Hola amigos!
I don’t have too much to say, but I wanted to give you an update on how things have been so far.
We flew from Atlanta, Georgia August 10th to Guatemala City and got there around 11:30 a.m. From Guatemala City we drove in three buses to Quiche, Guatemala in the beautiful mountains. Everything was surreal looking out the window seeing so many beautiful colored buildings to colorful outfits and the Guatemalan people. We were all ecstatic to see everything despite only a few hours of sleep.
During the trip driving up the mountains, we got stuck all of a sudden on the road to Quiche. There was a horrible car accident on the road ahead and we found out we would be stuck for some time. Despite travelling all day and being exhausted, my squad decided to choose joy. We were able to pray for the people in the accident, which unfortunately some passed away. I knew God has us here for a reason to do ministry right in this spot.
In the rain, we danced outside and then found out there was a local church nearby our bus.
We went into a Spanish church and were able to worship with them. Anyone who knows me, I LOVE children! I saw a little boy and girl running around about the age of four. However, I decided to not play with them and solely worship. That didn?t get too far! My eyes were closed and I felt the little boys hand touch mine and speak to me in Spanish. All of a sudden, I was being ushered into the Sunday school room. I brought some friends and we got to play with the kids, los ninos! They were absolutely adorable and so joyful. Also, we figured out how to ask them about Jesus in Spanish and they told me they knew Him!
Anyhow, we ended up not getting to Quiche until 8:30 p.m. What a long day! We were supposed to sleep in tents the whole month. However, we got a huge surprise that since it is monsoon season they let us sleep inside their facility. We are sleeping in bunk beds, have hot showers, and a great place to live with my whole squad, 46 people. We are living in luxury the first month.
We are staying right next to a hospital, the only hospital in Quiche. Quiche has a population of one million people who half are Latino and about half Mayan. We have not found out our ministry yet, as we do not start until Monday. However, the possibilities include caring for the babies in the hospital, working in a local orphanage, teaching children, working in prison ministry, and I think that is all.
We went to the hospital today and it was heart wrenching. One boy was four years old and looks about the developmental age of a one year old. He can?t talk yet or walk. He was abandoned by his father two times due to his father wanting money for alcohol. It breaks my heart; however, it is amazing our ministry contacts are loving these people and bringing life into those who would not have it otherwise!
While waiting for ministry, we have been walking downtown (only a 10 minute walk away) and getting to know the area. The area is busy, busy, busy! People walking around with stuff on their heads (even chickens!), protests in the streets, funerals, live music everywhere, tuk tuks driving around, etc. The colors are gorgeous, the people are beautiful, and I have loved practicing Spanish with the people. I was able to talk to several children on the streets about Jesus. It has been amazing to be able to do that!
Prayer Requests:
* I want to learn how to share the gospel in Spanish and am working on it with our time off. Please pray for that!
* Our squad has had several sicknesses due to the altitude we are at, please pray for health for our team.
* Quiche, Guatemala: Due to the monsoon season, a lot of bad car accidents have been occurring. A lot of deaths have occurred and mud slides. Please pray for the people here.
* Also, there is a lot of division between the people here. Racial segregation here is the Mayans verse the Latinos. Pray for unity among them.
