What's Next?

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