Team Love Story has been hit with a multitude of tribulations this month. We have been attacked by killer fleas that seem to be devouring our flesh as we sleep. Some sort of parasite has been eating us at night as well. We have had fevers, stomach bugs, the flu, body aches, allergy attacks, and a urinary tract infection. The ceiling in our home leaks, plumbing has been such an issue that I have contemplated finding a tree to squat behind, and stray dogs have been sneaking in at night and reeking havoc on our trash cans. We have also had a few communication issues that have made tensions high periodically throughout the month.
For a lot of us, the race became very real this month. We suddenly have realized that this thing might be harder than we thought.
But this month has also brought us many lessons.
As I was lying in my bed with a fever and horrid body aches, I was hit with the revelation that I cannot do this race on my own. I actually can’t lean on my own strength for anything. I wouldn’t make it a day on this journey by myself. I have to have The Lord by my side. I need Him to provide me comfort, strength, and joy, even in the times when giving up would be much easier than enduring.
I have also learned to be thankful for what I have. I may be sick, covered in bites, and frustrated at times, but I have so many more blessings than these minor setbacks can compete with. I have a family that loves me, a roof over my head, a bed to sleep in, and a place to take a shower. I have all the food and water I need, a community of amazing girls to back me, and most importantly, I have a God that always loves me and has my life in His perfect hands.
This month may have brought us some trials. But In the end, we are here to grow in our relationships with Jesus, love the culture we have been immersed in, and treat each other as The Lord sees us. I think of all of the smiling faces of these children, and the widows that just need a hug and someone to listen (even though we can’t speak their language) and it makes everything else seem so insignificant. They feel the love of Jesus, and that is all that really matters. We have had struggles, but we have also grown in love, and have had days when all we can do is laugh with each other.
When I look back on this time in Guatemala, I may remember that it was challenging, But I will also remember that it was some of the most fun I have had with my team, some of the best times I have had with Jesus, and that I have had the opportunity to meet some of the most loving people on this planet. What more could I ask for? The Race DID just get real. But I am happy it did.
This is one of the beautiful widows that have made it all worth it.
