Grace and peace to you from our Lord Jesus Christ, and warm (in more ways than one) greetings from all us here in Guatemala!
Today has truly been a blessed day, filled with laughter, tears, and the unbounded love of Christ. Though it is easy to perceive this mission trip as us touching the people of Guatemala through sharing the Word of God, their sincere acceptance of Christs love and mercy in their lives serves is an eye opening testimony to the power of God and His constant presence in our lives.
The day started out pretty rough, having to wake up at 6 am in order to enjoy some breakfast "just as you like it", get prepared for the hottest day of the week, and be on the road by 7 am for our 2 hour drive to Buena Vista. Though the accomodations in the buses were less than comfortable, the view that was offered out of our windows was breath taking. The beauty of the mountains, the lush green of the forest, and the incredible blue of the sky were the least impressive of the sights. The volcanic peaks of Agua and Pacaya standing majestically over the landscape, the endless farms of sugar cane and rubber trees covering the horizon, and the water covered bridges through which we had to drive through, were breathtaking and exciting to us, silly tourists.
After going through the challenge of unpaved roads, we reached Buena Vista. As we entered village, it was unbeleivable as to the amount of natural beauty the people live in. The picturesque violet, yellow, pink, and red wild flowers, growing alongside the banana, avodacodo, and mango trees, stood in stark contrast with the poor living conditions that the people were subject to. Their walls were, at best, made out of metal roof sheets, having their floors made out of compressed dirt. As we walked out of the bus to our Faith lesson location, we were greeted by confused stares of the Guatemalan people, who were unsure as to what we were doing there. However, we did not lose heart, and continued with our service to them.
The first place we visited was the elementary school in Buena Vista. The school offers education up till 6th grade. As the houses, the floor consists of compressed dirt, while most of the rooms are blessed to have concrete walls. Though the school is surrounded by a chain linked fence, stray dogs are not uncommon here. Bugs fly through the windows and doors, which are kept open in order to provide some sort of releif from the heat. Even with the heat, the kids are still required to wear uniforms and be attentive in the sweltering heat of their classes, many of which do not have teachers. Though the description of the school might be disheartening to a kid, or a parent back home, the kids are as cheerful as can be. Upon seeing us they were so excited to hug us and talk to us, whether we understood Spanish or not. They were so open to play and wanted to spend time with us, which was evident by having our departure marked by dozens of kids climbing up the chain linked gate in order to say good bye as we departed.
After touring the school, we started on our Home Visits, specifically the sponsor kid of Deaconess Betsy, Exequias. Having entered the home with a fence of new barbed wire, it was evident we were up for quite a visit. The mother of Exequias, Angelita, though genuinely happy to see us, was greived over the death of her brother in law that happened last Friday. In addition, it had become difficult for Exequias to keep up with his studies, since he needs internet to study, having to take an hour bus ride once a week in order to maintain adequate grades for his scholarship. The family asked for us to pray for Exequiss studies and to have strength in the difficult times that they are having in their greif and loss of a family member.
After the House Visit, we headed back to the location of our Faith Lessons. After the adult Faith Lesson, led by Oscar, we quickly filled up on our PBJs and chips, and started getting ready for the kids and the youth. As the kids gathered around the fence, some of us began inroducing ourselves to them, learning the names and ages of those most comfortable sharing them. As the faith lesson went on, it was a pleasent surprise to learn that our fear of the kids being shy and introverted were more a less uncalled for. The kids were very polite and actively participated in the clapping with the music, watching the skit, and enjoying the craft. After the kids had received their snack, it was time for us to head back "home". It was hard to say goodbye to the kids to whom we were able to share the grace and love of Christ to, having seen the change of fear to joy in their eyes in the long day that we have had. And, as a reward to our service, we had quite a relaxing 2 hour nap back home.
To top of a day of adventure and witnessing the Holy Spirit at work with the people of Buena Vista, we ended our devotion with affirmation and appreciation of every individual in the group. It is often easy to feel insignificant in a culture where many of us do not even know the language, feeling as if we do nothing but clap to the music and hand out crayons for crafts. However, God has brought us here for a purpose. Though we often do not see His plan, we must not doubt that we have purpose. That purpose being the light to the lost, the literal hands and feet of love to a nation that is in need of Christs love and His saving grace.
Joshua 1:9 "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go."
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