Hola! Buenas Tardes de Guatemala!!!
Heres a little catch-up blog for everyone on the happenings since Training Camp!!
Two weeks before launch, S Squad received an email saying that our route had changed. No longer would our first three countries be Honduras, Nicaragua, and Costa Rica. We were now going to experience Guatemala!! So my route, as of this moment, is Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Philippines, Thailand, Cambodia, India, Nepal, Kenya, Uganda, and Rwanda. I was slightly disappointed about the route change; however, God is using this country in mighty ways!
I left on the morning of July 4th for Atlanta, GA for a few more days of training. Saying goodbye was nearly impossible. Having to say goodbye to the comfortable life that I have built for the last 21 years to turn to the complete unknown in countries around the world was stifling. I love my family and friends so much; however, I know that God has so much on this road ahead. And, unfortunately, saying goodbye is part of the journey.
Our launch consisted of team time, learning how to live off of a very small food budget ($4 per day per person), and additional practical training. My team is growing and stretching in amazing ways already!! I can’t wait to introduce them in my next blog (that is way overdue). Also at launch, we were taught door-to-door evangelization tips, safety tips, and were filled up spiritually.
We flew from Atlanta to Miami to Guatemala City on Sunday, the 7th of July. Unfortunately, I lost my cell phone in the Miami airport. It was hard, however I feel freer not feeling tied to my phone. It’s definitely an adjustment not having it, but it is giving me more time with God.
Guatemala is GORGEOUS!!!! We are staying up in the mountains about four hours north of Guatemala City in the quaint town of Santa Cruz del Quiche. We are surrounded by farmland and rolling hills at 7,000 feet elevation. Everyday we are greeted with a beautiful sunrise and about mid-afternoon there is a quick thunderstorm. I can’t say enough about the rugged beauty that surrounds us here.
Our whole squad is together this month as we figure out the ropes. It has been a time of bonding for not only our squad, but our teams as well. Our first Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday nights, we had squad worship and then led into a time of vulnerability. We were asked to tell our deepest secrets, the things we had never told anyone. We were asked to be vulnerable and trust that others would be as well. Let me just say how reassuring it is to know that I am not alone in my struggles. We all struggle, we all fall, but we are there to help each other get back up.
My team is working with Team Metamorphosis on a building project in the next town over for a local pastor. It’s long, tiring, construction work and each day I leave feeling more exhausted than the day before. Nevertheless, God is using us to further His kingdom, even when we feel like day laborers.
Adiós a mis amigos!!
Elizabeth Shouse
