Best of Month 1, Guatemala style:
By the numbers:
23 – number of bug bites on my left leg.
19 – number of days its rained since being in Guatemala
13 – number of buses we've taken all over the place. This doens't include other modes of transportation… like the back of pickup trucks or cramming 8 people into a tuctuc.
10 – number of times I showered this month. It was 9 but Kirsten thought that was really gross so I showered again before posting this to make # 10. 10 is waaaay more than 9.
5 – how many fantastic teammates I have that have made month 1 so incredibly blessed!
3 – number of times I flat ironed my hair
2 – number of times I ate red meat this month. Just tryin to make my Daddy proud of me 😉
Most fantastic food:
1.Banana pancakes with nutella 2. Tempe sandwich. Both in the same meal. Props go out to Ash for the excellent meal sharing decesion.
Best adventure:
Ziplining at La Reserva National de Atitlan in Panajachel. Hike up the mountain through waterfalls and sketch rope bridges, 8 ziplines and a high ropes course at the end. Yes, please.
What God is teaching me right now:
GRACE. Living with 5 other people is amazing. (seriously!!) Buuuut, it is also a non stop learning experience. I am really starting to learn how much grace I recieve on a daily basis. It's awesome to get that, but we have to give it out too! This is one of those moments where it's way easier to recieve than to give. But giving grace to people shows that we trust them and affirm what God is doing in their lives. Gotta learn it!
Greatest accomplishment:
Completeing our biggest project – the Gaviones!!! There were days I thought we would never stop throwing rocks around. But we did it! And look how fab it is! We will be available for hire upon return to Los Estados Unidos.
Moment i will never forget:
Almost anything having to do with Erwin, the precious 8 year old boy that we lived with. In particular, the day Benny carried him down to the garden in a wheelbarrow. The garden is not a short walk, nor is it on flat land. Erwin also felt it necessary to bring his pet chicken, Chuck, along for the ride. The whole hike back up Benny was burning some serious calories dragging them, and Erwin was in the fetal position cuddling Chuck and wispering 'it's ok Chuck, it's ok.' to comfort the chicken. Priceless.
People I will remember forever:
1. The Bobs!!! We were so blessed to meet an amazing couple – Bobbi and Robert. Aka, The Bobs. We met them on the street in Panajachel, and ended up spending 2 Sundays gathered around their kitchen table sharing delicious food and fun stories. They gave us coffee and wifi… 2 of the things world racers crave most. It's amazing how God allowed our paths to cross at exactly the perfect time. I hope one day I can be as welcoming and generous to other people as they have been to us. 2. Marli!!! Marli came to Casa de Sion just a few days after us and since then we have been trying to convince her to get in one our packs and finish the race with us! She is such a loving, hardworking and fun person to be around. We were so blessed to spend month 1 with her! Love you Marls!!! 3. Erwin!!! I mean, just look at him! Too cute.
