God’s glory was on display throughout our time in Guatemala. That doesn't mean it was an easy trip because we had our challenges. Our many attempts to book tickets only managed to yield costly, 9-hour-long flights, instead of the more economical 3-hour-flights we had expected... Mechanical issues then extended our travel time to a full 24 hours! During those hours, our team bonding deepened. Bags we considered lost were miraculously returned, and extra fellowship commenced after goodbyes had already been exchanged. The 5-hour bus ride dragged into 10 hours, and illness struck almost every team member before we reached home. We slept in different beds every two days…but it was all worth it!
Our visits at both children's homes were shortened due to travel delays, but the hours spent there were rich and deeply blessed.
This team gave so richly- to those we went to serve, but also to one another. It was a privilege to experience. Pickleball, VBS, and Art Therapy were so special as our team expressed great love and received joy in return. This diverse team displayed every talent and gift imaginable. The fellowship around the meal table and morning devotions were awesome, I imagine a blessing to the Lord’s witness.
A highlight was 3 kids in our program met their Parent Partners for the first time. These relationships are a long term commitment to these children, and we pray it is only for the child’s good and God’s glory.
A few of the Next Steps kids joined our team for the week, and what a joy that was. Jay and I have known these kids for 9 years, and they have become as precious to us as our own. To be allowed to see how they persevere and are growing in their faith is such a wonderful gift from God. What a generous God we have!
As we concluded our week, travel fatigue, illness, and stormy weather necessitated that we hold church at the hotel instead of facing another daunting bus ride. We rented a small conference room and asked Pastor Wesley to prepare a sermon-on short notice. Team member Kaylen put together a worship set of Spanish and English and a few of our Guatemalan college kids to share their testimonies, making for a wonderful Sunday church service. While our team and a few Guatemalan friends were tucked away in a quiet conference room in the middle of the big city, God’s glory was manifested in extravagant ways. The 2-hour service wrapped up with Pastor Andrew’s moving call of rededication or 1st time commitment to Jesus Christ. It was so sacred, yet so unexpected in many ways.
