Gratitude and Appreciation

Dear friends,


As I sit down to write this letter, I don’t even know where to begin. My second trip to Guatemala was definitely better than the first, which also meant that it was much harder for me to leave. Before I go any further I would like to just say thank you. In the weeks leading up to this trip, the Lord really showed me what it meant to trust Him through my finances. Three weeks before our departure date, I barely had half of the money required, yet God is faithful and day after day more money showed up until I was fully funded. He worked out all of that through my supporters, through you. For that I am extremely grateful.

Once we arrived in Guatemala, our team bonded almost instantly which is proof that God was the main orchestrator throughout this trip. Being a smaller team of only eight people, we were able to do things such as build a shelter for an outdoor tortilla oven and organize donated goods. But more importantly, we were able to play soccer and dodge ball, sing and play guitar, jump on trampolines, and have a dance party all with the kids. It is in these times where my heart warmed. I could tell you individual story after story of my time spent with these kids, but the overall theme that the Lord revealed to me that week was the importance of continued relationship. As soon as I stepped off the van, a few of the kids remembered me from March. When I was leaving, several of them asked when I would be back. They might be children, but they remember and they care. Growing up in an orphanage, they are used to people abandoning them, parents, friends, and caregivers. Their only stable presence is Jesus and while that is sweet and wonderful, that is also why I believe He has placed the desire in my heart to return. I do not want to be another face that they never see again. We are called to be in relationship with others and for me that includes my friends in Guatemala.

With that said, I am now prayerfully considering an internship at Fundaninos for 2 months next summer. As much as this excites me, it also produces a bit of unease as there are more unknowns than certainties involved. Soon I will begin meeting with the Missions Coordinator at Redeemer Church to walk through the details of this adventure. And so, once again I ask for your prayers. You have supported me thus far, and I cannot continue on my own. The Lord is my guide and my strength, but I also need prayer from my community.

In an effort not to write a novel, I will keep this letter short. However; if you would like to continue to be updated or hear specific stories from my trips, you can view my blog at fosteringthespirit.blogspot.com. And once again, I say thank you for all your help.

In Christ,

Samantha Dunn