Guatemala is…

(photo: taken from on top of one of the mountains in Santa Marta, overlooking the fields and the soccer field – or “campo” at the bottom)

Here’s what I wrote:

Guatemala is a beautiful country, full of lush greenery, and picturesque mountains. The rural villages are more traditional, and the people wear beautiful, hand-made clothes. The cities are full of life, with many sounds – from caballeros riding down the cobblestone streets, to vendors shouting their wares, to bands playing, to chuchos barking, to church bells ringing and bombas going off at all hours. The people are friendly, and move at a slower pace. Relationships are important, and people practice hospitality so well. There is also a lot of brokenness. Alcohol has imprisoned many people, especially the men, and the enemy has used it to tear apart the family. But I have seen God bring so much healing. I have seen God working restoration. I have seen God healing hearts and giving hope and bringing freedom. God has such a love and a plan for the people of Guatemala, and I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to witness some of it!

 

(photo: We’re entertaining the kids who have lined up to come to our Saturday program in Santa Marta. The Saturday program focuses on a Bible story/theme, a lesson, song and dance, and a snack for the kids.)

Here are their responses from my squad:

 

Guatemala is where God gave me a heart transplant.

Guatemala is my home. It is a Spanish speaking country which makes me happy because it feels like home. It is super friendly, people are always talking and gladly receiving prayer.

Guatemala is beautiful place, littered with beautiful people, clouded with a sadness that hungers for love incarnate.

Guatemala is teaching me about discernment of what is truth and of God.

Guatemala is a place where the Lord has changed my perspective on alcohol and began to give me His heart. He keeps on showing me He is good. Guatemala is special because it offers a glimpse of the garden. The glory of God & his creation is magnified in this place!

Guatemala is lively and vibrant. The harvest is plentiful and God is displaying his power here in the most astounding ways.

(photo: Me and some of the kiddos having a goofy moment in between activities in Santa Marta.)

Guatemala is a place hungry for healing in so many places. It is a platform that God has utilized to enable us through His glory to advocate for the hope that is to come through Him. It is a community overflowing with gratitude and a vibrant culture full of people eager to smile.

Guatemala is a place where there is always enough room, specially in modes of transportation.

Guatemala is a place of sacrificial giving.

Guatemala is more than a temporary home, it’s a lifestyle I want to adapt, one of undeserved hospitality and grace.

Guatemala is sweet in every area.

Guatemala is refining and galvanizing, constantly pushing me to shed myself for God and the community.

(photo: Some of my team and I went to Parque Nacional Naciones Unidas. This photo is overlooking Lago de Amatitlan)

Guatemala is a beautiful demonstration of colorful, all-enduring love.

Guatemala is such a beautiful place with a warm and welcoming culture. Guatemala is a colorful burst of God’s heart!

Guatemala is fulfillment of the law; Love God and Love People. Guatemala is a perfect place to practice the presence of God despite the “distractions” of kids running up to you to giving hugs, long ministry hours with people who desperately need God’s love, and being crammed into public transportation.

Guatemala is like that grandmother that just welcomes you in even if you are a new face. We’ve been received here in

Guatemala with so much love and grace by the people. It’s a land rich in many things like hospitality, agriculture, love of God, and a deep historical culture that needs more time to discover. It’s a hidden gem that is unique when discovered.

Guatemala is a place seen, known, and loved by God. There is no where else Gods’ heart of hospitality is shown more greatly, where eyes are bright, and love transcends language barriers.

(photo: Taken in Sumpango. This is the first sunset we’ve seen since we’ve been here! It’s rainy season right now; we can get sun in the morning, but it quickly becomes overcast and rainy most afternoons.)

Guatemala is filled with such kind and hospitable people that do not refute the power of prayer.

Guatemala is smiles and greetings from everyone you see, kind eyes, old traditions, and beautiful views.

Guatemala is where I rebuilt my spiritual house.

Guatemala is people with warm hearts quickly extended friendship, hospitality, generosity, laughter, and warm hugs.

Guatemala is a harvesting nation and the numbers of people accepting Christ is growing every day.

Guatemala is teaching ABCs and shouting God’s love on the mountainside.

Guatemala is life in color. Smiles, volcanoes, chuchos, tortillas and open doors. It’s a fertile soil full of people hungry for Good news and the one true living God. Guatemala is walking into freedom from idolatry and alcoholism!

Amen Guatemala is full of love, hospitality, and is a little pocket of heaven on earth.

(photo: This was at the Women’s “Beauty for Ashes” program that I got to put on with our ministry in Santa Marta. Shout out to Loyda and my amazing team for all of their help, and so much praise and thanks to the Father who brought so many women, and who is already working in hearts and minds!)