Oh, Oh! She’s so… so Guatemalan!
And we are so American! We’ve made it to Guatemala (via LA and El Salvador). The drive from Guatemala City to Antiqua was a short – three vans stacked with backpacks on top and wide-eyed American’s inside, searching frantically for differences and spotting out similarities (Shell and even Taco Bell). I guess there really is no way to describe the woman dressed in authentic cultural attire than what my squad-mate declared- she’s so Guatemalan! I love discovering this new place!
Antiqua is a bit of a touristy town but well known for its Spanish schools (I’m hopeful that means the locals are patient with language learners!). We were told upon arrival that we’d stay at a hostel for three days of training and then depart for ministry locations throughout the country. After a LONG day of travel – I was really hoping for a bed. I didn’t expect to get an awesome hostel with a COMFY bed! I also wasn’t expecting what was next. ..
We met together in a square not far from our hostel for safety briefing and updates. Since training camp in August some squad-members had to postpone their participation on the Race for various reasons and it was announced that one team was disbanded so we went from 10 teams to 9. Several teams were changed, added to, etc. Lionheart, however, remains the original seve n- or you could say the magnificent seven. After lunch we had our ministry debrief and found out where we’d be going on Wednesday. BUT we aren’t going anywhere! Team Lionheart is staying in Antiqua in the same hostel! I definitely wasn’t expecting such luxurious accommodation (but I am SO thankful for it!). It gets even better, though!
We will be partnering with Next Generation, an outreach to teenagers and families in Antiqua. Details are unknown, but overall this month we will be teaching biblical principles to teenagers, discipleship, perhaps running a soccer camp, construction work with a church plant, preaching, and evangelism. “Perhapsâ€� is key-” things could change at a moments notice.
Tonight begins a “screenâ€� fast so I won’t be blogging for a couple days. We are going to disconnect in order to really engage in the moment – no internet, computers, ipods, (anything with a screen) – except for cameras J When we aren’t having training, our teams are going to be making movies titled “this is it!â€� Stay tuned for what Team Lionheart comes up with.
Before you click out, I welcome you to read a few prayer requests and keep us in your thoughts this week/month 🙂
Team/Squad Unity – Love each other, work well together. (especially for those who are placed in a new team)
Ministry Partnership – That we truly partner with Luis (our contact at Next Generation), are a blessing to him and the teenagers in Antigua; for clear communication and grace.
Safety – Though Antiqua is not as rural as we expected, there is also more of a tendency for pickpockets and theft. Pray for safety for our teams – personal and belongings.
Presence of God– That each of us would have tender hearts, open hands, and discerning ears to God’s presence and calling.
And wherever you are today, may God bless you!
Blue skies,
Ginger
Team Lionheart in Town Square
Lionheart Ladies Jump…and the men shoot…
