The Power of Witness-

Pope Paul VI said in Evangeli Nuntiandi (Evangelization in the Modern World) that modern man listens more willingly to witnesses than to teachers, and if he does listen to teachers, it is because they are witnesses. I have learned many things in my 55 years of life but the most impactful things are those I have witnessed. It is a pleasure of mine to be able to share "Love is the Mission-Guatemala" with others. To witness lives being transformed right before your eyes is a beautiful blessing from God. Our recent trip to Playa de Oro was similar to others but unique to others because of the people we took. -Rhonda Kelsey

My wish on this visit was to create space for those relationships that have been created to grow. It was in listening to the older boys last time that we thought of doing something special for the older kids. The soccer camp was a time of real joy for me as I saw these kids whom I love do something they love. I have written other blogs here that have shared my thoughts on Playa de Oro, being an unexplainable place my heart calls home and about the authentic love that I feel from the children there. In creating this one and getting the "stories" from others who were feeling what I felt is so reassuring that we are doing exactly what we are supposed to be doing by bringing others into the mission of "Love is the Mission". -Taylor Kelsey

These Are Their Stories

The trip to Guatemala was truly one of the best weeks of my life. Having never gone on a mission trip before, I was a little hesitant in the beginning. This mindset completely changed after the first day of being there. After meeting the group of people on our team, meeting the trip leaders, and most importantly, meeting the citizens of Playa De Oro, I knew this week was going to be unforgettable. Every single person I met on this journey embodied the saying, “Love is the Mission”. The amount of love that was shown from the kids in Playa De Oro was more love than many people experience in their lifetime. Though we were there to serve and to help them, they served and helped us in ways I didn’t know were possible. Being present with and loving one another gave me a feeling of happiness that I’ve never felt before. I made better connections with the kids of Playa De Oro than I have with people I encounter in the United States; and we don’t even speak the same language. The smiles, laughter, and hugs, all speak for themselves. We don’t need materialistic things; we just need each other.

Upon arriving back home, I instantly began thinking about how I am going to convince my boss for another week off to go on the next trip. I am counting down the days until I get to experience it all over again. It was an honor to serve alongside such motivated people who share the goal of making a difference. If you are ever debating about going on a mission trip, do it. It will teach you things your typical life cannot. Huge thank you to St. Michael's, Praying Pelicans, and Playa De Oro for an experience like no other. --Megan Brody

My experience at Playa De Oro was beyond my expectations. The days were filled with lots of soccer and fun games that the children enjoyed. We also distributed food to the families and had afternoon vacation bible school for the kids. The love and joy that radiated off the children in this village was inspiring to me. I wasn’t able to use words to communicate with the children, but the connections with the people didn’t need communication, love was the answer. The bonds that formed in just a few days were formed completely out of love and happiness. I knew when saying goodbye to these people it couldn’t be the last time I ever saw them. I look forward to hopefully being able to see them again and continue to not only show them love but also receive and experience the great love that their hearts hold. -Abby Hartman



My time in Guatemala was truly unforgettable. The trip by far exceeded my expectations

because of how much love I felt from the kids and their families. Everyone was so welcoming and excited to see us. I'm happy to see that we really do leave a lasting impact on the Playa de Oro community. I also feel like I grew in my faith while being there. It inspires me to see these people having strong faith in God despite having so little. I can't wait to visit Guatemala again.-Nick Hartman

I am beyond humbled after this inspiring journey. I am grateful for this experience and meeting all the kind, loving people. The kids really inspired me to appreciate the smaller things in life and to be grateful for what you have. Thank you Jesus for all the unforgettable memories, inseparable bonds, and these beautiful children. Hasta luego amigos. - Gracie Cole

I’ve honestly lost track of how many trips I have been on to Play de Oro, but it doesn’t ever fail to amaze me how the people in the village love without reservation and the pure gratitude they have. Each trip I am overwhelmed with the love and amount of hugs received throughout the week. I know very little Spanish but it’s not about the language barrier, we are able to communicate through actions and feelings.

A few moments I will always treasure from this trip is taking the older kids to the soccer camp. A few of the boys on the soccer trip were mine and Taylor’s little boys just a few years ago. They often times are observing from the side and don’t want to come to the school and “play” with us anymore or show too much affection. However, the morning of the soccer camp all of our boys showed up and were ready to go with excitement in their eyes and smiles on their face. This was even

before they found out they would get new soccer gear. Fitting each of the kids with new soccer shoes kind of reminded me of Cinderella, and when you found a pair that fit them just right they were jumping up and running out the door as fast as they could to show everyone…. When we finally arrived to Futeca I was just so proud of my boys and the young men they are turning into, I turned to Taylor and said “I think this is what being a parent feels like?” They aren’t my own, but seeing the once little boys who are turning into young men just made my heart so happy! These are the days, the kids & myself will never forget. -Jenna Bennett

Having grown up on a farm in South Dakota it was truly difficult to imagine that I live in one of the richest countries in the world. The mission trip to Guatemala allowed me to see first hand what a gift it is to have a house or a car or a piece of land to call my own. I am blessed with all of these. As we distributed the food to needy families and offer a prayer for them, it was humbling to have them pray for the presence of our team and the gifts we brought. My favorite part was sharing the good news of Jesus Christ and his love for all of us.. The children squealed with joy at the short puppet shows each day and took delight in playing with Father Tom's shock potato! It was very special to take so many of them to the Children's Museum for what may be the first time in their lives, and others to a soccer camp for what may be the only time in their lives. The generous donations of soccer gear were quickly received with big smiles. My 15 year old daughter came on the trip as well. She admitted it was outside of her comfort zone but also realizes the comforts we take for granted like knowing there is food in the cupboard and clean water coming out of the tap. I sincerely appreciate the opportunity for both of us to go on this mission trip to Play de Oro, Guatemala! -Julie and Isabella Baumberger