I’ve had so many ups and downs over the past three months. I apologize for my inconsistent blogging. There are many stories, but I’ve struggled to write about them. Here are couple to share some of my journey.
While we were cleaning, painting, and building the church in Chichi, Guatemala, our host Juan hired a guy to set up the electricity around the church. We were working different jobs and never talked directly with this guy while working on the church. At the time, Joey and I were running every morning. The day after we finished our work at the church, this same guy came by and introduced himself to Joey and me as Thomas, the mechanic. Thomas had very broken English and asked if he could start running with us. We learned that he was out neighbor. Running had become a bit stale with only Joey and me so we were pumped to say yes. Thomas seemed like a nice guy and we were excited to get to know him.
Thomas met us the next morning at the church to run. We started off with a pretty brutal workout. But he came back the next morning, and continued to come for the next week. It sparked our relationship and from then on we worked out and lifted weights together every night until we left Guatemala. I had the opportunity to hear Thomas’ story, eat and laugh, hang out with his friends, and go on late-night adventures. That relationship with Thomas made me know that I made a difference in Guatemala.
One night, we were up late and decided to see if Thomas was awake because he was backed up with a ton of cars to work on. Sure enough, at 2:00 am, he was still up working on an engine, so we hung out with him to keep him company while he finished. We chatted with his friend working with him until they finished. Thomas asked if we wanted to ride with him to take his friend home. We hopped in the car and the temperature was so cold that the front windshield was completely covered in frost and fog. He started driving anyway. Only God knows how because he was completely blind looking through the wind shield. It was terrifying but hilarious to ride because he was laughing at our reaction the whole time. On the way back the windshield was still terrible and his peep hole fogged up. As I was sitting shotgun he handed me a rag and told me to wipe down the outside of the window. As he was driving through the streets of Chichi blind, I was hanging out the side of the car all the way back, wiping the windshield with the towel and my elbow so he could see as he flew through town. Not the smartest thing I’ve done (I know mom), but I survived and I’ll never forget it.
Another cool story was during a trip our team took to Belize. Joey and I were wondering around looking for adventure on the water and we stumbled across this guy named David. He was a crazy looking island man with a boat and self-made tattoos. I hit him up with a lemon candy and asked if he would take us out on the boat in trade for work and he said yes man. We got a guided tour of a snorkel sight and free pictures in return for washing some gear and taking him out for dinner. Being able to meet and talk to David allowed me to see my priorities on this trip so much clearer — searching and finding people in the local communities I’m immersed in, befriending and picturing them through Gods eyes to love them as they are.
I’ve had some very difficult times especially over the last several weeks, and in part, why I’ve struggled with the motivation to update my blog. Our team had some miscommunication with our host Juan at the end of our time in Guatemala and didn’t leave on the best terms. I love Juan and was disappointed with how things ended in Guatemala. I’ve also had an emotionally draining transition to South Africa with internal conflict and changes in our team. I’ve been struggling, but trusting God to work in my heart.
We have spent the past month here in White River, South Africa as a full squad. Pairing with multiple local ministries and moving from orphanages, door-to-door ministry, and feeding programs. I have seen the reality of spiritual warfare and have been battling having doubts and fears about everything we have been doing here as a squad and sometimes wondering if we are helping or hurting. During my last 2 years at Westwood High School I participated in the PROS program helping elementary students, many of whom had abandonment issues and I see that in so many children in White River. It’s in times like these where I struggle and doubt about our purpose or if this trip was worth it. But I continue to remind myself why I’m here. Stories and people like Thomas and David are the reason I feel this trip is worth the effort, the support, and the challenges. I hope to continue making memories like these everywhere I go.
Next week we will move into individual teams again for our time in Lesotho. All of the guys together make up our new team and I’m so excited. This is a great group of guys. I know God will work through each one of us together.
I want to continue this journey because of all that I have learned and will continue to learn through the experiences I’m put into. I still have $1,000 left to raise within the next week and any donations would be greatly appreciated. Prayers for our hearts, health, and safety are even more appreciated. Thank you all for walking along side me on this journey.
