I am in Guatemala! On Monday, my squad flew from Atlanta to Guatemala City, and then took a bus to San Pedro. San Pedro is a small town right outside of Antigua. I am loving it here. It is simply breathtaking. It is crazy to be in Antigua again, walking the same streets I walked with my sister, Kaylee, a year ago. I am so grateful to be here, and I am so excited about our ministry here. My team has been trying to sell tickets for a show our host is using as a fundraiser. I say “trying” because we have not sold any yet. On Wednesday, my team, walked over seven miles in Antigua trying to sell tickets to people, with no luck. The money from these tickets go towards putting books into schools for free, so that the kids and their parents don’t have to pay high prices for them. It is a very exhausting job, and it is easy to feel discouraged. We could definitely use your prayers as we continue to go out. Pray for perseverance for my team, and that we will not lose sight of God, even when we are tired and frustrated.
I wanted to share something that God put on my heart yesterday. I was reading in 1 Kings, where Solomon builds the beautiful temple for the Lord. The entire temple is covered in gold and decorations. It must have been incredible to see. In 1 Kings 8, Solomon is at the ceremony for the opening of the temple. In verse 27, he prays to God, “But will God indeed dwell on the earth? Behold, heaven and the heaven of heavens cannot contain you. How much less this temple which I have built?”
Solomon was in awe of the fact that the Lord of the universe would choose to come and dwell in his temple. Though Jesus’s death on the cross, God has a new dwelling place on earth. We are all temples of the Lord. He dwells in me, and in anyone who says yes to him. How crazy is that? If Solomon was in awe of God coming to dwell in his temple that was so beautiful and expensive, I should be even more amazed that he lives in me. The Lord of the universe, who the heaven of heavens cannot contain, dwells within me.
Before Jesus, everyone had to go to the temple to be near God’s presence. I am so grateful that I live my life in his presence. I carry his presence with me wherever I go, whether that’s in the U.S. or Guatemala.
I am looking forward to this next week of ministry, even though I know it will be hard. I am so grateful to be in place when I can focus on God, and learn to remove the obstacles in my life that keep me from being aware of his presence. Also, I am so grateful for all the love support I received before and during launch. The visits, notes, and calls I received over the last few weeks meant the world to me. As usual, I will be sure to keep everyone updated, and let me know if you have any questions! Here, I am able to get internet a few times a week, and I would love to hear from you. I hope you have a wonderful week. Adios!
