Guatemala is absolutely incredible. These last three weeks have been so life giving. If you don’t know already, this is v-squad’s “all squad month.” Instead of splitting up into teams and living/serving in various cities, all 25 of us are living in a house together in Chimaltenango, Guatemala.
Sometimes in an all squad month the whole group will do the same ministry, but this month we have been split up into eight groups of three. Most of our trios are teaching subjects such as English, Art, and Music in various local schools. My trio got assigned “homeless ministry” and I was so excited! Deep down it was my first choice after our host explained each service opportunity, but I figured I wouldn’t get to since many others wanted it as well. God loves to give us the desires of our hearts!
It is safe to say that the Lord has heaped blessings on my this month. Niki, Oriolyne, and I have built some amazing friendships with our ministry partners and have been given fantastic opportunities to participate in other things as well!
I’ll quickly give you the rundown of our ministry opportunities.
DBO: is
This is our primary ministry. The full name of the ministry translates to “God is Cool.” Our partner Ronald started it with his three younger sisters and mother.
Each week we:
– help serve Sunday breakfast at the central park to anyone who is hungry
– participate in an evening worship service/dinner for shoeshiners and the children of adults who sell items at the park
– join an afternoon service specifically for women and widows run by Ronald’s mother Mary
– Help facilitate a bible school on Saturday mornings for 40 -70 kids in the local community
– Travel with Ronald to Antigua (where we had debrief) to try to connect with around 100 homeless individuals scattered across the city. One week we went to look for them since the mayor has run them off from their usual spots, and this past week we held a shoe drive, giving out over 40 pairs of shoes.
Los Gozosos:
This orphanage is a 30 minute walk or 8 minute tuk tuk ride from our house. The home was founded by an America woman named Maureen, and specifically serves children with special needs. We have helped them with laundry, dishes, and organizing closets etc. The individuals who work at Los Gozosos and the kids they care for are so joyful which truly reflects the name of the home meaning “the joyful ones”.
Casa Shalom:
Run by Americans in Minnesota, Casa Shalom is a private orphanage which serves over 100 individuals (infant – 20 yrs). My new friends Brent and Julie Potter invited our triad to go since they visit the last Sunday of each month on a visiting day. Brent and Julie met while working at this orphanage, and they now offer their home as a transition house for teenagers leaving the orphanage. While we were there, we loved on the babies, served cake/ice cream/tostadas to the young kids, and played soccer with the teens!
Alpha y Omega:
This is a private Bilingual school that Julie and Brent used to teach at. They hooked Niki and I up with an English teacher named Mayra, who we have worked with twice a week! While there, not only do we help teach high schoolers English, but we also share our personal testimonies and some Bible stories.
Maya Kape:
Week one, our squad found a gem of a coffee shop we refer to as Maya. I list this under my ministries of the month because I felt the Lord asking me to reach out to the workers there. I have gotten to connect with 7 of the employees by writing Spanish notes and giving them a treat to show them how much I appreciate their service. My favorite thing to buy is the Oreo frappe, and by now they know my order since I visit quite frequently.
One huge thing I have learned this month is that ministry is not a job or something to check off a to-do list, it’s a lifestyle. Living with a ministry mindset doesn’t look like an on/off switch, but rather constantly seeking the Lord and saying yes to the opportunities he presents right in front of you. Living missionally looks like keeping your eyes open to little ways you can present someone (you know or don’t know) with the love of Christ. This month in Guatemala has been something special, and I am so thankful to God for the many relationships that were formed and for the experiences we shared!
Over and out,
Julia
