Joshua had an epiphany while in Guatemala. One of the last questions I asked the students to reflect on was what were they thankful for in Canada. Josh wrote..."I cannot just name one thing I am thankful for living in Canada. I have been blessed by God with two parents who love me and provide for me and 5 siblings who can share our parents love for us. I am healthy and God willing have a bright future ahead of me. This trip was the first time I had ever been in an orphanage with kids whose parents couldn't provide for them or had mistreated them. I was like one of those babies in the cribs at one time. When I saw them I thought, what are the odds that out of hundreds of children one boy was picked out and adopted into a God honouring family of so much love. Now that same boy is watching a baby sleep in a crib in an environment where the baby is cared and loved for, and that once even if it was not the same country or orphanage I was in an almost identical situation. It is a feeling I cannot express, it would be such a shame to take this adventure and not make something of it.

Danika wrote that she was blessed how the people down there who love Jesus just live that out. I want that at my home and why can't I have that? I am trying hard to not take the things that God gives us for granted any more.

Dane said that he really loved Monday nights. (Prayer and intercession night) I really felt God that night (the first Monday night). It was awesome! As soon as we left I felt a Holy rush (like I just had an encounter with God!) I really felt happy and I no longer felt that I could die any moment and go to hell. Because I used to feel that way a lot! And I was scared to death all the time. I am actually interested in reading my Bible and will read it! I even came home and was looking forward to going to church!

Caitlynn has a new found purpose and because I go to a public school and even though I do not have many Christian friends I feel God is with me all the time.

Blossom had confirmation that the things her mom, who did many short term missions trips in Africa, had been saying were true. The poverty was incongruent with the degree of happiness.

Raquel believes that "God brought my family out of Guatemala but at the same time giving me understanding that there is a lot of pain out there in the World. I have lots of things to be thankful for because I am here in Canada but I would have to say that just living here is what I am most thankful for."

Beth was so blessed that she was able to be used by God even with her challenges. She knows that she can do all things through Christ who strengthens her.

William, Dave and I are changed people as well. How can I thank you all for this marvellous opportunity that you gave all of us. The consensus was that we were coming to bless and work for the Guatemalans but they in turn blessed us so much more. God is truly amazing.

Melanie Bartusek