Packing isn't that much fun.

Dear family and friends,
As much as we are looking forward to our mission trip to Guatemala, the packing has been challenging.  We can take up to 22 pieces of luggage (for a price, of course), but I think we made it in 17.  Our checked bags contain the items we collected for Groundwork Guatemala which include medical, school, office, and hygiene supplies, as well as our lessons and props.  Our personal luggage is our carry-on bag.  For those of us who tend to over pack, today is the day to "get real". 

Our official team photo is perhaps not our best, but we wanted you to picture who was in Guatemala on behalf of Trinity.  (I am hopeful that Shelby has another smile, but we took five or six, and they all looked the same. I have never seen this smile before, so I am hopeful there is another.  In fact all the boys look a little "interesting.")

We are excited, a little nervous, and busy preparing for a very early Saturday morning.  Please keep us in your prayers as we fly from Detroit to Houston and Houston to Guatemala City, and follow us this week as we visit Guatemalans in their homes and communities, teach our lesson "God Provides ", and establish relationships with extraordinary people in places and situations that in no way resemble our lives in North American.  The truth is, our lives are about to change; we are filled with anticipation to see where God will lead us this year.

Thank you for your support and interest in Trinity's mission team to Groundwork Guatemala.  If you are interested in more information about Groundwork Guatemala, please go to http://www.groundworkguatemala.org/.

God's blessings,
(Front, left to right) Emma Eskelinen, Emily Racey, Kelsey Soenen, Lonnie Taylor, Shelby Clippard, Jennifer Abate, Jeannie Skirpan, Sally Buss, Kara Hecker, Jordan Schinkai, and Nick Pendergast.