I’m in the Nashville airport listening CNN on the TV and to the crooner across the hall twanging Friends In Low Places for the lunch crowd at Tootsies Bar. In a few hours I’ll be in Dallas hugging the bloggers headed to Guatemala with me for the first time.
Amanda Jones
I’ve read Amanda’s blog for more than two years. She was the first blogger I ever asked to go on a blogging trip. Way back then she said No. She had some lame excuse: Something about being pregnant or some such nonsense. Anyway, she finally said Yes. I feel like I “know” her the best of all the bloggers and, unfortunately for her, I think we’re a lot alike. Which simply means I’ll have someone to share meds and a justice complex with.
Lindsey Nobles
I started following Lindsey on Twitter more than a year ago because I wanted to learn more about corporate communications. Seriously. I’m that nerdy. Lindsey is the big wig heading up corporate communications for Thomas Nelson. I started reading thinking she’d talk about that work a little. No such luck. I’ve learned jack squat about corporate communications from her blog. But I’ve smiled a lot. My guess is there’ll be more of that this week.
Lisa-Jo Baker
Don’t tell her I said this, but Lisa-Jo intimidates me. She’s an expert on this travel and poverty stuff. She has a law degree, has traveled and lived all over the world, has worked for the United Nations in the arena of human rights and for Habitat for Humanity further developing the developing world. And she has a cool South African accent. She doesn’t seem to take herself as seriously as I do. I’m looking forward to her seasoned perspective on poverty and development – I’m most looking forward to her insights on Compassion’s ministry model and how it compares to the many “programs” she’s seen elsewhere.
Ann Voskamp
I love all the bloggers the same…blah, blah, blah. But Ann’s my favorite. I don’t know her in the real world but on the internet I know her as its only poet/prophet. She lives simply, cares deeply and writes beautifully. Her site is an oasis in a very blinky angsty internet. My wife even likes it. She doesn’t read blogs – she doesn’t get them at all. But when a friend asked her to read Ann’s, she clicked over and found a blog she wanted to come back to. Now I’m hooked too. I’m curious to see what this Compassion advocate from Canada is like in the real world: I mean, does she always talk like Thoreau? Does she float or walk like the rest of us? Or just float when no one’s looking? I’ll capture any floating on video, I promise.
Soon I’ll leave the sounds of Nashville behind and with these new friends I’ll fly to Guatemala City. I love my “job.”
Follow our journey here: CompassionBloggers.com/guatemala
We are THAT family says:
Shaun,
You’ve assembled an AMAZING team. You are really good at what you do.
Some of these women are my dear friends. . .
Praying for you always.
rhonda says:
Wow! amazing team. praying for safe travels, and preparing to have my heart broken, and lifted up, and broken, and, etc….
sarah valente says:
I’m pretty sure Ann does float. Will be anxiously awaiting proof.
What an awesome team! I’m ridiculously jealous to be watching and reading from the comfort of my own home, but I know you’ve put together a group that will change lives!! Praying for you all!
LV says:
dude, you’re with the LADIES! why didn’t you tell me, i would have crawled into your luggage to try and even the playing field…have a blast, I will be praying for you guys, but mostly for you!
Shaun Groves says:
I missed waking up to Party In The USA this morning. Yes, that’s the level of testosterone you brought to the last trip, remember? ; )
LV says:
well, here ya go! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M11SvDtPBhA
and there’s nothing more masculine than nodding your head like yea…
Shaun Groves says:
Oh, Miley, how I’ve missed you. The third world just isn’t the same without you.
; )
Thank you, LV?
Tracy says:
My sponsor child is in Guatemala, I’ve made three mission trips to this beautiful country. You will be greatly blessed.
Leslie says:
The first time I followed a Compassion bloggers trip was when Melissa went to India – through that I began following Pete Wilson and other team members, was wrecked daily on my sofa reading the posts and looking at the beautiful pictures. I finally got off my skeptical butt and sponsored a child – Sruthi! I try to follow all the trips – as much as my heart can stand – and you’ve really got quite a cast assembled. I feel like Amanda’s a friend through a long association with her mom’s studies. Ann is a relatively recent discovery for me and I love her! I was so excited to learn she was going. Can’t wait to hear about the journey. Praying for all of you – “friends” old and new…
Michelle says:
Ann would probably say, in true humility, that she doesn’t float. But, if you catch her….. I’m really looking forward to reading her whilst she is away. She has such an honest, view of life (she would probably say broken), but you already know that. Take care. ๐
Ken Summerlin says:
Praying for your safety as you visit a country that has just had a fresh dose of tragedy and for the peace and protection of your families at home.
Lindsey Nobles says:
Let me know if you ever find a good place to learn about Corporate Communications.
Shaun Groves says:
You should write that book ; )
Shelley says:
I’ve read Ann for years, often wondering if she truly exists or if her blog is just God’s gift to me, little messages that He sends through the internet to help me interpret a life offered to Him….and now I find out that others know about her too?
JodySF says:
I’ve been reading Ann Voskamp’s Holy Experience for some time and when she mentioned Shaun with a guitar during her journey to Guatelmala, I just KNEW it was you! May God be with you all during this trip and may He bless you (and us) with more beautiful songs from His heart thru you.
Amy Sullivan says:
What an amazing group of voices you are taking with you! Can’t wait to experience the journey through all of your eyes.
Kat @ Inspired To Action says:
So does she float?
Amy says:
Actually, Ann’s my favorite too. haha ๐ I found out about this trip thru her and her eloquent writings. This is my first trip I’m following along on.
I look forward to reading what you ALL say along the way as I’ve now added each of you to my reader.
And, of course, to know if Ann does float. Even if it’s just for a little bit in the evenings or something like that.
Blessings,
Amy
LIB says:
I’m a crazy big fan of Ann and Lisa-jo, jealous that you’ve gotten them together ๐
Saw a picture of Ann’s shoes over holyexperience…but they didn’t look one bit worn! from the floating thing, perhaps?!
Praying! for blessings, protection and lots of kids getting adopted…I found my little Girl when you were in Kenya!
Lib
misty says:
I am SO excited you guys are in Guatemala! My sponsored child through Compassion is in Guatemala. I went on a mission trip to Guatemala this June. Unfortunately I was not able to make to to where my child is. I am exicited that you guys are there and I am praying you are able to meet my Denis and give him a huge hug for me.
I love Guatemala. It is such a beautiful country and such beautiful people. The poverty I witnessed there amazes me.
I pray you guys have an awesome trip and that people will follow Gods lead and sponsor some beautiful child in Guatemala!!
melissa irwin says:
praying for tons of sponsorships…and really enjoying the blogs so far.