These last few weeks in Guatemala have been SO great! The Lord just continues to work is amazing ways. Also, thankfully, I haven’t been homesick once these last two weeks and man that makes a difference!
Before now, a lot of my mornings looked like waking up and realizing I’m still not at my house, with my parents, in my comfort. It looked like going to breakfast and then sitting out in a big field where we live. I’d go to the corner of the field and just cry and cry because I longed for home more that I could’ve ever imagined. I was sad, I was frustrated, I questioned the lord a lot on why we would call me here for me to be so sad everyday. I would turn on my playlist with worship music, open my bible, and spend lots and lots of time in that field. I started writing in my journal every night at the beginning of the race- I’d write what I was thankful for each day. On a good day, I’d write 3. On tough days I’d write 6 or maybe even more.This happened for about the first 2 1/2 months of the race day in and day out, I’d write at least 6 things I was thankful for because it was so tough. Day in and day out, the lord spoke so much truth and comfort over me as I sat there and cried. Usually, it’s not very hard hard for me to find ways to be joyful. These days I had to dig deep to find ways to be joyful and to find things I was thankful for. I then started to look at the little things throughout my days that i was thankful for.
Here are a few:
Smile from the chicken bus driver as we get on his bus everyday. He says,”pase adelante” or “come in in”
The base staff who pours SOO much into us. I’ve learned and grown so much in my faith and my knowledge of the Bible and the character of Christ in these last 3 months.
Ruths smile as we walk into her room each week to pray for and encourage her.
walking into our ministry hosts house everyday and their 3 grandsons eagerly waiting to play “pato pato ganso” or duck duck goose
Sitting around the table with angel and Elsa before classes start, talking about what the lord is doing in their lives and comparing cultures.
Opening the gate each day and all of the kids running in with their journal and stool in their hands. They’re always so excited to learn!
Team times full of laughter, hard conversations, leading each other closer to the lord, and sharing wisdom.
Honestly, the first 2 1/2 months were the most miserable and hardest times I’ve probably ever been through, but I’m now so much stronger through it. Now, I’m so sad to leave the kids I’ve grown so close to. I’ve seen them every week for 3 months straight and visited their houses and met their families. I’m sad to leave our ministry hosts who have made us a part of their family now and who call us their daughters. I’m grateful for the small blessings everyday. I’m so very thankful for the people and relationships that have been a part of my everyday life for 3 months now. I’m thankful for all the Lord has done and all he has planned for the community of Calderas. I’m thankful for what God has brought me through and what he’ll bring me through these next 6 months on the race. I’m thankful that despite my circumstances, the lord has never changed and he never will. He is constant, he is faithful, he is my comforter, and he loves beyond measure.
I’d encourage you to find the little things in your everyday life that you are thankful for, that bring you joy, and that the Lord has blessed you with. Seeing everyday life this way has absolutely changed my perspective and it’s been a huge blessing!
Also, I’ve been learning about fighting for people in prayer. For interceding on their behalf. Please, please, please, let me know how I can be praying for you! Message me and let me know. It would be my honor to pray for you!
Please pray for our last few days of ministry in Calderas. Pray for our last few house visits and for all of the hard goodbyes!
All my love,
Bethany
