"My second mission to Guatemala came in the middle of a difficult time at home, and I almost did not go on the mission this year. It would have been a huge mistake. For all of our wordly problems and daily struggles here at home, the people of Guatemala taught me happiness in the simplest and most true form- with God, alone. By our standards, these people have nothing. No lights, electronics, cars, toys, etc. But what they do have is complete faith and trust in God and their fellow man. They welcomed us with open arms the very moment we arrived, giving us all they had. They stood alongside us as we worked to make their homes more efficient, bringing light and heat to their everyday lives. We may have improved their living conditions, but what they gave to us was so much more. They showed us trust & kindness despite our differences, they showed us faith that rises above any comfort measures, they showed us hope that God has a certain plan for all of us. We just have to stop, listen, and trust. Many thanks to my fellow missionaries, Father Robert, Mariella, and all of our Guatemalan support leaders. Most of all, thank you to the people of Santa Cruz Xobalam. You have revealed to me God's message for all of us: "Dar es recibir..." My prayer is that we all are reminded and moved to action like our Guatemalan friends have shown us. B'antiox!"

"As I was lying down in my bed resting for a few minutes upon our return to Monte San Francisco (the Retreat Center we stay in Guatemala  upon arrival and before returning to US) as on Saturday afternoon, I was listening to different missionaries visiting in the hallways, reminiscing about relationships forged, meeting some for the first time, joys of seeing someone after being gone for a year and them remembering you after being away for a year, the tears shed when it was time for us to leave ---  AGAIN, faces that became family, bonds with fellow missionaries. And it occurred to me, as Father spoke about in one of his sermons, that we have to empty ourselves of the world, our human desires, the things that keep God from fully taking over our entire being. Through this "emptying", we let God in. Our spiritual being is always there, craving God to fill it, but our "human" side acts as a barrier. "

"This years’ mission to Guatemala was nothing short of absolutely amazing. There are so many experiences that I could write for hours on but the most profound of them all for me was how I experienced God’s great Love and Mercy for all of his children no matter race, age, or nationality.  While on the mission I felt as though I was born again and living for the first time in my life. I can honestly say I was truly content for the first time in a long time no matter the lack of modern day conveniences that I’m accustomed to or the language barriers. Seeing the faith and love in the villagers’ eyes and how grateful and genially concerned they were for our safety as we were climbing up and down the mountain taught me what it truly means to be like Jesus, how we should treat everyone as our brother and sisters no matter the bloodline. Also, being able to witness God’s presence in the spiritual growth of fellow missionaries was equally awe-inspiring and soul building. I am the utmost gratefully to have been blessed in so many ways in such a short time and look forward to returning to Guatemala and continuing not only the mission but also my own personal journey in faith.

May God bless you and keep you always."