Why Go on a Saving Susan Trip?

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!””

— Crystal Cooper, 2026 Casa Bernabé Trip

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.””

— Casa Bernabé

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.””

— Casa Bernabé

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.

Footprint Cambodia 2026: Memories and Milestones

“I planted the seed, Apollo’s watered it, but God has been making it grow. So neither the one who plants nor the one who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow.”  

1 Corinthians 3:6-7

Written by Tracy Arntzen

“Susan” is awarded The Character Award

As I write this Jay and I are sitting in Seoul waiting for our flight home. The Overstreets have headed to a hotel since their flight to Birmingham was cancelled, and Carmen will remain in Cambodia for another week to walk in community with our Next Steps students.  

Today, I am completely in awe.  

What the Lord has done through so many people connected to Saving Susan Ministry is so much bigger than us. What began in 2013 with Jay's yes to go on a mission trip at age 53 has grown into something we did not envision. 

So many wonderful people have joined us along the way. So many have planted seeds, given their time, shared resources, prayed, and generously given love to the children we have the privilege to know. Others have done the watering. But it is the Lord who has brought the increase. He has taken our small steps and done something far more then we ever imagined. (Ephesians 3:20) 

This trip gave us a time to reflect on the memories, celebrate milestones, and recognize the genuine love that has grown between all those involved.  

One of the most meaningful moments was watching “Susan,” who inspired this ministry, graduate from high school. And not only did she graduate, she received the highest award given at her school: “The Character Award.” 

Jay met her when she was 4 years old, and today at 18, we have watched her grow into a young woman of strength, courage, compassion and excellent character. Like a “Proverbs 31” woman.  

Her story is a reminder of what happens when we invest in relationships for the long haul. To walk alongside, not to change someone, to believe in them and hope they discover who God has created them to be and His purpose for each of them.  

This is why we continue to go. Keep planting and watering. Because God can bring about something so beautiful. Only He can do this. 

So, whatever your role has been in the Saving Susan Ministry this celebration is also for you!

Here are some highlights from this very special trip:

Music Director Oliver presents a special concert featuring what the children have been learning over the past several months. What a deeply touching performance! Oliver’s commitment is more than music instruction, it is faithful mentoring, leadership and guiding them into meaningful worship of the Lord Jesus Christ.

These men love the Lord and share a love for the people of Cambodia.

Sunday Church with Pastor Sihok at Liberty Baptist Church.

Carmen with some very special friends.  We are grateful for her love for our students.  

Visit to Cambodia Community Children’s Home where we introduced Pickleball. The boys are great athletes and caught on quickly. They prefer the SMASH rather than the DINK! Plastic chairs makeshift for the net. Thank you to Selkirk Pickleball for providing paddles, balls, court markers, and hats!

An impromptu visit to Norton University where Mesa is studying Multimedia. He documented our trip through photography and video footage. We can't wait to see his work.

Fellowship with Next Steps Students and Missionary Friends. 

And now I want to ask you something…

Would you consider going on a trip next year? Trip dates HERE. Maybe become a Parent Partner, or support our Emotional Care Program or Education Scholarships.   

There are still seeds to plant and water. Would you prayerfully consider how God may use you further in what He is doing through Saving Susan Ministry?

Our next ministry gathering is “Champions Night at the Ballpark,” held at Truist Park. Paul Byrd will emcee our evening and tickets can be found HERE. 

A Full Circle Moment at Casa Bernabé

Our Casa Bernabé team recently returned from Guatemala with hearts full after a meaningful time of ministry, service, and connection. The team consisted of 7 people from the States and 7 from Guatemala. Hear from team member Jelbin Garcia as he shares about his time on the trip.  

Jelbin Garcia has been a part of the Saving Susan family since 2018. He came from House of Hope Zacapa, graduated from high school, and is now in law school. Jelbin is also a staff member for our Advocate Kids program. He joined our Casa Bernabé team in Guatemala for a week of serving at the children’s home. Read more to hear his experience during the trip!

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“Our trip to the Casa Bernabé was a truly meaningful experience. Throughout the week, our team helped organize and clean the school’s storage room, sorting supplies and materials so they would be easier to use. We also spent time assisting with the preschool children, helping in their classrooms, supporting the art classes with the teenagers, and playing sports and games with the kids. Every activity gave us the opportunity to serve in practical ways while building relationships with the children.

What made the trip especially meaningful to me was the time we spent with the kids. I genuinely enjoyed getting to know them, laughing with them, and simply being present with them. The fellowship was warm, joyful, and something I will always remember.

This trip was also deeply personal. Years ago, I was one of the children who was visited and encouraged by this ministry. This time, instead of being the one receiving, I had the privilege of serving as part of the Saving Susan Ministry team. During our farewell, I found myself sitting where the team members once sat, watching the children say goodbye and hand us letters. I realized that I was experiencing the same moment from the other side the side of those who came to serve. That was incredibly emotional because I remembered being one of the children doing exactly the same thing.

Being able to give back what was once given to me meant more than I can fully express. Serving these children allowed me to share the same love, kindness, and encouragement that I once received. I am deeply grateful to Saving Susan Ministry and, above all, to God for giving me this opportunity. It was a blessing to be part of something that has had such a lasting impact on my own life, and I hope I was able to make even a small difference in the lives of the children we served.”