The People

I've cried several times after being back from Guatemala. I wondered, "Why in the world am I crying?"

Then it hit me-- It was the people. The people we came in contact with during our time in Guatemala were some of the most beautiful people I have ever had the pleasure to meet. When you looked at their faces you saw: Christ's love in the gentle touch of their hands, sunshine in their smiles, pain and suffering in their eyes, warmth in their dimples, and excitement when I saw their ears perk up in response to us singing, laughing, and praying; both children and adults.

I saw people that did not have much at all:  have the most phenomenal work ethic, have dignity in coming to school with a clean uniform, pray fervently, hug with all that was in them, held their head high- not in a prideful way, but in a way that showcases a survivor type attitude. They are a private, but willing and loving people; they are strong, yet gentle and warm; they are perseverant, yet lowly and meek. The people of Guatemala and the people of Hearts in Action ministry are just plain sweet.

The people of Hearts in Action [ the ministry we partnered with for the trip ] are a people after God's very own heart. They are transforming generations, they are bringing the word of God to the people of Guatemala, they are representatives of God- ambassadors of the most high. Their hearts are so full of the truest, most authentic love-- God's love.

Then I had the most sweetest of moments: the moment I met the child I have been sponsoring for the past two years. The moment was absolutely magical. We had been communicating through letters, we had pictures of each other, and we could not wait to finally meet. We hugged, laughed, cried, prayed, and instantly knew that we were family. I taught some of the kids at the school how to say, " I love you." He kept telling me, "I love you, I love you!" He said it with all enthusiasm and with all sincerity. He loves God and he knows that HE is the ultimate provider. Man oh man, I can't tell you how much spending time with him meant to me.

Haneer and I

Cool Story: We went to a hospital to do outreach. I was very drawn to this woman who was sitting next to her sick daughter. Come to find out, the little girl that was sick went to The Jungle School (The school that is part of Hearts in Action and the school my child goes to). We chit chatted and after about 20 minutes of going back and forth and asking this poor woman 21 questions, I found out that she is Haneer's mother! I met his mother and his sister. It was totally unexpected; actually, God planned it. He knew the very desires of my heart. I had just said that morning to my team, " I would love to meet Haneers's family." Maybe some call it a coincidence, I call it a God-incident. I sobbed in this woman's arms as she prayed over me. SHE prayed over ME. Here I am thinking that I'm going to Guatemala to do a great work and they wouldn't stop blessing me every single day. This is just one of the many beautiful stories about the people I met while there. They are memories that will forever be cherished. Maybe in the future I'll be able to sort through all the amazing memories in my head and be able to justify them by putting them to words in this blog. 

Until next time, folks. 

Post Missions

I'm home, folks!

Guatemala was amazing. If something can be more than amazing, it was exactly that and more. Coming home was bittersweet, more bitter than sweet. I sobbed on my last day in Guatemala. I was overwhelmed by the love bestowed on us during our stay. I've become involved with the ministry [Hearts in Action] in a way that is inexplainable-- not just financially, but now emotionally and spiritually--, I've finally met the child I sponsor for 2 years and now I have to leave him, I absolutely adore the group of people that went to Guatemala with me, and God was turning and moving things inside of me. Honestly, I'm speechless. There are no words to explain what I felt or how I am feeling. There are no words to explain the type of awe that I am in. I mean, I'm sure there is some word in the English vocabulary that can explain, but it just won't be accurate enough.

I picture God's very finger reaching down and just gently tapping my heart and my heart instantly becoming electrified. Yea, I think that's what it must be. I finally said, "Come on God! I'm ready!" I say that and then think, "Oh shoot, maybe i'm not ready," then something as amazing as a missions trip to Guatemala happens and God reminds me that He is with me, guiding me and leading me as long as I am open and willing; what a marvelous thing it is indeed.

It's not that I didn't miss some people, I did. It's just that the people of the ministry we worked with [Hearts in Action] and the people of Guatemala are so beautiful. I've always thought I was a fairly loving person. I pale in comparison to the love out poured on me during the trip. I saw siblings loving on each other in a special and precious way, I saw children who have been forgotten and given away smile at the sight of these goofy Americans bearing gifts, I saw hungry and thirsty families comfort us because our hearts had been so broken at just the sight of them, I saw children's eyes beam the love of Christ, I saw children praying with all they had in them because all they had to hold on to was the precious name of Jesus, I saw God doing a work in us as we poured out of ourselves, I saw God move.

I was frustrated at the thought of coming home. I told God, "There is so much to do here (in Guatemala)!" I was reminded by a friend, that God will continue to provide for the people of Guatemala, they are not a forgotten people to God, they will be freed. I was also reminded by a friend that there is a work to be done back home. I reside in Providence, Rhode Island for such a time as this. This is where I call home right now, it is time I rise up. How? By walking in love, by having a single-minded focus on God's will and pursuing God, by abiding in God, by seeking wisdom, by obeying, and by simply living in Him.

This Guatemala missions trip wasn't about an experience that happened in Guatemala. It's about the work that is to be done. This was like a training camp; preparing me for the future and for now. It wasn't a one time thing that was super awesome, it was a life changing event that super naturally stimulated my very core being.

"Vast ocean of love cannot be measured or explained but it can be experienced." 

Not just once or twice, but ALWAYS.

"Then Christ will make his home in your hearts as you trust in him. Your roots will grow down into God's love and keep you strong." Ephesians 3:17

More posts and pictures coming soon!