It Is Worth It All!!!
 In August 2009, the Suttons climbed aboard a plane with all our belongings in 6 suitcases. We had entered the empty nest stage because all our children were in college and we embarked on the biggest adventure in our life up to that point. We were headed for Costa Rica for 8 months of language school and then on to Home of Life in Guatemala to serve the people in whatever way God led us.
It has now been 7 years since that day and we are sad to say that God is bringing this season of serving at the Home of Life in Guatemala to an end. He is calling us on to something new. We don't know what that is at this point, but we do know that our God is faithful.
Arriving at the Home of Life in Guatemala over 6 years ago, we didn't know exactly what our role would be but knew we were coming to help and serve in whatever way needed. Our day to day activities varied over the years, fluctuating between direct child care and for Vickie to work behind the scenes in administration and for Norman to work on new construction, maintenance and helping with homework projects. We both hosted teams. We taught the kids new skills so they could have a means to make some income. But no matter what our day looked like at the time, there was one constant -- it was all about the kids and God's love for them. We did normal "kid stuff" with them, things they hadn't had the chance to do very often. We went to the town pool, got ice cream, made special food like corn dogs, onion rings and donuts, went on all day outings to the river or to the ruins, and we made sure to take advantage of "teachable" moments to point them to the Lord.
When we first shared with the Staff and then the kids that we would be leaving, one by one they fell into our arms crying. Our hearts were wrenched apart into thousands of pieces. Because of the pain, we wondered to ourselves if this was all worth it. Was our time here over the last 6-plus years worth the pain we are causing now? Should we have come? Although the pain is real and excruciating both for us and the kids and staff, we have to say, yes, it was worth it and the pain is evidence of our time being worthwhile. The pain is the evidence that we poured out God's love and it was poured back to us. We tell teams that at the end of their week or 10 days, they may not see much physically that they have accomplished, but they can be assured that the love they pour out on the kids can have an eternal impact. Through them the kids are getting a small glimpse of the mighty love the Heavenly Father has for them.
So it is time to listen to our own advice and follow the instructions of 2 Corinthians 4:18. "So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal." Pouring out God's love is more than worth it. Whether it be shown through wiping a nose, kissing an "owie," helping with homework, giving a hug, or teaching a skill, IT IS WORTH IT! It is worth it because we have made a difference in the children's lives, one child at a time through seemingly insignificant actions. It is worth it because we have enriched these kid's lives and our life has been enriched by them in a way that nobody else could have done.
Yes, it hurts, but every time we feel the pain, we'll remember that love is always worth it. We encourage you to take the risk, pour out love to those around you, love the unlovable, go on a mission trip and love people of another culture. We believe that you too will find out that it will be worth it all! ---Norman and Vickie Sutton.
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Home News from Tim and Dena
I take my hat off to the Suttons. Taking a leap of faith to live and serve in a foreign country, to learn a new language and then trying to understand a different culture is no small thing! They made a 7 year commitment and fulfilled it! Well done! Thank you servants of the MOST HIGH!! In prayer and seeking the Lord they have felt led to resign and follow the Lord on a new path of Faith.
Thank you Suttons for your faithful service and sacrifice to be a
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blessing to our home in Guatemala. You have poured the love of Jesus into every young life. You have changed the face of the entire facility including the remodeling of kitchens, landscaping, building furniture and wardrobes, constructing soccer goals, and the building of an amazing playground. You joined the staff in teaching Life Plan skills to the young men and women of Homes of Life to prepare them for productive lives. Vickie has given the younger children a head start on their Guatemala peers with the launch of the Child Literacy and Reading program, has taught the older kids how to manage their earnings from the Life Skills they
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have learned, has made countless birthday cakes over the years, and has kept communication going with our child sponsors. Norman has been available to fix whatever is broken, invent things to make life easier, and to help with homework projects that require carpentry skills. You have coordinated and hosted many teams, giving of yourselves to them thus enabling them to give of themselves to the children. Words are not sufficient. Thank you.
---Tim and Dena |
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New Position Opening!
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Uncle Tim Wants You
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Would you ever take a step of Faith like the Suttons? Do you feel a call to missions? We are looking for more people to help our amazing staff in Guatemala to do the work God has asked us to do. Just like the Suttons, our mission lives by faith and we are constantly praying, serving and believing in GOD'S ongoing support and protection. Is HE calling you to serve, to support our mission or bring a team to work with us? Call us @ 904-410-7441 (this US phone number rings in Costa Rica) or email us at info@homesoflife.org. Peace, Tim Stromstad P.S. Thank you all for your prayers and support of the Suttons and the home in Guatemala!
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Tell Your Friends
One of the most valuable things you can do as a partner in our ministry is to tell your friends about the Homes of Life. It's easy to just to to a friend and share your own thoughts.
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Disclaimer
Children of Promise International (COPI) does not provide goods or services in consideration, in whole or in part except where noted, for contributions received. COPI is organized exclusively for religious purposes and the only benefit provided to you is an intangible religious benefit. Upon receipt of a donation, a receipt letter is sent and should be retained for income tax purposes. COPI may direct contributions where deemed necessary for ministry purposes. All contributions are income tax deductible in the United States and are made with the understanding that COPI has complete discretion and control over the use of all donated funds.
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