And So It Ends!
Trip Start
Oct 16, 2009
1
12
Trip End
Oct 25, 2009
Guatemala City, Western Highlands, Guatemala
Sunday, October 25, 2009
Most of us began to think of home as we were driving to the airport this morning. What may be waiting for us back in the States. Meetings, appointments, returning phone messages.....and most importantly.....our families.
One thing I realize while spending time in Central America is that many here believe in the importance of family. And it shows. It shows in the caring, loving attitude of parents, in the respect from the children and many other ways. Families that by our standards have very little but have everything when it comes to family. And by helping to provide a roof over these familes' heads, they can continue to concentrate on the importance of family. I believe sometimes our "stuff" gets in the way of what is truly important. And coming here helps to keep one grounded.
Many have asked me why I come to Central America and do this. My answer has always been the same. Because the need is here. And this is where I am to be.
It is my hope that, as one of the leaders of the FR Ambassador team to El Salvador that I instill in the others from this team that the need is here. And whether you come to El Salvador, Guatemala, or any where else in this world that you do so with heart, conviction and a heavy pair of work gloves. Because I guarantee you will work hard, get dirty and have blisters. And you will love every minute of it.
But the workers are few and the need is great. And I am in Guatemala to visit friends which I have made on previous Thrivent Builds trips to continue to see how we, as a blessed people, can make a difference.
Which reminds me of the story that my team mate Courtney Zinter and I talked about last night. It is about the little boy walking along the beach. The beach has thousands and thousands of star fish on it. One by one, the little boy picks up a star fish and tosses it back into the ocean. And adult comes along and notices what the boy is doing. "You will never be able to save them all," says the adult to the boy. "What difference will you really make?" "Well", says the little boy, as he picks up one more star fish and tosses it into the water. "It made a difference to that one."
On behalf of the 2009, FR Ambassador team, thanks for reading and God Bless.
Rusty Dicks team co-leader
Mike Fitzgerald team photographer
Melanie Meyer blog writer
Grace Rossman blog writer
