A Journey of Gratitude in Guatemala
By: Lisa Potter
Recently, I had the opportunity to spend three weeks in Guatemala attending a language school. It was an intense yet deeply rewarding time of growth and connection. With six hours of Spanish-only classes each day from Monday to Friday, my brain was constantly in overdrive, but the challenge was worth every moment. Through this immersion, I improved my language skills and deepened my appreciation for the beautiful culture and incredible people of Guatemala. I could see God’s hand in every moment, guiding me through the challenges of learning at that pace and blessing me with new opportunities to grow.
One of my favorite parts of the trip was the extra time I spent at the safe house. Witnessing the resilience and growth of the moms and their children there is truly inspiring. God’s grace is at work in their lives, helping them heal and find hope. The children were excited to sing and perform several songs they had been learning, along with all of the hand motions.
Since my return, two families have transitioned out of the safe house and reunited with relatives. Our staff will continue to follow up with them, ensuring their well-being. While saying goodbye to them is bittersweet, it’s heartening to know they can now live safely and independently with God’s continued provision.
Before their departure, our entire staff and everyone at the safe house gathered to celebrate Thanksgiving. It was a day filled with gratitude, love, and heartfelt goodbyes. Each person shared encouraging words and fond memories, making the moment both heart-warming and uplifting. They praised God for His faithfulness and the ways He has worked in each life.
To help those staying at the safe house process the mixed emotions of saying goodbye, our staff decided to channel the spirit of joy and togetherness by decorating for Christmas the following day. The excitement was palpable. For many of the moms, children, and even some staff members, this was their first time ever decorating a Christmas tree. Their eyes lit up as they adorned the tree and transformed the space into “something magical.” They said it felt like they were in a movie scene, a sentiment that brought tears to my eyes. I could not help but reflect on the joy that Christ’s birth brings to all of us and how His love unites us in celebration.
This experience reminded me of the abundance of blessings I often take for granted. Seeing these precious souls embrace new traditions and find joy in the simplest of moments was a powerful lesson in gratitude. I am deeply thankful for the opportunity to be part of such a transformative journey—for myself and for those whose lives we are privileged to touch. To God be the glory for all He has done and continues to do.
