So, I’ve taken my first shower at 8pm in many years (I prefer morning showers), in preparation for the 1:30 a.m. departure to pick up two team members, head to church, load into the van and drive to Boston for our 6am flight. Perhaps a brief nap—the energy is too high and sleep would be nearly impossible anyway.

We stop in Atlanta and change plans for Guatemala City. Upon arrival, we will gather the 9 duffle bags holding 450 lbs of medical and hygiene supplies, our 9 personal duffle bags, back packs, pillows and other small items and head for the van. Due to our arrival time, we will head to a seminary where we will regroup, reorganize items, rest and have dinner and SLEEP IN A BED!!  Not a 5 star hotel, but substantially more normal than a sleeping bag for me.

Friday morning, we head for Mazatenago located 100 miles from Guatemala City. Though it lies only 100 miles from Guatemala City as you look at it on a map, the mountainous terrain makes the trip much longer. In fact, the trip can take anywhere from three to five hours depending on traffic and travel conditions. I understand there is plenty of scenery along the way.

There, we will meet up with Dr. Otto Hernandez at his clinic, pack more medical supplies, find out his plan for us (rainforest or mountains) and when we wants to leave. A lot of getting ready for the possible examination and treatment of 400 people, give or take a few. The Mayan people are those that we will mostly minister to—I’m hoping to treat some muscle problems and play with the many children.

In reflecting and journaling for the trip, I’ve come to realize that there is a major shift in my life just about every decade. In the early 70’s I made the shift from grammar school to high school—this was a very big deal for the tall girl with glasses and pimples—I survived. I babysat, dreamed of the future and went to business school.

In 1980 I became engaged to Bill, in 1981 married 4 days after my 22nd birthday. Another decade of change begins with this man who is just 9 months younger than my father. We lived well, worked hard and played hard. Family was our center on both sides, yet no children of our own. I wondered why. I grew and matured, he quietly led me towards success.

In the early 90’s, Bill began a 7 year struggle with his health with many good periods surrounding the very tough ones. He passed in 1997, and thus began my search for what to do with the rest of my life. No children of my own, I was free to make changes. Yet, there were all those pictures of the 20 or so children of friends and family at my annual Christmas party. As I to move, was the frenetic pace of NY where I should stay for the 20 years before retirement? Through therapy, I learned apparently not.

Next decade: Y2000. The world survives the “scary” turning of the 999’s to 000’s, I resign from a management position in NYC, research, visit and identify a massage school, move to New Hampshire and meet a great guy. Ted and I marry in 2001 and both start businesses in 2002.

And now, 2010 (I’m a twenty-tenner) I believe the children God always wanted me to “have” were the children of the world—local or international. I was put here to serve and serve I shall. I am led to a wonderful Christian church, embraced by its members, welcoming and warm and I am home.  Ted joins me at this church, we embrace their joy and worship to God the Father, the Holy Spirit and His Son Jesus in ways and with such openness that we have not previously known. The Father put this mission in my path and said to me “Go”. He has made all things fall into place, He makes straight the path I shall follow and gives me the strength to perform the tasks He asks of me—not just the tasks for which I have the strength.

I have felt a shift over the last year, but the definition alluded me yet I know for certain it is realized with this mission. I will be stretched and changed on this journey in a most spiritual and deeply personal way. I have no expectations and approach this with both a wonder and trepidation of the unknown and the limitless possibilities.

When I return, I hope to tell you about Olivia (I do not know who she is, only that I have dreamt 3 times of meeting her) and the other wonders. If possible, I will add to this during the travels—God willing internet access is possible. As from the Blues Brothers, “I’m on a Mission for God.”

Dios le bendiga (God loves you).

Advertisement