Dear Katarina, (Guatamala Day One)

Dear Katarina,
      Helping you move challenged me.  You see we are moving too.  Our house is for sale, and the process has pushed me to see some excess and  ingratitude in my life.  We often find ourselves believing that stuff doesn't matter to us, that we've moved away from a focus on material things. The truth is that through our move, and your move, God has shown me that we have much to learn.

Moving you and your children into your new home was our first project in Guatemala.  Your belongings fit in a truck bed, and I wondered what you would think of the massive truck that will someday show up to move our family. 

Your few bags of personal possessions challenged my notion of
need vs. want.

Your sweet Debra reminded me that children don't need things to be happy.  Maybe if we bought our girls fewer things, they might crawl around in the grass and pretend more.  Maybe they'd have to get creative. 

 
When asked to make a video for the sale of our home,
I must admit hesitation. Doubtfully questioning what our home could possibly offer in comparison to other larger homes with more upgrades, I felt uncomfortable. In my brick four bedroom house, with electricity, running water,  two full refrigerators, a playroom, dining room, and basement, I felt embarrassed about our house.  I got caught up in comparison, and missed our blessings.

I've been on mission trips before,
and seen many houses like yours,
but the lesson of gratitude doesn't seem to stick.  I get back home, get comfy, walk through stores with alluring things and live in a society that worships always having more.
I forget, and start moving back to the middle.   

Your bathroom, your yard, your struggle to provide food for your family,
challenges me again. 
My prayer is that this time the gratitude will stick.