Guatemala

I just returned from my first international mission trip.  It is all to fresh and vivid to know what to post about.  I do know two things though:  1) I was blessed more than I could have possibly blessed anyone and 2) We are so blessed to live in America.  

Pastor Gregg talked about Americans being born with such privilege.  Just by being a United States citizen, I am one of the wealthiest people on the planet.  I have food, clothing, a car, shelter...  Anything I could ever imagine and I take it all for granted.  It is a shocking reality for me because  we are held accountable for how we steward what we are given.  This is a scary thought for everyone, but I had always taken solace in the fact that I was young, in school, and did not really have an income.  But even still the Lord has blessed me more abundantly than the majority of the world.  I need to seriously re-evaluate my spending and my thoughts on stewardship.  

The most shocking part of the trip, that will stay with me forever was the AIDs orphanage, San Jose.  The Mayan culture believes that if you are diseased and you have sex with a virgin, you will be cleansed of your disease (a similar belief is prevalent in Africa).  One of the precious little girls in the orphanage was 5 years old when she was raped by her father.  He transmitted his disease to his poor, pure and helpless daughter and then took her to San Jose.  I was so enraged and saddened.  How different than the relationship our Lord wants to have with us as our heavenly father.  I can't even describe my grief for this poor, precious little girl.  I pray that our Father wraps her so tightly in His love as she lives out her life in an AIDs orphanage.  

I learned so much more and would LOVE to talk to you about it anytime!  My web-album is below.  My encouragement to you  is if you feel the call of our Lord, Go!  You will be changed forever and you will not regret it.  

Guatemala Mission Trip