BlOGPOST GUATEMALA! Episode #6 – The First Month
Preface!
So sorry it has been so long since my last post! The combination of spotty Internet, a really busy schedule, traveling, and bad sickness have really got me off track. I have written several from Guatemala that I have not posted. So here are several in a row all at once! They go down to the one titled "The DAY of Our Lives". I hope to have a wrap up video of Guatemala soon, then my first post from El Salvador right after that. Sorry about that but I should be back on track in El Salvador with a weekly update. I really hope yall read the old ones but if not no matter what … Love Yall!
So the first month of The World Race is over! Wow, what a month it has been. A part of me just thinks about how quickly time flies yet how much can happen in a short period of time. Alas, my time here in Guatemala comes to a close. My final two weeks in Antigua were eventful and memorable with great times of ministry, great new friendships, and a few fun adventures.
What’s Been Going On? –
For the last two weeks we have been in schools all over Antigua and in surrounding cities teaching values classes with Biblical foundations with Nueva Generacion. The schools varied in class, size, caliber, but never spirit. Even though you might be in a foreign country Jr. High and High School are still Jr. High and High School. In each school we taught about 7 classes at a time and focused on two lessons dealing with values and identity. In the lessons about values we discussed with the students the significance of values and showed them that the greatest values come from Gods word. The values we have an affect on the decisions we make and no matter who you are, your decisions will have consequences. We looked at the story of King David and Bathsheba and how he coveted his neighbor’s wife and sinned against God and even though he was king, he still faced his consequences. As graphic as that story is, it is not that much different than what is seen on TV today or what happens in real life for these kids everyday. Guatemala is a country full of violence, rape, abuse, and corruption. Not only do these kids see it, but they are also a part of it. Through the Lords help, we believe this generation of kids can stand up and BE the change God wants to see for this beautiful country. We encouraged them to seek the Lord and that they can be great!
In other news, our teams decided at the beginning of the month to cut our daily food budgets in half in order to bless our ministry contact Luis. We were able to bless him, his family, and ministry with Q 10,000, which is about $1,500 and will fund his budget for the next four months. I can’t tell you how much his expression when we presented it to him blessed my heart on our last day together. I love when the body of Christ gives to one another! We were also able to give extra money to the hospital where they could buy a new wheelchair for one the patients there. I really miss those kids.
The relationships we made in this month were awesome. Aside Luis, we were able to get acquainted with a couple of guys from Canada named Chris and Gary. They are doing several months of missions work specifically in Guatemala and where able to come with us to the schools. We all hit it off really well and enjoyed one another’s company. Gary is actually thinking about investing in some property and coming down more full-time. They are great Christian guys and were awesome to be able to spend our first month with them. I also met a couple of older Irish guys traveling abroad and was able to share the gospel with them. I ran in to them later at Lake Atitlan on our weekend while listening to some Flamenco guitar. All the people from ministry contacts to the market vendors, everyone has been super friendly and helpful.
For some fun! We watched the Super Bowl with a bunch of Americans at a very awesome joint called the MONO LOCO (Crazy Monkey) where the Giants prevailed over the Patriots 21-17 in a great game. The girls treated the guys on our team to a bike ride all over Antigua. Although nervous at first because Antigua is cobblestone streets and no speed limits, we ended up having a blast. My buddy Nate captured on film and we almost didn’t survive! We also spent time at in our transition from Guatemala to El Salvador at a place called lake Atitlan. It is one of the most beautiful places I have ever been! You’ll see more in my final video from Guatemala.
Reflections on Guatemala as a whole –
Guatemala, the colorful country of an ancient culture that can be felt so strong and deep it stains your bones with it’s engulfing presence. I really loved being in this country. It is one of the most beautiful countries I have ever been to and has so much potential for greatness. Yet I sense in my spirit much spiritual oppression that goes very deep. Even in a touristy town like Antigua, the despair, restlessness, and spiritual bewilderment could not be hidden amongst the beauty. The children’s hospital, grandpa homes, and schools felt like safe havens from what was really going on the outside throughout the country. I am thankful in my first month I was able to be around life and joy in the ministries we were involved in. Still, I leave saddened for those in bondage to sin, pain, and injustice. Even though I only had a small taste of the things going on, the burden to continue to pray for Guatemala will still remain even as I depart. But I know I leave changed, equipped, and used as I head for my next country! See you in El Salvador!
Stand on the Truth, Walk in the Light, and Rest in His Love.
Ryan Miller
