I am washed by the water...

Guatemala

I have been blessed to have two chances to visit Guatemala on mission trips. Last year on my trip to Guatemala I was shocked by the poverty, living conditions, cultural differences, and the landscape. I had an eye opening experience and learned a great deal about myself and God. The most meaningful/impactful moment from last year's adventure was food delivery with BJ. We had each other, God, food to deliver, and no one who spoke a lick of English. We walked throughout the city of Paramos into people's homes were we passed a guy wielding a machine gun and kids riding bikes with machetes hanging from their hip, all with the intent to share the Gospel. This was the biggest leap of faith and reliance I have ever felt on God. It was amazing to witness His work, and even with a language barrier I knew he was moving and understood the words of a language I by far am not fluent in.


This year was a different experience completely. I learned just as much if not more this time around. I was not distracted by the shock-n-awe like my first visit and could see the relationships with these people and the way God uses us to show his love. I really made a connection with the members of this remote community atop a mountain. The following is what I wrote in my journal upon saying goodbye to these amazingly strong people.

3/17/10

"My four days here so far have truly been a blessing. I know we are here to spread the name of Jesus and sharing the love of our Savior (and we have), but I find myself completely in awe of these people and learning more and more about God's grace. I hurt for people I have so shortly had the opportunity to meet. These people who have nothing material wise are the most genuinely happy kids and families I have ever met. Though they have nothing they give all they have to us within their community. I am at a loss for words to describe this experience. Over the last few days we have worked with kids in the school and built houses across a beautiful landscape with a valcano as our backdrop. The kids here have only one pair of clothes and possibly shoes on their feet. Their smiles are captivating and steal your heart in an instant. They have climbed, swung, jumped, danced, played, smiled, laughed, joked, and talked with us every moment we have been in their village. It is amazing that God creates us all differently with languages that vary, and even still we can understand each others emotions and feelings. I am reminded of exactly how small I am in this world and yet with/through God I can make an impact. I yearn that we have planted a seed and glorified God with our every action this week. God has showed me the need to share with those who are less fortunate than ourselves.


It has been a punch in the gut to see these children without the opportunities I have been blessed with in my life. I wonder what their futures hold and whether any of them will ever see the world outside their village. It makes me shutter to see their intelligence and know that they will probably never be given the opportunities to educate themselves and change their circumstances. I have been drawn by the humanity and love our group and the people of San Rafeal have shared. I drove away today, and I had to catch my breath because it killed me to leave these faces behind. It pains me to know that I may never see these people again on earth, but I have comfort knowing we shared Christ and love to these families and the community. These five houses God planted in this village are the fruits of his labor, many prayers, dedication, and sacrifices. His grace and love is in every face I looked into over the past few days. I pray that God never lets me forget these people, their problems, and their joy. I made many new friends and want to never lose sight of the important aspects of the relationships established in San Rafeal.


I love that both times I have come to Guatemala, God has touched me and taught me more than I could even possibly be prepared for. I love sharing with these people what He has done for me. I simply lack the eloquent words to even get close to serving justice to what God has done this week in my heart and hopefully the hearts and lives around me.


I will miss Melby's face and his amazing infectious smile. God I pray especially for him that he grows into a Godly man and that you poor blessings into his life and his family. I pray that he has a strong relationship with you. It killed me to leave today without seeing him one last time, but I know you are looking over him."






The trip is now over and its back to the reality of school and student teaching. I want to say thanks to Shannon for doing a wonderful job as our leader and I am thankful for every member of our group.