On the race, one of the biggest things God has taught me is to lose all my expectations of life on the field, and only be expectant that He will provide my every need and that He will move in big ways. Wow, it’s been hard.
Of course many of you know this, but I had big expectations for Guatemala even though I had no idea what our living Situation or ministry was going to look like at all. Just because this isn’t my first time in this country, and it almost feels like Home to me, and I’ve experienced this place in such different ways, experiences that eventually called me to be a missionary in the first place. This past month and throughout February (until PVT) my team and I are once again working at a school. Though I’m exhausted and feel like I’m drained from teaching and working in schools, I’m seeking the Lord for my strength to not only “push through” but to give it my all, because God calls us to even the things that we don’t feel like we’re good at.
We’re working at a school named “SALEA” and it stands for “salt and light English academy”. Every day, my team and I flag down a chicken bus (an extremely crowded bus that goes 50mph around mountain hairpin turns on two wheels & also really loud music!!) it can feel like a long ride when you’re standing up. Then we get off and flag another one down, once we get off we walk through the streets of Chimaltenango and breathe in the overwhelming smell of gasoline and tortillas, then we arrive at SALEA.
Our ministry contacts are a married couple, Ashley and Alex Lopez, and they’re the most giving, God loving, and hilarious people. They take their ministry to the next level by not only teaching English, but praying after each class, devotions for the students and staff, baking goods every week for their students and just intentionally getting to know and loving on their students. I love that.
It’s hard not to love SALEA and our ministry contacts, but I’ve been learning to “let go” of what I normally picture Guatemala to be for me when I’m usually with a different ministry. The race has given me a new opportunity to fall in love with this country in many more ways than I originally had. I’ve already been feeling the Lord calling me here again to the people of Guatemala.
We’re approaching month 6 of the race… woah. Where on earth did the time go? At this point, it’s gotten hard not to “coast”. Thoughts about home, how tired I am, how drained I am, etc. cloud my mind and hinder me from focusing on why I’m truly on this amazing journey, and that’s to serve the Lord in EVERY SINGLE WAY He has called me to serve. Even when it’s not my favorite thing to do, because she says “Whatever you do for the least of these, you do for me” Matthew 25:45. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not complaining in any way, but I’m being vulnerable with you. The race isn’t easy, and we aren’t called to live simple or comfortable lives. Jesus is with the people who don’t know Him and truly need Him, and that’s where we’re called to be. Everyone needs Him and His salvation and every single thing I do to glorify Him and share His love is ministry, and that’s something I have to remember every day. It’s a sweet reminder.
Here in Chimaltenango, Guatemala we are living at beautiful brand new base with the whole squad of 40 again! With beds and… HOT SHOWERS. Yea, you read that right. A bit of a switch up from Honduras. We have been blessed by Adventures in missions with a wonderful place to live, and a group of staff that pour into us and mentor us every single day with powerful devotionals, worship and one-on-ones. That’s a wonderful thing. My squad and I are soaking it all in.
God breaks down my walls, calls me out of my comfort zone, and shows me what a life glorifying Him looks like. These are the moments where I’ve grown the most, the moments where I don’t expect the things of this world, but I come before Him in expectancy that He will provide everything I need and that He will move mountains. I know that He comes into the spaces that are prepared for Him to move. I don’t need to only be expectant for Him, but I need to come to Him with arms wide open. He delights in me seeking Him.
Please pray for me and that I have the strength to continuously pour out onto others and an attitude to always say “yes” to what the Lord is calling me to do. I have no words to describe how thankful I am to have you as prayer warriors. THANK YOU for all your support and prayers.
God bless you.
p.s. I love your comments!!
Love Bekah.
