Wow I really cannot believe that I have already been in Guatemala a month. It has flown by so fast. Though it hasn’t been the easiest month, it is still one that holds so many memories. Today as I was walking the streets we ran into the two of the kids that come to our house every Saturday morning for the feeding program. They didn’t show up to this Saturday feeding though, which I was sad about, but As soon as they saw us they greeted another teammate and I with big hugs. Then we looked across the street and waved at Carmalinda that was making tortillas. That reassured me that I was at Home. Which was the greatest possible feeling.
This week My Team and I worked in a school in Ayapan. This is a very poor school that has very poor education as well. We went to teach them English. If you know anything about me I have a deep love for kids, and have had a thought about being a teacher in another country before.
I devoured the time. We taught basic phrases, colors, numbers 1-10, and Body parts. I loved hearing all of the words come out in their Guatemalan accents. We sang songs in English and even played games that would help them memorize it even more. It was very rewarding at the end of the day when they would say “Goodbye” instead of “Adios.”
We ended our week at Ayapan with a soccer game against the teachers. I didn’t play but for a few minuets, but being athletic is not something that the Lord blessed me with. During the Game I sat with my class and still they were coming up to me pointing at their nose and saying “nose” or pointing to the grass and saying “green.” Finally the fruit of my labor, it was refreshing.
A school day only lasts till noon so in the afternoon we would go and visit widows. It is so much fun when we do widow visits. We go to their house, sing for them, bring them medicine and corn, and pray for them. It’s usually a fast thing and some of the widows don’t really say much. But one widow in particular named Marcela, one neither German nor us had ever visited was really receptive. I sat down by her on her bed and as we sang to her she wrapped her arm around me. It was the sweetest thing in that moment I felt the complete love of the Lord.
One thing I have learned this month, is how truly blessed I have been. I have been praying for heart that breaks for what Jesus’s heart broke for. I have experienced first hand what poverty looks like. The kids that have hole’s in their shoes, pants that look like capris on little boys, little boys wearing girl clothes, widows who sleep on boards, widows with no shoes, and people who have hardly anything. It has been something that has taught me how blessed I am to have what I have even if I don’t have access to it. I have felt deep conviction that I have complained that I only have two weeks worth of clothing, or that I brought a pair of shoes that I don’t even like. I am sad that I was born with a chance and life and some of the people I have met are already born into a life where they have a very small chance. I am extremely blessed and not as grateful for thing as I should have been.
Although it was the best ministry week I have experienced yet, it was also one that I was dealing with spiritual warfare. When the Lord is usually up to good, the enemy is up to messing things up. I stuck it out and dug even deeper with the Lord. Pray that I would continue to Grow in the Lord and that the enemy would stay away. He came in Sickness (which is not fun when at all but especially in a foreign country), debit card problems, team arguments, irritableness, and other little things. Be in prayer that he would no longer show up the way that he has.
Thank you guys so much for the continual support and prayers. I’m so grateful to know that I have people cheering me on at home. I’m not the only one on the Journey you are with me too.
Hugs ,
Lexi
