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.