Lo siento. No entiendo.

            This is a phrase I have become very familiar with here in Guatemala.  “Lo siento. No entiendo.” Translates to “I’m sorry. I don’t understand.” I haven’t had one conversation with a local that does not include me saying this at least once. The communication barrier has been a huge struggle for me. Like I said in my last blog, how am I supposed to share Jesus with the Guatemalans if I can’t communicate with them? I just keep thinking to myself, “If only I could ask this question, then I would know how I could pray for them specifically” or “If only I knew their background, then I could show them love better.” I attributed my inability to share the gospel with the fact that I don’t understand the language.
  
            Now…Get ready for this next revelation. As I was having this conversation with myself, the next question that popped into my mind was, “If the language barrier is why I feel incapable of sharing the gospel here, what is my excuse for when I’m back home?” Ooh…Ouch. Thank you, God, for that reality check.

            Before leaving home, I had a conversation with a friend about missions and sharing God’s word. She was saying how she didn’t think she could be in missions because she gets too scared sharing God in her own town. I told her that it seems to be easier to share Jesus when you’re out of your comfort zone because you don’t have anyone to impress. Lately, however, God has been teaching me that I don’t have to impress anyone and all I need to worry about is loving and following Him. Yes, I may step on some toes. Yeah, I might be labeled around town as the crazy, Christian girl. But, really, what does that matter if I am following the King of Kings.

            When I get back home, I am going to make a conscious effort to share Jesus when the opportunity presents itself. If someone needs prayer, I’m not just going to tell them that I’ll pray for them; I’ll stop what I’m doing and pray for them right then and there. It may not be acceptable by the world’s standards, but my God created the world and wants me to live apart from the world.