Well the race is off and running! I flew into Guatemala City on Monday, with really no idea where I was going from there. A guy met us at the airport with a world race sign and we packed all our stuff into 2 vans. We took a 45 minute drive into Antigua, Guatemala. Meeting up with everyone again put my heart in such a good spot. Leaving Milwaukee was one of the most emotional things I have ever had to do. Tears rolled from my eyes constantly the week before I left; more tears then the last 4 years of college. The night before I left I didn’t want to go, my flesh was telling me to stay while my spirit was saying go. Be obedient to your calling is what kept playing over and over in my head. The moment after the good-byes at the airport and I turned my back to walk toward the plane, I was at a place of peace that I cannot even put into words. I said Lord, have all of me, no turning back… lets do this thing!
For launch we are staying at a hostel right in downtown Antigua. But when I say downtown I mean cobblestone roads and outdoor markets with fresh fruit, but I also mean run down buildings and beggars on the side of the street. Kids work constantly trying to get you to buy things from them. This city is beautiful and surrounded by magnificent volcanoes. Walking back to the hostel the first night after dinner through these streets lined with lights made me feel this is exactly where I should be. I have absolutely no idea what is going to happen this year but I have fully given it to God to do with what he will. Im in for this crazy race! Once the whole squad arrived we had an amazing worship session, almost like I couldn’t believe it was real. We spoke life into one another and lifted each other up in prayer. Lord, really, blessed be your name for bringing me to this place! I see this generation of mine rising up to take its place, with selfless faith. Complete trust that God will take care of the details. L-squad is already becoming a community whose sole desire is to love and serve God with all our hearts. I am in Antigua, Guatemala worshiping the Lord with 50 other ordinary radicals! If you have read Shane Claibornes “Irresistible Revolution” you know exactly what I am talking about. God has called us each here for a purpose and we decided to step out in faith to become who God wants us to be. This year is going to blow my mind by epic proportions, no doubt.
Our third day here as a squad we climbed Volcano Pacaya. A view of creation I have never experienced in real life. All I have heard of volcanoes is from what I have seen on TV. Seeing the ring of ash hover the tip of the volcano was beautiful. God’s creation so fervently displays His magnificence. We hiked up as far as the lava flow would let us, which radiated at 1200 degrees. We brought up marsh mellows to roast on the lava. Never in my life would I expect to do that one haha. I was absolutely put into awe. He made this all for me to experience. On the bus ride back from the volcano I saw a sign that said Joshua 1:9 with really resonated with me today, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrifed; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go.” So I say I reply, “Lord, send me. Send me to the nations.”
Yesterday I was so sick. By 9:30 am there was not anything left in my body to even get out. The malaria medication I was taking hasn’t sat right in me all week and yesterday my body told me it didn’t want it in me anymore. During morning worship I spent most of it in the bathroom. The staff and my team were awesome at taking care of me and praying over me. As I was sitting there, I felt God telling me that he will take care of me, don’t rely on the medicine. I totally trust with how much he has already provided for me that He will take care of this as well.
Today my health is so much better! And I am so excited for what our team is going to be doing as our ministry. We leave tomorrow to go to Panajachel Guatemala which is a city on a volcano lake. Our team will be building a home for a family and teaching in the city. The nations are going to be rocked through us this year. Until next time, Much Love!
