I wrote this in Guatemala but I didn’t have internet access until now:
These last few days my team and I were able to spend our time in paradise. Let me paint the picture for you… After a 3 hour bus ride (where people sat on buckets since all the seats were taken) we jumped into a small boat built for 20, which of course means we packed in 50ish. We putted through a beautiful tropical river for about 15 minutes before getting dropped at the docks of Monte Rico.
(the boats at the dock) (I was sitting about mid way down the boat)
(this photo does not do justice)
Grabbing our bags, we walked through the town heading towards the beach. It seemed completely normal, dirt roads, small tiendas (stores), dogs everywhere and the people starring. We had no idea what we were in for. Beautiful black sand beaches, waves crashing so hard on the shore it felt like a small earthquake and our hostel, Johnny’s Place, literally on the sand! Pillows for lounging, hammocks for resting and a restaurant with great food and amazing smoothies! Seriously, paradise.
(our hostle, Johnny's Place)
(Sunset and Sunrise)
Here’s the thing, we went to the beach to get away, to relax and hang out with our ministry host for our last few days in country. But in actuality it ended up being some of our best ministry moments! We met some interesting people and we just lived life with them, swimming in the ocean, playing beach volleyball, freeing sea turtles, eating food and just hanging out. We lived, we laughed and we radiated Christ to all of those around us. I feel like there was a common factor to everyone we met, they were searching. Searching for so many different things, but in the moment just someone to talk to. It was perfect, six young adults desiring to share the root of their joy surrounded by hurting and lost people. We planned on vacation time, God planned on showing up. We were a light in a dark place, I really couldn’t have asked for a better way to close out Guatemala.
Matthew 5:14-16
14“You are light for the world. A city cannot be hidden when it is located on a hill. 15No one lights a lamp and puts it under a basket. Instead, everyone who lights a lamp puts it on a lamp stand. Then its light shines on everyone in the house. 16In the same way let your light shine in front of people. Then they will see the good that you do and praise your Father in heaven.”
(Team KALEO with our Minsitry Host, Ilse)
