The First Month of My Race
When I first signed up for the World Race, I decided that I didn’t want to go to Central America… I was dead set on experiencing Asia, Europe and Africa. Why would I spend time in a country so close to home when I had the option to be on the other side of the world?
In the past month I have been in Santa Cruz del Quiche, Guatemala. God chose to place me here because He had something amazing planned for me… Upon arrival I was overwhelmed by the awesome beauty of the Guatemalan mountains and the amazing charisma of the indigenous people. The awesome way that the sun shines through these beautiful mountains makes it impossible to doubt that we have a wonderful God who loves to surprise us every single day.
On my first day in the city I met an phenomenal man named Cesar; he is the head of tourism in the small city of Santa Cruz del Quiche. From the moment that I met Cesar I couldn’t help but notice the overwhelming enthusiasm for his country and city. The first thing he said to us was that he’d love to show us the best view of his city… He took us up to the top of the governors mansion… thats an old military fort built in the center of the square. I was able to look out across a completely different world. I feel like in that moment God showed me that even though it was not in my plan to come to Guatemala, He was going to blow my mind tis next month.
From that moment I chose to dive in with every ounce of strength that The Lord had given me. Because I was dead set on not holding back I was able to truly experience how amazing God can bless when we give our all…
Our ministry consisted of working at a government run day care. At first we were worried that we would not be able to preach the Gospel. But God had so much more planned for us than we could have ever imagined. Not only were we able to openly share our faith with the young Guatemalan children but we were also able to draw an amazing mural that included a scripture verse. The fact that these kids will not only have our testimony to Christ Jesus, but also a lasting testament to His love right on the wall of their playground.
My biggest take away from my first few weeks in Guatemala is that when you truly allow God to work through you He will exceed your expectations. “Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” (?Luke? ?6?:?38? NIV) There is no way that I could have ever imagined 170 beautiful Guatemalan children chanting “Juan Miguel” over and over every single day as I arrived. God truly showed me how to love through these amazing children. They will forever hold a place in my heart.
