A Need and an Opportunity

Several years ago, if someone would have told me we’d be heading off to Guatemala to build homes for the poor, I likely would have replied “ya, I doubt it”. Not that I didn’t think it was a worthwhile thing to do; it was just not a vision either Glen or I had of how we would spend our “holiday time”. And yet, within a very short time, that is exactly what we will be heading off to do.

Our trip to Thailand last year opened our eyes to how much of the world’s population lives. In visiting the schools that doubled as orphanages in Mae Sot, in viewing the primitive conditions in the clinic that provides the only healthcare to thousands of refugees in Thailand and Myanmar, in helping to feed the children and the families who lived at the garbage dump, and in listening to the stories of a released political prisoner and his efforts to support his country-men, imprints were left on our hearts that will never disappear. While we always knew, and could voice how fortunate we are, the experiences we had gave those words true meaning.

Yet when an opportunity was presented to us to travel to Guatemala to help build homes for the poor, I can’t say that we excitedly jumped at the opportunity. To be honest, I will say that we cautiously entertained the idea. “What will be expected of me?” “How much do we need to fundraise?” “What will our living arrangements be like?” (loosely translated for me means “will there be bugs where I sleep?”). These were the questions that topped the list. Next on the list were “What is the need?” “Can I truly make a difference?”

We were assured that indeed there is a need. Fe Viva World Missions has an orphanage in Guazacapan, Guatemala; they also care for dozens of families in crisis in the community of Poza de Agua. This area has no social supports, basic needs are often not met, and families live in squalor. It is here that we will assist with building homes for the poor, with helping in the orphanage, and with doing what we can.

But can I truly make a difference? It would be naïve and somewhat grandiose to think I can make even a ripple of an impact in two weeks. And yet, I can play a tiny part in a much larger effort; an effort where many individuals and groups come together to do their part. This cumulative effort can make a difference - in the lives of one person, one family. And when those efforts are sustained by individuals and by groups, over time the effort can make a difference in the lives of people, families, and even communities.

So for now, we know there is a need. We feel blessed that we have this opportunity. And I suspect that, similar to our experiences in Thailand, the true difference may be felt more in us than in those we go to help. But we will try.

Money has been raised and foundations for 2 homes have already been laid; these are the homes we will complete