I got to Guatemala on October 2 around 945am. Leaving Colorado was harder than I expected…I watched all those mountains pass below me and I won’t lie – I cried a little. No sobbing, but definitely a few tears. It hit me a little more as I watched ‘home’ shrink away, that I will not be returning for quite some time. Watching through that window…sort of solidified the magnitude of what I’m doing. Maybe they put windows on those planes for more than one reason. Anyway, 3 flights and a crazy van/bus (or Kombi if you happen to be familiar with that term!) ride later, we made it to a lovely little hostel here in Antigua – a beautiful city with ancient ruins and cobblestone roads. Yeah I’m serious. A truly beautiful place, with amazingly beautiful people (*couldn’t upload a picture here…might come later!)
I thought my blog went through a few days ago (telling you all that I made it and all’s well), but clearly it didn’t. So…I now have to try to summarize “Launch” (the name for this pre-World Race-training thing), first ministry assignment, and life in Guatemala as short as possible! Stick with me…
My team got split. Day one. Difficult?
Oh yes.
The WR has never done this before…split a team right at launch, but they had to because the squad had some people who decided not to go this October – teams had to get re-adjusted. Unsettled, uncertain, but feeling some strange unexplainable peace, my new team and I met and began the process of getting to know each other. So here’s my team – some of us from Sozo stuck together and some didn’t – Keryn, Brandi Jo, Greg, Nikki, and Cara. Our team name is B.R.A.D.Y. – as in the Brady Bunch since it’s 3 from one team and 3 from another. Genious, right? 🙂
B ringing
R edemption
A nd
D eliverance
Y all!
Yeah, I’m serious 🙂
Mainly, since landing here in Guatemala, the group’s been training – getting prepared for some crazy days ahead. We cook, eat, sleep, pray, and worship – and learn. Lots of learning. Days are long and nights seem incredibly short, but I don’t mind that. This squad is amazing – I love each and every person here. I don’t mind spending long days with them. I’m rooming with 2 other girls, and it’s a crowded mess but great otherwise!
In the morning, I’ll be leaving for Puerto Barrios – and the plan is to work alongside an American missionary there. Our ministry will range, so there’s no point in trying to pin down specifics on what is pretty vague right now! The bus ride is between 6 and 8 hours. Our lovely S-Squad will disperse around Guatemala and Honduras as well! How exciting is that?
There are a million things I want to say here, but I have to finish up. So…I guess the really big thing about Launch here in Antigua is that I’m learning to trust. Beginning to, anyway. God knows that it takes me a long time to learn things, so this is part of a journey. But I’m trusting Him with this team – a new family that I’ll have to get to know and open up to, right at the edge of the start of an adventure. I’m trusting Him with this trip – this great big opportunity to serve God and love my brothers and sisters around the world, however it might look. I’m trusting Him with my heart – that He’ll use me in every place we venture to. I’m trusting Him with my hands – that they will become His, and I’m trusting that He’s turning me into a reflection of Him. When people look at me, I want them to see Jesus. I am, after all, carrying the name of Jesus Christ – and it demands a lifestyle that’s so different it stands out.
I’m letting go of a whole bunch of things so that I can focus on Him and on the tasks placed before me.
I’m letting go of a whole bunch of things…and none of it is easy.
I’m letting go of a whole bunch of things…and it really hurts to open my hands that’ve held them so long.
But I have to.
So I am.
I made a commitment and I’m taking it seriously.
I’m believing and expecting God to wreck some walls; change some expectations; blow some minds. Tonight, someone stood before us and told us that God said to her, “I’m so proud of my kids,” We’re His kids. His children. Lord, I want to bring you joy and not heartache. Laughter, not sorrow.
He doesn’t need us.
But I need Him.
And He is more than enough.
11 months, 11 countries, and a whole lot of the unexpected?
BRING IT ON!
p.s. Sorry I forgot to mention…I hiked an active volcano today 🙂
