Trading Ski Slopes For Service
In 2024, our family of five was struck by an extraordinary idea: to spread joy in the world. And then it happened. It was as if God himself whispered into our hearts, opening our eyes to an unexpected opportunity.
A Clear Message
One night, my husband, Blair, had a vivid dream. He saw people desperately trying to drink water from cups riddled with holes, the water continuously escaping no matter how hard they tried. This dream lingered in his mind until a prayer session brought clarity. Blair felt a powerful call for our family to spend our upcoming spring break serving others instead of indulging in our usual vacation. The message was undeniable: If you want to have a truly positive impact on your children (ages 14, 15, and 17), take a mission trip instead of a ski trip!
Right on cue, an email about the upcoming global(x) journeys landed in our inbox. Blair was impressed with the mission, vision, and well-organized approach, and among their projects, their work in Guatemala caught his attention.
Embracing the Unexpected
I'll be honest, when Blair first proposed the idea, I was initially taken aback—and a bit nervous. We both have demanding jobs, and I had eagerly anticipated a relaxing vacation. The thought of spending that time in a developing country was a little daunting. But as I thought about it, I recognized this experience's profound opportunity for our family. So, despite my nerves, we decided to embrace the adventure wholeheartedly. Our children, however, were a little less enthusiastic. Our son Garrison was especially concerned about the idea of celebrating his 18th birthday in Guatemala. Yet they agreed to give it a try, curious about what lay ahead.
Our motivation was clear: We were incredibly grateful for our children's health and happiness and the abundance in our lives. But we also knew that they were sheltered from many world realities. We hoped that this trip would be an eye-opening experience for all of us. We were excited to immerse ourselves in a new culture, make a difference, expand our hearts, and broaden our children's world perspective.
Off to Guatemala
And so, our journey led us to the beautiful, high-altitude coffee farming region of Huehuetenango, to a community called Rancho Viejo, with a population of 5,500. The large majority of Guatemalans live in poverty, and the country has one of the highest income inequality rates in the world. But, as we found, they are rich in love, faith, and community spirit. Their warmth and acceptance humbled us, and their unwavering faith in God and deep appreciation for family and community left a lasting impression.
Making a Difference Together
Partnering with 410 Bridge, we immersed ourselves in the community, working alongside local leaders, leading devotionals, helping on family farms, and teaching in local schools. Many of us had been involved in our church's children's ministry, making the work with students especially meaningful. Despite the language barrier, our kids formed deep, quick connections with the local children. They loved getting their hands dirty on the farm, collecting eggs, and seeing the tangible results of their efforts.
As we wrapped up our week, Garrison reflected, "I was pretty unsure about having my 18th birthday here, but I wouldn't change a thing." our daughter, Kennedy, confessed, "I wasn't really excited about this trip, but now I'm really grateful my parents brought me." And Melina, our youngest, posted, “I can't wait to go back.”
A Journey to Remember
Our trip to Guatemala was an eye-opening experience for all of us. It reminded us of the importance of gratitude, compassion, and service. Would we do it again? Absolutely, and I believe our kids would too.
Did we make a difference? I hope so. Whether through our encouraging words, the connections we built, the kindness we shared, or the help we provided, we aimed to leave a spark of hope in their hearts. This journey and the Guatemalan people undeniably and positively impacted our family in the most beautiful way, and for that, I am deeply grateful.
If you're considering a global(x) journey, I encourage you to embrace it despite your hesitations. You'll be amazed by the resilience, kindness, and generosity of the people you meet and the incredible ways your children will respond. Trust the process, trust in God, and witness the extraordinary impact of stepping out of your comfort zone. It's a meaningful experience that will warm your heart and enrich your family forever.