Shaun Groves
If you haven’t heard (Where’ve you been?), I’m heading to Calcutta (aka Kolkata) with a bunch of bloggers in April. The team is set: Our bloggers are Pete, Anne, Angela, Robin and Melissa. Our leaders are Patricia, Spence, and me. And today I’m introducing you to the very last member of the team.
I’ve been to Ecuador, El Salvador, Uganda, Ethiopia and Uganda. I’ve met orphans, lepers begging at a church door, children playing in polluted rivers, babies dying of Aids, and slaves picking sugar cane for American corporations. I’ve been hugged by mothers whose kids are being released from poverty. I’ve met fathers who smile because their children will have a better life than theirs someday. I’ve heard “thank you” and “God bless you” from the inexplicably joyful poor so many times I can’t shake the words from head at the grocery store or mall anymore. I know the need in the third world and I know the hope $32 brings there. I’ve seen it.
But Becky hasn’t.
It’s been harder than hard to experience such gut-punching sorrow, such happiness and satisfaction, such life-altering perspective shifts alone – with the other half of myself on another continent. It’s impossible after I return to fully explain to her with mere words and photographs what I’ve seen, felt and learned.
In April, Becky will join me and our team of gifted bloggers in India and for the first time in our marriage we’ll experience the developing world together.
And you might actually, finally, see what the heck she looks like. And maybe I can get her to write a little something too. We’ll see.
The team is finished.
Robin ~ PENSIEVE says:
I’m assuming y’all will be breaking the rules for man/woman cohabitation, eh?
Every time I see something about this trip in print, I’m shaken. It’s odd, really, but as much as I DO know about the trip, I realize I haven’t scratched the surface. Will understanding that help? I dunno.
I’m thrilled for you…thrilled for Becky (can’t wait to meet her!). And I’m blessed beyond measure to be a part of this “thing” that is so far outside my comfort zone, it’s not even funny. In spite of that, I’ve never been more certain about anything in my life…this trip will change the lives of everyone it touches.
Thanks you….
Robin ~ PENSIEVE says:
“Thanks you?” Ai yi yi…write much?
I’m sitting here at Panera, compelled to pray about the trip, the people who will sacrifice much to go, the people who sacrifice much to serve in Compassion projects…and it hit me how much our families will sacrifice for us to be gone. And, THEN it hit me your kids will be without both of y’all for the duration…so I’m praying for THEM.
Thanks them, too
.
Steve says:
Well you know, I haven’t been there either, and I HAVE a blog.
“Space is very limited. No more than five bloggers will go on this trip. Please do not sign up to be considered unless you have over 30,000 visits to your blog each month,”
So much for that, huh?
All your blogger team members, but one live in TN. Coincidence?
I won’t be pulling my sponsorship of my Compassion children(it’s not their fault), but I will be searching for other charities to give to. It takes a lot of money to send people on these trips and I see you using it more to bring people you know to these areas.
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Steve, this is Shaun. I’d love to address your concerns. They’re good ones. However, you registered here using the invalid e-mail address . I’ll wait to hear from you. You can contact me through CompassionBloggers.com’s contact page, at shaun AT compassionbloggers.com or shaunfanmail AT bellsouth.net or through Facebook. Would love to answer these and any other questions you have.
Hope to hear from you soon.
Bonnie says:
What a wonderful thing to experience a trip like this with your wife!
And Steve……really?
Patricia says:
Its awesome that Becky gets to come with us!
I am excited to see how God will use these amazing bloggers for His Kingdom. Lets get some kids sponsored.
Kelly @ Love Well says:
Fabulous news.
When my husband went on a vision trip a few years back (different nonprofit), I was devastated that I couldn’t go with him. (Our choice: kids were very young, and he was going to Indonesia, so the trip was long.) It makes my heart smile to know that Becky will now be rewarded for her support. May God use it to further your passion and deepen your unity.
Shell says:
That’s great! I know I would hate to leave my husband behind if I had the opportunity to do a trip like that, so that’s awesome for you both!
Richard says:
Dude, that is totally sweet. I remember hearing you talk about her during your concerts in Corpus Christi. I think it will be awesome for you to be changed together!
And dude… that Steve guy is a total buzzkill.
Rhubarb says:
That’s great! What an experience to travel to India together. Looking forward to seeing and hearing from Becky in the blogs. Praying for your kiddos while you guys are away, and for the rest of the bloggers and their families at home as well.
~Amy
Grovesfan says:
I think it’s great that Becky is getting to accompany you on this journey. It is so very hard to share some things with someone who hasn’t experienced themselves; especially something that can run the gambit of emotions for a long time before and after the event. I imagine that this will serve to bring the both of you even closer and will also give her much more insight into what drives your passion and commitment to “the least of these.”
If she blogs, more the better for readers. I have no doubt it will change her life and the lives of countless children regardless.
As for the “requirements” on the Compassion Bloggers site, they are great guidelines, but can’t ever be used to act in a way that is clearly God-willed.
Pete Wilson says:
Awesome. Can’t wait to meet her!
Stretch Mark Mama says:
Woo-hooooooo!
Hubs and I have the same dream of traveling together, but I know that the logistics behind that (HELLO, CHILDREN) (MONEY) make it all kinda tricky.
So, I’m happy for both of you that after many trips of sacrifice (on both sides) you can enjoy one together.
Deidre says:
So glad to hear your wife will be joining you! When my husband and I do anything to serve apart from each other, it’s so difficult to get on the same page …. frustrating, even. I pray God will bless this trip in many ways, but the two of you serving together is a HUGE bonus. I pray for your children as well while both parents are away.