I have two amazing boys that I have the absolute privilege to help raise. They are sweet, funny, kind, thoughtful and … speaking of privilege, they are privileged. We talk a lot about “first world problems” in my house. Things like “mom, we don’t have any snacks – all we have are Fritos”, “mom, I don’t have anything to play on, brother is on the computer and the kindle is out of batteries”, “mom, I’m starving, I ate like two whole hours ago…” (in grating whiney voice).
I’m incredibly fortunate to have a beautiful house, a computer for each of us, a big screen TV, a nice car that runs, PLENTY of food in the pantry and nice clothes in our closet. This is a blessed life God has provided for us. I have had the incredible opportunity to visit Honduras and meet children (same ages as my boys) who sleep on dirt floors in tin covered homes. They drink brownish, greenish water from an open well, live on a hearty diet of soda pop and tortillas, and are surrounded by family members who are drunk 100% of the time. 
The kiddos’ fun activities include trying not to get hit by a car on the busy road they live on, playing with a decades old soccer ball in the concrete “courtyard”, or falling into a pile of tin and wood with exposed nails that is their front yard. So when my boys complain about the lack of TV shows, I can show them pictures of Mito and his family “celebrating” his birthday by playing on a pile of rocks we used to pour his family’s concrete floor.
Children all over the world live in extreme poverty with very little education or most disturbing to me – without hope. I will be visiting El Salvador in August to spend an entire week with the little-ests, or as Jesus called them “the least of these”. Our team will be working with Compassion International – a non-profit that gives children education, medication, assistance and whatever else that child needs – but mostly it gives a child HOPE. With hope all things are possible.
I know my time there will make but a very small difference in the lives of the children, but I’m certain what I bring back to my home will make all the difference to my boys. My biggest said just last night “Mom, I can’t wait until I’m 14 so I can start going on mission trips with you”. Wow, I just planted a seed forever in his heart. My boys learn by watching what I do, not nearly as much by what I say. Their sense of entitlement is slowly changing into a sense of who can I serve.
If all I have to do is travel to a third world country to give hope to children, to change my boys perception of the world, and ultimately change the course of their lives, then it’s the least I can do.
I am asking for to help cover the cost to El Salvador. The donations raised will go toward the travel and lodging expenses, and if more than enough is raised will go directly toward the children we meet. If you would like to contribute, please mail a check to Landing Place Church, 13659 E. 104th Way Suite 300, Commerce City, CO 80022. In the memo line please write “El Salvador – Emery”.
Your gift is a demonstration to your children that you make a difference. To change a child’s life, it’s the least we can do.
