Bienvenidos amigos! (I think that's German for, "Can I have a taco?") I'm two weeks into life as a Squad Leader for The World Race D Squad! We're in Guatemala this month and so far have spent time with four of the six teams.
Week 1
Our first week was spent with teams A Patient Hope and Shadowfeet in the city of Antigua, which is one of the most charming places I've ever been. It's set at the foot of a volcano where the constant shuffling of pedestrians and the hustle and bustle of beat up cars and motorcycles only add to the vibrant life of the town, highlighted mostly by all the colorful buildings. Here are some photos from Week 1:
We spent time at a children's hospital (it's the photo above. The hospital is attached to and run by a local catholic church.) praying over and playing with the children living there. We also spent time at two different retirement homes, talking and singing with the people there, mostly just giving them a listening ear and some personal attention.
Week 2
Our second week finds us in the far less touristy city of Puerto Barrios working with teams Cherished and Lion Song. We're living at Casa Verde (a popular World Race ministry location) where the teams are doing various types of ministry including visiting the city dump to love on the people living/working there, visiting schools and orphanages to serve/play/teach/love the kids there, and helping lead a few church services during the week. Here are some photos of our time at a nearby school where the teams performed a few skits for the kids, sang some songs, and filled the playground with joy playing with the kids during recess!
And the fun only continues with meals where all 16 of us gather at one huge table 3 times a day to enjoy delicious homemade tortillas and rice and beans, and fresh veggies. (And don't tell anyone…but we have freshly brewed coffee every morning too.)
God has been doing some cool stuff in and through these awesome, awesome people. It truly has been a privilege to be able to walk with them these past two weeks. Pray for them…they are truly serving humbly and with vigor and could use support from their spiritual family back home. In a few days my co-leaders (Hope and Caitlin) and I wll head to the town of Chimaltenango to spend the week with teams God Before Us and Night Vision!
