Skip to main content

Can I really make a difference?




This was my first mission trip to Guatemala. I visited Guatemala about 8 years ago during the adoption of our daughter, Katie. This was also her first trip back to Guatemala.  I felt God was calling me to go on this trip, and God worked out the time I needed off work and provided financially for our whole family of four to go.


Leading up to the weeks and days before the trip, I began to question why I should go, because I felt I would not make a difference. I thought, anyone can do what I am going to do. If I am not there, someone else will be right there to do the exact same thing. Plus, there seemed to be several unexpected things that came up, and I wondered if I should be home to take care of them. That was my way out, and they seemed like good reasons (excuses) to stay home.



So I was going into the trip with that mindset, and I was ready to go home in the first day or two. I had already decided that I would not come back again. I figured what I was doing probably wasn’t making much difference anyway.


During that week, God spoke to my heart, especially through small things and experiences. I went in thinking that it had to be big events and big circumstances to really make a difference.





But what God taught me is that it is the little things and unplanned moments that really make the difference, especially in the lives of those precious children.


Unplanned time playing soccer with the kids with a water bottle instead of a ball, blowing bubbles in the hallway of the school while they waited to be picked up by their parents, doing a math contest to help with math skills, trying to speak Spanish, or playing basketball with Pastor Carlos and our great bus drivers.

Would someone else be there if I weren’t in those exact same spots at those same times? Maybe, but probably not.

God placed me in those circumstances at those exact moments in time. And yes, I did make a difference.

I thought I had my mind all made up at the beginning of the trip, but God worked on me and cared for me and told me, I do make a difference.

You might ask...Would I go back?

The answer is yes.

God has taught me more about the value of building relationships and that I really do make a difference. I can make a big difference with small acts.


Don’t believe Satan’s lies that you are not enough, or that you don’t have the skills to make a difference. You may miss out on a blessing, or many blessings. 

                                                                                - John DiMora

Labels:

Popular posts from this blog

Where are they now? Cesy Samayoa

  Cesy, translating for Kaitlyn Our friend Cesy was too old to be in our child sponsorship program when we met her, but she definitely benefited from the program because two of her siblings were sponsored consistently.  And we benefited from knowing Cesy!  For years she would translate for our special programs.  I remember speaking to a group of moms years ago and Cesy translated for me.  She stayed for hours after the talk to help me minister to women.  One of those women had concerns about her son who clearly showed signs of ADHD.  Cesy helped me find natural ways to address his inattention and lack of focus and a year later that same Mom shared how Cesy's suggestions had helped! Cesy, we know how hard you have worked and we are incredibly proud of you!  Thank you for being a beautiful example to young women everywhere!
Read more

Leaving for Guatemala in less than 8 hours!

Everyone is in a mad dash to get their carryons packed and catch some sleep before we depart at 3am! You read that right, 3 am! It's going to be a long travel day. We'll depart Colfax at 3am, drive to Raleigh, fly to Miami at 6:50am and arrive in Guatemala at 1 in the afternoon. After we collect ALL of our luggage (because you guys have prayed that it all arrives:) we'll load a bus and drive 3-4 hours to Eagle's Nest Children's Home. We appreciate your prayers as the first of 50 people go to Guatemala. Our second week begins July 5th. Specific requests for this first BIG team are unity, good health, safety, and that God blesses our time with kids in churches, schools, the community and at Eagle's Nest. Check out their blog at http://www.boggsministry.com/ We hope to update you daily but we're not quite sure how the internet access will be. Thanks for your prayers:)
Read more

$40 can send a teen to camp

  Words can't express how proud we are of the youth from Adonai Church in Guatemala City.  They have worked hard to develop a discipleship and outreach program that is amazing!  In addition, they have been raising funds to attend their high school aged camp November 25-27.  They began months ago by creating banks and teaching on the importance of saving.  From there they hosted a ton of fundraisers and have been able to raise the funds for their youth group to attend camp. Now they need our help!  They would love for 25 of the older teens from their Gerona church plant to attend camp as well.  The cost is $40 per teen and we're looking for a total of $1000. If you would like to partner with the Adonai Youth and support a teen from Gerona, please follow this link.  Thank you for helping us celebrate the Adonai Youth and their hard work, while making a way for the teens in Gerona to attend camp.  
Read more