Guest Blog Written By: Joeanne Colonna
When you look around you, what do you see? You have a lot, right? Maybe more than you need? Recently I’ve heard it said that if you have food in your fridge, clothes on your back, a roof over your head and a place to sleep you are richer than 75% of the world. I never really thought about it that way growing up because that’s what I thought was average and normal since my family and all my friends have all that and much more; like cars and phones, and name brand clothes/accessories. As I get older, I realize how blessed I am and how much the material things don’t matter in the long run. What matters more is family, friends, time with loved ones and helping those less fortunate.
My name is Joeanne and I want to share my story with you. Last year an opportunity came up for me to go on a short term mission’s trip to Hana (a small town in Hawaii) and I had no idea what I was signing myself up for but decided to go for it. Now you may think, Hawaii… beaches, tourist attractions, vacation…why would they need help? The perception of Hawaii is very different from reality. Hawaii is plagued by some of the highest rates of suicide, drug addiction, teenage pregnancy, abuse and poverty in the Unites States.
During the two weeks I was there, part of the team (we were about 20 young adults from across Canada and the Unites States) helped build a home for a family of 5; a dad, mom and 3 children. The home was basically a square when we got there, and by the time we left, it had a bedroom, a bathroom and a kitchen. The family did not know we were working on it for them and it was a very emotional experience to see them in utter shock when they saw the home finished. They were so happy! This is when my way of thinking regarding material things began to change…
During the first week we spent our afternoons preparing for VBS camp and in the evenings we had anywhere for 30-50 children come out! We had all kinds of activities, like minute-to-win-it, crafts, Bible study, snack, dance and sports. During the second week we spent the afternoons going into the town, talking to the local people and inviting them to come to services we were holding in the evenings.
This summer, I’m going again from July 22nd to August 5th 2014!
The cost of the trip is $3,050.00 US which is about $3,500.00 CAN with the conversion rates at the bank and my goal is to raise the cost of the trip by July 20th 2014. If you would like to help support me with a financial donation, you can do so online at www.gofundme.com/MissionHawaii2014.
Thank you in advance for taking the time to read this and for your consideration!
Also, a BIG thank you to all who donate! Every little bit helps and is much appreciated!
God bless!
Joeanne