I’m leaving on Saturday for my 4th trip to Guatemala.  It’s a quick trip to visit all the Buckner orphanages to explore future investment opportunities of our time and resources, as well as a trip to the village of Nebaj to participate in the dedication of a New Testament translated into the Ixil language for the local people.  The New Testament translation is a big deal, having taken decades of work by several committed missionaries, as well as the new opportunity for people to have the word of God at their own fingertips.  Here’s the week:

• Saturday, 8-9-08: arrive in Guatemala
• Sunday-Wednesday: Nebaj (dedication of New Testament and celebration)
• Wednesday-Saturday: Guatemala City (visiting 6 orphanages and children of all ages)

Scot asked me today what I was looking forward to.  Off the top of my head, this is it:

• Playing with Crystal at the babies’ home, a little girl we met on our first trip and have seen her grow in health and happiness
• Spending time with the special needs boys.  They have captured my heart with their sweetness and smiles in the midst of horrific conditions.
• Immersing in a new culture with the Ixil people and learning from them.

I’ll be posting while I’m gone about those experiences, and I hope you’ll check it out.