Chapter 1 of my World Race is ending. This Tuesday we'll travel to Antigua again for a couple days of rest, and then Thursday we'll take a 12 hour bus ride to our next location in Honduras. So please pray for safe travels as I continue my journey and turn the page to the next chapter.
I've learned so much this month. Not only about my team and our identity, but also about myself. It's been an amazing month, filled with so many experiences.
We planted trees,
harvested beans from the field,
killed and ate rabbits,
dug trenches,
attended church that was in 100% spanish,
played A LOT of soccer,
ziplined through the Guatemalan forests,
led devotionals,
went to town festivals,
fed people at the dump,
Feeding some of the locals at the local dump. "They don't have to be a believer to recieve our gifts, but everyone who does WILL hear about Jesus, I guarantee that!" -Javier, our ministry contact
With everything we've experienced this month, my team is really stuggling with leaving this ministry in Guatemala. The girls are absolutely in love with the little ones. And Jake and I have really connected with the older boys, earning their trust as we grew together in faith and fellowship.
It just doesn't seem fair when you think about it, does it? You develop relationships with everyone, learn their names, what makes 'em tick, what they like to do for fun. And then one day, you pack up your things, and leave, praying that someone will come behind you and pick up where you left off.
This is David (but you have to pronounce it Espanol style, Daveed).
We went on a prayer walk the other night, walking the entire site of the ministry. Not exactly angry about our inevitable departure, but you could feel the tension in some of my teammate's voices as they declared that peace, healing and spiritual growth will continue in this place after we're gone. Maybe we were all just feeling a little guilty. Personally, I think it was the unknown. Not knowing who or when or IF someone is going to come after us. How long will the boys go without a game of USA vs. Guatemala soccer game, a round of NINJA, or someone to lead devotionals with them?
I climbed up the water tower to get this shot of the ministry site.
We were encouraged when Kayla, our team leader, found a verse that helped bring comfort to why we have to leave:
Early the next morning Jesus went out to an isolated place. The crowds searched everywhere for him, and when they finally found him, they begged him not to leave them. But he replied, "I must preach the Good News of the Kingdom of God in other towns, too, because that is why I was sent." So he continued to travel around, preaching in synagogues througout Judea. -Luke 4:42-44
It was something we all needed to hear.
We were planning on hang gliding off of this cliff. But the wind was blowing in the wrong direction so it was cancelled. But it was one heck of a view of all three volcanoes.
Jake with Emberto.
Before ziplining.
On one of our days off we went to Iximche, Mayan ruin site.
Just relaxing after lunch with the kids.
