Estoy Contenta

"Estan contentos?" (Are you content?)

This is a frequent question asked of children in a VBS. Today I can confidently say "Yes!" My heart is so full.

As I have been reflecting on my time here in Guatemala, I have been incredibly blessed. 

The Lord has taught me some valuable lessons about my perfectionism (especially through David's example in 2 Samuel).

He has blessed me beyond words with the relationships that have formed and deepened during my time here. 

Thank you for your prayers and support during this time of ministry. Keep praying for Oscar, Karla, and their family as they continue the work of the Lord.

And another one gone...

Last week we had a group come from Hartland, WI. They were fantastic! They were energetic, well-organized, and super encouraging. All my fears and nerves were gone after the first couple days. Thank you Jesus!

Every day we spent time in a church in San Juan. We ran a VBS and then visited homes of people who were sick or unable to come to church. 

It was amazing to see the high school students grow in their confidence and love of the kids. There may be a language barrier for some of these students, but that doesn't change the way they can love on the kiddos. They would dance with the kids, play games with them, and use translators (like Marie and I) to communicate with them.

At the end of the week, the kids and parents LOVED the members of the group. We spent 1 hour saying good-bye. Thousands of pictures were taken and hugs were shared. Celebrity status???

One day, the group went to land purchased by Oscar, the missionary we work with, to provide a training center and respite facility for pastors. We helped weed out the land by hand to prepare it for a building project in a couple weeks.

All in all, I am always amazed at how the LORD works though willing hearts. He has a perfect plan through it all. He was the center of the relationships formed among Guatemalans and Americans alike. :) 

Funerals

Today Marie and I attended a funeral. Here is what we learned...

Typically a funeral is done in the person's home. The Guatemalan homes are fairly open, so they can fit lots of people. The one we went to had many chairs set up inside.

We came in, sat down, and waited.

"What time does the funeral start?" we asked.
"At 7:00 or whenever the pastor shows up," was our Guatemalan friend's response. :)

We started singing at 7:30. :)
Then we heard a fantastic message on the perfect consolation we receive from God from 2 Corinthians 1:3-5. Finally, they served a refreshment of bread and coffee to thank all for attending.

Here are some additional facts:
1. They can have an open-casket or closed-casket at the funeral.
2. Many people bring food (corn, sugar, etc.) to help the family out financially.
3. There is a large bow outside the house of someone who has died. A white bow represents someone young or elderly. A black bow represents anyone between those ages.

Tomorrow they will have a time of prayer and then head to the cemetery.

Home Visits

"Lord, help me be uncomfortable."

Up until two days before leaving for Guatemala, I was not nervous at all about anything related to my trip. That fact made me nervous. When I get "okay" with the way things are going, I tend to think I can do everything on my own and don't need the Lord.

In that moment, I asked the Lord to make me uncomfortable.

And He did. Unfortunately that led to anxiety and fear and lots of tears. When I got to Guatemala, these emotions changed from anxiety to nerves about the upcoming trip. I knew I needed to leave it in the Lord's more-than-capable hands. That, however, is easier said than done.

I was nervous about translating VBS materials, relating to the American and Guatemalan students, and most of all...

HOME VISITS

Home visits are the most terrifying and most wonderful thing of any mission trip I have been a part of here in Guatemala. It is a practice many of the churches use here to reach out to families who may need some extra encouragement from the church (because of sickness, lack of ability to come to church, absence, etc.).

A group of American students prepare verses and encouraging stories for a situation that they usually don't know beforehand.

As a translator, home visits are the most nerve-wracking for me for many reasons:
1) Will I understand everything?
2) Will the verses and encouragement be accepted?
3) Will I be able to accurately share the stories the Americans have to share?

Lots of questions fill my mind as I prepare for home visits. Many times they keep me from enjoying the moments I am in as I worry about the future.

So far, we have been on two home visits. Let me tell you...they were horrible!

Just kidding...they went so well! They were probably the best home visits I have ever been on. Not only was I placed with a fantastic group of students, but there are also 2 others who speak Spanish and can help with translating. In addition, the people we have visited have been fantastic.

One couple was suffering in their health and could not come to church. They are one of 2 families in their small town that believe in Jesus. The church visits them every week. The elder told me, "They can't come to us, so we go to them." How encouraging!

The other woman we visited was one of the founders of the church. She is 90 years old and is an example for the people of perseverance. Her family was a beautiful picture of generations of believers. As we sat in the room with many members of the family, they gave glory to God for the health that she has had and the legacy she has left. They then shared some food and drink with us before one of the daughters showed us her garden.

I love it when God makes me uncomfortable. Although I don't always love it in the moment, I am ALWAYS amazed at how God uses these situations to make me more dependent on Him. When I am dependent, I can take credit for nothing and honestly give all glory to Him. I'm praying that my dependence on Him continues to grow, so it becomes easier and easier to glorify Him as I let him lead.

School and Bible Study

Today we had a great opportunity to visit the school where we worked 3 years ago! I was amazed at how many students I recognized and how excited they were to see us. The teachers especially were excited to see us again. :) 

(If you want to read more about the schools in Guatemala, read past posts about my experience 3 years ago.) 

There were a few changes in the classrooms and the grades, but overall it was fantastic to see all the kiddos and teachers again. They still have a huge place in my heart. It makes me want to come teach them again!

We also had an opportunity to attend a Bible Study in the church. I am always blessed through attending church here. Just like all churches in the United States can differ greatly, so it is in Guatemala. I appreciate Los Olivos (the church we attend here) because they are very solid in their mission, vision, and values. They have a strong leadership and committed members. They have faced their own struggles as a church, but they give credit to God for re-building their church.

Today we were studying Revelation 6:1-8. Talk about interesting! I love studying scripture in Spanish because I tend to pay attention to the concepts and words more intentionally. The meaning of Spanish words can also differ and provide deeper meaning. 

I love the fact that there were about 45 people attending this Bible study. It was very well-structured including the context of the book, different interpretations, and the significance of each part of scripture.

I am hoping to post pictures soon! Things here are quite different but quite beautiful. :) 

Llegue (I Arrived)

I have been in Guatemala for two days now, and it has been great to be here.

I forgot how much I missed the people, the culture, and the city.

This week my friend and I have been resting and I have been adjusting the culture and language.

The youth group we attend when we are here has an anniversary party this weekend, so we have been helping them prepare decorations for that. It has been great to be immersed in a Christian culture in a different city. We put on some Christian music and went to work!

This morning there was an earthquake. It was the first time I have experienced an earthquake. I heard the dishes shaking and felt the ground shifting. It felt a bit like being on a roller coaster. It didn't last very long, but it was a bit scary knowing that there was nothing I could do if things started falling, but praise God that nothing fell (besides the soap in the kitchen) and everyone was safe.

Be praying for our hearts and our minds as we rest. Pray that we would be obedient to God's leading and calling every day even during our days of "rest." A group from the United States is coming on Saturday. Please be praying that God would be preparing hearts of those coming to serve from Heartland and the hearts of the people we will visit.

Thank you for uniting with us in the mission. We appreciate your prayers!

And We're Off...Soon

"Do you want to go to Guatemala with me?"

Little did I know that this simple question would enhance my life in many marvelous ways! My friend and I first went to Guatemala for 4 months right after college to teach English. Now we are returning for a month to help impact the country for the gospel of Christ by partnering US missions teams and the Guatemalan churches to bring the gospel to the people of Guatemala.

Guatemala is a country on the border of Mexico. It is considered a third world country because of its poverty, but it is filled with wonderful people who have taught me so much about life. They live life very simply there and are strongly dependent on community.

I am excited to return to this amazing place to watch the Lord do amazing works in the Guatemalan people, the teams coming in, and all those serving!

I would love to keep you updated on my short one-month journey. I also covet your prayers. They are incredibly important in accomplishing the Lord's mission.