I cannot believe that we are already approaching the three-month mark. It is insane to me how fast time will pass you by. I have grown so much and I know that if I was to get on a plane and go home right now that I would not be the same person that got on the plane to come here.
- That ministry doesn’t always consist of a consistent 40 hours a week.
There has been so many days that we have woken up and stayed at the house all day. There has been some days that we only have morning ministry, or some where we only have afternoon ministry. I have had to learn to be content with that. I have spent a lot of time searching, praying, and reading the word. In this the Lord has showed me that I was in Guatemala to get something’s right with him.
- That I live a blessed life in the United States.
Since being here I have had many opportunities to visit homes and see the real and actual reality of poverty. It has been so heart breaking to see kids who grow up with only having one holey pair of shoes or no shoes at all. It’s been heart breaking to see small kids who are malnourished and who have no chance of getting a healthy nutritious meal. I have grown up with parents who love and care for me more than I could ever imagine. I have grown up with hopes and dreams for a future. I have been so lucky to live the life I have lived in the United States, and I am sad that I have taken that for granted so often.
- The power of prayer.
God has really showed me how important it is to be in constant prayer.
Xenacoj is a very dark town, we have recently been praying for the darkness
That surrounds this town to go away. We have also prayed for our ministry
As things have came up with it as well. The Lord has put on my heart that I should be really praying for some of my family members back at home. There has even been times where I will feel like I should pray for someone, and they message me and tell me they need prayer.
- I have learned the importance of constantly being in the Word of God.
Since being gone I have read my bible more than I have ever read it before. I have written, highlighted, and doodled verses. I am often reminded that when difficulty come up I can stand firm on the Words that the God has given us.
- How Thankful I am for Ranch.
If you really know me you would know that I am a huge Hidden Valley Ranch fan. In Guatemala the ranch is just not the same. It has been so sad to go with out ranch.
- How Thankful I am for German and Suzie.
German and Suzie have been great host. Suzie makes the best meals. Recently I have enjoyed sitting in the kitchen and getting to know her better. She has a really big heart and really loves her family well. I am thankful for German he has a huge vision for this ministry. He has wanted and helped us grow in our faith so much. We have watched the family grow as well. It will be an awesome opportunity this Thursday a day before we leave to mini debrief we are going to get to see Suzie and Emily get baptized.
7. How much I really love coffee.
I am drinking coffee as we speak. I have probably drank more cups of coffee here in Guatemala than I have in my entire life and I am a pretty avid coffee drinker at home too. I have loved going to Antigua and going to my favorite coffee shop “Café Boheme.” I have loved the service and most of all getting to Facetime with good WI-FI.
- How hard it is to live in tight and confined places with 15 girls.
I am generally a clean person. I love having everything neat and organized and when its not neat and organized I usually avoid it until I find time to clean it. It has been an experience living with people who are not alike in this way. I have found myself many times cleaning and cleaning and it never being the way I wished it would. It is cluttered and often messy. I have to learn that if it isn’t that way things will still be okay. Girls are a lot messier than I ever thought possible. Sharing only one bathroom can also be the pits, we have developed a sign up for showers and who is in line.
- How many people can really fit on a bus, than what is usually suggested for safety reasons.
I have taken many chicken bus rides. Some have been super crazy and packed. There have been many moments that I was frustrated that the bus driver kept stopping to pick up more people when there are 3 people in each seat and even some standing up. Just when you think you are on a bus that is as full as it can get it gets more full. I have learned to appreciate having my car at home and not having to rely on public transportation.
- That relationships with family members and friends at home that have fallen apart, or that I am not really close with are important.
I have talked to some family members that I haven’t talked to in a really long time and mended some of the broken pieces. I have talked to some family members more on this trip than I have ever. I have found forgiveness for old friends and even expressed that. It has been a time that has taught me that sometimes you cant choose who you are related to but you can change how you view them. I want to go home and love my own family members the way that God loves them even if it is difficult.
10. How much I miss my dog.
The dogs in Guatemala are annoying. Most of them are multi They like to follow us around and hound us for food. They are full of fleas and ticks and it is disgusting. The most annoying dogs are Bobby and Alfreda they like to come on our patio area and sleep and pee. They remind me how much I miss Max. He’s clean, smart, and cuddly. He gets me for who I am. For the first month of me being gone he slept in my bed regularly. It’s really sad because its not like I can Facetime him or can talk to him. It’s true that a dog really is a girls best friend.
