Wednesday was officially our last day of ministry in Guatemala. We’ve been going to Calderas for the past three months. We’ve been welcomed with open arms by our Guatemalan grandparents, we’ve taught english to kids that I now consider my little brothers and sisters, we’ve been welcomed into countless houses and heard so many stories of the Lord’s faithfulness, and the list goes on and on. This place has been home since I left my actual home in Amarillo. Angel and Elsa have encouraged me so much and have been so much comfort on the days where I’ve missed my parents at home. My students have given me so much joy on the days when I miss my babysitting kids at home so very much. Man, I’m going to miss Calderas, its a place like none other.
So what did we do on our last few days of minstry? We had a big fiesta of course!! All of our english kids came and we had such fun day playing games (of course duck duck goose because its their absolute favorite), laughing, eating pizza and candy, and enjoying our final day together. That night, my team and I had the opportunity to stay the night at Angel and Elsas house so that we could spend more time with them. They dressed us up in traditional Guatemalan clothes, they cooked us dinner, we roasted marshmallows, played games, and ended the night by setting off fireworks. The next morning, we went with Elsa to visit the homes of people we’ve gotten close to. We visited Ruth’s house to tell her goodbye. We talked about all of the amazing things the Lord has done these past three months and how he’s going to continue to do those things. We also visited a few of the houses of students in my class. Before heading to the bus to leave, we joined hands and prayed with Angel, Elsa, their daughters, and their grandchildren. We thanked the Lord for bringing them into our lives, for all the Lord had done, and for blessings on their family. As we all had one final group hug with Elsa, she reminded us of why we were here and to never forget that God is faithful no matter what. We walked with them all to the bus stop and said our final goodbyes. It’s crazy to me that in August I didn’t even know this family and now they mean more to me than I can say.
This community has taught me so much. The people of Calderas don’t have much, but they would give you absolutely everything they have. They welcome you into their homes and share their stories of what the Lord has brought them through. They feed you so.much.food. They know what true hospitality looks like. They greet you on the streets every single time you walk by them. They have such a strong faith in the Lord and it amazes me. They value family and will do anything for their families. They love deep, work hard, love the Lord, and have joy like no other. Calderas and its people will forever have a place in my heart!
So, thank you Jesus for bringing me to Guatemala! Thank you that I’ve met some of the sweetest people ever. Thank you for taking me to Calderas where my life was changed by the people there. Thank you for putting people in my life that have discipled me and led me closer to the Lord. Thank you for bringing me through some of the toughest times of my life here in Guatemala. Lastly, thank you for loving me so much that I have gotten to share your heart and your love with the people of Guatemala! You are so, so good!!
We are heartbroken that our time in Guatemala is over, but we know that we can still fight for the people of Calderas through prayer. Please join my team and I by praying for the community of Calderas. Pray for unity within the community. Pray for Angel and Elsa’s ministry and that the Lord would do even more through them. Pray for the the faith, health, and safety of every single child that we met or that came to English class. Lastly, pray for their families and that they would never loose their hope and joy in the Lord.
I can’t believe that 1/3 of my race is already over! Tomorrow we head to a mini debrief weekend and Monday we will start our travel days to Chang Mai, Thailand. Please pray for our travel days to go smoothly and for safety during our traveling! Also, I still need $620 to be fully funded in order to stay on the field with my squad. All donations are tax deductible and are so very appreciated!!
All my love, Bethany!
