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Mercedes teaching the toddlers
at the safe house a new game. |
When we first got started on this whole missionary life back in 2009, we have often struggled with where we need to be. So many opportunities come our way each day, many of which are small with no lasting impact but on the rare occasion we face big ones. For Mandy and I, coming to Guatemala was a three year process in which we fought about where our purpose was in God's plan for us and our children. Through lots of prayer and discernment, we feel that we are supposed to be here and working with these awesome yet unwanted children.
I personally struggle playing my own devil's advocate. Unquestionably, I feel that working in Guatemala is our calling but what that work entails is not always so clear. Many days I pray to be productive or to find the right combination of 'works' to 'relationship'. What provides a better eternal impact? Giving to those in need? Being with those in need? Both?
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Taking on five girls full time in our home has
presented some challenges (to say the least). |
How does someone wade through all of the problems in the world and find one that they need to "fix" when so many problems are presented? For example, the children at the safe house need decent food, shelter, water, and a spiritual education. All of which we have been providing. However, some are learning English in school and need some support, babies need to be given more attention, some kids have speech therapy appointments, others want to learn how to craft, all of them need to get exercise and time out of the house, they need spiritual mentors, etc. Realistically I know we can't be all things to all people. Mandy and I are pulled in different directions to do what is 'best' for our family. Admittedly, we have made many mistakes and have questioned ourselves in the decision making process.
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My parents with Gabe and Mercedes ready
to do some trick or treating. |
To answer the blog title, I do not always think we are doing the right thing, but we do strive to do the best at what we can. I remember a conversation with my parents a couple years back while we were getting ready to go out for Halloween. Mom and Dad made a decision when I was about nine years old to stop going out for Halloween. Talk about torture, watching your friends enjoy the evening of collecting candy while we went to the mall to avoid the costumed kids knocking at our door. However, 24 years later my parents got dressed up at my house with my kids and went out to enjoy the evening of collecting treats. During that night, I jabbed at my parents that they had denied me a right of passage as a kid and here they are celebrating the holiday with my own. To which my Dad replied quickly and confidently that they were wrong and at times parents make mistakes. Nothing more than that. For me, my Dad demonstrated a lot of grace. He was not going beat himself up but stated where his decision wasn't the best and moved on.
I am thankful for the example my parents provided for me. With the various projects that we have completed here and the people that we have interacted with, we struggle to always see the benefit we hope to create. Where we need to be gracious with ourselves, is that our hearts are always in the best interest of those we work with. Continue to pray for us and those we work with as we desire to make positive and eternal change by doing the right thing.
