(Written January 31, 2014)
Our last week in Guatemala! It has been different yet the same. Our squad leaders Madisson, Michael, and Geena left us on Saturday and also both YWAM teams for the weekend. The Mexican team went to Livingstone which is supposedly a very dangerous place and they were staying near to a Church of Satan. The Belize YWAM team went off two by twos to different pastors’ houses and stayed with them for the weekend. It was just our World Race teams for several days.
Saturday was our day off. Many people spent it blogging, posting pictures online, catching up on paperwork for the race, laundry, and generally playing games. Sunday we had the option to either stay and pray for the land again or go to Church. I went to church, which I am glad for because I was able to speak with Marianna again. She was one of the women I prayed for the night at Church I filled in for Amanda’s role in the skit “Follow the leader.” She thanked me sincerely and chatted for a while. She speaks English very well and we encouraged her to travel some more instead of working all the time. Later that day we went to the park again to play soccer or learn how to break dance. It was fun watching everyone and we all got a little salsa dancing lesson. David, Rob, and Paul were able to strongly bond with the break dancers and prayed for them, I was glad the dancers were open to us.
That night Kyle talked to us about prophecy. Many gave their own personal testimonies on prophecy and healings, it was amazing to hear. He encouraged us all to practice and God overcame me that night. IT wasn’t a major euphoric state, but he gave me the peace and calmness I need about spiritual gifts, prophecy, and what he endowed me with. I woke up the next morning filled with joy, I was ready to dance! Except everyone was still sleeping.
Tuesday we visited the Mayan ruins, which was amazing in itself. We were able to climb to the top of two of the temples and explore the surrounding structures. Fernando acted as our tour guide and gave us a great history of the place. On Wednesday he brought us to the Isle de Florez, a tourist location and we quite enjoyed it. It was a small island with little shops everywhere brightly painted. We all bought our gifts and souvenirs there and I bought a patch to sew on my daypack. We also got to see the FM Radio Tower Casa Verde hopes to use sometime soon. It’s there but for some reason they cannot use it yet. I really enjoyed the trip, though the Guatemalan roads are lacking. There are potholes and unmarked speed bumps everywhere. I think my rump is a little bruised.
Yesterday we went to the dump for the last time. Sadly, we arrived late so many of the children we play with went to school, including my Annalise, but we still played with the children there. We did soccer, backflips, teaching them new games, Jess made a baby, Manuel, smile that not one person has ever done before that I know of. He smiled and laughed! Manuel was always stone-faced. It was a good time and I really am glad we went, however late we were.
Last night Casa Verde threw a good-bye party for all of the teams here as we are all leaving within a few days of each other. We ate traditional Guatemalan food and drinks, we worshiped God and held a small danced party, the Casa Verde staff all gave testimonies or what was on their hearts about use. Fernando brought his band and they played live for us, locals were there and taught us a dance, and many pictures were taken. I almost felt like a celebrity.
Lucy was there too. She was one of the women I “forced” to dance with me after church one night. She pulled me into the middle of the dance floor and we danced together again. Afterward we spoke to one another and she told me how much the dancing meant to her. I was just having a fun time but it was something deep for her and I am glad God used it. She wrote me a wonderful letter that I will treasure always.
I thank you for your prayers and support as we move on into the next month and ministry. I am still short funding wise before the next deadline on April 1st and need $3,050 by then. The total funds I have left to raise by July 1st is $8,300. God will provide and I am praying for $4,175, half of the total funding left I need to raise by the April 1st deadline. I am wondering if you all would prayerfully consider in supporting me either financially or through prayers. I thank God every day for allowing me to spread His Kingdom and am growing in my relationship with Him so much. I am grateful for all your help!
