Two weeks ago I packed up life in America, into my 65L pack, and flew to Guatemala.  It was a complete culture shock at first. Cars speeding by everywhere, a language barrier, new foods all around and a new view. Right as I stepped off the plane there’s mountains and volcanoes. There’s people rushing to grab your bags for you. There’s yelling everywhere, people are running around to get you to where you need to be. You better hope your whole team made it on the bus because if not, they’re left at the airport. We got to base and our views are absolutely breathtaking, mountains and volcanoes surround the base, even close enough to cause an earthquake (trust me, we would know). 

Day two we all found our ministry, each team getting two different ministries. My team has sure had an experience with ministry. Our Monday, Wednesday and Friday ministry is with Lugar de Promesas led by our host Pablo. This ministry is a very need-based ministry, some days we will play soccer or make house visits, other days we will paint a church and just hang out. We have had down time to get to know Pablo and his mother, who both serve us so well. Our Tuesday ministry is with Birdhhouse and is led by our host Tulio. This ministry is filled with house visits, teaching English and playing soccer. Every Thursday we have activation, in the morning we are ministered to by our base leaders then we use what we’ve learned and go out into villages completely spirit led. Ministry here is the experience of a lifetime and each day is something new.

The transition from America to Guatemala has been a challenge for sure. From the simple things like change of scenery and food to the bigger things like homesickness and new normals. Some days are easier than others, for example, the sickness from food is REAL! In reality, it has been so hard here. The experience is one of a lifetime, it’s hard but knowing I’m doing all of the Lord’s work is SO fulfilling. 

As I continue this journey, I ask for prayers for my squad and I. Prayers for peace and comfort through the hard times. Prayers for the healing of the brokenness we experience. Prayers for the villages we enter for the Lord to come in and do his work. We ask for prayers for an abundance of health and wellness as we are starting to get sick and we’re needing the healing. Most of all though we ask for prayers for safety and for the Lord to just place his hands over us with his comfort.

Thank you for all of your constant support for my squad and I and just loving me so well through this new journey. I will continue to update as time goes on, but for now, I love you guys.