I am definitely a verbal processor. Which is one reason why I love blogging so much. I process things as they come out on the keys, which is also why I can't handwrite or journal these thoughts. My hand can't keep up with my thoughts.
There are so many stories, pictures, and a video that I made from launch that I want to share with you, but right now we are limited on our internet time and battery life, so I wanted to give a brief overview on what the last few days have looked like. I have some unfinished blogs written out in a word processor that I will share when we have more time, and that will fill in some of those detail blanks that I love so much.
Wednesday, the rest of the squad, along with the other 3 squads who were launching in September (all going to different groups of countries) arrived at the hotel in Chicago. We spent the next 3 days in teaching and worship sessions, and spending time in our teams (groups of 6-7). We got the chance to go into the city, see some sights, and pray with several people that we met along the way.
On Saturday morning, we arrived at the airport to head to Guatemala. L Squad was split up into two groups, and one flew into Dallas, and one into Miami. From there, we flew into Guatemala City and arrived Saturday night. We were picked up in a pimped out Guatemalan bus, as well as a 15 passenger van, and transported, with our bags stacked on top of the vehicles, to a house in Guatemala City where we stayed the night.
Sunday morning, we woke to a beautiful blue sky, and had worship and prayer on the rooftop, overlooking GC and the mountains in the distance. It was an incredible time to worship and pray over the country. Afterwards, we had breakfast, thanks to our incredible hosts, and thought we were going to be heading out right after. Ed and Shayna, our wonderful logistics people, had left to buy our team leaders SIM cards so they can communicate with each other this month. It ended up taking them 2 hours longer than originally planned, so we got to practice the art of "hurry up and wait" that is apparently a big part of World Race life.
We had planned on leaving at 10:00, but ended up leaving around 12:00, and arrived at our ministry site in Santa Cruz del Quiche at 3:45. Most of us had not eaten any lunch, and are just now getting dinner as I type (9:15). But so goes World Race life. We are quickly learning the value of being flexible and positive.
A group went into the city and to the grocery store to buy food for our squad, and worked with some of our ministry contacts to prepare the food for the rest of the squad. I am eagerly anticipating the meal. 🙂
We also got our ministry assignments tonight. Although the whole squad is living together this month (usually we will be split up all over the country we are in), we are all working with different ministries. Although we don't have a lot of information yet, it looks like our team will be working with Team Sweet Aroma in a neighboring town, partnering with some of the contacts that are involved with Agape in Action. I heard that we will be helping with small construction projects, going into a school, helping kids with lice, and other things. We will know more as we go into ministry tomorrow, but we are really excited about it.
Note to our families: We are safe, happy, and excited. Sorry it has taken this long to let you know that we made it, but internet access will be limited this year. Just trust in us that we will be diligent to let you know as soon as we are able. Also, you are on a spiritual journey in this just as much as we are. Although, I'm sure as a parent/family member it is not easy to feel like you are out of the loop, it is a great opportunity to learn new ways to lean on the Lord, and He can be a better comfort than anything we could provide. We love you all so much, and we can't wait to share stories, pictures, and videos with you!
Until next time…
