Hey everyone! Our trip to Villa Nueva, Guatemala, has officially come to an end, and wow—what an incredible journey it’s been. After a smooth flight back to DFW, we’ve had time to reflect on everything we experienced and the connections we made.

Our time in Guatemala was packed with unforgettable moments. We spent our days playing games, sharing meals, and building relationships with the amazing kids at New Life Children’s Home. For some of us, it was a chance to make brand-new friends; for others, it felt like reuniting with old ones. Each day was filled with laughter, love, and a lot of hard work—whether it was painting 4-square courts, finishing up a garden project, or simply sharing meals with the kids.

One of the highlights of the trip was attending a church service in Guatemala City. The energy in the room was absolutely electrifying, and the passion of the people there was contagious. It was such a powerful reminder of how God is working around the world. The weather was perfect too—sunny but not too hot, just the right atmosphere to feel God's presence everywhere we went.

Reflection from Laurie:

Looking back, I’m reminded of how meaningful the little things were. We finished a bench that will sit in front of the boys' home—something as simple as a bench can have such a huge impact, providing a place for connection and deeper relationships with God. Working on the garden wall was another powerful experience. As I trimmed and cleared, I thought about how we sometimes let distractions, even good things, overtake our hearts. God used that moment to remind me of the importance of clearing out the things that take up space in our lives, so we can fully hear and follow Him.

I’ll never forget the love and warmth from the children. Even with the language barrier, their hugs, smiles, and laughter were a constant reminder of God’s love for them.

Logan’s Highlights:

Looking back on the trip, one of the coolest things was seeing the kids’ reactions to the newly painted 4-square courts. Tim and I worked hard to get them done, and it was so rewarding to see the kids out there, laughing and playing. We also got to repaint the snack shop awning, and though there was a small mishap with spilled paint (oops!), it all worked out in the end. In the afternoon, I got to play nine square with the older kids while my mom and River worked on crafts with the younger girls. The joy and laughter that filled the air was so encouraging, and it reminded me of how much impact we can have, even in the smallest moments.

River’s Takeaways:

Reflecting on the trip, I think one of my favorite parts was working on the green bench with my mom and getting totally covered in paint! It was such a fun experience, and I loved being able to contribute to something that will be used by the kids for years to come. The trip was a chance to not only help with the physical work but also to connect with the kids and see how God’s love is so alive in them.

Final Thoughts:

As we’ve come back home, we can’t help but feel so grateful for everything we experienced. Our hearts were touched by the kids at New Life Children’s Home, and we were reminded of the power of connection, faith, and service. Please continue to pray for the children we met, that they continue to grow in their relationship with Christ, and that the seeds of faith planted during this trip will continue to flourish.

Thank you all for your prayers, support, and encouragement throughout this journey. We’re so thankful to have had the chance to serve and make a difference in the lives of these incredible kids!