Marianne on Mission 2014
"You have not lived a perfect day...unless you have done something for someone who will never be able to repay you."
Ruth Smeltzer, American Writer
Ruth Smeltzer, American Writer
A Guatemala Photo Journal
Thoughtful writings about mission work and if it's right for you.
About MarianneDear family, friends, and new acquaintances who have discovered this space,
I know that many of you wonder how I arrived at the decision to travel to and do mission work in Nicaragua, Guatemala, and Belize. And why? Some who have known me since childhood might think it’s logical because foreign travel has been part of my life from the age of 19. Got bored with college, packed up one day and took off to Europe (via Icelandic Air, the college students’ friendly cheap airline back then), and stayed for eight months. Rome, Italy, is an easy choice when it comes to cracking boredom. My life since then has included a seven-year stint working and living in Rome again, followed by more of Europe, dozens of islands, Africa, Asia, Antarctica, and a brief visit to Argentina. Six of the seven continents. Many friends who have known me only as an adult are of the clear opinion that I’m crazy, and can talk only of the dangers of where I’m going. Stories of bugs and parasites burrowing under the skin, only to emerge later from various body parts have been frequent. Not to mention die-hard (pardon the unintended pun) guerrilla soldiers still hiding in the hills, who might at any moment descend with AK-47s spewing bullets...
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With Thanks
So many people have done so much for me to make my mission journey real.
My pastor, Very Reverend Donna Maree, at Trinity Memorial Church in Philadelphia immediately saw value in what I wanted to do. Her support has been unwavering, and her creativity in bringing the message to the congregation was inspired. I also want to thank her husband, Charles Carr, for all the support he gives to her so that she can be as active as she is in these kinds of initiatives. The TMC congregation showered me with counsel, encouragement, prayers, and financial donations to pay for my time at the missions in all three countries. I am indebted to every one of them. Lyn Rossano, of my congregation, was the guiding light and chief tech person for constructing this Website. Amazing. Reverend Charles Penniman, a former pastor at TMC, was an original participant in establishing the Guatemala - Pennsylvania Companion Diocese relationship. He allowed me to use many of his photos for this site. Linda Angeline, a special person in my life, has made innumerable contributions of many kinds, including financial, and concessions in support of my mission trip. Thanks, as always. Bhavisha Patel, my surrogate daughter, who loaned me her iPad Mini for the trip and said she'll forgive me if it doesn't come back in the same condition she gave it. My small family has contributed with enthusiasm, money, and belief that my journey is valuable. Kim, Luke, Brooke, Kelly, and my step-father Burt - thank you. Mariann |
Click here for more about Trinity Memorial Church in Philadelphia and all of the ongoing mission work: