From the eyes of a visitor from Tenn

In September of this past year, I had the privilege of joining friends in visiting the Rio Dulce, a small area of communities nestled in Guatemalan countryside. I had never been to any part of Central America before, and was ready and excited to soak up all that I could. Our purpose for visiting the Rio Dulce area was three-fold. Primarily, we wanted to meet Mike and Karen Rhea, two folks who have clearly devoted their lives to this underprivileged country they live in, the people in need who surround them, and to Jesus. What a joy it truly was to meet these two.  As we all sat together and talked on their deck overlooking the river, it became increasingly obvious to me that they are confident and faithful that God is guiding them, and is constantly revealing His purpose for them being there.

We also wanted to witness their life in the area, and meet the people Mike and Karen have been ministering to and taking care of.  They  took us to the village where they have been providing medical care from a clinic for the last few years. As we walked through the village, we met men watching soccer and women cleaning their babies, gave out candy and stuffed animals to children, and listened to many stories of the people who reside here. The images of Mike and Karen sharing their love with the people there still resonate in my mind. I could not help but watch Karen greet the women of the village with hugs and kisses, and Mike greet the men with handshakes and laughter. The more I watched, the more I realized what a statement this was of the trust and affection that the people here have for them.

Lastly, we visited the beautiful piece of land we had only seen in pictures, and envisioned what that open field of rolling green hills could look like 3, 5, or 10 years down the road as an orphanage, home, and solace for many of the native Guatemalan people. These are the people who will end up being touched in some way by Mike and Karen. Looking out and matching up different sites of the land with the blueprint we had, I could see kids playing, unwed mothers taking care of their children, and most importantly I could see God at work. This land gave me excitement, hope, joy, and a desire to consistently do whatever I can to make this place come alive and to help it thrive once it opens.  I am still so thankful for my time in Guatemala, and with much anticipation am looking forward to the day I can go back and visit my new friends.

- Matt Taylor