Location: AIM base (right outside of Parramos, Guatemala)
Consisting of chicken bus rides, market visits, independence day festivities, new foods, and prayer walks throughout the villages, week one in Guatemala has been nothing short of eventful. I have only been here 10 days and I have already learned so much. I have learned that living in community is one key to happy living. I have learned a little bit of ukulele. I have learned how to distinguish God’s voice from my own. I have learned that the language barrier only exists if you allow it to. I have learned how to be vulnerable with my teammates, and how that can bring us closer. I have learned a little bit of Spanish. I have learned that it’s okay to feel confused. I have learned that strangers can easily become family. I have learned that love speaks every language. I have learned how to allow God to use me to heal others in the name of Jesus. I have learned that getting up at 5:30 am to run can sometimes be refreshing and not horrible. I have learned how to be confident in my style. I have learned how to make homemade Guatemalan tortillas. I have learned that spending time with God can look different for everyone. I have learned how to open my eyes to visions that God may give me for others. I have learned the importance of absorbing the moment. I have learned that just because I don’t want to do something doesn’t mean God won’t ask me to do it.
The fact that I have only been here for 10 days and I have already learned so much, excites me for the months to come.
This week, we all received our ministry assignments. My team and I will be spending the next three months investing in a village called Calderas. Though very small and very poor, this is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been. Up in the mountains, Calderas is placed at the base of the volcano, Acetenango. This village is so high up that there are literally clouds in the streets. It is one of the most amazing things I have ever seen. Our ministry hosts, Angel (pronounced “Onhel”) and Elsa Lopez, are locals in Calderas and are going to let us use an extra room in their house to teach English to the local kids. Knowing English is a really big deal here. A Guatemalan that knows English can typically get a much better job and better provide for their family. Teaching English has never been a call of mine, and makes me slightly nervous, but overall I am very excited to get to take part in helping grow the community, learn what God is going to teach me through teaching others, and possibly help give these kids a wider future.
God is doing so much here in Guatemala. People are accepting Jesus into their hearts. People are receiving healing from the Holy Spirit in Jesus’ name. People are growing in knowledge about God and His love for them. The Lord is continuing to amaze me in ways I never thought possible. It has only been 10 days and I am completely blown away by Him and what He has done so far. If God can show me this much in that short amount of time, I cannot wait to see what He does with, not only the next nine months, but the rest of my life.
For those of you who don’t know, I have started a YouTube channel to vlog (video blog) about my World Race Gap Year experience to help give you a visual of all that is happening in my life these nine months. I would absolutely love it if you would subscribe and give me some feedback after you check it out!!! Here’s my link!!! https://m.youtube.com/channel/UCno7n40tlaO2D1n7L1iFi_Q
(If you haven’t already, you should totally subscribe here also, to get updates on all my new blogs!!!) HUGE THANK YOU to all of my supporters and subscribers for helping me with this journey through prayer, donations, and encouragement! I am BEYOND thankful for that blessing! 🙂
