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Published: July 26th 2006
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A Friend in Faith
Woody Woodson started Vine International, a non-profit organization that does mission work in Guatemala. On Wednesday after class, I caught a boat across the lake to Panajachel to meet up with one of my father’s best friends Woody Woodson. Woody started a non-profit organization called Vine International, which does mission work in Guatemala.
Vine International sets up transportation, warehouses, and distributes medical supplies to missionaries, clinics and orphanages throughout Guatemala. The organization’s work does not stop there, but this is it’s primary focus. This particular mission trip consisted of Vine International and Wheels for the World combining their resources and manpower to provide medical, dental and wheel chair resources to communities across Guatemala. The week long trip was wrapping up when I arrived, but I got the pleasure of meeting the participants and hear their stories. Woody took me around and introduced me to different couples that were living and doing mission work in this region. Dennis and Doris Rice, whom I had already heard much about from my father, live in Quetzaltenango (Xela) and run the warehouse operations here for Vine International. The couple, just minutes after meeting me, offered me a place to stay at their home and volunteer work at the warehouse. I happily excepted and let them know that it would be
Dinner at The Sunset Grill
The whole group is winding down after a week of mission work. a couple of weeks. The next pair I was introduced to was Mike and Karen Rhea. These two run a medical clinic in Rio Dulce and offer spiritual support to all in need. Next, I was introduced to everyone from doctors, dentists, wheel chair technicians, physical therapists, and spiritual leaders. Not only did Woody introduce me to everyone, but he also had me a room waiting and an invitation to join them for dinner and breakfast and also participate in their morning worship service. I couldn’t thank Woody enough.
My room was on the 5th floor of one of he nicest hotels (Porte Del Lago) in Panajachel, with a beautiful view of the lake, and I was sharing it with Joe Howell the photo journalist for the Knoxville News Sentinel. Joe was in his late thirties and lived just two miles down the street from my mother’s house (small world). He had traveled all over the world and once did a year straight, so he was great to talk to. Rooming with Joe also gave me the opportunity to see all of the pictures he had taken of the trip (they were amazing). He also gave me travel tips
Doris and Dennis Rice
This incredible couple runs the distribution warehouse in Xela, Guatemala for Vine International. and encouragement on what I was doing.
Dinner that night was great. I got to finally eat meat! Every meal at the Puac household consists of beans, rice and bread, but no meat due to the fact that it's too expensive. So, being able to order whatever I desired was a treat. The group, which was made up of 30 people, took up a whole section of the Sunset Grill. I got to hear a lot of funny stories from past mission trips, and the spirit and excitement that was with the group was special. After dinner, I retired to my room and enjoyed my first real shower in weeks, which was even better than getting to eat meat.
The next morning we all enjoyed a buffet breakfast and a worship service that followed. The service took place in a pavilion with the lake and volcanoes as it’s backdrop. The service was very moving. Everyone took turns talking about what they had experienced, shared special stories, and what it meant to them. There were a lot of tears, emotion and joy displayed. It really meant a lot to me to be able to witness this all. We finished
Mike Rhea and His Son
Mike and his wife Karen run a medical clinic in Rio Dulce, Guatemala. up with the breaking of bread and then all joined in for prayer and song.
I said my goodbyes to everyone. I thanked Woody for everything, and Dennis gave me the contact information of Joann Dwyer, who organizes most of the volunteer work around the lake. I called Joann right away and spoke with her about what I could do to help out. She told me that I could start off by meeting her Monday morning to go with her to Chichicastenango (Chi Chi) and help with some work there. I thanked her and said I would be there bright and early and then I headed back to San Pedro. It was weird leaving what I had just witnessed to go back to the world of backpackers. To many it may sound like just a lot of partying, but I've been very moderate and I'm getting to meet people from all over and hear their different perspectives and views on many things. It is very eye opening and at the same time very educational. I will have to share some of the stories I have about different people's views on religion, politics, etc., but that will have to wait
Joe Howell
Photo Journalist for the Knoxville News Sentinel. until I return. I'm not going to go there in my journals, plus a lot of them are probably reading this (sorry, I just find it very interesting-not wrong). I have found it better to do more listening than talking, and try to learn as much as possible in my travels. I am really looking forward to getting my hands dirty doing some volunteer work. God bless and Good day!
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DE LEON
non-member comment
ABUSADO
DEAR BROTHER, I'M A GUATEMALAN LIVING IN HOUSTON. I GREW UP IN PANA. THERE IS A CHRISTIAN RETREAT CAMP RIGHT BESIDE THAT HOTEL THAT YOU STAY IN. IT CONSISTS OF SMALL HOUSES, RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE LAKE, THE NAME OF THAT CAMP IS LAS BUENAS NUEVAS "THE GOOD NEWS". I THOUT IT WAS IMPORTANT FOR YOU TO KNOW THAT