As our teams for this year have began, we are reminded of just how fast six days pass when you are in Guatemala. The teams spend a short 6 days serving the people of Guatemala. Regardless of whether or not the group is made up of people from various places or if they are from the same church, so many people come as strangers or acquaintances and leave as friends.
Why do you want to invest in friendships for only eight days? Often times, this was the question that I asked Soy as he interacted with so many people from the teams. He remembered the names, the connections, the details of previous trips.etc. He was genuinely happy to see people once a year. On the other hand, I have always been the one not necessarily interested in investing in short-term friendships. Until a day in October…
I stood in a church filled with people who I knew from only serving for six days with them in Guatemala. They stood with our family as we were facing some of our absolute darkest days. They dropped everything in their lives to be with us during this time. They hugged us. They cried with us. They prayed for us. People were asked to stand if they had ever been part of a Guatemala trip, and I was overwhelmed as the vast majority of the people stood to their feet. I have asked the Lord to never let this image be erased from my memory. This was a true reflection of our family. This was a true reflection of the Body of Christ. The was a true reflection of selfless love.
How can you become life-long friends with people who are with you for only a few days per year? I have absolutely no idea, but it happens.
We will continue to serve alongside people who love the Guatemalans and watch God change their lives. And in the meantime, these people will change our lives as they love, encourage, and pray for us.
We are forever grateful for all of the six days!
Shining Light Abroad Ministries 