Taste and See that the Lord is Sweet
The Lord is never outdone in generosity. He had quite the surprise planned! This month, I had the opportunity to meet one of my best friends, Sarah, in Guatemala for a service trip with her graduate school. We also hosted an immersion group from Michigan! And, we celebrated the Finca’s 29 years of being a children’s home!
Adventures in Antigua
Sarah and I go way back—college roommates from our dorm room days all the way to graduation. Through all those years, we shared our joys, sorrows, and countless laughs. Not being able to share our daily stories was quite the transition, as she knew every minute of my life prior to moving. But, oh, how sweet the reunion!
In early February, Sarah called me with an unexpected and exciting question: "What are you doing the first week of May?" Her graduate school was organizing a service trip to Antigua, Guatemala, and they needed a translator. I thought surely this was too good to be true. Oh, how sweet is our Lord.
The trip was nothing short of incredible. Antigua, as it happens, is where I attended language school and lived for six weeks last August. Returning now—as a translator—felt like a full-circle moment. Sharing that experience with Sarah, who is now an occupational therapy graduate student, made it all the more meaningful. I had the chance to show her a piece of the journey that led me to Honduras just eight months earlier. Watching her serve with such compassion and intentionality was deeply inspiring—her ability to see and cherish the unique beauty of each client was a reflection of Christ’s attentiveness.
We served with Beeline, a faith-based organization that provides wheelchairs to children with disabilities. The families and clients we met radiated strength, joy, and a closeness to Christ that humbled me. One boy in particular, Angel, left a lasting impression.
We met a young boy named Angel, who had received a wheelchair when he was less than a year old. At this follow-up clinic, the goal was to adjust his chair to accommodate his growth. But rather than adjusting his wheelchair, he showed a new trick he learned. He stood up and began to walk! With a beaming smile, he returned the wheelchair so that another child could use it, as he no longer needed it. I’ll forever hold his beaming smile in my heart.
It was a gift to experience Antigua again, this time from such a different perspective. This trip also gave me the chance to reflect on how far Teddy, Theresa, and I have come since those early days in Antigua. Back then, I had no idea what life would soon hold for me. Though I still have no idea what the future holds, I am learning to lean into the uncertainty with trust and contentment.
Immersion Group
This month, we had the joy of welcoming 14 visitors from Michigan! Father Eugene, who first visited us in 2019, returned—this time bringing members of his parish along with him.
It was a beautiful opportunity to share our mission and to let our kids receive even more love and attention. Their presence brought so much joy, and we’re deeply grateful for the time, energy, and heart they poured into our community.
Thank you, Michigan group, for coming and for loving so well!
Anniversary Party!
To celebrate 29 incredible years of the Finca, we kicked off the festivities with a 10 a.m. Mass, followed by a joyful party full of music, laughter, and community.
One of the highlights was a talent show featuring performances from teachers, tías, kids, and missionaries—everyone brought something to the stage, whether it was a song, a dance, or a short play. Theresa and I had the chance to learn a traditional Salvadoran dance with Fatima and her sister. We even wore typical dresses from El Salvador, which made the experience all the more special. It was such a beautiful way to connect with the culture on a deeper, more personal level.
We wrapped up the celebration with tacos, ice cream, and cake. It doesn’t get much better than that! There’s something powerful about being part of a legacy like this. The celebration reminded me just how much of a family we truly are. From the very first missionaries 29 years ago to Nate, Teddy, Theresa, and me today, we are all united by our deep love for this place and for the children and tías we call family. What a joyful way to honor nearly three decades of love, growth, and mission!
