1.) In Belize I really enjoyed painting/doing manual labor! We painted classrooms, houses and even made a cement wall for our host. One of our projects was remodeling a house for men coming out of prison and recovering from addictions. The place was called Hedges and it was so cool to go there everyday and see an old abandoned building become a new home for someone who recently got rid of their old self and put on their new self in Christ. After many months of teaching it was cool to do something different.
2.) One night we hosted men from a place called The Freedom House. Men from prison and also recovering addicts would go to live at the Freedom House so they could turn their life back around. We all fellowshipped over a hot plate of spaghetti; talking about how God has worked mighty and wonder in their lives. We heard a few of their stories and I was reminded of Gods goodness and how He loves each and everyone of us fiercely. He never gives up on His children. I was reminded of the power of someone’s testimony and how we should always share about what God has done in our lives.
3.) Choose joy! Any ministry or task can be fun when you go into it with a good attitude!
4.) PUPUSAS are life! They are fried corn tortillas filled with cheesy goodness. You can also put lettuce and beans in them. 🙂 SO GOOD. I’m very excited to taste El Salvadoran pupusas in October!
5.) Chelsey is the best at making team times! In Belize we made matching New Kids tie dye shirts which was so fun and always had a truth or dare night!
6.) After many talks with God and my squad mentor, we decided that for the last 3 months of the race I would take a break from Team Leading. I am so thankful for the last 8 months of the race and how I grew in confidence and leadership. I am excited to enjoy the last 3 months of the race just being a racer and supporting my new Team Leader Amanda. 🙂
7.) I got a new team for the last 3 months of the race! Team FUEGO! There’s 6 of us and I love each and every one of them! They are not only loads of fun but they encourage and push me in my walk with God. They call me higher and love me so well. If you haven’t read my recent blog about my teammates go check it out!
8.) For month 9 in Guatemala we started off doing our own ministry (ATL – Ask The Lord) after our host didn’t pick us up at the bus station. We stayed in Antigua and went to the park each day to make friends and love on people. From spontaneous worship sessions in the park, to doing the little girls hair, we had a blast getting to meet life long friends in the park – like Licda. If you haven’t heard about her, go check out my blog called “Getting Lice Was Worth It.”
9.) Time is worth more than money. Money doesn’t always solve our problems. It’s a temporary fix to a much bigger problem. It’s important to sit with people and invest in them. Show them that you care and that you want to hear their story.
10.) After our week of ATL in Antigua we finally got in contact with our host and moved to Chichicastenango. There we partnered with a local missionary named Juan and helped him in the local elementary schools. We taught 1st-6th grade every day, as well as hosted services for the local police men and women. Not going to lie this month was hard. I didn’t have the best attitude towards the ministry we were doing and some other things happened that were out of my control. I learned to find the joy in the little things and to praise God no matter what happens/how your day is going. It was a beautiful month for our team though and we definitely grew close as a new team.
11.) PVT – Parent Vision Trip. My parents came down to Antigua Guatemala for 5 days and partnered alongside me in ministry in the local villages. We worked with the AIM base and got to see the amazing things they are doing in Guatemala to expand Gods kingdom. I will be posting a blog about the whole PVT experience in the next couple of days! 🙂 stay tuned!
