Man… 38 days have been spent here in Chichicastenango Guatemala and there’s so much to share. Surrendered Seven is serving New Generation Ministries alongside the Bread Breakers team. We spent our first 20 days here in quarantine; the first 10 days were for a mandatory quarantine upon entering the country and the second 10 days was because one of our teammates showed covid symptoms. Thankfully we are all healthy and have been free from quarantine for about 2 weeks now.
Through feeling a little stir crazy with not a lot to do, nowhere to go, and only 12 other people to interact with, my love for our simple life in Chichi continues to grow more and more tender as the days pass. I can’t help but listen to the little reminders that the Holy Spirit give me each day to cherish this time and breathe it all in. Because one day in 6 years I’ll look back on this time and recount how special it was. I’ll tell my kids someday about the mismatched wooden tables we eat meals at, about the fireworks that go off at all hours of the day, about the stunning view over the valley, about showering with a 5 gallon bucket and a bowl, and most of all about the deep peace and presence of God that is here.
The Father has been teaching me so so much in our time here. Jaco was full of hearing his voice so often and so clearly, but Chichi is full of listening for his still small voice, looking for him, and finding him in the small things. Small things like the shy wave of a child when walking past in the marketplace, or the uproarious laughter of our teams as entertaining stories are shared, or the awe that overcomes any viewer as they overlook the valley. Its safe to say this place will always have a spacial place in my heart.
Please continue to pray for our us here that we would have safe opportunities to do ministry with the local communities, that God will bring wisdom, guidance, finances, and blessings on our ministry host Juan & his family, and that each of us will give our all these last 22 days here before moving on to new team placements and our (hopeful) next country of Honduras.
All my love,
Laina
