Excited, somewhat nervous, but mostly excited to empower through creative arts.

That’s how I would describe my pre-trip status. I am constantly reminding myself that I am not in control, constantly thinking “It’s not about me.” I see evidence all of the time that there is a bigger plan in place and I trust in that. I have been on several mission trips and been to foreign countries multiple times but something feels different about this trip. It feels like this time, it’s more real. It’s hard to believe that I will be in Guatemala soon. About a year and a half ago, I moved to California. I found myself in a city of 1,000,000 people and felt the most alone I have ever been. On top of that, I was 3 days by car to any place I had previously lived. I had an overwhelming feeling that I needed to reach out and find a community that I could be of some use or at the very least a group of people where I wasn’t constantly introducing myself. Athentikos found me during this time. Paul Lowder, who was a bandmate and friend, invited me to join up. After researching the organization and watching their documentaries, it became clear to me that this was an effort that I could support and this was my way to plug into a new community where I could do some good. Who knew that I would find the people on the Internet and the place in another country? It’s a reminder that God is not bound by geography and his plan for us can’t be predicted.

This team didn’t really know me but took me in as their own to shine hope to a group of youth in Guatemala.
That’s beautiful to me. I have been working hard lately trying to develop a plan to engage with the children that will encourage them and I find that the more that I think about it, the more I get excited about what’s in store for them and me this November.
Please pray for us as we take this journey and if you can, please help us raise funds for all the logistical needs of putting on an Art Camp in Central America.
Peace and Love and Thanks, David