Pouring rain. Waiting in a 2 hour traffic jam. Hearing news of a tragic accident. Getting carsick. Playing with the local children. Having a worship session. Praying for the victims.
This, in a few words sums up our 1st day in the BEAUTIFUL country of Guatemala. We began it by arriving in Guatemala City by airplane, which was followed by the"4 hour" bus drive to our ministry location in the mountains of Quiche, Guatemala.
In the city of Quiche, our entire squad will be spending the first month of ministry together. We will be serving alongside the ministry of Agape in Action, which has several pockets of ministry throughout the area, varying from a medical clinic, prison ministry, orphan ministry, and much more. Check out their website for more information about this awesome ministry.
http://www.agapeinaction.org/AIA/Home.html
So, our first hour of driving was spent oohing and ahhing at the new culture surrounding us, but for me, soon turned into nap time.
After stopping once for a delicious lunch, we were off again, although the road began to weave as we hit the foothills of the mountains.
However, not far into our ascent we were at a complete stop. Not sure of the reason why, some of us sat in the van, while the curious ones went exploring. At this point it was pouring rain, turning the road into dozens of steady streams.
I must confess, there in that moment I was struggling to find all of this exciting. I was feeling sick, tired, sticky, and did not feel like choosing anything, least of all joy.
I stuck in the headphones, and started to pray. Lord, I want joy. I want to choose joy. I want to count all things, even this bratty moment of mine, as a chance to grow + mature.
Pretty soon, my van turned our time of waiting into a worship session. In search of a bathroom, we found a church and got to spend a smidge of time playing with the little children.
After waiting a bit more, we learned the reason of the traffic jam. A tragic accident had occurred, in which a truck had gone over the side of the road, resulting in 5 deaths. Incredibly saddened by the news, we continued our time of worship, but this time lifting up prayers for the lives lost + families affected.
The accident began to weigh on my mind. In those moments- death + loss- would I be able to choose joy? I just struggled through a minor moment of inconvenience. Some people around me amaze me, they have gone through an incredible amount of loss in their short lives, but they are some of the most beautiful people I know.
I am not sure if I understand the art of choosing joy, having not gone through a deep loss like others have experienced. But I think the art of choosing joy isn't a single choice, it's a lifestyle. So that when the little things turn into big things, your heart is prepared to understand the wisdom that comes from perseverance through trial is divine + God given.
"To choose joy is to choose pain."
A Severe Mercy
Joy is unattainable without hardship.
So to choose joy is scary, but its worth it, I think.
I am sure I have moments of choosing joy ahead of me, big + small, especially throughout this next year. And I am so grateful for a God who uses those moments to gently teach me + prepare my heart for the day it will be compete.
Thanks for your love + encouragement. You all are inspiring people, keep on blessing those around you.
