Greetings from what has become my new norm, Guatemala! It’s crazy to think that I’ve been living here for two months already. How blessed am I. My time here has entailed so much and I love to think about how I haven’t even scratched the surface of what God has for my team & I in these months to come.
I have served in MANY different ministry settings since arrival in Antigua. My first portion of ministry consisted of Spanish to English translation of text books, as I previously shared. Starting early October, I moved into a marketing and planning position for the city-wide soccer tournament our ministry is hosting. The vision for the tournament is that 16-22 year old men and women would come together under their Guatemalan love for futbol, and in turn hear about the overwhelming love of Jesus. We share the gospel at each half time through different speakers and demonstrations, and have been fervently praying that God would move in the hearts of our players. The tournament kicked off (pun intended!) the 20th and despite a few rained out games, it has been such a blessing. Our squad has had the privilege of forming an American men’s and women’s team as well! Yes guys, I have been playing SOCCER. And I don’t even hate it! There is photo evidence to come. You all will be proud to hear the other day, I had an assist & a couple good defensive plays. I am just so sporty.
My teammates sharing a message at half time!
Me being so athletic.
On the days I am not at the soccer tournament, I will be volunteering at a senior citizens home. It is the only government funded senior citizens home in all of Guatemala! I will be starting here officially on Monday, but can already tell I am going to love it. I stopped by the other day to speak with an administrator & while waiting at the gate for permission to enter, a male resident in a wheel chair was beaming, repeatedly gaving me kisses on my hand, and just smiled and smiled!
Lastly, during down time, we roam the streets looking for opportunities to get to know Guatemalans. I have been blessed with some really incredible friendships with Guatemalan friends. I have been meeting with Rosaro & chatting with her for a few weeks now. Rosaro has a 6-month-old daughter, Tiffany! I knew we would be friends when the first time I chatted with her, she asked me if she could take a photo of me holding Tiffany. My thoughts were “oh, you’d like me to 1.) Hold your baby and 2.) Take a photo? WHAT MORE COULD I ASK FOR?!” Rosaro sells bracelets every day to make an income for Tiffany and her, sometimes making not even one cent. We spend time chatting about her life and praying for her and her sweet baby girl. I found this perfect yellow hat for Tiffany and knew she HAD to have it, as Rosaro always has her in the same pink hat. Rosaro was elated when I surprised her with it & immediately put it on Tiffany and asked for another photo. Little moments like these remind me of how I came to bless, but really receive blessings more often than I can even give.
General update complete for now. Life is crazy, hard, & perfect. Sending all of my love to you.
We squeezed in a beach trip weekend away in Monterrico. It was stunning and we were able to get some much needed rest & relaxation!
Luis’s (our host’s) little girls, Elizibetha & Isabella, & their momma came to the beach with us!
Volcano climbing with my friend Anni!
