Mission Trip to Guatemala and How it Changed My Life
Hope Project International, founded by Than and Megan Graffam, is a Christian focused organization that services families who desperately need it, by leading multiple trips a year to Guatemala and Nicaragua to build homes and deliver food to families in rural areas such as Santa Maria de Jesus.
Than and Megan Graffam, the founders of Hope Project International (with Son Oliver)
Lodging at Casa Shalom:
Casa Shalom is a private orphanage run by sponsors and donations that serves almost 100 kids annually. The environment is one of faith and love from the staff that promotes a thriving and safe atmosphere for the children.The staff at Casa Shalom, specifically the house mothers, were all very proud of the children that they care for. Love is what you find in the food that the kitchen staff mixes up daily. Find out more about sponsorship here.
The Team
FL-GA-CA The Mission Team
The Home Build
The typical team can consist of 7-10 adults and, our team built two houses (with separate kitchens) in two days. The homes are 12’x16’ (approx.) in size made of a weatherproof aluminum, known to last 50 years or more. It takes a team of 7 approximately five hours to complete a full. Bob Kornegay of Servants Hearts Ministries will guide you through the seamless process and make it fun. Building the wood stove was most rewarding as having a smoke pipe can extend the life expectancy by 10 years and protect children from an open fire. Unfortunately, I can’t get one on Amazon, lol
Food Mission
During this trip, we delivered food. Okay, time out…..now when I say food…I mean 40lbs or more. Basically, too heavy for me to lift. So that’s the best number that I could come up with, lol! We delivered these bags to families that received a new home last year; the new families from this week; and the families that may receive a home in the future.
How Mission Work Changed My Life
Mission work really touches on your spiritual heart-strings. You find a deeper connection with God when you realize that he is using you to affect positive change for the greater good. Your sacrifices mean so much more when you see the gratitude of the families through their out pouring of love. On this trip, the children that we spent time with at Case Shalom, the Day Care, Camp De Suenos, and throughout the community made me feel so grateful for the love they showered me with. They filled my spirit in ways I could never express. I encourage anyone that is reading this to ask your self…How can God use me?
