We have arrived in Guatemala and it’s already an adventure! We flew into Guatemala City on Saturday, stayed the night at an AWESOME home with AWESOME food, then drove 4 hours the next day to Santa Cruz del Quiche on an old school bus. We drove up a mountain, down a mountain and then back up a mountain. I sat between my bud Amanda and my new bud, Ed. Yes, three to a seat. The winding roads forced us to back and forth on top of one another. I’m stunned I didn’t throw up.
It is breathtaking here. I feel like we’re closer to heaven in a way. We are at the top of a mountain in a little town: Santa Cruz del Quiche. The view is incredible. The people are so kind. The children are adorable. The clothing is colorful. The street dogs are actually cute. Our hosts are so kind and witty! At dinner yesterday, I attempted to ask one of our female hosts if she was hungry, but ended up asking if she was a man. Whoopsies. Glad she’s got a sense of humor.
(photo cred: jake portillo)
We’re camping this month, but have access to hot showers and washers/dryers!! We are so blessed. (This will probably never happen again.) I feel spoiled this month but also so grateful. I almost started crying when we first arrived in Guatemala City, thanking God for leading me to this place and with these people.
Once we arrived to our final host home (we spent the first night in Guatemala City), we ventured out to the market to buy food. (Remember, we are responsible for buying/cooking our own food on the race. We have to learn the currency exchange, the culture and how to barter.) I loved the market, minus the beggars. They BREAK my heart. I can’t handle disabled, homeless or children beggars. The first time I experienced this heartbreak was in Siem Reap, Cambodia in 2011. There was a man with no legs, mentally challenged, with a sign around his neck, begging. It killed me and I didn’t know how to process it. Right after that, my team went to dinner in town, and behind us was an older American man with a young Cambodian girl. Clearly, he had just purchased her – heart broken again. That day in Cambodia replays in mind all the time. So, can I handle a year of this type of heartbreak? Ahhh I hope so.
(photo cred: jake portillo)
On Monday, my team and I will venture to a local prison for our ministry. When they announced what each team was doing, I was secretly hoping to get the orphanage, but then they called our team name, last, and our assignment: prison ministry – I was ecstatic. This is something I have never done – I don’t think I’ve even been to a prison before. Does Alcatraz count? I know it’s going to be challenging and at times sad, but I’m thankful for my teammate, LaShondra, who has a passion for prison ministry. Who knew?
So God has been teaching my fearlessness this week. I have had a fear of praying out loud and over people FOREVER. Now, I still have a little fear about praying in groups, but I’ll pray over any individual that needs it. Awesome. For those that know me, know that I love to sing… but for fun, not in public. Well, this morning, my teammate Hayden and I lead worship. She played guitar and I sang. I wasn’t nervous at all!!! Crazy. I can’t wait to see what else He teaches me as this journey chugs on…
So my challenge for you, loyal blog readers, is to step outside of your comfort zone this week and try something. If you’re nervous, just pray about it. Trust me, He will give you the confidence you need.
(photo cred: no idea)
