The World Race is definitely not for everyone, but it definitely is for me. The phrase “God has been preparing you for this all your life” stuck with me as I spent my second week of the World Race in Guatemala.
As I went into my first full week of ministry I was filled with a whole lot of confidence in the Lord + what I was doing here in Guatemala. My ministry schedule looks like the following: Mondays + Wednesdays I teach English at a school called “Loving Arms” from 9 am-1 pm, than do house visits + ATL Time (Ask the Lord Time). On Tuesday’s I teach English at Los Encinos School from 9 am-10 am, then house visits +ATL. Thursday’s are activation day, which is basically when we learn skills from mentors + our base elders + take them out onto the field with us in order to better further the Kingdom. Lastly, On Fridays I teach English at Los Encinos School form 9 am-10 am + do VBS from 2 pm to as long as the kiddos want.
So basically, I just love everything about my ministry. I thought teaching English would be incredibly hard, because I knew absolutely no Spanish, but it turns out that God really has been preparing me for this all my life. God was preparing me to teach + be patient with the little ones when He put it on my heart to lead small groups in church for younger kids at my hometown church, Timberline. Teaching the Guatemalan kids English made me feel like I was back at home. I’ve honestly never had more fun than when trying my hardest to teach these kids English + then see their face of excitement when it finally “clicks” + they understand. When teaching both kids from Los Encinos + the kids from “Loving Arms” I knew I belonged here in Guatemala during this season of my life.
House visits in Guatemala are precious. House visits consist of us knocking at a local’s door + saying “Buenas!” + then they will open their doors with wide smiles + invite us in to chat. The locals have so much to offer, whether that be a wide smile, a “Hola” , an apple for each of us to eat, or just simply saying how much they appreciate what we do here for the kids + for the community. It really is something special when you see someone who doesn’t have a whole lot of material things scramble around + try + find something for you to eat, it just shows so much love towards caring to those around you + it’s something I would never see or experience in the States, like who just lets a total group of strangers into their house + have deep conversations with them + let them all place their hands over you and pray?? Well, Guatemalans do + its made ministry here so beautiful + so intentional. God again has been preparing me to do house visits all my life. God has made me into “a social butterfly”, as my mama says, +I live for the moments when I can sit with others + learn their unique story, their testimonies + their faith in the Lord.
Not only have I been able to connect in deep relationships with the Guatemalans, but also my teamies + squad. We’ve been growing closer each week + have got to know each other’s hearts + testimonies!! I love these girls so so much!! Heres a couple of cute pictures of us just enjoying the World Race lifestyle!
God has been preparing me for the World Race all my life + after this week in Guatemala it couldn’t be more apparent that this was + is true. God put inside of me a love for teaching to little ones + love for their confidence in all that they do. God made me an extrovert so that I could go into houses smiling + make relationships with others, even when I don’t know their language. God called my heart to the race a long time ago + God has prepared my heart for the race all throughout the years.
