The World Race Gap Year begins RIGHT NOW? Wow… so many emotions have taken place from Launch to arriving in Guatemala. As I arrived last week to Georgia, to start launch I felt a lot of feelings: I was scared to travel to developing countries having no idea what life was going to look like or what I would really be doing, I was scared of leaving behind loved ones, + I was also filled with so much excitement on how the Lord would move in me + in those around me the next nine months. I had no expectations, but just the readiness to give God all the control + let it all be done by Him. Really none of it felt real, like how could the World Race actually be here right now? How is it that I am starting a 9-month journey that is going to radically change + wreck my life in such beautiful + intentional ways? But then here I was arriving on the base of Adventures in Missions Guatemala, starting my World Race journey.
God really gave my squad, squad w, a blessed travel day to Guatemala. All 47 of us hopped onto 3 flights + a one-hour chicken bus ride (we got to stop mid-way for lunch at Wendys, which was a high blessing wow) + then we were right outside of Antigua at the Adventures in Missions base! This base was NOTHING like how I thought it would be. The base had rooms for each team! The rooms were filled with comfortable beds, showers with running hot water, + toilets (total upgrade from port-a-potties). Not only did we have a great place to sleep but we also have AMAZING Guatemalan cooks, Sandra + Terasa, who put all of their hearts into making our meals, so that they can love + honor us. The staff here in Guatemala are so intentional with every word they speak onto us + it is so apparent to us all that they are all so ready to love + pour into us.
We learned what our team’s ministry is going to be for the next 3 months!! My team, Ekklesia, will be traveling to a little village called Encinos, where will be doing VBS for children two times a week, making house visits to share the gospel with all, + helping alongside women in their homes showing that they not only have a role to play in the house but that they are also part of the high Kingdom, that is God’s High Kingdom. I have always felt my heart hurt for women around the world who feel unworthy or not known because in truth they are royalty in God’s Kingdom + they deserve to feel the power of God’s love just like I feel every day. I feel so much honor knowing that God will be working through team Ekklesia’s hands + feet to empower the women around us + to build a community centered on the Lord.
Guatemala has received all of gap w with open hands + has made me feel so at home. Today I got to participate in a local parade in Paramos for Guatemala’s independence day!! + wow it was so much fun getting to play + walk with the Guatemalan kids while we celebrated their beautiful country!! I’m so thankful for all the Guatemalan families that have invited us into their homes to either talk about God’s faithfulness, make corn tortillas, or just play with the little ones!!
The first week of the World Race Gap Year has been so profound + beautiful + I can’t wait to see what God does next!!
