“Buenos Dias.” These were the words that I said about 40 times every morning the past month as we wished a good morning to those we passed on the way to ministry and once we arrived. Our schedule was pretty much the same every day. Wake up for breakfast at 7, leave for our half hour walk to our ministry site at 8, and we would arrive back at our compound around 4. After an hour or two after being back we had dinner, then team time, then bed. We definitely didn’t have much time to spare, but God definitely filled our hearts full of joy and lessons through it all.
Our ministry site was Mis Anós Durados, a day care for the elderly. Working with the elderly was definitely not what I had in mind when I thought about my first ministry on the race, but it turned out to be such a blessing. We would arrive and help the staff with some of the daily chores while greeting people as the arrived throughout the morning. After a quick snack, they would spend a couple hours learning basic math, reading, and writing skills with a couple of teachers who came in to assist them. We joined them for lunch everyday, sitting and eating with them. Often times it was hard to communicate, as none of our Spanish skills are too good, but it led to a lot of laughs and learning as we tried to figure out what each other were saying. Sometimes in the afternoon we would play some games or find various other ways to build relationship with them before heading back to the compound.
As we spent time with the elders I started to realize more and more what it means to be a child of God. Most of their hearts were in Him, and it showed through their joy even in old age. Many of them had lost their spouse and the meal they received at the day care was their only meal of the day, but that didn’t stop them from smiling, laughing, and enjoying each others company. God is good, so they were good. Learning what it means to have an identity in Christ is definitely something he has put on my heart this month, and I look forward to continuing to dive in and learn what it truly means to be a Son of God.
We also got to have a lot of fun outside of ministry. We visited some historic Mayan ruins on the same day the Mayan descendants gather there to celebrate their independence. Not only that, the entrance to the ruins was the starting like for an annual 5k back into town that people run in while kids line the streets the whole way and dump water on the runners. A squad mate and myself took on the challenge of running through all the dumping stations we could. From a distance I would blow the whistle attached to my pack and Kath would wave her Guatemalan flag. The kids would begin to scream as they realized the opportunity to drench a couple white folk… and they got us good. It looked like we had gone for a swim in our clothes by the time we got back to the compound. The next day we attended the Guatemalan Independence Day parade as well which was loaded with marching bands and cultural acts.
Last weekend we visited the world famous Lake Atitlan. It is a giant lake surrounded by mountains and a couple active volcanoes. We spend the day visiting a more remote town on the edge of the lake, exploring the markets, and swimming.
God has shown me so much in our short time here. From learning to not live for the acceptance of others, to the importance of vulnerability, to learning to be patient with the process God is working in me. I pray to grow everyday, and he hasn’t disappointed in that once yet.
Overall I had an incredible first month on the race, but I feel like it was a little bit of a warm up. God taught me a lot in our time here, but I feel like were about to get into the nitty gritty next month as we head to Nicaragua. My team is the Unsung Heroes team this month meaning that we won’t have a set ministry. Instead we have the freedom to travel all around as we seek people and ministries who are bringing the Kingdom to Earth in Nicaragua. It will be very exciting and challenging at the same time as we are going to be completely dependent on the Lord to guide us. Please be praying for us to be able to hear the Lord’s voice and direction as well as our safety throughout our many travels. It promises to be a month of obstacles, growth, and crazy stories.
