Worldwide Trips
> Volunteer Journal > Sololá, Guatemala Trip - Keturah's Journal > Why spend the time and money to go on a Thrivent Builds Worldwide trip?
Sololá, Guatemala Trip - Keturah's Journal
Why spend the time and money to go on a Thrivent Builds Worldwide trip?
Thoughts from Team Guatemala
Marcus: What will I remember about my Thrivent Builds Worldwide trip to Guatemala? 49 square meters. This is the size of each of the two houses that we helped build. 49 square meters. A space smaller than my two-car garage. 49 square meters. A place where eight children will grow up and call “home.” 49 square meters. A place where family members will share meals, be protected from storms, and celebrate birthdays. What will I remember about Guatemala? 49 square meters.
Kirsten: As we take our flight home from Guatemala, I am filled with all sorts of mixed emotions. Emotions they actually gave us a handout to prepare for. I simply feel like crying for all sorts of reasons. Joy - because I get to see my family again after several days of absence, missing them more than I thought I even could. Satisfaction - for accomplishing things I never thought I would be capable of doing - making a huge difference in two families’ lives, being a part of a great team that had to hit the ground running with only nine days to do it, and climbing to the top of a volcano. Transformation - because I feel forever changed - humbled by a culture where people lead happy and fulfilling lives with barely a fraction of what our expectations around happiness are and connecting with so many new Thrivent Financial colleagues I can now call friends. Loss - for these new friendships that might be challenging to nurture and continue at this level due to distance, the hectic pace of regular life and all our differences. In the Guatemala setting, we needed each other to accomplish our goals, be safe, and for fun and humor in light of the need and conditions around us. What happens when we go back to our regular routines? Will we make the time and effort? Some probably will, others maybe not. Respect - for all of the individuals who went through this week with me and are also struggling with some of the emotions and how this experience has really touched and impacted them. Everyone gave of themselves and everyone sacrificed something to go. Thankful - that we work for a company that truly values the whole experience - giving to others, building strong work friendships and significantly supporting this initiative.
Bob: On Sunday we ventured out to the see Pacaya Volcano. Fifteen people hiked up - one rode a horse- me! It was exhausting and very challenging but all ultimately reached the top and came back down. I will never forget the compassion, concern, understanding, and generous Christian love shown by all to me as I struggled to get to the top AND back down. I will never forget this trip and the terrific fellow Christians in our group.
Paul: Prior to going on this trip, a number of people stared that going on trips like this will change you in a profound way. As I reflect on this thought and this past week, I don’t know that I have changed in a profound way, but I do have a renewed appreciation for the blessings God has given me- two in particular. 1. He has given me salvation through Christ Jesus, and that is a gift that I have in common with people across the world from very different walks of life. 2. He has blessed me with a wonderful family. I greatly miss and appreciate Kathy, Brenda, Deanna, Mary, and Caleb. I will strive to never take them for granted.
Greg: Today marks the end of our awesome experiences we shared as a team and with our families. I know we will all go back to the U.S. changed, even if it is in small ways. While it is the end of our trip, it will soon be a new beginning for our families. A new place to call home for such hard-working people. Personally, the highlight of the trip was being able to present the Bible to one of our families during the house dedications. Very emotional and inspirational to me.
Barb: A short week but a lifetime experience and a lifetime of experiences! The small everyday comforts we take for granted mean more to me- I know in the bustle of everyday life, I will once again take them for granted, but the images of our families and especially the children will remain in my heart. If more people could experience this, the world would change. How little we actually need to be content. Our God IS an awesome God!
Darci: What has this trip meant to me? I have learned that I am a very fortunate person. I live in a clean home with a roof over my head that does not leak. I don’t have to walk on bumpy, rocky, uneven roads carrying heavy items on my back and head. I can wash my clothes and dry them in machines rather than washing them in a polluted stream and then drying them by laying them on the ground. Finally, I learned that I can team up with 17 strangers for the same cause and make unforgettable memories and great friends all at the same time.
Nancy: This has been the most phenomenal experience. I feel blessed to have the opportunity to share what I can in a physical sense- my time, my sweat, my love, my home and my heart with a beautiful people that could us a little help. Some people have asked what was my favorite part of the trip. Hands down it was the build itself. Working side-by-side with people that work hard and are looking forward to a new and better home for their family. Working with colleagues that share the same values of giving back what they can, the most personal commitment- themselves. It was hard work, it was sweaty work, it was rainy work and it was so fun.
Other highlights for me were learning from a different culture how different we are and how much we’re the same. The elementary school where kids speak a different language, but still just want to laugh, play and learn. The craftsmen and women that create beautiful handmade wares. They may not be processes or items I’ve seen, but these are people like me “doing their job.” The proud people sharing a little of their culture with us through music, ceremonies, and dance. I got back so much more than I gave. What an honor!
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