The Dillon Family

Tomorrow, Levi and I will leave for Guatemala on a mission trip until Aug. 2. We are so excited to be a part of some amazing things God is doing down there. This will be my second and Levi's third trip. We will stay at an orphanage the first half of the trip and work with some other missions in Huehue the second half of the trip, including Zona Juvenile (working to keep teenage boys on the streets out of gangs) and a special needs home. We also get to spend one day at the zoo meeting and getting to hang out with our Compassion Sponsor child. This is the kid we send $32 a month to so he can go to school and get his basic needs met. It's great to actually see him and see that he gets the money! Levi has met him once, but this will be my first time to meet him.

Three really special things about this trip:

One, Levi and I were asked to "lead" the trip. Mainly, this just means preparing the team over the last several months through a series of meetings, get togethers, informationals, prayer, etc. This last week has been pretty crazy. We all have "team" bags that bring down items for the orphanage. So, we have been making sure all those get packed and filled and also making sure we cover everything with the members (passports, emergency contact numbers, consent forms, travel info, questions answered, etc.). But, once we get there, there are several people that take over and know the ropes!

Two, my sister is getting to go on this trip. I am so excited to be with her as she experiences this for the first time. She has a passion for kids already and will be great with all of the kids we are going to come in contact with. I am so proud of her for going!

Third, I will actually get to use some of my professional skills. On our team we have several teachers, a preschool ministry worker, 2 occupational therapists and 2 speech pathologists. We thought this was interesting and just made comments that we would have great arts and crafts and VBS activities for the kids! During the middle of our trip planning we changed orphanages that we will be serving at. We knew there were some painting and building projects for us to do. But they also have a great need for educational and teaching ideas. So, we are bringing down some curriculum and other activities and our teachers are going to come in very handy. Levi then got an email 2 days ago asking if we specifically had any speech paths or OTs! So, I spent some time today at Teacher Tools and Kid to Kid rounding up some flashcards and other material and going through handouts to take down there. We will have some interpreters, so that will help with the language barriers.

Of course in all of my excitement I am experiencing TONS of anxiety about leaving and being away from Noah. When first asked about this trip, my immediate response was "no, I need to stay here and care for Noah." Then, after thinking about it, praying about it, and being asked again, I knew that if this is what God was leading me to do, then Noah would be cared for whether I was here or not. But, giving up that control can be hard, and a huge step in faith. Wordly ideas and Godly ideas are so different and conflicting at times.

SO, that being said, our family would love for you to keep us in your thoughts and prayers for the next 11 days. Safe departures, safe returns, a safe little boy and for God's will do be done through us while we are in Guatemala.

Thanks!

Oh yeah, I did it last time and I will do it again. I will hit up all you bloggers and take this time to plug Compassion International (www.compassion.com). It is an amazing and legit organization. You can choose from kids all around the world and actually see the change and difference you can make in their lives.