do anything that will have a significant impact. But he makes the point that everyone did just a little there would be a ripple effect. I found this to be extremely thought provoking and wanted to share it!
I know this book opened my mind and the experience of going to Guatemala opened my eyes to see that we have "neighbors" in distant places. And as much as I'll continue to support local charitable causes through my church and other foundations, I now see that I have a global responsibility too. We all do, whether we want to believe it or not.
"He who gathered much did not have too much, and he who gathered little did not have too little." 2 Corinthians 8:13-15
With Gratitude,
Sondra
Home Sweet Home
We traveled to the airport on Sunday morning, leaving our hotel at about 4am. It was about an hour to Guatemala City. It was a little spooky traveling in the dark, and when I questioned the safety, I learned our bus driver was armed. At that point, I realized that it had been an amazing trip, but I was ready to sleep in my own bed, hug my husband and daughters, drink tap water, and eat fully cooked chicken!
Our flights were all on time. The girls and Tim were waiting for me at the airport. That's such a nice feeling. All the years of traveling for business, I would see people being greeted by their loved ones at the airport and think how nice that was. But my family wasn't going to greet me every week at my midnight arrivals! So this was a treat! Nicole grabbed my hand and would not let go! And Ashley couldn't stop smiling and giggling!
They had made a welcome home sign and bought me flowers and made dinner for me!
Home Sweet Home!
And yet, a week later...I can't get the images of the people and places of Guatemala out of my mind. I know in my heart, I will go back someday!
Thank you to all the support and prayers from family and friends! I do believe that our trip made a difference. And your contributions were appreciated by the children and people of Guatemala. You have had a global impact!
With Gratitude,
Sondra
Our flights were all on time. The girls and Tim were waiting for me at the airport. That's such a nice feeling. All the years of traveling for business, I would see people being greeted by their loved ones at the airport and think how nice that was. But my family wasn't going to greet me every week at my midnight arrivals! So this was a treat! Nicole grabbed my hand and would not let go! And Ashley couldn't stop smiling and giggling!
They had made a welcome home sign and bought me flowers and made dinner for me!
Home Sweet Home!
And yet, a week later...I can't get the images of the people and places of Guatemala out of my mind. I know in my heart, I will go back someday!
Thank you to all the support and prayers from family and friends! I do believe that our trip made a difference. And your contributions were appreciated by the children and people of Guatemala. You have had a global impact!
With Gratitude,
Sondra
Something about FEAR
I learned a lot on this trip, and in some surprising ways. I think we all have something we fear. Let me tell you a couple little stories about my experience with "fear". I am deathly afraid of snakes (and while I'm sure they exist in Guatemala, I'm happy to say one did not cross my path!) I'm also just about equally frightened of heights. I'm not really sure, but I think this is something that I've acquired over time. I don't remember falling or having a particular fear of heights as a child. And I learned from this experience that the more I say and think "I'm afraid of heights", the more I am. About 4 years ago, I was on a vacation in Jamaica with friends. I got a wild hair to jump of the cliff into the ocean at Rick's Cafe (a famous locale!). There are "professional" cliff divers there. And then there are the amateur tourists, like us, who sign a waiver form and jump! Search "Jamaica cliff divers" on Youtube and you'll get the idea! So I fought back the anxiety and flailed my body over the edge of the cliff! "How bad could it be? It would be over in a blink!" Well, lets just say I hit the water in the wrong position, and was badly bruised up and down the backs of both legs! ...for several months!
Again, when we were at the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas, I did the huge water slide into the shark tank. It was a challenge from one of our Arbonne leaders, to fight past the fear and take the risk! I did it! No bruises this time, but my friends that waited in line with me said later they were worried that I'd pass out before it was my turn. Even as I type this, I feel my heart racing and the anxiety in my body and the inability to breath!
So, when we arrived at the Zip Line Park deep in the mountains of Guatemala, I had already decided that it wouldn't be something that I would do. I had been quoted a price, and I didn't want to spend the money--good justification! I just wanted to relax and watch a couple others who had said since the beginning of the trip that it was something they wanted to do. We walked in and checked out the info and got them signed up. And when we discovered it only cost $28 to traverse the mountainside over about 8 zip lines. Others started signing up! Two zip liners now became 5, including my traveling buddy, Cindy. Suddenly I wasn't sure I wanted to pass. After all it was so cheap, and I could go home saying I zip lined in Guatemala! How cool would that be? And then I felt the anxiety building. My friends, said "Oh come on, do it! It will be fun!" But I made up my mind that this time wasn't for me. So I watched them put on the harnesses and get the training (in Spanish only!!). I watched them practice. I took pictures. And then into the trees they went to hike 25 minutes up to the first line. The rest of us hiked around and saw some cool things. There was a trail of suspension bridges that were really cool, and a butterfly habitat, monkeys, coffee trees.
But then, I began to hear the screams of exhilaration, as the zip liners started. We could only catch glimpses of them way above our heads through the trees. And they sounded like they were having so much fun! We watched them zip down to their landing pad and then traverse a little obstacle course (which they later learned was "optional"!) They were all so invigorated and thrilled by the experience!
By that time I already knew, that I didn't like the feeling of "sitting on the sidelines". I should've been up there with them! My "Arbonne Sisters" were having the thrill of their lives. And I chose to let the fear get the best of me and sit it out. So I realize that choosing not to zip line was the right choice. It was the right choice because it enabled me to experience what it's like when we don't push through the fear and take risks...that feeling of sitting on the sidelines. I'm not a bench warmer! I've always been a go-getter! So now I know what it's like to feel the fear and do it anyway! The cliff jumping hurt...but I didn't die! The shark slide was scary, but the view was amazing! And I can say that I've had these experiences. And I can remember how they feel! And I can also remember how it feels to let fear win, and sit on the sidelines!
I've always enjoyed the saying that you can't have fear and faith at the same time. So, I'll continue to chose FAITH!
"I love the recklessness of faith. First you leap, and then you grow wings." ~William Sloane Coffin
Enjoy the photos!
With Gratitude,
Again, when we were at the Atlantis Resort in the Bahamas, I did the huge water slide into the shark tank. It was a challenge from one of our Arbonne leaders, to fight past the fear and take the risk! I did it! No bruises this time, but my friends that waited in line with me said later they were worried that I'd pass out before it was my turn. Even as I type this, I feel my heart racing and the anxiety in my body and the inability to breath!
So, when we arrived at the Zip Line Park deep in the mountains of Guatemala, I had already decided that it wouldn't be something that I would do. I had been quoted a price, and I didn't want to spend the money--good justification! I just wanted to relax and watch a couple others who had said since the beginning of the trip that it was something they wanted to do. We walked in and checked out the info and got them signed up. And when we discovered it only cost $28 to traverse the mountainside over about 8 zip lines. Others started signing up! Two zip liners now became 5, including my traveling buddy, Cindy. Suddenly I wasn't sure I wanted to pass. After all it was so cheap, and I could go home saying I zip lined in Guatemala! How cool would that be? And then I felt the anxiety building. My friends, said "Oh come on, do it! It will be fun!" But I made up my mind that this time wasn't for me. So I watched them put on the harnesses and get the training (in Spanish only!!). I watched them practice. I took pictures. And then into the trees they went to hike 25 minutes up to the first line. The rest of us hiked around and saw some cool things. There was a trail of suspension bridges that were really cool, and a butterfly habitat, monkeys, coffee trees.
But then, I began to hear the screams of exhilaration, as the zip liners started. We could only catch glimpses of them way above our heads through the trees. And they sounded like they were having so much fun! We watched them zip down to their landing pad and then traverse a little obstacle course (which they later learned was "optional"!) They were all so invigorated and thrilled by the experience!
By that time I already knew, that I didn't like the feeling of "sitting on the sidelines". I should've been up there with them! My "Arbonne Sisters" were having the thrill of their lives. And I chose to let the fear get the best of me and sit it out. So I realize that choosing not to zip line was the right choice. It was the right choice because it enabled me to experience what it's like when we don't push through the fear and take risks...that feeling of sitting on the sidelines. I'm not a bench warmer! I've always been a go-getter! So now I know what it's like to feel the fear and do it anyway! The cliff jumping hurt...but I didn't die! The shark slide was scary, but the view was amazing! And I can say that I've had these experiences. And I can remember how they feel! And I can also remember how it feels to let fear win, and sit on the sidelines!
I've always enjoyed the saying that you can't have fear and faith at the same time. So, I'll continue to chose FAITH!
"I love the recklessness of faith. First you leap, and then you grow wings." ~William Sloane Coffin
Enjoy the photos!
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| Arriving at the Zip Line Park |
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| Getting harnassed up! |
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| The nature Center |
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| It was like a big tent! |
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| The Zip Liners! |
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| Really cool flowers growing from the canopy. |
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| This is Cindy on her practice run! |
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| "Let's do this!" |
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| Not so sure about the "engineering" of these suspension bridges! |
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| Very entertaining little obstacle at the end of the zip line! |
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| Butterfly Habitat ~ my little peaceful sanctuary! No fear here! |
With Gratitude,
Sondra
Journey to Lake Atitlan
Our last day in Guatemala was a free day to tour the area. Most of our group decided to go to Lake Atitlan, in the high mountains. It's a beautiful lake surrounded by volcanoes. It was about a 3-hour ride from Antigua. I figured I would use the time to enjoy reading, but then found it difficult to read on the bumpy roads. So I spent most of the trip there and back just taking in the surroundings. The countryside is absolutely beautiful. I was amazed at the crops of cabbage, corn, and other vegetables that were growing on steep mountainsides. All the crops are planted and harvested by hand. We saw many indigenous people wearing their native clothing. It was neat to see, because they weren't wearing it to impress tourists. They were wearing it because that's their culture and their heritage, which was nice to see it preserved in this remote part of Central America. These pictures don't come close to capturing the beauty of what I saw, but give a taste of the culture!
Read the next blog to find out more about what we did at our day at the Lake!!!
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| These are called "chicken buses" and are the primary source of transportation between villages. We didn't ride on one, but I'm told they are nicknamed chicken buses because people even take their chickens on the bus when going to market! |
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| This is actually our bus |
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| Lake Atitlan and one of the volcanoes |
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| Me at the Lake Atitlan overlook |
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| Cindy and I at the Lake |
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| Photo of the countryside |
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| Plantings of crops |
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| This is actually a cemetary. The colorful boxes are crypts. |
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| Little market at the Lake Atitlan overlook. |
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| Beautiful waterfall alongside the road. |
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| This was our little "pit stop" on the way there and back. It was a cute little lodge that reminded me of what you'd see in Colorado. |
Read the next blog to find out more about what we did at our day at the Lake!!!
Touring Antigua
Despite the poverty, corruption, crime and other issues that exist in Guatemala and much of Central America, Guatemala is a beautiful city. And Antigua is especiallly charming with its history. I've never been to Europe. But Antigua reminded me of pictures and movies I've seen of the little cobble stone streets and quaint shops of Italy. The architecture is baroque with Spanish influence and there are a number of colonial churches and ancient mayan ruins.
Here are some of my favorite photos of our time touring Antigua. Amidst some of the sad moments, we had some very joyous moments weaved into our trip!
Here are some of my favorite photos of our time touring Antigua. Amidst some of the sad moments, we had some very joyous moments weaved into our trip!
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| Cindy and I at the mountain overlook! |
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| Me at the cross. |
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| Pony tails were my hairdo for the week! |
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| If you look really closely, you see that there was a spider web or nest hanging from the cross on the right! |
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| This is our whole team! |
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| Amy and I on the bus |
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| We thought this little nail salon looked fun! |
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| This was the most I'd laughed in a really long time! Our driver's name was Louis, and we are in a "took took" (spelling?). We rode this back from the market and Louis was racing his friend that was driving Renee and Dan. Louis kept yelling andele! And we would yell vamonos! We felt like we were on the Amazing Race! |
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| The streets near the famous arch. |
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| Streets decorated for religious festival. |
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| This took many hours to make! |
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| This lovely woman showed us how she weaves the beautiful cloth. |
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| These women came to our hotel so we could purchase scarves. |
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| Valerie had met them in the market and asked them to come over! |
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| Dan had to help this woman get the pack on her head. She walked down the stairs and out to the street. They were going to catch their bus to take them back to their village. |
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| This is a photo of a painting that hung in our room. I thought I was beautiful. |
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| This fountain was in a nice market full of vendors. |
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| Town Square |
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| Famous building, the Arco de Santa Catalina. |
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| la Antigua! |
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| Hotel Courtyard right outside my door. |
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| In the courtyard area of our little hotel |
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| Looking our of our door to the dining room, bar & lobby. |
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| This is right outside our door. |
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| Beautiful sculpture in our hotel. |
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| Our hotel from the second floor looking down. |
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| View of the volcano from second floor of our hotel. |
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| A little cafe where we had lunch. |
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| Grounds of the Santa Domingo hotel, which was an old missionary. |
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| Parrots at Santa Domingo. |
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| Beautiful angel statue! |
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| One of the preserved alters at Santa Domingo. |
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| The sidewalks near our hotel were very narrow! |
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| Looking down the street from our hotel. |
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| Lady making cloth in her shop near our hotel. |
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| Architectural Ruins |
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| One of the indoor markets. |
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