Traveling to Guatemala and Cambodia is part of Saving Susan’s mission to build relationships with the children and in-country staff we serve. We take a few teams each year to see the work we do in person, get to know the children and house parents better, and grow deeper with God. Each trip is rewarding and unique, giving trip members a chance to experience firsthand how we’re impacting the lives of orphaned and vulnerable children.
Even though these trips are fun and impactful, a lot of work goes into making them happen. From planning and fundraising to buying supplies and eventually traveling hundreds of miles to a different country, there are a lot of logistics involved in building a successful trip. These short-term trips aren’t meant to fix the deep-rooted problems in the children’s homes. Instead, they give us a chance to help where we can, build relationships, and learn from those we’ve come to serve.
So, it brings up the question: Why go to a different country for a week or so when you could just send money?
While that may seem like the easier and more beneficial option, we don’t think it’s the best one. Financial support is essential to any ministry, but Saving Susan’s greatest resource isn’t our money or even our programs—it’s our connections with people.
““This has been a great experience. One thing that truly has blessed my heart is the moment I realized I was communicating with the children without using words! The universal language is Jesus, love, compassion, patience, and care!””
When our trip members choose to sacrifice not only their money, but also their time to go on a trip with us, it shows that they’re trusting God to use them. Time is one of the things our in-country partners are most thankful for—just as much as financial support. Simply being present, building relationships, and showing up matters.
Casa Bernabé, one of the children’s homes we partner with in Guatemala, says it this way:
““Our Casa Bernabé community genuinely enjoys welcoming teams. The children love having new people to play with, talk to, and learn from. A week that might otherwise feel like an ordinary week can suddenly be filled with new games, crafts, sports, activities, and experiences. For children who aren’t able to simply leave campus for a trip to the zoo, an amusement park, or another off-campus activity, these experiences can be especially meaningful.””
The time trip members spend with a child or their caretaker shows more of the love of Jesus than a dollar does. Spending your time builds deeper connections and empathy towards those we serve, and the memories created are often the best souvenirs of the tip. There’s a famous saying, “It takes a village,” and that’s especially true in ministry. Our “village” of trip members help to leave a lasting mark on a child’s life, even if it’s a small one. Whether they come for one trip or are repeat travelers, each interaction helps to shape lives.
““And it’s not only the children who benefit. Our house parents and staff are deeply encouraged when teams come. Several of our house parents have told us how meaningful it is to know that someone was willing to give up a week of their job, their family, their routine, and their comfort to come alongside them in the work they do every day.””
There are countless visible ways sending a team benefits the children and caregivers, but there are also so many impacts we may not fully see for years to come—or even on this side of Heaven. Your “yes” to going on a short-term mission trip can turn into something far greater than you ever expected. In fact, that’s how Saving Susan Ministry itself got started.
If you’re interested in learning more about our team trips, check out our 2027 trips at the link below.
