Every year, hundreds of people visit Dorie’s Promise as part of our teams. Although we enjoy everyone who visits, when families serve together, something special happens.
This week we want to highlight the Johnson family (Kevin, Debi, Sarah, and Josh) of Michigan.
Their First Trip to Guatemala
Many years ago, a little girl named Amelia opened the eyes of the Johnson family to both Guatemala and Dorie’s Promise. Amelia lived at Dorie’s Promise and was one of the children whose adoption cases remained in limbo after international adoptions were closed*. As the Johnsons followed the story of Amelia’s adoption by their friends, they became connected to Dorie’s Promise and the greater story of orphans in Guatemala.
In 2012, the Johnson family accompanied their friends to Dorie’s Promise on a weeklong missions trip. Watching their friends’ daughter run to her parents when they arrived brought many years of prayers into reality. Not only was Amelia’s story now real to them, so was the stories of our other children. Following that trip, their family would never be the same.
Serving as a Family
Beginning with their very first trip, serving at Dorie’s Promise has been a family experience for the Johnsons. Sarah was 15 and Josh was only 10, on their first trip, but their ages didn’t stop them from serving our children and communities. They continued to visit with Sarah joining an annual teen trip for several years until Kevin and Debi began leading their own team trips.
According to Debi, “seeing God at work in our family, team members, and the children at Dorie’s Promise” is her greatest reward.
Over the years, each member of the Johnson family has found a special way of serving at Dorie’s Promise. Debi organizes their teams and enjoys spending time with our children. Through his photography skills, Kevin shares the stories of our children, staff, and communities with those in Michigan. Sarah’s Spanish fluency gives her a special way to connect with everyone she meets. While Josh enjoys working in the communities and entertaining the kids.
It’s encouraging to see each person grow and develop unique skills.
Lifelong Connections
Coming back each year gives the Johnsons an opportunity to connect with our children and staff. They have watched our children grow up and witnessed special celebrations. Last year, they were able to help celebrate Myra’s quinceanera, a very special 15th birthday party. Their work helped make the day even more special for Myra.
We appreciate the Johnson family’s commitment to our children and home. For the past 7 years, they have loved, encouraged, and prayed for our children, our staff, and the vision of our ministry.
If your family is interested in experiencing a life-changing opportunity, join us this summer.
*International adoptions from Guatemala were closed in 2008.