STORY #20
Posted by Megan on Monday, September 3, 2012
Name: Lynnette Whitsitt
Description of Clip: Small, blue
Lynnette Whitsitt
"Guatemala"
Chain(ge)
9/2/12
Being given the opportunity to serve on a Mission Trip is not presented to every human every day. Moreover, the chance to go to Guatemala--or any third world country--is even a less prominent opportunity in the life of the average person. However, once in a great while, the occasion presents itself; if this happens, seize it.
Traveling pains along with monetary difficulties are minor details compared to the extreme elation one experiences through serving others in need. In Guatemala, I was given the rare chance to change the lives of others living in extreme poverty. Through Hope Renewed International, the lives of those living in intense circumstances are given a new tomorrow. Along with my Mission Team, I was able to help those living in the Ghetto, the Women's Prison, and the Dump in Guatemala City. We also traveled to Panajachel to aid the children living in a village near the town of Santiago. On our return trip from Panajachel, we were blessed to visit the HIV orphanage with the goal of brightening the day of those that call the orphanage home.
My week of missionary work in Guatemala was filled to the brim with exploration as well as happiness. The work we took part in there was incredibly life-changing; not only for those had we helped, but for us as well. We helped build a concrete roof in a very primitive manner for a family in the Ghetto. All the while, we worked alongside Guatemalans who were laboring to earn improvements for their own homes. In the Women's Prison, we helped the ladies incarcerated there to paint the hallways in an effort to show them the joy that is ever present in their lives and that they are capable of creating beauty for the world. While in the dump, we aided the children that lived there by painting community center's playset vibrant colors in the midst of a very grey world. We were also blessed to sail across Lake Atitlan and visit a small village where we took the children out for lunch. In the HIV home, I held an infant as he slipped slowly into the peaceful world of dreams.
The work we did throughout Guatemala city and other parts of the country varied greatly, but a few common threads ran through it all. In the sites that we worked with Guatemalans rarely was anyone fluent in English. Furthermore, very few of us were experts with the Spanish language. So, in order to truly communicate with the Guatemalans, it was necessary to use a much more meaningful language than the superficial words we use to interact with others daily. To speak with the Guatemalans we used love. We uttered phrases with hugs and smiles as opposed to fickle nouns and verbs. The level that we were connected with those that we worked with was much more profound than that which is normally experienced by coworkers. We all faced trials and tribulations in order to reach our common goals of bettering the well being of another human's life.
Never have I ever felt more connected or more thrilled to be a part of others' days. I can tell you why as well: God's fire was lit in the souls of all those working during that mission. We, along with the Guatemalans, were not just toiling to create physical improvements. We labored to bring the Lord's love to those that needed it most. One may assume that those desperately needing God on any given day were the Guatemalans. That is not so. We needed the Lord's affection and determination just as much as those we served.
Anyone can go on a mission trip. Anyone can work to improve others' lives. Anyone can travel miles from home to make any form of improvement. However, to truly feed the soul, one needs to do God's work--not his or her own. Laboring to bring God's word to life is fulfilling in such a way that it is truly impossible to explain. Carry out the Corporal Acts of Mercy (To feed the hungry; To give drink to the thirsty; To clothe the naked; To harbour the harbourless; To visit the sick; To ransom the captive; To bury the dead) through the name of Jesus will change not only your perspective on life, but your life itself.
Doing good deeds in Our Lord's name does not feed a surface hunger; it feeds your soul and brings such brilliant, blinding gladness into your life that what you were doing before seems incredibly less significant if it was being done in a selfish manner. For through giving to others, you receive as well in a different manner--a much more profound manner. So, given the opportunity to serve the Lord, wherever you may be, seize the chance. Then, watch the blessings you already have multiply tenfold in ways you have never imagined.
My Mission Trip completely altered the way in which I view my world. Now, I truly recognize what is important and what is necessary in my life: friends are important; family in necessary; beauty is everywhere; love is powerful; God is everything.
Description of Clip: Small, blue
Lynnette Whitsitt
"Guatemala"
Chain(ge)
9/2/12
Being given the opportunity to serve on a Mission Trip is not presented to every human every day. Moreover, the chance to go to Guatemala--or any third world country--is even a less prominent opportunity in the life of the average person. However, once in a great while, the occasion presents itself; if this happens, seize it.
Traveling pains along with monetary difficulties are minor details compared to the extreme elation one experiences through serving others in need. In Guatemala, I was given the rare chance to change the lives of others living in extreme poverty. Through Hope Renewed International, the lives of those living in intense circumstances are given a new tomorrow. Along with my Mission Team, I was able to help those living in the Ghetto, the Women's Prison, and the Dump in Guatemala City. We also traveled to Panajachel to aid the children living in a village near the town of Santiago. On our return trip from Panajachel, we were blessed to visit the HIV orphanage with the goal of brightening the day of those that call the orphanage home.
My week of missionary work in Guatemala was filled to the brim with exploration as well as happiness. The work we took part in there was incredibly life-changing; not only for those had we helped, but for us as well. We helped build a concrete roof in a very primitive manner for a family in the Ghetto. All the while, we worked alongside Guatemalans who were laboring to earn improvements for their own homes. In the Women's Prison, we helped the ladies incarcerated there to paint the hallways in an effort to show them the joy that is ever present in their lives and that they are capable of creating beauty for the world. While in the dump, we aided the children that lived there by painting community center's playset vibrant colors in the midst of a very grey world. We were also blessed to sail across Lake Atitlan and visit a small village where we took the children out for lunch. In the HIV home, I held an infant as he slipped slowly into the peaceful world of dreams.
The work we did throughout Guatemala city and other parts of the country varied greatly, but a few common threads ran through it all. In the sites that we worked with Guatemalans rarely was anyone fluent in English. Furthermore, very few of us were experts with the Spanish language. So, in order to truly communicate with the Guatemalans, it was necessary to use a much more meaningful language than the superficial words we use to interact with others daily. To speak with the Guatemalans we used love. We uttered phrases with hugs and smiles as opposed to fickle nouns and verbs. The level that we were connected with those that we worked with was much more profound than that which is normally experienced by coworkers. We all faced trials and tribulations in order to reach our common goals of bettering the well being of another human's life.
Never have I ever felt more connected or more thrilled to be a part of others' days. I can tell you why as well: God's fire was lit in the souls of all those working during that mission. We, along with the Guatemalans, were not just toiling to create physical improvements. We labored to bring the Lord's love to those that needed it most. One may assume that those desperately needing God on any given day were the Guatemalans. That is not so. We needed the Lord's affection and determination just as much as those we served.
Anyone can go on a mission trip. Anyone can work to improve others' lives. Anyone can travel miles from home to make any form of improvement. However, to truly feed the soul, one needs to do God's work--not his or her own. Laboring to bring God's word to life is fulfilling in such a way that it is truly impossible to explain. Carry out the Corporal Acts of Mercy (To feed the hungry; To give drink to the thirsty; To clothe the naked; To harbour the harbourless; To visit the sick; To ransom the captive; To bury the dead) through the name of Jesus will change not only your perspective on life, but your life itself.
Doing good deeds in Our Lord's name does not feed a surface hunger; it feeds your soul and brings such brilliant, blinding gladness into your life that what you were doing before seems incredibly less significant if it was being done in a selfish manner. For through giving to others, you receive as well in a different manner--a much more profound manner. So, given the opportunity to serve the Lord, wherever you may be, seize the chance. Then, watch the blessings you already have multiply tenfold in ways you have never imagined.
My Mission Trip completely altered the way in which I view my world. Now, I truly recognize what is important and what is necessary in my life: friends are important; family in necessary; beauty is everywhere; love is powerful; God is everything.
[Have a significant reality check with Him.]
Tags: story #20
