I’m in Guatemala again this week, leading a wonderful team of people on a mission trip to visit my favorite orphans in Guatemala City.  This trip has included many changes: We were introduced to some Community Center activities, and preparation was difficult without knowing how many to expect, what ages, what they need, etc.  In addition to that, the boys we’ve visited for years are now in a larger orphanage, living alongside almost 200 infants and toddlers, as well as the population of another large boys’ orphanage.  I wasn’t sure where we’d meet with them, what setting we’d have available, how many boys, if we’d be able to spend time with those we have attached to, and the like.

I’ve always been very detail oriented, very much a planner.  Preparing for this trip was kind of like being taken on a surprise vacation and you aren’t sure what to pack, so you try to prepare for every eventuality, but will probably run out of socks.  I couldn’t be as well-prepared on this trip, and I had to let go of many things I usually control.  And God has gone before us and smoothed our paths so that we have adapted and modified and changed things on the fly.

The shocking thing about all of this is that I’ve been calm, flexible, relaxed and enjoying the moment.  I’m grateful for the change in my perspective and can only credit it to the Holy Spirit.  It’s been a joy to be present with the boys, sitting and enjoying a moment in the sun, practicing Spanish and feeling a small hand in mine.  This team is amazing, and I enjoy how they have stepped up to lead and use the skills God has given them to fill in the needs and love the kids.

My time here this week has been wrapped up in gratitude.  I’m grateful for the ability to shed some worry, grateful for the team God gathered, grateful for the chance to be God’s hands and feet and be a part of something rich and full.  Gracias a Dios.  Amen.