It’s strange to think that I’ve already been here in Guatemala for three weeks. It’s still surreal that I will not sleep in my bed, eat my mom’s cooking, or see my friends until May. These past weeks have been packed full of new experiences, spiritual growth, and community fellowship.
We arrived in Guatemala on Monday, the 8th of August after spending nearly 10 hours at the airport. After we landed in Guatemala City Monday night and met our host Louis, we proceeded to drive to our house in San Pedro, a small city outside of Antigua. Our squad was pleasantly surprised upon arrival to see that we had a house to ourselves with bunk beds, a kitchen, and flushing toilets (praise Jesus). This was a true blessing considering we were all planning to be setting up tents in a field. San Pedro was built in between two volcanoes which made the view from the back porch unbelievable.
The following morning we were briefed about our “ministry” for the next two weeks. Louis had planned a comedy show as a fundraiser to raise money to buy books for children, so we were given the task of selling tickets in Antigua. My team was also specifically given the task of sanding and repainting “Nissi,” Louis’ school bus. So after two long days of working out in the sun, we finished “Nissi” and were able to head into downtown Antigua to sell tickets. The task of selling tickets turned out to be much more difficult than anticipated, mostly due to the under-rated language barrier along with the tickets being more expensive than most could afford. But none the less, it turned into an awesome evangelism opportunity being able to have conversations about Christ with strangers and just being able to speak to and meet people.
After out two weeks in San Pedro/Antigua, my team and I were ready to leave for San Raymundo. Living with 40 other people had begun to be overwhelming and stressful. On Monday the 22nd, my team and I left for and arrived in San Raymundo where we were given our own house with 6 bedrooms, 6 bathrooms, and a kitchen. It’s safe to say we were spoiled with our living conditions.
We are currently working in a school for the next two months called Morning Glory, which was started by missionaries about 15 years ago. Some of the responsibilities that we have are to teach English and bible classes. We just finished teaching the Kindergarten class about Joseph and the multi-colored coat.
The past month hasn’t only been work though, we were able to have a few “adventure days” and go hike a volcano where we roasted s’mores at the top. Some of the squad also went and spent the day at the beach!
Although the work that the squad has been doing is phenomenal, I feel as if the true focus of the trip so far has been in personal growth. I have read my bible more in the past month than I have my entire life. God has also been able to keep me very content and at peace with my decision. I thought it would be difficult to see my friends heading off to college to start their own lives, and it is, but I don’t feel a sense of regret about my decision which is comforting.
These first few weeks have been some of the most challenging, memorable, and amazing weeks of my life. I’m looking forward to seeing where God takes me within the next eight months!
Side Notes:
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I am only 800 dollars away from being completely funded which is an amazing blessing so thank you to everyone who has donated/supported me!
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I will start posting blogs more often (this first month was weird as far as getting settled in)
- Please continue to pray for the safety and health for my squad.
