Just the 411:
So we arrived in Guatemala City and right away at the airport a few kids came up asking to shine our shoes..as I looked down at my chacos and bare toes I said "no gracias" but tried to talk to them a bit and found out they were 10.
So I had a bracelet to give them and a tract in spanish and they were super excited! We then hopped on a bus (luggage goes on top of course) 
and drove a short distance to stay at an apartment for the night. We bonded well as all 60 of us stayed in the same place. We had great worship with a non-active volcano in the distance- it was awesome!
God is good! We then took off 2 hours later than planned and headed out for Santa Cruz de Quiche. A 3.5 hour bus ride that included lots of fun twists and turns, speed bumps that we sometimes stopped for and dramamine..lots of it! We arrived at Agape in Action and set our tents out quick right after a 5 minute rain shower as right now it's rainy season. It's not so bad in a tent.
My friend Carly is my roomie and our stuff plus our squad leader is in her tent! Here we are in Quiche all 60+ of us hanging out praising God! We break off into our teams for ministries during the day then we come back to camp. My team Sweet Aroma is paired up with another team, Alethia, and we take a 1.5 hour drive into the mountains to minister with a missionary family, paint a clinic, and hang with some sweet kids! So that's what we're up to now..
You've Got Jesus-You've got family.
When I heard about my Grandma's passing I was happy for her and sad for me.
I was wondering how and when and if I should tell the squad. I was wondering how I would truly mourn her death from so far away. I was wondering how my family was dealing with it. I really just want a big grandpa hug right now! But God had a plan! He used my friend Carly and some scripture to let the team know. He pulled the "L" squad together and they surrounded me as my new family and allowed me to cry and grieve and prayed over me! They encouraged me and mourned with me! I love these people and their compassionate hearts!
Hello Guatemala
We've been able to experience some real culture being here among the nationals. Our ministry takes us right into a small village of Guatemalans. It's so cool to see how the people dress and live. They sell so much in the market of their homemade goods. They are sweet and friendly. We are here for their independence day and it is awesome to see some of their traditions in the street! They are open to being prayed for and many are part of the local "church" but there is a strong tie to their Mayan herritage and animal sacrfices still take place here. It's been cool to visit local missionaries and see what they are doing to help with this. We visited One 27. A small mission that works with Manos de Jesus making shoes and bags and bracelets and selling them in the states. Check it out. Please pray for these simple people that God would be their God!
Unexpected joy
Yesterday we were able to help out another team and thier mission. They spent the week ministering at the prison. Painting and stuff. They put on a service and we were able to help with that. They brought some of the guys in for the service and we were asked to pray over them while the team led worship. One of our guys Jake was able to preach an awesome spirit filled message and gave an alter call. Many came forward and another teammate Jason was there washing their feet! We prayed more and each of us were able to shout out a few encouraging truths for them as well. It was such a blessing to see and be a part of that experience. God truly does see us right where we are and loves us that much! Many of these men are innocent but waiting for their trial. We told them how they can be free in their hearts even though they are locked behind bars. Many of us out there are enslaved to money, material things, keeping secrets, and chasing after things that don't last. True freedom comes in our desire for God and our obedience to Him!
Fire party
So last night we as a squad were able to confess and burn many similar things we have been through. I have had these parties before but this was awesome! Many of us struggle with the same things and it was so cool to see how everyone opened up and shared and released the things that were keeping them captive! I have dealt wih stuff as I am one of the oldest on the team and have burnt up my childhood regrets and stuff but God brought up some other things I have been struggling with. Seems to never end no matter your age! So I confessed my insecurities with my looks and height as I belive that's the reason I am still single. I confessed that I have a fear of messing up, of imperfection. This morning I realize that I also struggle with being vulnerable, but this team showed me the importance of it! The truth is Jesus forgives us and we need to lay down our shame and guilt and walk in the abundance of Grace and freedom God has given us. Philippians 3:13-14 says "I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ!" I pray this over the squad! I also know that there is nothing more and nothing less I can do to make God love me more or love me less. I am so grateful for this squad and for the awesome way God works. He hand picked me out of the basement in Delvan to join this squad at this time. I encourage you to have a fire party. God is BIGGER!
