Our family made our first trip to Guatemala in 2008. I wasn’t thrilled about going, but Cheri wanted to go, and I thought it would be a good experience for Austin and Tyler. I saw it as an opportunity to serve others and share the Gospel of Christ, but I was reluctant about the whole thing.
Cheri and the boys went to Spanish school in Antigua the week before the mission trip, and Cheri told me they were staying in a beautiful hotel. I was scheduled to travel down the end of that week, and would stay in Antigua a couple of days before we went to the mission house in Guatemala City. From Cheri’s descriptions, I had expectations of a Hyatt Hotel or at least a LaQunita Inn. But when I arrived, the hotel was far below my expectations, and that didn’t help my attitude.
We arrived on Saturday at the mission house, which is very nice, and very similar to what we have here in the U.S. But I knew we would be travelling to some remote villages, and the conditions were going to be much less than the sanitized world in which we live. I wasn’t looking forward to that.
I went on a prayer walk in the first village that we visited, escorted by one of the leaders of the village church. I was humbled when we walked through the gates of the local school into a dirt courtyard. Along one side of the courtyard were the toilet stalls and they were filthy. But as soon as our presence was known, some of the kids came out and started sweeping the dirt courtyard. Then they welcomed us and were thrilled to have their pictures taken. I began introducing myself and shaking their hands, which made them very happy.
I was skeptical about eating any of the food they prepared. But Herman told us what was safe for the Gringos to eat, and what we should avoid. I had been told beforehand what a sacrifice it would be for the people in the villages to feed us, but I really had no idea what that meant until I experienced it. They made an enormous sacrifice to feed all of us, and made sure we were fed before they ate anything.
As we spent the week going to several villages, I observed the Guatemalans that accompanied us from Medical Missions Ministries as part of our team. What a blessing it was to be surrounded by their servant hearts! They did everything they could to make sure we were safe, comfortable, and had what we needed. They have all made great sacrifices to serve in this ministry, and they do it out of love for God and love for others.
Shortly after I returned home, I realized I wanted to go back. I want to serve out of love for God and love for others. But one thing I now know to expect is … get ready to be loved! - Joel
