So many people I have talked to have told me to “embrace every moment,” and refuse to blink ‘cause these 11 months will pass me by if I do…well, if the rest of the moths are anything like the first one, I now believe them. In many ways, it feels like we just got to Guatemala, but now our bags are packed….well…some of them… J and goodbyes were said to many dear friends who have blessed us in many ways this month.
Our wonderful contact, Luis took us to el cerro de la Cruz, or the hill of the Cross. This beautiful place overlooks Antigua. After climbing a massive hill, we got there in time to see the sun rise over the city. We were able to pray and sing over the city, and Luis shared more of its history with us, as well as some of the difficulties Guatemala faces today.
The organization we served under this month in Antigua was Nueva Generacion, and the mission or vision of this organization is three-fold: Evangelism, Discipleship and Sending.
There were various ministry opportunities to help support that vision, though they weren’t all linked to Neuva Generacion directly.
–Teaching in schools on morals and values of a follower of Jesus
–Business Administration-planning a youth rally and making contact with those needed to help make it happen
–Abuelo House (fondly known to us as the Grandpa House J )-doing activities, occupational therapy, feeding, playing games, and loving on the elderly at a center in Antigua
–Daycare and Special Needs Center-spending time in a classroom with a class of young children, helping with activities, practicing Spanish, playing with them, all under the guidance of great teachers.
–Translation: Thank God for google translate! J We used this to translate the manuals that our contact worked so hard to compile from Spanish to English. The teachers in the schools then used these to teach, but now it can also be used in the future for others who come alongside Nueva Generacion to help.
I enjoyed the Daycare immensely. So much joy and laughter…the children would whisper Spanish secrets in my ear, or tickle my neck, or tackle me with hugs…I didn’t always understand what they were saying and in my broken Spanish, I’m sure they often didn’t understand me, but I was still humbled by the opportunity to shared God’s love with them. J We did various crafts, ate lunch together, learned letters of the Alphabet, and colors, new words and concepts, and had playtime. Their teacher was also wonderful is a giving them a good foundation for their future learning.
I have already talked about the Special Needs Center. If you would like to hear more about this experience, go to my former blog post, Love, Relentess. Because of the situation, there are no pictures from the center, but their precious souls will be remembered.
Glimpses into the month
We hiked Volcan Pacaya one Saturday morning….Since it is an active volcano, we were not able to get as close as some people have in the past. It had actually erupted the day before, so there was still hot lava flowing down the side. We were above the “river” on a cliff, but could still feel the heat of the lava as it flowed past. It was incredible to experience the majesty and power of God, the Creator. J We also were able to meet and talk with people from around the world, and it’s always great to hear their stories.
Most of the time we rode chicken buses, and they were an easy way to get into Antigua. It was always an adventure when the bus was packed, but many more people still piled on. There is no such thing as personal space on a chicken bus!
This dish is the “national” dish of Guatemala. It’s called pepillan, and consists of potatoes and chicken, covered in a sauce of some sort. Sometimes rice, avocado, and tortillas are added to the mix. We ate a lot of rice this month, but were able to keep it versatile with various other things added to it.
We were able to spend a few days with a local friend, and experience more of the culture, practice our Spanish, make tortillas, and visit several families of the villages. So many in Antigua and surrounding areas are searching. Pray that their hearts come to know His.
This woman has faced many adversities and works very hard to provide for her family. Though we went to bless and support her, I came away feeling challenged and blessed by her testimony.
****************************************************************************************
I’m thankful for this opportunity…Antigua will always be remembered. 🙂
Today we leave for Guatemala City and will be taking a bus overnight to Honduras. Prayers for safety are appreciated!
We will have a few days of debrief with A Squad in Honduras, and then travel to our ministry site. This month is ALL SQUAD MONTH, so we will be living together as one big family.
I leave you with verses that Luis gave to us last evening at our last evening of worship together:
You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should abide, so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, He may give it to you. These things I command you, so that you will love one another.
John 15: 16, 17
Thanks, friends! Dios te bendiga!!!!
