I’m currently in Guatemala with nine amazing high school students. We have been living in San Pedro, on Lake Atitlan and doing different types ministry in San Pablo, which is about a 30 minute truck ride away. Myself and two other leaders (Sam & April) are getting an unique opportunity to see missions through the eyes of these high school students.
It’s nearly 13 years later (yikes) since my first missions trip to Reynosa, Mexico. God has given me an amazing opportunity to see missions through the eyes teenagers–just like where I once was. I would have NEVER imagined when I was 14 that I would one day be in Guatemala, leading a team of high school students, but here I am! And as we come up on the half-way mark of our trip I have to tell you that these students have absolutely blown me away. It has been a privilege leading them. God is teaching me so much through this experience. In a way, it’s been a look into where I’ve come from and a reminder of the promise of where I’m going. I have truly felt so blessed to be on this trip. Yes, I am daily challenged, but through those challenges the Lord is growing me. I’m so thankful that I’m here.
I’m really proud of these kids. They have stepped out in boldness, prayed mighty prayers and have put each other before themselves. As we like to say, we have become our own little family. And I just love their questions too like, “Lauren, what is the Kingdom of Heaven?” Or “Lauren, what does it mean to ‘walk’ by faith?” These were questions I didn’t even realize I had taken for granted knowing their answers. I can honestly say I’ve never really sat down to answer those before and so as we begin to unpack these questions I realize how the Lord has given me wisdom along my life for this very time.
I’m sure in another 15 years (with even more wisdom gained) I will again be in awe of where God has me and what He has me doing. It’s so exciting! But for now, I want to leave you with a brief video of our first week of ministry in Guatemala, I think you’ll be able to see why I’m so proud of these teens, the work they are doing and why they already hold a special place in my heart. We appreciate your continued prayers for safety, health and BIG things from the Lord! Blessings!
