DIOS TE BENDIGA

Hey everyone! 

So this is our 3rd week in Guatemala. So far it has been incredible! However, it has been A LOT harder than I expected! The first 2 weeks really dragged on…We spent majority of the days playing cards and taking “siestas.” (Not what I thought I signed up for!) I have been on several mission trips that have been incredible! We where constantly doing ministry and really saw Gods work at hand! The culture here is very laid back…and getting to go out for 4 hours is a big deal! I’m really praying that this changes..But if it doesn’t…I know God has a reason for everything! I know God’s plans are bigger than mine and I need to put full and total trust in Him. So right now I am waiting patiently for God to move.

This past Sunday was incredible! We got the opportunity to go watch a baptism at a river about 30 minutes from our house. It was sooo BEAUTIFUL! Seriously, it looked like a scene out of a movie! We all played in the waterfall and had some awesome team bonding! Oh and by the way…MY TEAMMATES ARE INCREDIBLE! God definitely hand picked each and every one of them! I cannot wait to see what the Lord has in store for us these next few months! 

My favorite ministry so far has been the garbage dumbs. The dumps spell awful and I have never seen so many flies and vultures. The people have nothing and their houses are built out of trash. Most people spend each day going through the garbage trying to find items they could make a little money out of. It is heartbreaking! I had no idea people really could live like this. But God gave me peace that though they have nothing…they could still have everything in the Lord! 

God brought a young girl named Kathy into my life there. She is 15 years old and lives 30 minutes away with her husband, mother, and two younger siblings. She gets up every day and walks to the dumps with her younger siblings trying to find things to support her family. Definitely keep this young girl and the families at the dumps in your prayers! Pray for open hearts ready to feel the love of the Lord. 

Since we have so much free time…I have really found myself living in the word. God has given me so much peace about everything! Philippians has been really encouraging. After a long day of doing nothing..I turned to the word and God presented me with this…

“It’s easy to get discouraged about unpleasant circumstances or to take unimportant events too seriously. If you haven’t been joyful lately, you may not be looking at life from the right perspective. Ultimate joy comes from Christ dwelling within us.” “Turn your worries into prayers.” “God’s peace is different from the world’s peace. True peace is not found in positive thinking, in absence of conflict, or in good feelings. It comes from knowing that God is in control. Our citizenship in Christ’s kingdom is sure, our destiny is set, and we can have victory over sin.” “Draw on God’s power for strength.” “Learn to rely on God’s promises and Christ’s power to help you be content. If you always want more, ask God to remove that desire and teach you contentment in every circumstance. He will supply all your needs, but in a way that he knows is best for you.” “Paul was content because he could see life from God’s point of view. He focused on what he was supposed to do, not what he felt he should have. Paul had his priorities straight, and detached himself from the nonessentials so that he could concentrate on the eternal.” “We can trust that God will always meet our needs.” “We must remember, however, the difference between our wants and our needs. Most people want to feel good and avoid discomfort or pain. We may not get all that we want. But by trusting in Christ, our attitudes and appetites can change from wanting everything to accepting his provision and power to live for him.” “By focusing our minds on Christ we will learn unity, humility, joy, and peace. We will also be motivated to live for him. We can live confidently for him because we have “the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ” with us.”

Seriously, our God is so great! This was EXACTLY what I needed to hear! I have a Study Bible..and these quotes where throughout the message notes in Philippians. 

That night I also read out of my devotion “Jesus Calling,” and the message was “I AM ALWAYS AVAILABLE TO YOU.” It ends with “Surely I am with you always, to the very end of age. Let these assurances of My continual Presence fill you with Joy and Peace. No matter what you may lose in this life, you can never lose your relationship with Me.”  And the next night it was about “RELAX IN MY HEALING PRESENCE! As you spend time with Me, your thoughts tend to jump ahead to today’s plans and problems. Bring your mind back to Me for refreshment and renewal. Let the Light of My Presence soak into you, as you focus your thoughts on Me. Thus I equip you to face whatever the day brings. This sacrifice of time pleases Me and strengthens you.” HOW PERFECT! Again, this was exactly what I needed to hear! 

I know these next few months aren’t always going to be easy…But I can't wait to see what God has in store! Thanks so much for all the prayers and encouragement! I truly appreciate you all! 

DIOS TE BENDIGA! 🙂