Waiting for our flight

Here in Chicago waiting for our first flight.

Lyn's thoughts before leaving....

It is exciting to think that the day has finally arrived for us to leave with our team to Guatemala!  For as long as I can remember I have wanted to be part of a trip like this.  It is truly a childhood dream come true for me.  It is time for me to see how the rest of the world is living and gain some real perspective on my own life.  I know that my heart will be forever changed by what I see and experience there and I welcome that transformation.  I am blessed to have this opportunity to serve!

 Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows.

Isaiah 1:17

Heading Out

Well, we are finally here -- the day we head down to Guatemala for our Missions trip.  What to expect?  I have no clue.  Here is a short video we recorded last night as a start to documenting this trip.

I hope for a positive, safe, and life-changing time.  I need a good dose of perspective on life and I am guessing this might provide it.  Save travels!!

Why a Missions Trip?

So, why am I going on this Missions Trip to Guatemala?

by Ric Cederholm

This was from my testimony that I gave at church on February 10th.

a.       God has blessed me in MANY ways

                                                               i.      Married 13 years to my wonderful wife Lyn

                                                             ii.      Have 2 girls, Alison (9) and Karley (7)

                                                           iii.      Live in a nice house, kids go to a good school, and we both have good jobs.

                                                           iv.      We all are in good health

                                                           v.      My life is very comfortable

b.      This past August, I turned 40 and in the past 6 months I have been doing a lot of self-reflection.  This is what I believe God has been telling me:

                                                               i.      You need to get in better shape

                                                             ii.      You are lucky to have a full head of hair

                                                            iii.      You are too Comfortable and Complacent

                                                           iv.      You do a lot for yourself and take things for granted

                                                             v.      You don’t open yourself up to others

                                                           vi.      You need to gain some Perspective

c.       Ever since Lyn and I went out to dinner with Kim and Randy Tews about 10 years ago and they talked about their new passion for missions, Lyn has always wanted to go on a mission’s trip.  Over the years, we have seen how Tews grow their ministry and it has been inspiring and humbling to think about the impact they have had on so many lives..

d.      The opportunity for this Missions trip came up and Lyn was super excited.

e.      I hesitated and thought to myself “here we go again with the missions talk”.  But then I said to myself –

                                                               i.      How can I let Lyn experience this all by herself and come back with a changed heart that I won’t understand?  We need to work as a team.

                                                             ii.      How many more mission teams do we have to send before I say “yes”? 

                                                            iii.      You need to step up and get out of your comfort zone

                                                           iv.      You need to gain some perspective!

                                                             v.      Get to Meet Gladys – a girl we have been sponsoring for 1.5 years

f.        I believe God is intending to show me something through this trip.  I am hoping this trip will:

                                                               i.      Open my heart to become more compassionate

                                                             ii.      Bless some families in Guatemala

                                                            iii.      Discover how I can use my gifts to help others more

The Missions Team Picture

Less than One Week Until Guatemala

 by Ric Cederholm

So, Lyn and I are headed to Guatemala in less than a week.  Can't believe the time is almost here.  While I am excited for the mission trip, I also have feelings of uncertainty because this is a totally new environment, situation, and I wonder how this trip will change me (and us).  

I will do my best to blog throughout the trip and I am sure I will have a TON of pictures and videos to share afterwards.

High Point Church Guatemala Team - 2013