Before I came to Guatemala, I was smugly satisfied with the amount of faith I have displayed in my life. Faith is something that has been spoken over me ever since I took a spiritual gifts class six years ago. I had no clue what that even meant at the time, but it was all coming into focus over the past two years: quitting my career, going on the World Race, interning at a church, applying for seminary (in Texas, of all places), and again quitting my job to lead a Real Life trip to Guatemala. I thought I was all stocked up on faith. I was confident … maybe even a little cocky. And...

In Ecclesiastes 3:11 the author writes that “He [God] has made everything beautiful in its time.” This verse is one I have held on to and pondered over the past few days. In the past week we’ve entered a lot of different situations where it’s been really hard to recognize anything beautiful so this verse has had even more meaning. Last Friday night we went to the red light district and entered bars with back rooms in plain view and even a strip club. We went to show God’s love to the woman that work there. These women were brokenhearted and in an atmosphere...

Despues de un largo y caluroso dia de trabajo (cavando hoyos, trasladando tierra, haciendo mezclas de semento, limpiando, entre otros), llegamos a la casa misionera listos para darnos un buen baño. Al abrir la regadera me lleve una gran SORPRESA, no salio ni una gota de agua. Al parecer la reseva de agua que nuestra casa tenia deberia durar un minimo de dos meses y nosotros en dos semanas ya nos habiamos terminado toda la reserva. Pregunta para reflexionar:  ¿Que pasaria si un dia tu te llegaras a quedar sin una gota de agua? te enfermarias? te...

I walk a block and am surrounded by colors, reds, blues, oranges, pinks and greens. Mangos, pineapples, and bananas are sold on the street. Ice cream is pushed around in a cart, as kids line up to indulge after a day of school. I look across the lake to see volcanoes surrounded by fog. Beauty. This is what I see in this country, this culture.   We have not been in Guatemala long, but already I am beginning to find the beauty in the people as well. The other day some teammates and I walked the streets, praying and asking the Lord for direction on where He would like to lead us....

I have been placed in a unique ream with unique people that have unique talents. We have been learning skills, doing activities, and getting tools to be not only successful, but prosperous while in Guatemala. Although these things are completely different from one another (how to wear a backpack doesn’t seem to have much to do with creating artwork to represent your expectations of the trip) each piece is necessary to do well. If one bit of information was left out, we would be up a creek without a paddle! The other night, we wanted to make a fire. As we arrived to the fire pit, there...

I have been in Guatemala for a week and a half now and let me just say it is not what I expected.  I always plan for the worst case scenario.  With that being said, the worst case scenario for Rachel Short would be…camping.  Living on dirt grounds, and eating animals over an open fire.  I have been pleasantly surprised. I feel like a million bucks here in Guatemala.  I feel so blessed that God sent me to this beautiful country, I could be so many other places.  I didn't realize that I had expectations coming in, but clearly I did.  I thought I...

            Where, oh where to begin… Since I last posted, we have been involved in many different ministries. There is a local catholic church that does a church service in the park every few days. Earlier this week we went and spent time at the park with them. We played soccer (and won against the Guatemalans 2-0!) and listened to a preacher talk about the end times. We went to the Puerto Barrios market and prayed over the people there. We asked the Spirit of God to lead us to those working in the market so we could pray for them. -It is a really,...

As you step on the streets of Guatemala, it is clear to see what God intended for fellowship among us. All it takes is an “Hola” and the next thing you know you are invited into somones home who gives their best food and hospitality to you, and tell you their life story despite them knowing you don’t speak Spanish. Can you picture strangers walking up to your door and barely able to say hello clearly. Would you invite them in? Probably not. Would you take out your finest dinnerware and feed them your most expensive food? Most likely not. We are selfish in out comfortable...

Hebrews 13:8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. Since arriving in Panajachel God has really gotten me out of my comfort zone. With completely new people, living situations, food, and work; it has been a little overwhelming. However, in the past few days God has been pouring His love out all over me, and making me realize that even amidst the discomfort, uncertainty, and any other circumstance that God is always faithful. He will never leave me nor forsake me. He is consistent and a refuge when I need strength and endurance to carry on. Although my life may be...

Well this gringa is definitely a sight here in Guatemala!  With my blonde hair, and pale/freckly skin I’m already on show… But it’s like they’ve never seen blue eyes before!  People just come up and stare, it’s hilarious!  (It did help me sell raffle tickets, as well as picking up a few 9 year old boyfriends! Haha) My team was even on the news!!!! This week has been exhausting, in all honesty.  Constantly doing ministry is something that I’m psyched about, but I didn’t expect it to be so tiring!  Thursdays are my free...

To help you all understand what is happening here in Panajachel, I thought I’d give you a sneak peek into an average day for my team. In the morning, one of our four cooking teams prepare breakfast for us all.  After eating and spending some quiet time with Christ, we head out to our work projects.  We’ve been working on a few different projects which include evangelizing to a drug dealer, building a retaining wall for a family that is in danger of losing their home in the event of a mudslide, finishing a clean-water well, and digging a septic system for the mission...