Retrospect
As I muse over the week we spent in a whole different world, I am impressed by a few different thoughts. First, I’m amazed that we didn’t have any real problems during the whole time. We didn’t lose any luggage, we didn’t have anything stolen, we didn’t misplace any team members, there were no auto accidents, our flights were on time, no one lost their passports, and no one got seriously sick. I know that God uses trials to help us trust Him more, but quite frankly, I’m grateful He didn’t use this trip to teach us any lessons like that.
Now that we’re home and getting back into our normal routines, we do so with a new filter. I can’t help but see my life here in light of life in Guatemala. I’m eager to continue learning Spanish. I’m aware of the rich life people lead not too far south of us. And most of all, I’m eager to go back again.
I think that one other change in my perspective is how I view the Latino folks here in our town. I feel like I have a new respect for them and their way of life. Our church is getting ready to start a ministry to non-English speakers, and I’m so eager to get involved. I want to know these people better.
If other team members happen to visit the site here, I’d love to have you post your insights and thoughts. Please share!
Signing off for now…. Christie
P.S. I’ll continue my regular blog at www.iAmTheTeacher.com
Beautifully written! I feel the same way. Guatemala changed my life, and I am so happy I went on it. I used to dread going to Spanish classes at school but am now eager to learn more. I have found that Spanish can really be useful and we need to put our minds to it to accomplish it properly.
I, too, would love to go back. I miss the wonderful scenery and all those tiny faces of happy kids. Those kids smile even when they don’t have much. I’ve learned something from them: Items in this world don’t make us happy. Instead, only God can make us happy.
It is amazing that the trip went safely. He heard the multiple prayers. What a nice treat it was to have some support back at home while being the unlucky passenger in a Guatemalan van!
I very much enjoyed getting to know each and every one of you. You all are blessings to me!
I echo the sentiments of Christie and Kristen. I came home to a week of vaction with my family, which seemed very proper, then back to work on Mon. which didn’t. I seriously miss our group and eating/working/sharing together.
Each of you are wonderful in different ways, each of you made the group richer. Thank you all for sharing a part of your lives with me, and with the children and workers in GUA!
If I could pick a group to go on another trip this year I’d pick the same people, and bring the families along this time. (I missed mine.)
Hi! I “by chance” came across your blog page while searching the internet. Anyway, “Eagles Nest” caught my eye….my husband and I are adopting from there. Our son was born in July…not sure what dates you were there. He is currently in the hospital….has been for almost 2 weeks.
Our blog page is at http://www.thewilkensfamily.blogspot.com
Jennifer