I met with a very nice woman on Saturday. She and her husband have been on a Mission Trip to Guatemala and now support their church in sending several groups each year. She shared her pictures and stories and advice. It was such a wonderful meeting, and I can see how much it affected her. She said that the "re-entry" was the most difficult part of the experience. To see hungry children with no shoes that are "happy" and then to return to our culture of "excess". It reminds me that even in a recession, we have abundance all around us, and so much for which we can be grateful.
She recommended a couple books that she said would be good to read: "Re-Entering", "Falling Upward", and "The Hole in the Gospel". She said the last two are books that EVERYONE should read! I love to read, so I'll be adding those to my list!
She also said that taking Spanish classes was the best thing that I could do to prepare for the trip, as it will enable us to communicate with the people we are serving. And that connection was the most powerful part of the experience for her. As I know that it will be for me too. She also suggested taking lots of bilingual childrens books to read!
Fundraising efforts continue. I've had a former colleague generously offer a portion of his frequent flyer miles to help with the plane ticket (if I can figure out how to do that?!) A dear friend gave me a "Christmas" check to go toward the trip. And Ashley and Nicole even contributed a portion of their Christmas money! We have a jar on the kitchen counter with a picture of the guatemalan orphans taped to it. It's our donation jar for spare change. The primary rule is that if you put money in, you can't take it back out. The first day, Ashley immediately emptied her piggy bank into the canister. Nicole watched her do it, and carefully questioned her, "Are you sure, Ashley? Remember what Mom said, once you put it in the jar, you can't get it back." Ashley didn't hesitate. "I'm sure." she said. Today, the girls sorted through their "Dora the Explorer" books and made a pile of the ones they thought the Guatemalan kids would like! And, so I know there will be lots of teaching moments that this endeavor will provide for my girls!
I appreciate the continued support from family and friends and will continue to share more information about my research, preparations, Spanish, and fund-raising efforts!
With Love and Gratitude,
Sondra
