Sunday, September 12, 2010

On the Eve of Going Home

It's our last night here in Guatemala. I've already written a post about our day but we're all saving our final posts for Monday. 'Cause no one really reads blogs on weekends, right? Except for you. Well, I do too and I always wish people would post more on the weekends. Particularly on Saturday nights when I'm usually at home bored and Curtis is studying for his Sunday school lesson.

On this night I'm sitting in a conference room with all the Compassion blogger peeps. It was a pretty tough day...at least for me. We debriefed tonight at dinner and had a sweet time putting blog thoughts aside and talking about how we have been personally impacted this week. All the men except for Daniel had left the room, and some of us decided to perform our various talents for each other. We have one person who can sing with her mouth closed, another who can do ninja moves, one can do a debutante bow, and yours truly who demonstrated a river dance. It was all awesomeness.

A group of sweet ladies from Shoes For Orphan Souls arrived at our hotel tonight. They're in the conference room next to us. They seem like a really neat group and I've had to hold myself back from going in to bother them. I would like to invite them to our talent show but I think they have work to do! Ladies, I hope you have a great week!

Here's my favorite picture from today.

Compassion Guatemala Bloggers 2010

Ann, Lindsey, me, and Lisa-Jo

21 comments:

R said...

LOL! i've always thought the same thing...blogs are seriously too quiet on weekends! i was just doing a final before-bed sweep of my blog/facebook/twitter, and i was so tickled to see your post. WOO-HOO! fresh blog material on a saturday night! :0)

praying for safe travel back here to texas!

and gig 'em! it was a great game today. (hopefully i didn't ruin it if you dvr'd it or anything! ha!)

Carolyn said...

What a big experience, safe travels home- I bet you are looking forward to those first big hugs & loads to tell!
C

Leah Adams said...

I agree...the weekends are when I have time to read blogs. I always try to put up a post on the weekend..usually Sunday.

Anyway, I've so enjoyed your posts from your time serving the precious children. I've been commenting over at the LPM blog but wanted to pop on this post and tell you what an inspiration you are. I hope many people read these posts and go to the Compassion website and sponsor a child.

God bless you, Amanda.

Leah

Courtney (Women Living Well) said...

Beautiful picture. Missions trips are life changers. I haven't been on one in so long that all this sharing fell fresh on my heart and brought back great memories and reminded me of the ferver I once had for missions. Thanks and have a safe trip home.

God bless,
Courtney

Anonymous said...

I love that picture, too, amanda :). And, how you had the wisdom to decompress from a heavy day with laughter. It restores life into weariness.

All of your stories have honored the people of Guatemala and told well the story of Compassion's work. Thanks for your personal sacrifice of leaving home and family to be the voice of those who have none.

:)

Emmy said...

I am SO thankful for your week. Such a blessing! Praying for you all as you travel home! : )

Anonymous said...

I must admit I don't even know which of these would be my wife's hidden talent, so they are truly hidden. I am guessing ninja moves but knowing my talented wife it could be any of the above. :-)

Thanks for letting the silly girl come out. I know she had a great time hanging out with you this week.

-Steve

Dionna said...

I try to post a new blog entry every other day. So I usually have SOMETHING new on the weekends... :) FYI.

Mary H. said...

I've really enjoyed reading your posts on your trip. I am amazed and my heart has been pulled. Your Joy post spoke volumes to me. I am praying for your trip home.

lavonda said...

I love reading blogs on the weekends. I so love to read, that often I'll just skip to a few blogs I like before picking up that book I want to finish that I never seem to get to on my nightstand. :)

Very much looking forward to reading your post from the city dump (I think that's what Shawn called it). I can't even begin to imagine...

My daughter and I have been looking through the children who need sponsors... she has an older brother, but has always wanted a little sister. I told her we could pick a Compassion child to be her sister. She loves that idea.

Praying for your safe return home, and everyone else's too!

Anonymous said...

Amanda, I too, have been keeping up with the trip over @ LPL & Ann's blog. All I can say is wow. My heart has been shattered just through the pics. I can't begin to imagine what it was like up close & in person. God has moved me. I'm praying now for His guidance on which way He wants my family to go. I know how excited you will be, to get your hands on those 2 babies & that man of yours. Thanks for opening this experience up to us.
Beth

Leigh Anne said...

hi :) i've loved learning from you in this blogworld environment for a while but first time to comment! wanted to share with you that my husband and i just started sponsoring our first compassion child, a little boy in Guatemala! thankful for you and the other compassion bloggers who did a great job of letting God tug on my heart strings!

Cheryl said...

I'm with you on that whole nothing to do Sat. night b/c hubs is preparing for Sunday!!!
I've so enjoyed reading all your posts from your trip!

Amy Sullivan said...

I can see why this is one of your favorite pictures! I love it.

I can't tell you how encouraging it has been for me to read about your journey. It has opened my eyes to a country I knew little about and renewed my interest and prayers for our Compassion child.

Thank you.

Anonymous said...

Thank you Amanda for sharing your trip with us. It has blessed me to read your thoughts. I am praying for your safe journey home.

Blessings & Love-
Pam

Fran said...

I am glad you are home safe and sound and I'm praying for your "re-entry" into this world we live in.

So much love and gratitude. Praise God for the work y'all did this past week!

Ann Voskamp @Holy Experience said...

I think I am framing that photo, Amanda... our hearts all fused together with the beautiful children of Guatemala and Jesus in the center.

Thank you, Amanda -- for all the ways you shone Christ this week, loved in the most tender ways, and you are a gentle, stronger than you know, deeply wise woman.

It was a gift to witness your love and you mentor in a thousand ways...

Humble thanks...
Ann

Angie said...

Amanda, I read your blog when I see you have a new post. You are so inspirational, and I have always thought a lot about Compassion and today will be the day that we sponsor a child...one a piece for our two children. My husband and I are sitting down tonight with both of them to tell them about it. Your words and photos encouraged me to go ahead and do it. Thanks!

Dedra@dfw said...

Amanda, I commented on the "JOY" post. I want to tell you how much I am enjoying your personal blog. You are so real. I am so glad I found this. Do you remember who I am? We met at DFW and at the siesta fiesta in San Antonio. At the fiesta I was afraid to talk to you because you were "behind the rope" & i was a bit intimidated. I fought through the insecurity and came over to say hello. Lo & behold, you knew who I was. I could not believe it! That made me feel so special. I loved the siesta get together after the conference with you, Lis & Mama Beth.
It was no coincidence that I stumbled onto your blog. I have never even heard of Compassion. I will check into sponsoring a child in the next few weeks. Your posts lit a fire under me. Thank you so much. Dedra @ DFW

Kristen said...

Just catching up on your trip. Wow...what joy! Can't wait to see your face and hear more about it!

Missy said...

i am officially in love with the little boy in overalls and baseball cap.