Guatemala: Love Needs No Translation

Love needs no translation.

Let's just take that in for a moment. Love. It does not need a translation. 

"My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and truth". 

1 John 3:18 

Regardless of what language you speak, you can show love to others. It is not something that needs to be said, but something that can be shown. How wonderful is that? 

I believe that as a Jesus follower, He is living inside of me. In His word, He tells us that 'God is love' (1 John 4:8) and if He is living inside of us, then that love is inside of us.  I don't know about you, but I want that love to pour out of me everywhere that I go. I want everyone, regardless if I speak their language or if we are from the same country, or not, to feel that love. I pray that His love would radiate from me, wherever I go. 

As you may have heard, I am going on a trip to Guatemala in August this year! The purpose of the trip is to serve, and to love. In Guatemala their native tongue is Spanish, not English. There are a lot of people on our team who are nervous about the language barrier, that we will no doubt encounter. But, I believe - and I know - that LOVE needs NO translation. Regardless if we speak Spanish, or if they speak English, I know that God + His love, is going to shine through us in everything we do. To love God, is to love people. And by serving others, we are sharing the Gospel without saying a word. 

When you step outside your comfort zone, go out into the world and show love to those around you... I hope you are ready for anything! 
In omnia paratus 

Guatemala: My brother is coming too!

Hi friends!

I have decided to create a series on this little blog, about Guatemala. So from now on, if you see the word Guatemala in the title, then you can probably guess the post will have something to do with the journey to Guatemala! 

I'm so excited to tell you guys, that my brother is going to Guatemala too! I feel so blessed that we get to experience this together and go on a great adventure, together. I know that God is going to do BIG things in Mitchell's life over the next 6 months, and during our time there. 

Mitchell and I have become good friends as we have gotten older. Before he used to be just my annoying little brother, but now, he's more than that. He is my friend, my buddy, someone who always has my back and someone who loves me at my worst. I am thankful for our sweet relationship and how God has brought us closer together over the years. 

The idea of getting to travel to another country with my brother, and even just the thought of doing God's work along side of him, fills me with joy! 

Here's to all the adventures ahead of us, bro. 

In omnia paratus 

Four Years Ago Today

Four years ago today, I went to the airport for the first time. 

Four years ago today, I got on a plane for the first time. 

Four years ago today, I left Canada for the first time. 

Four years ago today, I saw the ocean for the first time. 

Four years ago today, I landed in Barbados. 

My goodness, it has been four years! That's so crazy to me!

Four years ago today, I left the country on a missions trip to Barbados with a team of 7 other people. 

I spent one week in Barbados, and it was one of the best weeks of my life. It was my first experience of so many things. I had never been on a plane before, never left Ontario before - let alone the country, I had never seen the ocean - let alone swam in it, I had never seen a palm tree or spent so much time with the same people (that aren't related to me) before, and it was my first time standing in front of hundreds of children teaching lessons!! 

But this experience was incredible, it was the trip of a life time. I got to experience the culture, the island, visit tourist sights, adventure with the locals, and have time to myself at the beach. But I also got to travel to two different schools each day and present the Gospel to so many children through song, dance, object lessons and puppet shows! 

I was 16 years old when I went to Barbados, and I will never forget what God did in me. He revealed Himself to me in new ways and gave me a whole new perspective on life and on the world. This trip is what gave me the taste for missions - the desire to want to travel more and share the Gospel more. But even more importantly, the trip is what solidified my desire to want to teach and work with children. 

I know that God is going to do awesome things in Guatemala this year, too. I am so excited for what will unfold and for the things He will do in and through each of us. But for today, let's just reflect back to the beautiful week I spent in Barbados. 

In omnia paratus