SOLSC 3/20/14 - Living a Guatemala Build Trip Through Others' Eyes

A couple of weeks ago I wrote that I was jealous that the reps I work with were going on a Thrivent Built/Habitat trip to Guatemala.  The guys got back home on Sunday.  When I went to work on Tuesday, I heard all about the trip and saw their pictures.  I thought I'd share some of their trip.

This was Shawn's third trip and each of them have been a little different.  He is still just as excited as he was when he came back from the first one.  This trip was a little different as they were in the middle of the build and didn't have to dig trenches and unfortunately, they were rained out for three of the five days.  They did make progress on the house, but not as much as they would have liked.  This build was on the Caribbean side of Guatemala and was very HOT and humid.  Shawn said he didn't realize he could sweat so much.  While they were rained out of working, they did get to do some extra sightseeing and the pictures were beautiful.  The others that joined the team were just as excited about the trip and build.  One couple celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary during the trip.  They told their kids that this is how they wanted to celebrate - by helping others.

This was Colin's first build trip and he came back totally excited and overwhelmed by all that he had experienced.  I know exactly how he feels.  It's such a meaningful experience that it's hard to put it all into words, but he has been sharing with everyone who comes in the office all about the trip and he encourages everyone to consider trying an adventure either here in the States or out of the country.  He can't stop talking about the family that they helped, the country of Guatemala, the heat, the scenery and the build.  The house was being build for a Mom and her two small sons and seeing his pictures of this family, you could tell how grateful they were.

Hearing their experience and seeing their pictures weren't quite the same as being a part of the trip.  I haven't heard when the next trip will be scheduled, but I'm sure it's being discussed.  I've already told them that they can't go together and leave me alone in the office.  If that happens, I'll threaten to quit!

Comments

  1. elsieMarch 20, 2014 at 5:50 AM

    What great work you and others are doing! I hope you get to go out and help again.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousMarch 20, 2014 at 9:33 AM

    I love the comment made by the couple celebrating their 65th anniversary. They know the true meaning of love and giving. Hope you get to go next time.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Linda BMarch 20, 2014 at 12:37 PM

    Terrific to hear at least something about another trip, Judy. Isn't that wonderful about the couple who celebrated their 65th anniversary! I'm glad you shared again!

    ReplyDelete
  4. TaraMarch 20, 2014 at 4:10 PM

    Special people - spending their 65th. anniversary helping where help is needed most.

    ReplyDelete
  5. drferreriblogspot.comMarch 20, 2014 at 8:54 PM

    Wow - that is how I WOULD LOVE to spend MY 65th anniversary! What a way to share, give back, and acknowledge the gifts of a blessed life.

    ReplyDelete
  6. MichelleMarch 20, 2014 at 9:09 PM

    No, you should tell them that you will be joining them both on the next trip! I bet it brought back great memories for you, especially Colin's excitement!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

SOL 18/31 - The Realtor's Came Yesterday

Image
Yesterday, the realtor's came to look at our house.  Our realtor only brings his own people thru, so it wasn't too bad.  Max slept thru most of it until they went upstairs where he was sleeping.  He barked briefly, came downstairs, got petted and pampered a little.  They walked thru the house, in the bedroom, up the stairs, down the stairs, looked things over, asked a few questions and 15 minutes later out the door they went. Our realtor told me he has had a couple of calls - one from a neighbor (being nosy) and another from a realtor who said this house is exactly what his clients are looking for, but they had just left the day before it was listed.  But could they put in an offer sight unseen?  Really???  Is this just a realtor's ploy to make us feel good or is it real?  No offer yet, but who knows.  It could happen. I breathed a sigh of relief.  Max looked at me as if to say "Is that it?  Can I go back to sleep now?". ...
Read more

Tuesday SOL 10/23/12 - Mr. Pockets goes to school

Image
Last week there was an article in our local newspaper that I found fascinating and wanted to share it with you.  This is a story about a dog who listens as children read out loud.  It's a new program in our school district and I'm proud that our district is using this innovative program to help students learn. Animals are so loving, caring and accepting, and the students love to have someone that they can read to and to be loved unconditionally. I hope you enjoy the article. http://www.baxterbulletin.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/201210200500/NEWS01/310200014
Read more

Tuesday SOL - 9/25/12 - A New Beginning for a Special Couple

Image
Several weeks ago we were invited to a wedding for two very dear friends.  What a special occasion it was!  This is the second marriage for both of them and they are in their early 70's.  But, before telling you about the wedding, you need to know "the rest of the story". Jeannie's husband died about 10 years ago from heart related problems.  Several years after his death, she was involved in a terrible automobile accident and was never expected to walk again.  But through sheer determination (and the help of God) she walks without the aid of crutches.  At this point she really didn't have God in her life and I'm not sure at what point she found God (or more than likely, God found her).  She always asked God to find her that special man who had faith, was kind, had a great sense of humor and who loved her. Along came Richard.  His wife died about 5 years ago, also to heart related problems.  They "knew" each other through church, Bible ...
Read more