Month one, complete! I can't believe how fast time is flying by, it seems like yesterday I was at my house packing up my things and eating my last American meal. We have 3 weeks of ministry left here in Puerto Barrios before heading out to Antigua for debrief. Let's just say words cannot express how excited I am to eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich on white bread, mom get ready! Living in a foreign country has been awesome but also a challenge. I've been reminded the past few days just how much I miss the small things of America. For example, finding Froot Loops and Oreos at Maxi (it's like Walmart) almost made me cry. Okay not really but it was close.
I have to be honest, the first two weeks or so here were hard, really hard. I "thought" I was prepared for living in another country for 2 months. I "thought" I was prepared for giving up my comfortable bed and air conditioning. I "thought" that coming to Guatemala God would only impact these people's lives (which I feel like God has done a magnificent job at), but I feel like my life has been impacted even more. It's a funny thing when we make subconscious expectations only for those expectations to be broken within moments.
Ministry was somewhat slower than usual but with all the heat we're having here it's been nice. We went to the park on Monday and Thursday night. Each week us gringos play basketball with the locals, which usually consists of us getting schooled. On Monday myself and two other girls were on a team with two men and we caused them to lose. I felt pretty bad but at least they got a good laugh at how bad our shooting skills were. On Wednesday we went to the elderly home. There we sang songs and chatted with them. It's pretty difficult to understand what they're saying, everything seems to just flow together. Wednesday evening we also went to church. Church is always extremely loud, but this church was so much fun. After they had worship, we all went up to the stage and worshipped in English and performed a drama.
Prior to this trip I had been seeking God for what His plans are for me after this trip and college. It was in the midst of the church service on Wednesday when God started revealing to me what I need to do when I get home. First of all I need to carry the boldness He has given me here to my friends back at school. Secondly, I need to make a much bigger effort of serving at local community projects. And thirdly, God reminded me of the things I enjoy doing in my free time and that I need to make more time for those when I' get home. Something I've really been learning on this trip is that when I pray, I can't pray half-heartedly, but with faith that God will provide me with answers in His timing, not mine.
Thank you all so much for your prayers, support, and thinking of me while I'm away from home. It's hard to be away but I'm taking advantage of this opportunity because I know it is God-willed for me to be here. Please continue to keep my team and I in your prayers, especially for safety.
"I will betroth you to me forever; I will betroth you in righteousness and justice, in love and compassion. I will betroth you in faithfulness and you will acknowledge the Lord." Hosea 2:19-20
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