If you have ever spent time in Central America, you know what it's like to truly live in the moment. Unlike in the U.S., where some people make a conscious decision to focus on the present, in Central America you have no choice. At first it was alarming to not have each second of the day laid out on a schedule, handed to you a week in advance. I couldn't quite wrap my mind around the idea that when I asked what we would be doing during the day, the response was more often than not "I dunno, we'll see!" But as we've spent the last week in ministry, going...

"Desayuno, mi hija". Confused looks. Dramas. God has gifted us as humans, and especially this Guatemala team, with so many ways to communicate, and he is teaching me some powerful things through the resulting relationships.   "Desayuno, mi hija"      I don't know why (do we ever really know God's reasoning?), but God has really given me a heart and a love for Naomi. Naomi is the woman who bicycles twenty or so minutes each way to Casa Verde to cook our three meals every day (except Saturday) and help with cleaning around the...

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...

     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...

Today marks the 2 week anniversary of us being in Guatemala. When I try to think back on what all has happened I have a hard time remembering it all..   In two weeks God has brought 7 girls together and has forced them to be friends. We are all so close to each other and feel like we've known each other for centuries. We already have many inside jokes and continue to make more. It is absolutely amazing how we can share our struggles and triumphs and be there for each other through litteraly everything. For example, last Saturday I was having a hard day, and to make it...

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...