I would like to start off by saying how blessed I am to be here. Jesus has used me and my friends in a major way. Today we did VBS with the kids and delivered more food packs. Me, Donnie, Cisco and some members from a church in Florida built a stove for a family in the village. I can’t wait to see what God has in store for us for the rest of this trip. Thank you all for sending prayers. (I love you mom.)
Reflections from Cisco:
I want to start by stating how grateful and blessed I am to be down here serving with all these people. God has used me in ways to serve him that I would not have expected. Today we woke up and did another day of VBS with the kids from the school. Like everyday with the kids, it was amazing. The connections I’ve developed with some of the kids is so special and something that I would have never expected. After the VBS we did home visits and supported the families of the school students by providing them with food packs and prayer. It’s so touching to be so welcomed into these people’s home with open arms. Once we got back the Florida team that is staying with us at the camp offered Me, Ed, and Donnie the opportunity to go serve with them in building stoves. This opportunity was a true blessing in being able to go along with them and serve with them along with my brothers. I’m so thankful for everyone on this trip especially our leaders and translators. Thank you to everyone praying for us and supporting us in our time down here, and God bless everyone.
Where do I start? The pure joy and happiness of the children, a family’s gratitude and thankfulness for something that I would barely notice, or their full trust and dependance on God. We visited an older gentleman today during our home visits, and he would not stop talking. When we finally asked him if he had any prayer requests he immediately told us his testimony. Then followed by telling us to pray for his knee and his family. This was a wake up call to me. Instead of asking for requests right away he praised and thanked God for the many blessings he was given. Even though the material things he did have did not consist of much at all. How often do I thank God and praise him for His gracious blessings, and all the things he has done for me?
Reflection from Imani:
This morning we started out with VBS. I loved getting to know the kids this week so far. It’s great that the kids are remembering us and just love to hang out and be around us. I have been getting close with the younger kids. We play a lot of soccer and simply just run around for hours on end. It is amazing that all the children are full of joy and cheerfulness always, even when they are living pretty rough lives. But God has shown me this week that I can’t take anything for granted and I’m so thankful for many things. I can’t wait to see what else the lord has in store for me the rest of the week.
This trip has been like nothing I have done before. Everyone in Guatemala is so full of joy and they are truly full of life. Whenever we walk anywhere we always say “hola” to the people we pass on the street and to the people in the houses we pass. Every time we greet them, their faces light up and the widest, most genuine smiles appear on their faces. It’s something that you don’t often experience in America. These people are just so happy to see us and their joy is effervescent. The kids we are working with are so sweet too. They love to run around, play soccer, and paint nails. They love to give hugs too, which I love.
The land is beautiful as well. There are flowers and beautiful foliage everywhere and behind our camp there is even a volcano! There is a small tienda at the end of the street that we get popsicles and soda from too.
It is evident that God is working through Clubhouse. The people we have met are so full of joy and they truly love and trust God with everything they have. They are generous and kind and shine so brightly for their Savior. It is an amazing and very impactful thing to experience.
Reflections from Ciara:
This morning we started out with VBS. We did some songs with them to start out and tried teaching them the church clap! I was assigned to helping in crafts with the kids for VBS. I love watching them be creative and embrace their inner creativity! After VBS, we had some down time before we started our home visits. We hiked up a very big hill to get to a neighborhood and hand out some food bags to some of the kids’ families. The smiles on their faces and thank you’s for walking so far made me want to hike up that hill a million times just to keep them smiling. This day has been a blessing and I cannot wait to see what the rest of the week holds for these kids and the rest of our seniors and staff!
Swift teaching Joey to juggle….Kicking off today’s VBS with some singing….
This morning, we were up for breakfast at 8 o’clock, which per usual, was delicious. We then began our church service, which we put on for ourselves and the staff at Camp Calvary. We began with worship songs, then continued into reading Philippians 2:1-11, then Afton gave her testimony in English and I gave mine in Spanish. It was really cool to be able to give my testimony to the staff in their native language. We closed with a song, and then had a meeting with the teachers from the school. It was very touching to hear what these teachers do every day to support the kids here; they devote their entire lives to the education and well being of the kids. After the meeting, we began the walk to go see the lava fields at the base of the nearby volcano. We walked down closer to the volcano, but we weren’t able to go all the way to the lava fields. The hike was still very beautiful, and it was interesting to see different areas of the land and different views of the volcano.
Reflections from Eliza:
This afternoon, after some much needed rest, we went out into the community and did more home visits. We had previously put together food packs to give to the families of different kids from the VBS. Today we made the hike to their houses and got to talk and pray with them. God showed up in a very cool way by providing a bus for us to ride on the trip there. One of the adults from the school donated their time to drive us up the mountain to hand out the food packs. This was very much appreciated as the houses were on the other side of the mountain and we were all worn out from our hike to the lava fields in the morning. It was really cool to see the joy on the families faces when they gave us tours of their homes. Later, once we got back to the camp, we got to rest for a little bit before a couple of the community kids asked us to play soccer with them. It did not matter that we could not fully communicate and that we didn’t have a translator with us, we all had the time of our lives playing and getting to know those kids. After dinner and a team meeting we got to end the day by staring at a beautiful sky full of stars.
After a smooth journey to Guatemala, we started our day with a VBS at the school at Camp Calvary. We told the story of creation, painted “found” objects (mostly rocks), and played oh-so-many games of fútbol. Coloring books were colored, fingernails were painted, and hugs were given.
Then we packed 40 food bags and hiked up the mountain to 8 homes to deliver some of the food. We prayed with families and even sang happy birthday to one of the boys and his family. (He turned 15 today!) Afterwards we hiked back down to hand out backpacks and school supplies to school families, whose school year has just begun.
It was a full first day, but a good day. And a good initial reminder that God is the God of all people, and He is doing amazing things in Guatemala.
Thank you all for praying us through our journey yesterday. Please continue to pray with us for:
1. Health and safety.
2. That all the students would fully engage in the work we are doing, allowing the Holy Spirit to work in their hearts and change their perspective.
3. Flexibility as we work in a culture that isn’t as structured or predictable as we are used to.
1. Chaperones: As many of you know, we have finalized the 3 chaperones for the trip.
Shelly Titter
Dave Swift
Anna Urquhart
2. Flight Update: We have just made the final payment on our flights. So we’re all booked and ready to go! Yay!
Please Note: We are flying United out of Dulles, and we will be using ALL CARRY-ON LUGGAGE. Each student needs to have:
1 bookbag (school sized) that will fit under their seat.
1 carry-on suitcase/dufflebag (14″ x 21″) that will fit in the overhead bin.
Here’s our flight information:
Depart: Friday, March 8, 2024
Arrive: Friday, March 8, 2023
5:50 PM Dulles International Airport (IAD) United Flight #: 1523 (direct flight)
9:25 PM Guatemala City (GUA) *drive to camp is 1.5 hrs. (approx)
Depart: Saturday, March 16, 2024
Arrive: Saturday, March 16, 2024
12:05 AM Guatemala City (GUA) United Flight #: 1532 (direct flight)
6:20 AM Dulles International Airport (IAD) *drive to LC is 2.5 hrs. (approx)
3. Feb. 15 Parent Meeting: We have our final Senior Trip meeting on February 15 from 7:00-8:00 PM in room 231. We are asking all seniors and at least 1 of their parents/guardians to attend this meeting.
Please bring the following to the meeting:
Final payment – if money is owed
Student’s passport – we will make a copy and return it immediately to you
Here’s the meeting agenda:
7:00-7:15 – notary signing of all release documents for LC & Clubhouse Guatemala & collection of final payments
Welcome home. Home, with toilets that flush toilet paper—and toilets that simply flush. Showers that offer instant hot water and steady water pressure—and, of course, showers that don’t catch on fire. Home, where we can safely walk outside each evening and can drive 2 miles down the road in a reasonable amount of time. Where food is plentiful and roofs are watertight.
My hope is that, while you are catching up on some much-needed rest, while you’re laundry is tumbling in the dryer, and while your heart and your mind are working through all that you experienced for the past 8 days, you’ll consider just a couple of final words:
Remember the faces. When you look at your pictures, when you recall the memories, focus on the faces. Remember the names. All year we have talked about poverty and missions and service, but it was only when you looked Oscar in the eye, when you stepped into Christopher’s home, when you danced with Victoria, when you stroked Emily’s pet rabbit and watched her smile that it became more than just a classroom discussion. These kids matter to you. You know their names. You have walked with them, laughed with them, played with them, sang with them, danced with them. As Bryan Stevenson says, “We can’t change the world if we are not willing to get close to those who are suffering.” This week, you got close to the kids and the families of Zone 6. Keep them close. Let them remind you that all the issues in the world – poverty, disease, human trafficking – are happening to humans. To people. To individuals. They are us. We are them. And Christ came to redeem us ALL. So remember the faces, and as you remember….
Do better. Let this trip be a catalyzing moment. You have seen the needs—the suffering—of Zone 6. You stood in the homes. You delivered the food. You prayed with the families. You wept with those weeping and rejoiced with those rejoicing (Romans 12). And, to again quote Maya Angelou, “When you know better, do better.” You now know better. Let this new understanding of the world affect the little, daily decisions you make. How to spend your time. Where to spend your money. How to respond to your friends, your siblings, your parents. When to speak and when to stay silent. Remember the words we read in Mere Christianity this year: “Good and evil both increase at compound interest. That is why the little decisions you and I make every day are of such infinite importance. The smallest good act today is the capture of a strategic point from which, a few month later, you may be able to go on to victories you never dreamed of. An apparently trivial indulgence in lust or anger today is the loss of a ridge or railway line or bridgehead from which the enemy may launch an attack otherwise impossible.” May each little decision you make draw you closer to Jesus’s heart for the world and propel you toward the work of Christ. There is so much work to be done. Together, let’s always ever continue to do better.
I believe I speak for Mrs. Hurst, Mr. Swift, Mr. Beachy, and Mrs. Lawler (as well as myself) when I say that we are overwhelmingly proud of you all. You unreservedly gave of yourselves this week. You got dirty and sweaty and tired. You tried new things and did hard things. You let your hearts break, and you lifted each other up in prayer. You engaged fully in the work the Lord had prepared for us, and we could not have asked for more from you. Thank you all so much.
Our prayer for each you is that you let this experience soak into your soul, and that you allow the Holy Spirit to strengthen your faith, to deepen your love for others, and to fuel your passion for the work of Christ no matter where life takes you.
Today we said good-bye to the kids, packed and cleaned. Soon we will be heading to the airport. So in lieu of a post – because this day has been so very, very busy – here are a whole bunch of pictures.
Thank you all for your prayers, and please keep praying us safely home!
See you soon, everyone!
Wynne gave her testimony (in Spanish!) during chapel today.Thank you’s and affirmations for all the staff
Today was a stark contrast from the rest of our missions trip. As anticipated, Antigua was a beautiful city, filled with bright colors, flowers, smiles, and tourists. First we went to the market. Satisfied with some unique souvenirs, we made our way to a delicious authentic Latin American restaurant. We then visited a coffee plantation, where it was really interesting to learn about the different Guatemalan plants, as well as the coffee making process. As fun as our day in Antigua was, many of us left the city with mixed emotions. What did the kids back at Clubhouse think of us going on an expensive field trip? Was it right for us to leave these beautiful souls to spend a bunch of money on ourselves? However, I think that the fact that many of us were thinking about these questions shows that our experience with Clubhouse will stay with us forever. It has been incredible to see how God reveals himself and shows his love by using his people as his hands and feet. Something that has really stuck out to me during this trip was our home visits. Even in the darkest places, such as the ravine, God’s light is still very present. By using His people, He is able to reveal his love to all. Although leaving tomorrow will be devastating, I think that the impact of this trip will shape the rest of our lives.
Reflections from Hannah:
Over the past few days of missions work at the school, the majority of our LC family connected with the kids and staff. I connected the most with a 10-year-old girl named Evelyn. On the first day, we played soccer and she was on my team. I asked for her name and complimented her pink sneakers. I saw her again on Monday for the first day of school. She was shy. As someone who gets quiet in different environments with new people, I wanted to get to know her. With broken Spanish I tried my best to communicate with her. Later that day, we visited her home in the ravine. This was my group’s first time farther down in the ravine. Evelyn’s mother explained that her father is currently working in the states, in order to make an income for their family. In SenPro, Mrs. Urquhart told us not to cry around the kids and in the homes. This was the house that almost had me in tears (the tears were shed later). As I was leaving, Evelyn gave me a hug and her bracelet. I will always treasure that bracelet. I was unable to participate in yesterday’s affirmation notes and tie-dye activity due to an illness and lack of sleep. When I woke up later that day, Evelyn had written a note to me and made sure that it was posted on my door for me to read. Today, she gave me another bracelet. The kind that says “Best Friends” and has a broken heart. She has the other half of that heart. Her thoughtfulness and generosity is something I will never forget. These kids bring an endless amount of joy to us. These gifts will remind me of Evelyn and her story.
A day in Antigua!Coffee Plantation!Eating coffee “berries” right from the bushSo. Much. Traffic.
Before this week, I’ve never realized that I’m such an emotional person. During this week, lots of things has happened to me that are extremely memorable. Every morning of this week we serviced kids breakfast and we song songs with them as well. After that there were variety games we’ve done with this group of kids. I mainly stayed with the bigger kids group this week, and I can see their joy from their beautiful eyes. Their laugh during each activities are always reflecting in my ears too. Today, one of the activities that we’ve done with the kids is giving each of them a lot of sticky notes to write something about other people’s strengths. The first note card that I got was from Christopher, the kid who played soccer with us on our first day, and it was a very sweet message. On the card he said, “Jerry you are a good goalkeeper”. I’ve also got many note cards from other kids and all of their words are friendly. Seeing those young kids have fun was the best memory that I have during this trip. I’ll miss playing soccer with them because they all are very talented players. Home visits in each afternoon have changed my view of Christianity. Those families are living in the conditions that I could never imagine, but smiles and joy are always showing on their faces when we visited them. This week has been a super meaningful week to me.
Reflections from Wynne:
This week overall has been complicated. Everyday has been a good day but none of the days have been easy. Today will definitely be a favorite memory that I will hold on to for years to come. We continued our VBS with the kids with the activities of tie-dyed socks and positive affirmation sticky notes. I got to spend time with the older kids and it was such an honor. They were so full of love for each other and for us, I was so surprised by the amount of compliments I got from these kids, their hearts are so kind. Also, I decided to teach them the game “heads up seven up”. I don’t think I’ve ever had more fun than playing “heads up seven up” for two and a half hours. I was reminded that they were kids just like myself, that they just like to be silly and play games and joke around with their friends. Some of the kids are just a year younger than I am and they’re just like us, but they have so much more joy than I ever thought possible. I cannot put into words the honor and blessings I felt when I got to go into these kids homes and make their families’ day just a little bit better. This week has been hard and exhausting and heart-breaking, and I wouldn’t change it for the world.
Reflections from Grace:
There has been one repeating word that continues to make it’s way into many of our conversations; that word is joy, absolute, true joy. This is what the kids and families exude. Today was no expectation. After our regular scheduled Bible lesson, we all participated in a very interactive activity that involved acknowledging our own gifts and talents and affirming the gifts and talents of others. For most of us, whether we were helping with the older kids or the little kids, this activity was incredibly life-giving. There was no hesitation from the kids to write encouraging words to the other kids, regardless of whether or not they were friends. I received many notes from both the older and younger kids. One kid that impacted me greatly was Kamila. Kamila is full of life and ready to give at any time. At one point, the whole group was playing a game together, and as I was sitting there, I noticed that Kamila was wearing a beautiful ring. I complemented her, and she preceded to take her ring off and hand it to me. My first thought was “oh, she’s gonna let me try it on”, but in the process, she told me that the ring was a regalo, a gift. I didn’t know what to say. I was confused. I wanted to say “are you sure?” in Spanish, but the words escaped me. She was confident and eager for me to have this beautiful piece of jewelry, one that I don’t know how much it cost her. I will never forget her generosity and her lack of hesitation to give. I only pray that she will lead a full life, one that is not lived inside the ravine, one full of the hope in Christ. After you meet these kids and visit where they live, you just want to do everything you can to protect and help them, but all you can do is pray because God is the only one who can rescue them. I will not stop praying to that end, that Kamila will be rescued from the horrors of the ravine, but I will also never stop thanking God for the hope that is present even in such a dark, seemly hopeless place.
LC Senior Go! 