The month in Guatemala with W Squad was amazing. The whole squad was together in the mountain town of Quiche, which gave us the opportunity to bond with each other and go deep as a group. Most nights, Amanda and I would plan something for us as a squad, everything from teachings to movie nights to worship to dance parties. We are incredibly blessed by this squad of men and women who are sold out to the Kingdom of God! Here are a few highlights from our month together:
Ministry
The teams all had a wide range of ministry opportunities this month including a day care, an orphanage, building a campground, a senior citizen center, the local hospital and helping lay the ground work for a school. There were opportunities to participate in the Kids’ Day celebrations that took place around the community as well. Amanda and I were able to go to ministry with almost every team this month and be part of the work they were doing in Quiche.
(Kids from the orphange Casa del Padre performing at a school fundraiser)
(With one of the boys from the school)
(Shoe shiner boy)
Adventures
We had a chance to visit Lake Atitlan for the day towards the end of the month. Of course, no day on the World Race is without its challenges, which meant that when our bus broke down two minutes into the drive, the men got to jump in and help push it out of the road to be repaired.
While at the lake, several racers went zip lining while others walked around the town, shopped in the markets, went on boat tours, and swam. It was an incredible day for the squad to see some more of Guatemala and enjoy the views of volcanoes and waterfalls.
(Lake Atitlan)
Debrief
We had a few days at the end of the month that were devoted to debrief. Our squad mentor, Erin, along with other staff from Adventures and our coaches flew down to spend a few days with the squad. It was a time devoted to teaching and being poured into, as well as a chance for us to dive in deeper with the racers and hear how they’re doing after their first month on the field. We made sure to leave some room for fun, as well, and hosted our first Panqueque 5k in which anyone who wanted to participate ran 3.1 miles, with stops every mile where they were required to eat pancakes. First place finishers were Claire Rekitzke and James Fraundorf, with the best vomit story going to Stephanie Ransom.
Pancakes!
(Clay forcing those pancakes down)
We ended with a day and night in Antigua, where I was able to meet back up with my former teammate Dan as well as Noe, who had been field support for B Squad. It was an amazing night where those at the Adventures base cooked us dinner, prayed and encouraged Amanda and I, and had a time of worship.
(Noe, Dan, and I!)
(Antigua at night)
(View over the city)
Thank you for all your continued prayers and support! Thanks to your generosity, I am over halfway funded for squad leading! Thank you!
W Squad is now in Nicaragua for month 2. Amanda and I will be separating tomorrow to go our different ways with the teams as they minister around the country. Please continue to pray that we would be first and foremost walking in intimacy with the Lord as we are in leadership, listening to His voice, and operating out of the Spirit and not our own flesh. We can’t wait to see what the Lord does in and through W Squad this month!
