We spent the first 5 days working at the church there. We had two groups, one doing construction and the other doing the medical clinic. I was on the construction crew. It was really hard work but the team made it fun. We spent the mornings moving materials up onto the roof for the construction guys and spent the afternoons either playing with the kids at the church or going on prayer walks through the neighborhoods. It was so humbling to see where these people live and how thankful they were for what they had.
On Saturday we did a camp with some people from Guatemala for the kids. Our team mostly just helped round the kids up and keep them where they were supposed to be. That evening we went back to the church and had a time of worship and sharing with the youth. It was a really neat night.
Sunday morning we went to church. There the Guatemalan people thanked us for all our work. We all felt so unworthy, like we should be thanking them. Then they gave each one of us a gift, purses for the girls and "bags" for the guys. Even though these people have noting they still give so much. There is so much we can learn from them. That night we went to Mama Carmens. She is a woman who has been called to care for the children of the streets of Guatemala. She has started her own little orphanage. She has 45 children that her and her two daughters take care of. Her story and faith are beautiful and inspiring.
Monday we got to go to Antigua for the day. It was absolutely beautiful! We got to go to Fernando's, an awesome little coffee shop and then we went shopping. Rachel and Adam were in Antigua also, attending a language school for 5 weeks. I had tried to get a hold of them but couldn't. I was so sad that we were in the same place in a different country and I wasn't going to be able to see them! As I walked out of a store I heard my name being called. When I turned around there they were, on their way to a guitar shop! It was so great! We got to spend a couple hours together and catch up. It was such a little pick me up for all three of us. God knew how much each of us needed that.
After spending some time in the city we went to this beautiful Monastery for dinner. It was breath taking and the food was soooo good!
The next day we headed home, all of us ready a little but none of us really wanting to leave. We said our goodbye and headed back home. God was so evident there in Guatemala but at the same time the city was so dark and lost. I am so thankful that I got to be a part of bringing a little bit of God's light, love and kingdom to the people there. They are always in my heart and prayers.
The Day Camp on Saturday
The view from the church
Us in Antigua!!
Me and Noah outside Fernando's!!
The team on a hill in Antigua
Mama Carmen's
ENRIGUE!
The roof where the construction happened
2 comments:
keisha! that is such a great opportunity you were able to have in Guatemala!! Sounds like you had a blast with everyone and i really wish i was able to be there with you guys!!! Im sure you guys were a big blessing and encouragement to those at the church serving there full time! Don't forget what you have learned there as you get back to the busy life in the States! :)
God is so good and so much more "happened" in Guatemala than you know now -- or maybe will ever know! You will be processing what all you learned and experienced, and harvesting the seeds that God planted in your heart and life for weeks/months/years to come :) And you may never know how your presence and hard work and love changed the lives of the people you encountered while you were there. What a wonderful thing it is when we offer ourselves to God, and even really hard, hot, dirty work becomes a joy! I'm so glad you went and that experience is now part of who you are. Love love!!
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