It seems the resonating theme of this week, pertinent to Guatemala’s independence day being today, Saturday September 15th, is freedom.      Freedom was the overarching refrain that graced Sunday sermons these past few days. It was the underlying axiom that appeared in testimonies and freedom was the profound blessing that needed recognition in my life this week.      I tend to conceptualize freedom as a mandated, apportioned right, like everything the Constitution enumerates. But in fact, true freedom is not the right...

One hazy afternoon, we walked into one of the most serene places I’ve ever been. The courtyard of the elderly home we had come to visit was filled with cacao trees and flowers in full bloom. It was incredibly quiet in contrast with the chaotic streets outside. Clothes lines were strung at random across the paths. The faded shirts and dresses appeared to be flags upon first look, moving gently in the cool breeze. Upon entering, we were directed to a pagoda where several of the residents were sitting quietly in the shade. Many of them struggled to rise and greet us. We tried to assure...

As some of you may be aware, a volcano erupted earlier today in Guatemala.  We have spoken with the team, and they are safe. Their contact is aware of what is going on, but we have been assured that they are at a safe distance (5 hours away). We just wanted to assure all the parents that we are aware of what is going on in Guatemala with the volcano, and we have talked to the team! Thanks -Field Support-

     Over the two weeks I have now been living in Guatemala, those few expectations I clung to so feebly have vanished. Not quite vanished as in evaporate entirely, but more like shot down from the clear blue sky with .22 caliber rifle. Being enveloped by such graciousness and compassion by the people here was not what I had anticipated. But the most unexpected surprise probably came from which area my knowledge grew most— not in that about the country or the culture, the food or the language, but about myself.      It’s funny really....

I must admit, this past week has seemed to go by rather slow. I kind of expected to jump straight into ministry once we arrived, or at least be in intensive ministry training. However, until our prayer walk Thursday morning, and our scavenger hunt today, our team didn’t really leave Casa Verde except for morning runs up the street. Yet, as always, God has a reason for everything, and this “slowness” was much needed for me. You see, I have a prideful heart. Actually, that’s an understatement. I have a VERY prideful and VERY judgemental heart. I am so ready to call...

“Happy One Week Anniversary!!!” That was the main theme of this past Monday. All seven of us “Guat Girls” took a moment to realize that we’d known each other for an entire week. And during that week, we had grown closer than most people will over years of friendship. Already we had been through a lot as a team. We had left our homes, are families, and our ideas of normal behind to train for a few days in Georgia. When we finally met each other, we were the giggliest bunch of girls I’ve ever come across. By day 2 ½, we began to wonder if our...

How has it been a week already? How has it only been a week? It's crazy to think that after a summer of preparing and almost a week of training camp I am still learning so much!  I've learned a lot about myself, but mostly I have just been learning about what God has really called me to do here. If I could sum up this week in one word it would be this: Listen. Much like at training camp when we learned to just stand still and listen for God, I have found myself time and time again closing my mouth and opening my ears (which, if you know me, is not one of my strongest...

Our Time: We have been here for almost a week and so far it feels like we've done nothing to make an impact. We've been doing a lot of preparation for our ministry. We have learned a bunch of skits and songs (all in Spanish) it's been fun but not fulfilling. I have a longing to go out on the field and give my time meaning. Our first day of real ministry is Monday, I can't wait for Monday.   Just a Little Something: I feel something coming for Guatemala. Something big. I have no clue what it is but it's there. It's like a storm that's been building for...

Day One: Arrive to Puerto Barrios after a 5 hour or so bus ride at around 4am. Sleep and rest the rest of the day. We are now on….hang on let me count….day three. It seems like I have been here a month already! Everything has been amazing (I have fallen in LOVE with the food and the people) and I was on cloud nine. Until church last night. I didn't think I had an expectations coming into this trip, but last night proved me wrong. At the service yesterday morning, the worship lyrics were on a screen and the pastor was video recorded from the US so he spoke slower. I was able...