Our last week of ministry was so bittersweet.
We gave our little English exams, threw a pizza party, had a sleepover, said many goodbyes, and made such sweet memories.
We have fallen in love with the town of Calderas, at the base of Acatenango. We’ve built so many relationships with the townspeople. We had a vision of creating unity in the community, specifically within the women, and we have laid that foundation for them.
Monica
Monica has a three year old son, five siblings, and a niece who all came to our English class. Monica didn’t have to stay, but chose to. She learned some English herself and helped her family in class too. Sometimes our Spanish isn’t exactly the best, so she was our translator who only spoke Spanish. She whipped the kids into shape if they weren’t paying attention or got too wild. Monica has leadership skills and has the potential to be a person of peace in her community. We’ve gotten to know her and her family the past three months, she has a huge heart for them, and wants only the best for everyone.
Ruth
Ruth and Eddi are leaders of the community. Eddi is a local pastor and Ruth is his wife. Shortly before we arrived, Ruth was told her kidneys were failing and the medication she was given wasn’t working. Ruth and her family made a decision to completely give up their situation and leave it into the hands of the Lord. Then, we arrived. We have been to Ruth’s home every week since we have arrived to pray for her complete healing. At first, we really felt like she was meant to pass. But, we continued our prayers for her and she slowly, but surely was healing. Ruth wasn’t able to walk because of the swelling in her legs, now she walks with ease and grace. The color has returned to her face and so has her sweet smile. We felt the Lord has completely removed the possibility of her death anytime soon.
Elsa
Elsa is our sweet ministry host. When we first met her, she was very quiet and didn’t hang around too long and let Angel handle everything.
Now, she is the complete opposite. Elsa has one of the sassiest mouths I’ve ever encountered. But, also one of the biggest hearts. Elsa feeds us all the time, I personally don’t mind because this lady knows how to cook. (Turns out she’s known for her cooking)
She calls things out as the are and gives those who need it the words they need to hear from the Lord. Her sassy remarks surprise us every single time, and sometimes we don’t even catch them because of the whole language barrier, but we know she’s probably roasting us.
Today as we said goodbye, she started to cry. She told us she didn’t want another group, but God told her to take them in too, so she will. It hurts her heart to see us go, because we are like her daughters. She knows the Lord is going to grow us and has his salvation for us. She would see us again soon.
These three women have the great potential to share their testimonies, their gifts, and their love to others in their community. They can do great things and I believe that because we pursued them and sought out relationships with them, that they will begin to do the same for others.
