Early January 12 participants embarked on a mission to Playa de Oro, Guatemala. If I had to
sum up the trip in one word it would be JOYOUS! I have never heard so much laughter! Of
course there was laughter from the kids in the village, they are always very excited to have us
come.
Every day we would ride in on the bus and, Romelio, our bus driver, would honk the horn and
the children would come running. Their joy could be heard and their love could be felt as they
went around hugging each one of us, old friends and new friends.
Their joy was contagious though! Each night when I went to bed (earlier than most) I could hear
rolling laughter below. There were a few times on the bus, when I just stopped and recorded
laughter. There were belly aches from belly laugh! It was and is a beautiful sound.
Most of us participants are always struck by this joy that seems to be more evident in a village
that has far less than what we have. But the truth is we know that joy comes from the Lord,
not in material things and not in our circumstances.
Joy comes from recognizing our need of Christ and knowing that He is with us always! He is in
control! I think Father Tom said it best when he shared “I hope we can continue to assist the
people of Playa de Oro in their material needs as much as they have helped us to grow in a
deeper awareness of God blessings.”
You can read more on the “Witness statements from those who were there’!