Snapshot.
Saturday, late afternoon. Chilling in the hall with Katie H. on our day off, sharing pics of family members and the stories that come with them. The windows and door are open, there’s still blue in the sky outside, along with the intermittent sound of motorcycles passing on the street outside. Just got back from a walk to the nearby mall with Katie W, Jen, and Dani, where we indulged in ice cream (and let me just say, you haven’t had real ice cream until you’ve have Sarita, the brand they sell here. Unbelievably delicious!).
We have 6 days left in Guatemala. Weird. If every month goes by this fast, I’m gonna be home before I can blink twice!
But for now, I’m reliving this last week with all its ups and downs and once-in-a-lifetime moments that I sometimes zoom right by without stopping to look in the rearview mirror…
Snapshot.
Tuesday night. Sitting back in a beautiful terrace in the evening dusk, with strings of lights overhead and cool iced tea. Bin-jamin, our translator, has invited our entire group over for dinner at his parents’ lovely home, and they treat us like royalty. It is one of the most humbling and incredible experiences we have had here! He shares with us about his time as a missionary in the Middle East, and relates to the difficulties of giving up the comfort of home and family. His dad shares with us as well, with Bin-jamin translating into English. “Please feel completely at home – our home is your home! We want to bless you for all that you are doing here. If you are ever back in Guatemala, come to our door and you can stay here for as long as you want to. This is your home.â€�
Benjamin with his parents (photo by Dani Grant)
When we sing a couple worship songs, his mom’s eyes fill with tears and he translates her words for us, “You sing like angels!� They serve us tostadas until we cannot eat another bite, continually replenish the iced tea, and then bring out two tubs of ice cream to top off a phenomenal night. But the most incredible part is the love and grace they show. To every compliment we extend, their unanimous response is, “Praise God for everything we have!�
Snapshot.
Wednesday morning. Gathered in the new mayor’s office, catching a glimpse of his heart for God and desire to combat the corruption that has infiltrated the government of Puerto Barrios and much of Guatemala. He tells us how he has been working 19 hour days, and the only thing sustaining him is the Lord. We ask what he would like prayer for specifically, and he tells us, “Just pray whatever God puts on your heart. My pastor says it is better when we speak less, and God speaks more.� What an honor to stand beside this humble man as he takes time out of his insane schedule to worship and pray with us. We sing “Our God is Greater� in his office, his secretary and assistant worshipping along with us as we fill the room with praises.
Snapshot.
Thursday night. My body is tired, my brain is tired, my heart is tired. Half my teammates are at home sick, and energy is low. We sit under the gazebo at the park where the break dancers hang out, watching their moves and cheering them on as the rain falls in the park around us. I feel empty, unable to accrue enough energy to catalyze an interaction or conversation with the bright-eyed teenagers.
Daniel, one of the break dancers (photo by Dani Grant)
Beyond that, I am downright discouraged at the ongoing need to speak a language that is not my own, until my brain is fried and I feel like I know nothing. And yet in my weakness and lack of effort, my Father chooses to bless me with a new friend. All it takes is Chase and Kevin breaking the ice with their impromptu rapping and beat-boxing, and 15-year-old Junior enthusiastically chats with me for half an hour. He shares with me in Spanish about his life, family, school, and so much more – he shares his heart. Before we leave, he eagerly writes his name down so I can find him on Facebook. Our farewell is the traditional hug and kiss on the cheek that I have become accustomed to here 🙂 As we prepare to leave, I stand around chatting with Mama Hilda, Junior, and another kid. They tell me that my Spanish is really GOOD!! Haha! Not that I believe it, but boy does that make my spirit dance.
Snapshot.
