20 Lessons Learned in Guatemala

1(a). Responding with "si" to every question you don't understand at Wendy's is ineffective. You will end up with a bottled water, when what you really wanted was a chicken nugget meal.

1(b). God humbles us in humorous ways sometimes.

2. Roosters do exist. They crow very loudly in the morning.

3. A genuine hug from a complete stranger has the potential to bring forth tears.

4. A language barrier does, in fact, result in a huge communication problem. It does not, however, prevent the display of Christ's love and His gospel.

5. Cleaning dishes is one of my favorite chores, especially when a handful of teenaged girls works with me - smiling, hugging, giggling, and chattering - repeatedly asking "Como te llamas?" and "Cuantos anos tienes?".

6. Weather conditions change more rapidly in Guatemala than they do in Texas. Who would have thought that possible?

7. I could hold babies all day long (this was not learned...fun fact for free!).

8. There are fascinating people in this world who are brothers and sisters in Christ.

9. I think about myself far too often. FAR too often.

10. Praising God in acapella with complete strangers is a beautiful thing.

11. Guatemala has an equivalent to Costco. It's called Price Smart. We went there, and It. Was. Awesome.

12. God is faithful to strengthen, provide, and bring peace, even in the moments when I feel sick, asking myself "What in the world have I gotten myself into?". Standing in front of 50 strangers - expected to teach them and desiring so badly to share Jesus with them (and having opportunity to do so, praise Him!) - is a scenario I never would have imagined.

13. The money I spent on my North Face rain jacket is money well spent.

14. Translators are a gift.

15. Fundaninos is an incredible place. The people there serve an awesome God, and they love those kids.

16. Being disconnected from the world of technology for 10 days was very good for me.

17. Guatemalan coffee. That's all.

18. There are sad, horrific things going on in this world. My eyes have been opened this week, and my heart is broken.

19. Watching people walk in their gifts while serving the Lord brings joy to my heart.

20. Dios es bueno, todo el tiempo. Todo el tiempo, Dios es bueno.

Guatemala

Okay, friends. I promised Guatemala updates, but I'm redirecting you for now...

Beginning today (and continuing through the end of our trip), you can find detailed updates here. The first post - with prayer requests - can be found here!

Please join us in praying over this 10-day trip to Guatemala. For me personally (and specifically), you can pray that I won't be anxious about the teacher training part of it. God is pulling me way out of my comfort zone on this trip, and I'm excited to see what HE will do! Please pray that I'll use my time this week well in order to take care of last minute preparations.

We leave on June 16th. :)

Playdate

Today was a good day.

Megan and I had a playdate. Megan has a 1-year-old son, so you might be wondering if the playdate had anything to do with him...

Kind of. But it was mainly for us. :)

Yes, we are adults.

We started the day off at their house, playing and chatting. Chick-fil-a was next (obviously), where we enjoyed a fabulous lunch.

That's about what I looked like, too, whilst enjoying my meal!

Touchdown! Isn't his mama beautiful?

In the afternoon, we went outside to swing. Bennett was obviously thrilled with this activity.

We played in the sandbox...

And by the time all was said and done, Bennett was ready for the camera to be out of his face...

Ha! Not really, I just caught him at a bad moment. He really is a smiley child! :)

I had a blast hanging out with these two for the day. Megan, I'm thankful for you!