In many ways, these first few weeks have more than met my expectations. There are so many things to see, taste, and overall experience in Guatemala. It has been interesting from the get go learning about the culture and history of Guatemala. In the region we are in, Quiche, only half of the people speak Spanish, the rest speak a local dialect instead.
The vast history of the region provides many experiences as well. We got here just in time to participate in the Guatemalan Independence Day celebration, and some of the squad members even got to be a part of the 4 hour long parade with their ministries. I got to explore Mayan ruins with my team last weekend. It was completely mind-blowing to stand on top of a temple and look down on the town-square where so much history took place. My favorite part of the ruins was the Mayan ball field. If you have seen the cartoon “El Dorado,” then you know what game I am talking about. The teams could only use their forearms, shins and calves, and hips to get the ball in the ring. The losing team was burned alive as a sacrifice to their gods after. Crazy! We also went down into what they considered their underworld. They were narrow and tall passageways with writings on the wall and twists and turns throughout the tunnels.
Another adventure I had was at La Cascada Parque Natural. We got a tour of the beautiful park where there were rope swings and natural blue ponds. I also zip lined over a waterfall for only 2 dollars! I traveled around the city, scoping out the locals favorite coffee shops (and good coffee they have!). I have spent quality time with my squad playing Catch-Phrase some nights, and ultimate frisbee some days. We have even convinced some of the locals to play with us!
Along with those adventures, I have taken a headfirst dive into reading God’s word and listening to what he has to teach me. I was listening to a podcast last Sunday that spoke to me about asking the right questions. The pastor said that we are stuck asking each other the wrong questions such as, what church are you going to, who’s your pastor, or what denomination are you? Instead we should be able to walk up to anyone who is walking with Jesus and ask two questions. What are you reading in God’s word? And, what is He teaching you? He boiled it down to going back to the basics and not overcomplicating anything with our relationship with Him.
One of my goals this year is to read through the entire Bible and try to look at things in a new perspective to see what things I can learn that I may have overlooked before. I am so excited to see what is in store for the rest of this month, and for the rest of this year.
I am sending love from Santa Cruz del Quiche, Guatemala to all of you! God bless!
