And so, after years of sending our boys (now men) on mission trips each summer, I am now on my first mission trip—miles from Bartlett in Guatemala City at Potter’s House Association serving “the treasures” in the Potter’s House community.

Forty-one Chicago suburbanites building three cinder block houses, hosting a medical clinic staffed by three physicians, painting at the community center, doing prayer walks, and the list goes on and on.

I was told “I would come back a different person”. I thought to myself I am pretty kind, compassionate and generous now. How wrong I was, oh, how wrong I was! I have learned more this week about serving others with love and compassion than I could begin to include here. How grateful I am to have had this opportunity to serve the “Treasures” and the Lord at Potter’s House.

And so, I tell myself, the Treasures have a purpose, too.

For I know the plans I have for you, declared the Lord, plans to prosper you and not harm you. Plans too give you hope and a future.
~ Jeremiah 29:11

Surely, the Lord works in mysterious ways.