This is my last letter to a country on the race. Not my last blog, though, don’t worry!
Well, here we go, I guess…
Dear Guatemala,
Saying goodbye isn’t fun, but I definitely don’t think it’s for forever.
Guat, you have given me some of the best memories of my entire race! Like that one time I went surfing at a famous beach, or hiked 12 miles on a dormant volcano to watch an active volcano erupt all night long. Yeah, those were good times. Though, I’d say the people you drew me closer with made my experience that much better, like the chicos on my squad and my fellow coed chicas. Yeah, those are just a few of the wonderful 30-somethin people I get to call family. Family. You have taught me quite a lot about that word. Like how it doesn’t necessarily have to mean blood relatives or even best friends, it can simply be the people you do day to day life with, my community. Guatemala you gave me the most insane, amazing and beautiful community in the world. A community that far exceeded my expectations and answered every single little tiny baby specific prayer I prayed way before coming on the World Race. Thank you for your cobblestone streets, rolling hills, tall mountains, breathtaking valleys, stunning architecture and delicious foods. Now, the people. I could write a novel on how thoughtful and friendly Guatemalans are. They are literal sunshine in my pocket, smiling ear to ear on every corner, never failing to greet me and give me cheek kisses. Thank you for sharing your people with me. Thank you for allowing me to not-so gracefully immerse myself into your culture with my broken spanish and hyper enthusiasm. Thank you for giving me an incredible ministry, Loving Arms. Brazos Amorosos. So, to Loving Arms, I want to thank you for being one of my favorite ministries on the race. You showed me that I actually don’t mind little ninos, at all. In fact, I adore Kindergarteners. Seriously, my class of kinder kiddos brought me immense joy every time I walked into the classroom. Embraced with big hugs from little bodies and itty bitty voices shouting “lissie! lissie!”, I cant help but beam just thinking of them. Thank you for Thayli, the small girl who now holds a piece of my heart. A 6 year old with such zeal and compassion, one who always told me I was beautiful (bonita) and her best friend (amiga mejor). For Wagner, the kindest boy I have ever known. At only 5 he knows more english than I probably did. Though its only simple conversational words, he always tried his very best to impress me with his new skills. He succeeded for sure! For Darlyn, the outstanding Kindergarten teacher who was never caught frowning or complaining. Who didn’t know a lick of english but spoke to me through hand signals and hugs. Such a sweet soul who taught me a lot about caring for and understanding kids and helping them feel seen. What a treasure teachers are, for real. And thank you to all of the students and staff at Loving Arms, all of you have truly impacted my life. To my team, man oh man. The loves of my life, honestly. The best of friends. WOKE. I don’t even know where to begin? We hit it off immediately. Our dynamic is better than I could have ever dreamt up. Cole, I consider you the class clown. Your wit and sarcasm have me on the floor laughing daily. But, its your gift of words that truly have me thanking God for you everyday. The ultimate encourager. You are someone who values the lives of others and desires deeply to pour into them, and you do it oh so well. You, along with Daniella and Blake, will be the most influential team leader to ever exist. I know this for sure. Also, sorry for intensely interrogating you on the second worst third grade field day ever. Go change the freaking world my dude! Daniella, oh Vanilla. I know you want to beat me up each day… not too sure why but its fine. I just don’t fight back because I know you’d lose and be sad. I don’t like seeing friends sad, so. All jokes aside, you are woman of great power. Your intimacy and confidence in Christ inspire me to seek Him out intentionally, with love in my heart and authority in my soul. You bring out that authority in others, and I know that the entire squad is grateful for you. I adore you. Blake. Guess what finger I’m holding up? You’re the definition of a Godly man. You uphold yourself with knowledge of your identity and consistently call out others for who they are, while recognizing the ways God is moving in their lives and in your own. You have such great discernment and can navigate through others feelings, knowing exactly how they need to be loved in that moment. Kiki, my disney princess. My ear for hearing and shoulder for crying. Arms for hugging and mouth for chatting, usually 5 octaves louder than needed. You’ve shown me how to embrace like Christ does. No matter what people are going through, you love them where they are at, even going so far as to feeling just what they’re feeling. Thats hard and also all things good. Meanwhile, I feel as if I have only taught you how to shut a door, though you’d say you’ve learned much than that from me, I find it hard to believe. You’re a person I wouldn’t have guessed I’d get so close with, but did, and “bro” am I so grateful! Sam, Soomoohoo, you are a huge blessing in my life. From the moment you asked if I wanted to be your best friend at launch, I had a feeling you’d truly become one of mine. You understand my mental health more than anyone ever has. I cant even put into words how much that has meant to me, you’ve forever changed me. You sit in peoples messes and give them the most love in the world, Im not sure how you haven’t ran out of it! You’re also the best bow driller out there, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise, ever. You’re story is living proof of God’s glory to glory, and I am so beyond happy to have even been the tiniest part of it. You’re just amaze-balls (sorry mark). Last but not least, Hunter! Hunt, you are like the brother I have never had but always wanted. You push me and poke fun and sometimes I yell at you but it always ends in a big hug. I’ll miss my daily Hunty hugs. Thank you for making me feel known and always affirming me in my leadership skills. You’re a leader yourself, and you are going to go so far with those dreams you have. You have taught me how to let my free spirit fly and never to discredit my vision for life. Woke, thank you for being some of the coolest, most caring and kind people I have ever done life. Guatemala, thank you for giving me all these experiences and friendships and memories, plus so much more. You will be missed. The race will be missed. This life will be missed. I’m not too sure where to end this while typing through my tears, but I guess I’ll just say… I love you, Guatemala.
xoxo, Lissie
