We can write a lot about what we think of going to Guatemala, but sometimes it's good to listen and get a different perspective on what other people think.  So I asked the kids "Why do you think we're going to Guatemala?".  So here's what the beginning of this trip looks like from an 11-year old perspective.  Or two eleven year olds:

Christopher:
Why we are going to Guatemala?
   We are going to Guatemala because we want to help and commit to helping people in Guatemala, and to help stop diseases and to build houses for the homeless. My favorite part of going to Guatemala is when we are acting on stage. That is why I like going to Guatemala.
Rachel:
Why we're going to Guatemala:
We are going to Guatemala because we want to help the people in need and show them that God is important. I think it is very cool to go to Guatemala and help out by cleaning, entertaining, helping, and cleaning. My favorite committee is the children's committee. I like this committee because we go to different  places and teach kids about God through songs and actions. I recommend going to Guatemala.
I'm not exactly sure what to think of being on "committees", or recollection of some of the favorite things, but it does give me a perspective through their eyes and how what we say and do can be interoperated!

The Boelke's are Going to Guatemala Again!

Two years ago we took a big step and headed out on a new family adventure by taking four kids to Guatemala on a mission trip and worked with kids in schools around Lake Atitlan in Guatemala.  Our church has built long-standing relationships with several churches, missionaries, schools, and communities around the big volcanic lake that has many needs which we were able to help with.

Clean water at schools helps prevent sickness, allowing kids to stay in school, be healthier, and give them a chance to grow and take care of themselves.  Training for local pastors helps give them encouragement and tools to learn how to take care of their community.  Support for a local AA group gives encouragement in an impoverished community.  A medical and dental clinic provide direct care for people who otherwise have no access to care.  Water education teaches about microscopic "bugs" that can make you sick and how clean water can directly lead to healthier living.

This year marks the 20th anniversary for the Wooddale Church Guatemala Bridge Builders!  Over the years we have provided direct immediate needs through local churches to build credibility in their community, partnership with training locals to care for themselves and their own people, and relationships that have both given encouragement and received blessings at the same time.

Our trip two years ago, while acting to love and give to the people we visited, also taught us many things about ourselves, world, and people.  Fluent in Spanish, Pierce, Christopher, Rachel, and Minzi all could connect with the local children, giving even more depth to breaking down social, cultural, and personal barriers.  An experience beyond what we could provide for ourselves, we are excited that the fire to serve away from home was sparked again and we are stepping forward in faith that we should again be part of these relationships and are planning to go to Guatemala in February 2014 to serve, grow, and give beyond ourselves and what we could do alone.

This visit to Central America is more than just a 10-day trip in February.  The team starts training now, learning about the people we will visit, planning, praying, and preparing during this four month journey to continue our relationships.  Join us here to follow our journey and share in this adventure!