About 2 weeks prior to Launch, we found out our route had been changed to include Guatemala. I don't know why, but for some reason I was excited about this. I had actually wanted to go to Guatemala and almost switched routes to one that Launched in September because it included Guatemala. I have no idea why; I know nothing about the country or the culture, and apparently nothing about the climate. Silly me assumed the middle of summer in Central America was going to be hot and humid… and I was looking forward to every minute of it. But you see, Guatemala is mountainous. We are about 7,000 ft above sea level. It's true, we are closer to the sun so when the sun is out, it is HOT… skin scorching hot with a crisp, cool breeze so you don't even notice how hot you are and that you are actually sweating. And the mornings and evenings, COLD – shiver to your bones cold. I did not pack warm enough clothes. I'm a wimp. It is our 6th full day in Guatemala and I am tired of being cold. I cannot stand it. I don't want to be a wimp, but I am having a difficult time adjusting to the climate.
The food, however, is excellent. Lots of rice and beans, freshly made corn tortillas, and FRUIT! We get pineapples for $0.50 USD each! And mangoes are about 3 for $1 USD. The strawberries are actually rich in flavor and delicious and I'm holding out for one of those fresh coconuts I'm finding in the market. We are also blessed with hot showers and real toilets though we are sleeping outside in our tents all month. I find this very humorous because I felt a strong need to send my tent home with my parents at Launch. Therefore, I am sharing a tent with one of my teammates. God knows what He is doing! No hiding out for me when things get tough!
Even though the climate is not what I was expecting, Guatemala is beautiful. It is absolutely breathtaking to wake up to a sunrise over the mountains every day. I feel like I can touch the clouds. They are so close at this elevation! And get this… my ministry sight, which will remain the same for the duration of the month, is working outside on a construction site where a local church is working to build a retreat center. I get to serve outside all month! It is muddy and gross. It rains every day. Our truck got stuck in the mud TWICE. The work is incredibly physically demanding and the sun makes me nervous because I'm working hard to not burn too much and to stay hydrated. I have had a bad headache every day until yesterday, but it is still absolutely beautiful. I love the opportunity to work so hard. It feels good. So far, we have torn down a cinder block wall, pulled massive weeds that have roots 3' to 5' long, created a walkway, cleared holes for fence poles and used the crushed cinder block to create a 'road'. We often play worship music while we work and it is a great opportunity to pray over the land and future use of this retreat center. We are the first North Americans to set foot on this property. What a privilege!
The little things, maybe all of them, that push me out of my comfort zone are wearing on me. I'm tired in every sense of the word. I haven't had any free time to process and decompress. I'm emotionally and physically exhausted, but I am so thankful for all of it because I want to change. I want to be better than this. I want to be like Paul, who was content in all circumstances. I want to be content whether I am hot or cold, rested or tired, in physical pain or not, hungry or full, alone or accepted. I want to be content in all and the Lord is definitely bringing up where I am discontent so He can teach me to live in contentment… and I am just in the beginning!
