By Cindy Dower
Sixty-three years ago in sixth grade, I made a friend with an extraordinary person who would lead me to this extraordinary and spiritual experience of expanding my world.
I have watched and listened to Cathy Higgins as she followed her calling to Guatemala. Hearing the stories and seeing the pictures have inspired me, entertained me, and brought me to tears.
A few years ago, I decided to become a donor to this partnership, making gifts for a variety of projects. I then heard that the trips to Guatemala were open to church members and friends who support this work. As I made my “purchases” of chickens or stoves, I would think, “Someday, I’ll go and see this project firsthand.” But it was always just a thought and a dream.
This last September I read the email announcing the January trip I again thought, “I must make that trip one of these days,” and sent my payment for chickens. Two weeks later, I was sitting at my desk at work between phone calls, and completely unrelated to what I was doing the thought struck me, “I don’t know how many of ‘one of these days’ I have left!” I called Cathy later that day and asked if there was a place for me and was granted my wish. I was so thrilled when she said I would be welcome on the trip and it has been surreal ever since, planning and anticipating.
Driving from the coastal Redwoods of Northern California down to the San Francisco Bay Area, flying out to the frigid temps and snow of Delaware, reuniting with my best friend Cathy, and finally meeting Carrie and the other wonderful people I have “zoomed with,” has been one adventure after another.
On the Sunday before leaving for Guatemala, I join Cathy, Carrie, Morgan, and Ashley in worship at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Wilmington, DE, to be commissioned for our journey. I was in awe of the beautiful sanctuary, with its stone walls and exquisite windows. I even received a tour of the bell tower and chime room where Sue Spilecki treated me to a private concert of the Eagles fight song on the chimes!
The service was wonderful and inspiring, calling us to reflect on remembering Martin Luther King’s legacy and messages, using examples from the bible and in Randy’s sermon entitled Grace upon Grace.
That’s what I feel that this journey has been these last 63 years leading up to this point – Grace upon Grace – with more to experience and receive this week. My eyes, ears, and heart are open to receive.
Love, light, and peace to you all.
Stay tuned!!!
This is a beautiful statement of how grace works through friendship ❤️Cathy is so devoted to serving people in Guatemala.
Cindy, how wonderful that you’ve shared some of your story and that you’ve been moved to take that next step of accompanying the team and dear friend Cathy to Guatemala. Thank you and thanks to the team for inspiring those of us who are reading and praying that everyone will experience a blessed journey.
What a great tribute to Cathy and the power of personal relationships. Thank you for bringing those of us at home along on your trip!
Candy Dunson
Cindy, it was such a pleasure to meet you on Sunday morning and I wish you a beautiful week in Guatemala. We are so grateful for the partnership that has been forged with the people of Guatemala through the work of Cathy, Carrie and so many others. So glad you are now on this journey too!
Sandie Reinicker