The Lord challenges us to Go Out and be His disciples to the world through our actions and thoughts. Daily I strive to share my abilities and love with all those encountered. Recently, I took a step of faith to venture out of my 1st world lifestyle to encounter life in a developing countryside and gain a new cultural perspective.
The experience provided varying directions of thought.
First, how much of the developing worlds are being transformed to the 1st
world perspective? Something, I really struggle with as the consumeristic,
self-centered, wealth focused concepts of 1st world erode away at
the family, community, simplistic, joy filled ways of life. How instead do we preserve
the true meaning of love and respect and cherish human dignity and the natural
world?
“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a
kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of
caring, all which have the potential to turn a life around.” ~Leo Buscaglia
Through our travels across the world, southward to Central
America, across the state to Appalachia, or in our own backyard, we are called
to share His love through even the smallest gesture focused around hearing other’s
personal needs and not our 1st world privileged belief of what one
needs. We are called to stop and listen to the personal perspective of others,
to provide hope through care, love, and listening, and to walk in the image and
likeness of Christ.
Guatemala provided us the opportunity
- to bring smiles to young and old alike by providing a simple hello or jumping with imaginary jump ropes,
- to experience God’s love in the people, the trash, the volcanoes, the history, the pool, the sun, the varnish,
- to see the bond of the community willing to sacrifice their time for stolen belongings & care for the sick,
- to share our talents, smiles, and hope with the communities visited,
- to witness and share with one another,
- to witness the impacts of the kindness of many before us and know more is to come,
- to seek ways of communicating and gaining understanding of a new language and culture
Fotos de las comunidades de Zacapa, Guatemala
Gracias por todas las oraciones y apoyo financiero! Thanks for all of the prayers and financial support!
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