Maby's Maple Syrup

Hello friends and family in the States...

It is hard to believe it is already day 6 of our journey here. Without a doubt, God is working through each and every one of us for His glory and His purpose. To those of you who are reading the blog, thank you for supporting us and God's work here in Guatemala. Please continue to pray for the missionaries who are here with us, the families we are reaching out to, and for our continued safety on this trip.

Our morning devotion today was led by Ruth, one of the Guatemalans we have been traveling with. She asked us, "is shyness a defect or a virtue"? If shyness to proclaim the gospel stems from fear, and fear stems from a lack of trust in God, how can such a thing  be a virtue? Instead, it is a plot of the devil and can prevent us from spreading the word of God, which is what we came here to do. Is preventing God's will not disobedience as well? Therefore, timidity is a form of disobedience that we need to overcome. When we are fearful, we need to ask for God's strength and courage so that His work can be accomplished. She encouraged us by reminding us of the story of King Saul and the prophet Jeremiah. At first, both were afraid when being called by God, but He did great works through them. Ruth encouraged us to put our timidity, pride, and fear aside so that He could work through us this day and the rest of the week.

We arrived in Amititlan later that day and enjoyed our last day of home visits, singing, acting, and making crafts outside of the house. It will be hard to forget the many smiling faces of children we met, the tears of those who are in need here, and the stories we have listened to this week. One group had a particularly memorable day today, one that gave me "Godbumps" just listening to. At one of the houses of their home visits there was a father and his young children. The father had fallen away from his faith, the family did not go to church, and the kids were living in a physically abusive environment. While Manuel, one of the Guatemalan's that lives with us, was reading God's word to them the father's heart softened. God opened his eyes and he realized that he needed to find a church again; he needed to change his life. The father and his children were crying together and embracing one another. It seemed to be the first time any of them had shown that kind of affection. Thanks be to God that His kingdom was expanded today.

At the end of our night, after visiting the beautiful view of Lake Amatitlan, getting through a scare in town, eating delicious stir fry, and talking again with George from Only a Child, we went upstairs to gather in fellowship and devote our time to God. Some of the people on this trip were very brave, and and gave us the honor of knowing more about their lives, their personal struggles, and their faith walk with Christ. It is amazing to see how well we have gotten to know each other and how much love and support everyone is willing to give. I thank God for the fellowship I've had with these amazing people and the opportunity to be here with them and the Guatemalans we're met so far. I pray that God continues to bless this ministry and those living and working here for this purpose.
Thank you again for your support financially and spiritually,  we will see you all very soon!
2 Corinthians 1:3-7

-Andrea Carrabia