let’s go to guatemala (your invitation to join me)

I had been in Guatemala when I heard God whisper, “Bring other’s back.” I really didn’t understand what that meant.

That trip to Guatemala left me overwhelmed with the vastness of poverty I saw. I wondered, as we walked among the community and visited with the families there, how one person or even a group of 20 could make a difference. But around Day 3 when we partnered with the Guatemala Potter’s House I saw a way I could make a difference — at least to one.

There in the lunch room I met Jakelyn. (read how God brought us together here) Our eyes locked and her smile grabbed my heart. I decided that day I would sponsor her and become an encourager in her life.

One person can make a difference.

Following the prompting to bring other’s back, we took a group of 20 (people like you from all over the US and Canada) to partner with the Guatemala Potter’s House last Fall. It was a full few days serving the children and community there. We helped paint and prepare a building to get it ready for the next month’s vacation bible school that would be held there. We played with the children in the alley. We laughed. We cried. We made new friends.

And the best ever was the joy I felt to reconnect with Jakelyn and spend an entire day with her.

It was the family album that messed me up.

After a day in the community, Jakelyn had me to her house to serve a few of us refreshments. This precious 12 year old was so hospitable. She served us cake and Coke. We visited in our broken languages between Spanish and English, but yet God was there in our midst orchestrating this beautiful moment.

Peace and joy were thick. It truly felt like home as it was so inviting. As I made mention that we were going to have to leave, Jakelyn went and picked up a Family Picture album and brought it to me. She showed me her family — mom, sisters, aunts. And then she flipped the page and looked up at me grinning.

It was a page with a picture of her and I. It was a pic I had snapped the first trip and then sent her in an email I had sent her. I was a mess. A Texas girl was in the family album of a family in Guatemala.

I broke down. 

I didn’t think I could make a difference among this much poverty. But here after only encouraging one little girl for nine months she considered me family. Her encourager. Her cheerleader.

Oh if we could only grasp how one little act of kindness can make a huge difference then maybe we’d step out and do more. [tweet that?]

Here’s your invitation to join me:

In September I’ll be leading a group of 20 to serve Guatemala — I hope you are one of them.

Here are the specifics:

• When: September 24-28, 2014
• Cost: $545 (airfare is not included)
• Includes: Lodging, food, and in-country transportation; all the details and logistics will be taken care of once you arrive
• Lodging: Normal room with shared bathroom and multiple beds

I totally get that not everyone can hop on a plane to a foreign country and stay a week. There are plenty of other ways you can be involved to make a difference: pray, sponsor a child, or provide resources for the Potter’s House.

More than a trip this is about serving and helping those in need.

Sign up now as the spots are limited.

There are only 20 spots for this specific trip. SIGN UP HERE. (see note below) Don’t delay.

I’m excited to see what God does with this special group of 20. It’s no accident that God whispered, “bring others back!” He wants YOU to be a part. My prayer is this trip only leads to more trips back to serve the people of Guatemala.

Would you like to join me in making a difference?