Guatemala has met me with open arms. This started with my ministry hosts, Craig and Carol Hill. I could go on and on about how they have went out of their way to make us feel at home and like family, but words just don’t do this couple justice. I see God in both of them…Craig with his fatherly love, a love that provides such comfort knowing you have someone to lean on when times get rough or when you feel under the weather; Carol with her motherly instincts, striving to nurture and meet the needs of others. They’ve given me what feels like a little piece of home, while being about 3,000 miles away from that special place. Through Craig and Carol, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside the Misteco’s, a Guatemalan family that my entire team has grown to love dearly. This family has opened up their home and hearts to us, calling us into a deeper relationship with the Lord through service and worship. Each day for the past month we’ve went out into the surrounding communities to minister to those in the area. Now, ministry in Guatemala looks completely different from ministry in Jaco, and that’s the beauty of being able to work as a team. As a team, (FDV) we have six women from all over the US, each with individual gifts and skill sets. In Guatemala, I’ve gotten to see how each of us flourish in different areas of ministry whether it be kids, art, medical, food distribution, or construction based and am able to see how these gifts are utilized to make us the strong team that we are (We are the body of Christ after all, each being used for a different part to make the whole.) Due to the variation in ministry areas, I’ve also discovered some skills I didn’t even know I had. Take construction for instance…if you would have told me three months ago that I’d be skilled with a sledgehammer or proficient in bending metal I don’t think I would have believed you..but because of these strengths I was gifted the nickname, “The Hammer”. Truth be told, the work required for constructing a house is not easy…its tiring, dirty, and exhausting some days, but when you think about the family of 11 that will no longer be homeless and are able to see the smiles on their faces as they watch their new home being built, it makes getting up to do construction something you look forward to. I think to myself, if God wants me to build houses for the rest of my life, I would wake up excited and honored to do so. Because being the hands and feet of Jesus, is truly an honor, and I can say without hesitation it is the most rewarding and fulfilling way to spend your days on this Earth. Not only have I grown in some unexpected skill sets, but being in Guatemala has given me the opportunity to dive into some old skill sets and knowledge I feel very passionate about- medicine. Once a week for the past month we have ventured into different towns around Guatemala and set up a free health clinic for people in the area. As God would have it, my team is equipped with two nurses, a dental hygienist, a pharmacist (Craig), and myself, together we use our knowledge to diagnose and treat some of the common illnesses plaguing the communities in this country. Often a simple ibuprofen is enough to ail the symptom, but I feel the most effective forms of treatment for most involve health and lifestyle education, along with good old fashion prayer. The memories I’ve made while praying over patients in the clinic or while watching as a family enters their new home for the first time, have become some of my favorite highlights of the race thus far, and are memories I’ll cherish for a lifetime. Guatemala, you’ve allowed me space to grow spiritually, you’ve given me a push to grow personally, and you’ve provided me with people who’ve grown into family….you will always hold a piece of my heart.
Now, the squad is off to Honduras and a new journey begins.
Speaking of journeys, I have been blessed by so many who have given their time, energy and finances to help me along my fundraising journey and I could not be more thankful for the support I’ve been given. Although Ive come along way, I still have quite a bit to go. My deadline to be fully funded is April 30th, so I wanted to reach out and ask for YOUR help to continue with The World Race! Please join me in praying for the funds to come in and if you feel led to donate I would be so thankful! To donate you just click the “Donate” link located at the top of my WorldRace page. I truly do believe that the Lord provides and works through others, and I have faith that he will come through in this time of need.
