With this decision to come home came lots of celebration, but also lots of grieving (which I now know must happen, thanks to some stellar people in my life;)). But, I just want to take a minute to share some of those things with you. To celebrate the things that the Lord has blessed me with, and to grieve the things that the Lord has asked me to leave for the time being.
First, Precious Pretzels: Jazlyn, Nina, Eliane, Desiree, and Emily
These five women have carried me through thick and thin. I had the privilege to walk alongside them in this journey for 5 months, some of them longer. They have brought humor to the trials of Malawi, and have held me as I’ve cried. They have helped to guide me in the midst of difficulty, and have joined me in hour long dance parties. We are forever Precious Pretzels, and while I may not physically be with you as you continue on this journey, know that I love each one of you and I’m praying for you.
Second, K Squad: Emily, Jenna, Reba, Darcy, KG, Emily Sue, and Brea
For the month of May, another World Race squad was also serving in Guatemala. One of their teams came to live with us at Casa de Fuego, and man did they bless us. You know those blessing that just kind of happen, and you don’t even know what took place until it’s over? That’s what happened with these women. The first morning I walked downstairs and they weren’t at the kitchen table ready to say hello, I realized what a big impact they had had on my life. I wasn’t always eager to have a conversation, or super involved in what their team was doing, but they loved me anyway. It didn’t matter my response, they simply just wanted to love me. And that, that blows me away. So thank you ladies. Each conversation, each comment, each hug means immensely more than you know. I love you, I pray you have safely arrived in Belize, and I speak complete health over this last month of your Race.
Third, Shoreline Guatemala:
Coming out of Malawi, we had gone three months with basically no community outside of our team. We were exhausted in every way, emotionally, spiritually, physically, we were done. We had spent three months preparing sermons, rather than listing to sermons. We had spent three months continually pouring out, and very rarely being poured into. But then, Shoreline Guatemala came down from the heavens. We finally had a church! A group of people who understood us, who loved Jesus a whole lot, who understood our culture, who had the same purpose in being in Guatemala, and who most importantly wanted to offer us life. Shoreline community, thank you so much for investing in the people of Antigua, whether Guatemalans who need to know of a Savior who loves them, or burnt out missionaries who need rejuvenation. You all are truly a blessing!
Fourth, Casa de Fuego: Craig, Carol, and of course Barley
Craig and Carol run the hostel that we lived in the past two months, Casa de Fuego . . . and Barley is their big fluffy dog. Guatemala would not have been the same without them. Not only did they cook and clean and make the 40 minute drive up the mountain to take us to ministry everyday, but they treated us like their own kids. They cared for us, they loved on us, and they protected us. No one was gonna touch their girls. They took me and my friend Emily to the airport at 3AM, and I dare to say I think Craig even had a tear in his eye. I love you guys, and I know the Lord has amazing plans for you in Guatemala. Continue to be open to His gentle voice!
Fifth, and finally, Adventures Guatemala staff: Bob, Becky, Mae, Gabe, Kelsey, Michelle, Angela, and Stephen
I literally can not put into words what these 8 humans mean to me. They have loved me unconditionally. They have given up time in their busy schedule to sit with me. They have listened and they have shared their wisdom. They have not only pointed me to my Savior, but they have taken my hand and walked me right up to Him. They do not sell out short. They do not settle. They seek His Kingdom and stop at nothing less. They have made saying goodbye to Guatemala the hardest goodbye of my entire Race. They have held me as I’ve cried (which after a week of goodbyes has been more times than I can count) and they are always ready to see my smile and make me laugh. I love you all so much, I’m certain I’ll see you all soon!
The ways that the Lord has blessed me completely blow me away. I literally am left speechless at the wonder of His goodness. Jesus!
