Preparing for Guatemala

Blogging and Missions definitely didn't seem to go together the last time I traveled overseas on a mission trip. Even though I'm not a 'blogger' at heart, I am eagerly trying to get my head wrapped around the technology aspect so that I can focus on preparing for Guatemala. I'll be honest with you, I honestly have wanted to throw my computer out the window at times, but I'm slowly getting a hang of it. It's scary to think that, in a few days, I'll be helping others on our team navigate the blogging world. Through all the frustration, there is definitely hope and I truly believe that this blog will serve a greater purpose than just words, thoughts and feelings. Often, on trips like these, I feel that the individuals I am supposedly ministering to, are actually having a greater impact on me than I am having on them. This trip, after we return, will undoubtedly be but a spec in time which is why it is ever so important to capture and share our feelings, thoughts, lessons, and moments where we encounter the face of God. It is truly my desire that, despite this frustration with technology at this moment, we are able to use blogging to share what God is doing in our lives and in the lives of our future friends in Guatemala. From this day forward, our Mission Team hopes to bring you daily snippets from various individuals along with occasional photos and videos of our experiences in Guatemala. If I didn't believe this was for a greater purpose, I would gladly return to my paper and pen and leave my computer at home. I am reminded of the final phrase of one of my favorite musicals, Les Miserables, "to love another person is to see the face of God!" For me, that's what this is all about and this is what I hope my Guatemala experience will encompass. All worth the pains of blogging!! - Steven Erhart