Mission Trip to Guatemala
Donation protected
Dear Friends and Family,
We have been called. Called to do more with our life; to stand in solidarity with others; to listen more intently to God; to open our minds and hearts to God’s plan; to fight for peace and social justice in our world; to slow down and be still; to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes; to step out of our comfort zone. We have all been called. Next month Ayden and I will answer that call by traveling to our Sister Parish in Las Margaritas, Guatemala. We will arrive in Guatemala City on July 23rd and then drive 10 hours to Las Margaritas where we will stay until August 2nd.
Our family has hosted our brothers and sisters from Las Margaritas during two previous South to North delegations and now it’s our turn to visit them in their home. When we learned that St. Francis was sending a Teen Delegation this summer, Ayden couldn’t wait to sign up. I remember him calling for my attention during mass last November to let me know that he REALLY wanted to go on the mission trip to Guatemala and he wouldn’t let us leave before we had put our names on the list of interested parishioners. When I asked him why he wanted to go he said that he wanted to learn more about the Central American and Mayan culture, to share our Catholic faith with them and to see the men and women we hosted so many years ago. At first I wasn't quite sure it was the right time, but I've since come to know differently. It's the perfect time for us both to experience this mission.
The Sister Parish ministry exists to foster mutual understanding and a commitment to peace and justice between communities in the United States and Central America by experiencing the realities of each other’s lives on religious, political, social and economical levels. St. Francis has had a relationship with Las Margaritas for the past 20 years. It's a lot to take in and at times a bit intimidating to be honest. How can we make a difference? Despite the magnitude of the call, both Ayden and I feel that this is what we are supposed to do at this time in our lives.
During our time in Las Margaritas we will be living with families and breaking both physical and spiritual bread with them. We will also be hosting daytime activities like games, music and arts and crafts, for the many children of the village. And amazingly, we will have the opportunity to help the village construct the church building that they have been waiting on for so many years. These are the things that we are going to be doing for them, but what this experience will do for us is yet to be seen. Only God knows what’s in store, but we are anxiously anticipating the big reveal and to share it with each other.
In order for us to be successful in our mission we need your help. Most importantly we are asking for your prayers. We need your spiritual support and we ask that you pray for our safety and that our hearts will be open and moldable to God and that despite any barriers we might encounter we will be able to join our lives with those we meet in Las Margaritas. Secondly, we are asking for your financial support. In order for us to journey to our Sister Parish we must raise $4000 ($2000 each) by June 30th. We ask that you prayerfully consider making a monetary donation in the amount of $25, $50, $100 or more to support us on this journey. Whatever amount you feel called to give would be very much appreciated. Each and every dollar will get us closer to our goal. You can make an electronic donation here with a few clicks of the mouse.
We thank you in advance for your love, prayers and financial support. Thank you!
With much love and gratitude,
Liz and Ayden
We have been called. Called to do more with our life; to stand in solidarity with others; to listen more intently to God; to open our minds and hearts to God’s plan; to fight for peace and social justice in our world; to slow down and be still; to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes; to step out of our comfort zone. We have all been called. Next month Ayden and I will answer that call by traveling to our Sister Parish in Las Margaritas, Guatemala. We will arrive in Guatemala City on July 23rd and then drive 10 hours to Las Margaritas where we will stay until August 2nd.
Our family has hosted our brothers and sisters from Las Margaritas during two previous South to North delegations and now it’s our turn to visit them in their home. When we learned that St. Francis was sending a Teen Delegation this summer, Ayden couldn’t wait to sign up. I remember him calling for my attention during mass last November to let me know that he REALLY wanted to go on the mission trip to Guatemala and he wouldn’t let us leave before we had put our names on the list of interested parishioners. When I asked him why he wanted to go he said that he wanted to learn more about the Central American and Mayan culture, to share our Catholic faith with them and to see the men and women we hosted so many years ago. At first I wasn't quite sure it was the right time, but I've since come to know differently. It's the perfect time for us both to experience this mission.
The Sister Parish ministry exists to foster mutual understanding and a commitment to peace and justice between communities in the United States and Central America by experiencing the realities of each other’s lives on religious, political, social and economical levels. St. Francis has had a relationship with Las Margaritas for the past 20 years. It's a lot to take in and at times a bit intimidating to be honest. How can we make a difference? Despite the magnitude of the call, both Ayden and I feel that this is what we are supposed to do at this time in our lives.
During our time in Las Margaritas we will be living with families and breaking both physical and spiritual bread with them. We will also be hosting daytime activities like games, music and arts and crafts, for the many children of the village. And amazingly, we will have the opportunity to help the village construct the church building that they have been waiting on for so many years. These are the things that we are going to be doing for them, but what this experience will do for us is yet to be seen. Only God knows what’s in store, but we are anxiously anticipating the big reveal and to share it with each other.
In order for us to be successful in our mission we need your help. Most importantly we are asking for your prayers. We need your spiritual support and we ask that you pray for our safety and that our hearts will be open and moldable to God and that despite any barriers we might encounter we will be able to join our lives with those we meet in Las Margaritas. Secondly, we are asking for your financial support. In order for us to journey to our Sister Parish we must raise $4000 ($2000 each) by June 30th. We ask that you prayerfully consider making a monetary donation in the amount of $25, $50, $100 or more to support us on this journey. Whatever amount you feel called to give would be very much appreciated. Each and every dollar will get us closer to our goal. You can make an electronic donation here with a few clicks of the mouse.
We thank you in advance for your love, prayers and financial support. Thank you!
With much love and gratitude,
Liz and Ayden
Organizer
Liz Brown Mosler
Organizer
Raleigh, NC
