My first month was amazing in Guatemala. I loved our ministry with Luis and Nueva Generacion. It was so hard to leave after making so many friendships with contacts; all the guests at the Elderly home; amigos from Church; housemates; and other World RACE ALUMNI. God blessed us so much. We had a nice house with a beautiful yard, beds to sleep in; plenty of food; fun experiences like the volcano and the beach; and fun people to pour into us.
I got to see God working in so many areas of my life. Most importantly God has been showing me how much he wants to get to know me and for me to get to know him. For as long as I can remember I have been mostly talking about God and not to God. I’ve lead tons of bible studies, read books, and had so many deep conversations with people about God but I’m just now really, really learning about how to have an actual relationship with him.
I’ll be honest I was a wreck my first week. I cried all the time. I wasn’t happy about relinquishing control, not having alone time, loss of my own freedom etc.. They tell you about this before the race but nothing can prepare you for it.
I wrote in my last blog about the JOY God has given me. That all started in Guatemala. I remember the day and the shift and its been gradual since. I’m relinquishing control; living in the present; enjoying each day for today; and it feels so good. When I think about Guatemala I can barely remember those first days of crying ha
I was scared going into the race that I would be radically changed and I didnt know what that would look like. What is intersting is that I was thinking about what others would think in that not how great it would feel to be transformed. I feel so much lighter and freer than before. I’ve always walked around with anxiety and fear and I’m sure I will have days where I feel it again but now I am learning to focus on God in those times and change my perspective. Try to find that peace I know he has for me.
God has wiped those tears away and has rejuvenated me. Guatemala will have a special place in my heart because I will always remember it as the place God gave me JOY! He is changing me and he is being oh so gentle.
Blessings,
Jennie
