So here I am finally in Antigua, Guatemala ( I've been here for a week, sorry that I was not able to blog earlier ). My team arrived in Antigua last Friday. We have weekends off for our Sabbath day in which we walk around town, go to the market, and rest from all the busyness of the week. Last weekend as I was walking around town my mind was completely blown. Antigua is very cute and colorful, but because I am no longer in the states I expected it to be poor and dirty, and although there are poor and dirty parts ( which there are in every city ) there is so much more beauty here. As I walked down the streets and looked around at all the houses and businesses I would see several buildings that looked old or not taken care of, many that had paint falling off or big dirt spots and my first reaction was that the place was dirty and somewhere that I would probably want to avoid; however, to my surprise as I walked by the open door to the building the inside was so beautiful! Not only was the inside very nice, but it was so big! I was completely surprised by what was on the inside. God bought to my mind the simple saying that we all know, "Don't judge a book by its cover". I was immediately humbled and apologetic for the way that I was looking at the buildings. My mind then wandered to how many of us also judge people the same way. Just because people do not also look the best in the way they dress or because they may not have the best and newest toys, many of us automatically write them off but its time for us to take the time to look what is beyond the outer appearance and really get to see what is on the inside. We all know the story of David and Goliath, but do we all remember why God chose David? God said to Samuel: " Do not judge by his appearance or height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things man looks at. Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart." I have made it my prayer to see things the way that God sees them. I pray that you also make this your prayer so that the world may be changed through God's overflowing love and mercy.
I have attached some pictures of the hostel in which I am staying. The outside may have paint falling off, but once you walk inwhat you see is beauty. This place is wonderful and such a blessing.
