Benevolent (adj.)- organized for the purpose of doing good
With clouds suspended over the mountainous region of Guatemala, I knew we were close to landing. My squad mates and I could not wait until we touched down; each one of us leering out the small cabin window for a glimpse of what we were about to experience. What a beautiful way to begin our time in this magical country..
Stepping off the plane lead to a world of emotions: anxiety, excitement, humility and a dazed mind.
I was practically skipping out of the airport but it felt as though we were stepping into a new world; a world full of color; a world so far from home but surprisingly resonated similarities in me–a McDonald's, the hustle and bustle of an afternoon work day, children giddy in their school uniforms…
We packed ourselves onto various buses and began our journey to Quiche.
As the hills become prominent, the people become less and less; the beauty of God's landscape never ceases to amaze me but I could not keep my gaze away from the people- those living and working in a harsh reality yet captivating me with their smile
About an hour and a half later we stopped at a local restaurant for lunch–to say it was delicious would be an understatement (fresh cherry juice, a cilantro broth soup with rice and vegetables, warm hand made corn tortillas, a rich, spicy sauce I couldn't get enough of).
We loaded back onto the bus for what we thought was going to be about a 3 hour drive
Around 5:00 we came to a dead stop–it was a crowded, busy mountainous town. We decided to join the everyone in the streets to figure out what was causing the chaos. We were still unsure about the hold-up but we heard what sounded like a church service. Our vans happened to stop in front of a local church and we were graciously invited inside.
What a powerful welcome to Guatemala! Though there was still a language barrier, we could feel the holy spirit at work; through their genuine cries, smiles, children and friendly greetings. It brought some of us to tears.
Being captivated by the small but mighty church lead us to what had become the streets of Guatemala at night. The news that a landslide had taken the lives of five people became our reality. The road ahead was blocked and all we could do was pray; pray for those taken and all those affected.
My heart cried out to those lost in the accident as well as their families and friends. It was a humbling experience and one that brought me closer to God and my squad almost instantaneously.
So let a man think of us as Christ's servants, and stewards of God's mysteries. Here, moreover, it is required of stewards, that they be found faithful. 1 Corinthians 4:1-2
