by Phyllis Austin

What a joy it has been to be part of this all inspiring mission.  I expected to come to lend a hand and experience a new culture however, the experience has been far beyond my expectations.  Shawn and Damaris do an excellent job of considering everyone’s needs and creating a very welcoming, comfortable and loving environment for all and obviously this brings out the best in people. 

The volunteers come from all parts of the USA and come with open hearts and minds and the people of Guatemala extend their entire heart.  The smiles are constant and the giving seems endless.

I have naturally been touched by some very special moments.  One in particular was...

by Sarah Jacobs

This week has undeniably been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.  It was my first year participating in a mission trip and I couldn’t have picked a better time in my life to come.  As this week comes to a close, I am able to reflect with great joy on the life changing events that occurred these past few days. 

To begin, I was extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to serve with such a wonderful group of people.  I truly believe that the members this week epitomized the definition of altruism.  Everyone who attended the mission left their home and put their life on hold for a week for one reason: to serve others.  I have never been...

by Kent  Christensen

Today is the 4th day at Hogar Miguel. Monday was basically a tour of the orphanage and the girls new princess castle. Tuesday was stove installation. I got to see the homes of the people that we are here to try and make a difference for. Home is where your heart is, where you raise your family, where your kids grow up. Other than that I would call them sheds. Four post, tin walls, tin roofs, and a dirt floor in most. The reason we install stoves for them is...

by Maggie Funk

My name is Maggie and this is my second year doing the Guatemala mission trip.  They say nothing is quite the same the second time you do something.  While that may be true, doing the mission trip in Guatemala the second time around means just as much to me as the first.  For whoever decided at the last minute not to come or was thinking about coming, even if you dont speak any spanish, or are anti-social, have no traveling experience, or no faith in god, I promise you, you will fall in love with something here. 

Last year I met a boy at the orphanage named Franklin, he’s...

by Dean Higa

It’s great to be back and see old friends while making new ones too.  I am always amazed at the dedication of those who are serving.  Every time I hear Karen give her testimony at the Hogar Miguel chapel, I am extremely humbled.  What a great example of someone who is “All-in” for the sake of the children in the name of Jesus Christ.

It was an amazing sight to see...

By:  Kjetil Odden

    We made it through our first day.  A great day, in my opinion.  It was exceedingly entertaining and enjoyable, and we also got a relatively good idea regarding what sort of things will be going on throughout the rest of the week.  Of course, everything is liable to change, as Shawn has made clear.  But, barring unforeseen occurrences, it seems as if everything is in place to provide a successful, fun, and rewarding week for both us and those who we are serving.  Most importantly, it is clear that everyone is glad to be here.  I have seen nothing but positive attitudes and...