Guatemala was a tough month. The initial adjustment period along with being homesick started me out a little rocky. Trying to delve into ministry, I found myself pretty sick after the first week. Mangled my way through until I finally went to the doctor and lo and behold, I have salmonella. At home, I’m always the one getting sick or hurting myself in some weird way, so I wasn’t really surprised. I felt miserable but was relieved to know what was going on with my body. So through this and my now occasional headaches, I had a hard time giving the sasha that everyone knows to my team and my ministry. We’re praying for a drastically healthier and more normal month two for me.
Our crib:
We’ll hit the hot topics…
Bunk beds with mattresses
Gated community
Gated house
Kitchen with all amentities
Hot water
Key Players:
Jenna and Justin: A PRECIOUS newlywed couple that came to visit Guatemala City on their three month honeymoon adventure! They stayed with our host, David, and his family. We got to do ministry with them and hang out while they were with us. This couple is of God. Multiple times I had these two practically perfect strangers pray for me and with me. We were able to grow together through the time we spent with each other and I pray we will keep in touch!
Team Escapades:
1st Saturday- to Antigua, but the car broke down so we got to ride the rest of the way in a police truck
2nd Saturday- to Antigua, in a chicken bus. A chicken bus resembles a school bus but is called a chicken bus because the conductors find pleasure in jamming as many people as possible into said bus. There are very twisty roads to Antigua and you have to hold on so you don’t a) squash the random guy next to you or b) create a domino effect. Needless to say we skipped arm workouts those days…
3rd Saturday- overnight in panajachel. Husband, give up any ideas about a honeymoon location, it’s been found. Although husband, let’s not take the three hour chicken bus back, okay? We stayed in an adorable hostel, ate on the lake, crossed the lake in a roller coaster of a boat ride, explored. This was also the time we were smooshed in the back of a bus, standing, all 7 of us with our backpacks, spanning the space if about two seats, and almost got trapped on the bus until DeAnna yelled, “LET US OFF.”
3rd Sunday – our team, squad leaders, and christina and amanda f were spoiled by geena’s friend, Alex, and his family. We went over expecting a relaxing afternoon of lunch and chatting but were surprised with a feast! (Also surprised to see Christina and Amanda as we thought they were in Antigua) we had chicken, steak, sausage, guac AND avocados, rice, beans, salad, hibiscus tea, and three cakes. It felt like Thanksgiving. We got to see another side of Guatemala that we hadn’t had the chance to see yet. It was a much needed mini escape and feast!
BEST Food:
Choco Bananas. End of story. Frozen bananas with a double layer of chocolate. On a stick. YES.
Also, our favorite hole in the wall restaurant, el comedor. We were surprised every Tuesday and Wednesday with a new delicious plate. (However, may have gotten salmonella from here..)
WORST Food:
The amount of beans. These caused a great deal of issue in our house. I understand beans are a staple here, but dangit, bean overload.
BEST moment:
The evening ministry at Super 24 when I met Madeline. Read my blog, “Sweet Madeline” for more info on this precious little one.
WORST moment:
Staying back from ministry for three days due to my body of pain from salmonella.
Only in GUATEMALA moment:
Disregarding the mall of America. We got to ride a roller coaster in the mall! “mom look at those screaming gringos!” Not sure but pretty positive that was coming out of everyone’s mouth.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Depending on when I get wifi, this may be false information. It is Friday Jan 31 and our team along with three other teams will be leaving for Honduras tomorrow evening (11:55 on February 1st) We have a 10 hour bus ride and I’ll let you know how my plan of sleeping through it works out. We’ll get into Honduras and meet up with our other three teams to have a month with the whole squad. I’m very excited to be with everyone this month! Updates to come on debrief and our second ministry partner!
