The last couple of weeks we’ve talked a lot about our trip but I also want to encourage you to be praying about going on the trip planned for next year.
I think some or many of us who grew up in church can have a reaction when we hear the word “mission trip”. It can bring up specific images of for some that don’t bring positive feelings or emotions. Some of us have had amazing life affirming relationship building experiences with these trips- we all come from different perspectives. For me, growing up I had a picture in my head of what a “missions trip” was and it made me feel skeptical or unsure of what it would be like to participate in a trip like this. What I learned, both from my experience in Guatemala and by learning about Kids Alive leadership’s heart for these trip was- this isn’t what I had experienced in the past and gave me the opportunity to rebuild my framework around two key points.
The people on the ground put in a ton of work to make short-term trips happen. They have to organize housing, in-country transportation, as well as a host of other logistics and that is because they are excited to have us there. The psychologists, social workers and the Tias who live with the girls are doing so much daily work and our trips give us the change to build relationships and support and care for them. Whether that’s cooking and cleaning for them or supporting continuing education and trainings, part of the experience is serving the people who are doing the serving.
We grow the most when we are out of our comfort zones, and trips like this are a great opportunity for this.
We’re a global church and seeing the way the church functions outside your own culture deepens your understanding of God.
On trips like these, you’re serving along side extremely dedicated, loving people and they want to share their stories and you can be an ambassador for them here in Chicago.
When we met with Korby, the director of Kids Alive International, he shared with us his vision for these trips. That they would be “go teams” of people passionate about the work being done in Guatemala and carrying the vision and mission with them. That these trips would build relationships and build a love for the people of Guatemala. This vision trip we went on did those things for me, and I can’t wait to share the love for Guatemala and Kids Alive with all of you.