Extra Grateful This Holiday

If you follow our blog, you know that I'm a big advocate of Vision Boards - A visual map of goals and dreams (I have made one for myself for the last five years). Back in 2010, I got a wild idea to put a picture of the acclaimed journalist Christiane Amanpour reporting on Aids orphans in Haiti in the hopes that maybe the energy of the universe would push me in that direction as well.

Well the universe works in funny ways. In November, I travelled to Guatemala with Northstar Church and One Way Ministries to work with the children of Lantana, a small rural town outside of Guatemala City. Despite the lack of simple privileges that we take for granted in the U.S. (i.e. clean drinking water, free public education, shoes that fit, real floors and walls in the houses), the children were always smiling and quick to give a big hug.

guaterica

This holiday season, I can't help thinking about those sweet faces. I am so grateful for the smallest of blessings in our lives here in the United States.

guantonito

To continue the love, Joann and I have decided to loan our 12th loan with Kiva.org to two women entrepreneurs in Guatemala. Maria Filomena Mux Tzerech De Cux and Maria Elena Mux Tzerech sell natural medicines on foot. They have requested a loan of $775 to help buy a larger variety of natural ingredients to make their medicines. We have contributed to their request.

guatwomen

Here's to sharing the love this holiday season!