This is my second trip to Guatemala to build cinder block homes for families who live in the garbage dump through an amazing organization called Potter’s House. Last year, I went with my daughter Melissa and youngest son Mitch. This year, I was blessed to attend with my entire family including my husband Mike and oldest son Michael.

Doing this experience as a family means so much more to me than words can describe. We all participated in scraping, spackling, mixing/hauling cement and painting along side with the new homeowners. As we worked we got to know this precious family and formed a special bond. Even though we speak different languages, we were still able to laugh and have fun together as we completed the work on their home.

The best day of the week for me was the dedication day when our team presented this family with the keys to their new home. Not only do they now have a shower and flushing toilet, but they no longer have to worry about their dirt floors flooding every time it rains because they have sturdy walls and a roof over their heads to give them better shelter.

At the dedication ceremony we washed the feet of each family member as Jesus washed the feet of his disciples at the Last Supper. This act signifies that we are all equal and represents a new beginning for this family in their new home as we shed our blessings on them. Our group sang “Amazing Grace” as the feet washing was completed. It was truly a special and humbling moment that I was very happy to be able to share with my family and friends. We prayed together and blessed one another during the ceremony.

We may have helped provide and build a home for this poor family living in the Guatemala garbage dumb, but we came away with so much more. Material things don’t bring you happiness, they just make you want more. What will really make you happy is the relationships that you make and build throughout your lifetime, especially within your family. This is priceless!

If you want to share special memories with your family and friends consider going on a mission trip with Potters House to Guatemala, I promise you it will be life changing.