Highlights of the month:
We are in Chichicastenango, Guatemala staying with our hosts participating by serving in the following ways throughout our first week and continuing on through the month.
-Kids ministry
-Soccer games
-Work projects
-Speaking at churches
-Market days and a slower pace of life
Day 1 Thursday Aug 12th
We got up from Launch at 4:15 and packed up and waited for the vans, our squad leaders drove us to the airport. We bought breakfast and snacks after we got to our gate, and had conversations with people. Once we boarded the plane, in the middle, we all found our seats. I was excited to sit next to Samantha and Michaela. We had a 3.5 hour flight to Guatemala and once we arrived, we went through C19 screening and customs then grabbed our bags, jumped on the bus and drove to the AIM base in Guatemala. After getting our room assignments, which had real beds, pillows and a private bathroom most of our squad settled on some soccer and hammocks. A few of us had a bible study as we wanted to finish it up before we would be separated. We had pasta and salad for dinner then enjoyed just hanging out. Later that evening we had worship and spent time praying over the months ministries that we would be partaking in with our hosts.
Day 2 Friday August 13th
We closed our chapter of a full squad in the morning with pancakes, fresh fruit, and coffee.
Afterwards we had worship, where the Holy Spirit was present, and we went over 1 John 4:7-11; of which we as a small group of ladies began between TC and Launch and finished the night before. He is so good to confirm that we needed to be reminded of His love! We studied as a squad then some cultural history and insight into Guatemala.
Afterwards Team 217 and Treasure Seekers jumped on the bus and began our journey up and through the mountains. Along the way there were many similar things such as gas stations, farm fields and a lot of traffic. There were some differences such as the sides of the cliffs and the corners we zig zag edged through. Then we arrived at a red brick and white house with a yellow second level.
A warm smile with bright eyes appeared from the gate with a warm “hola!” We all came off the bus and greeted Pastor Juan and then grabbed our gear. We got to hear Pastor Juan’s heart and story behind why he does what he does, because it’s all for God. Giving God the glory and praise. We got a tour of his home and then settled in, the guys had the bunk house and the girls had the room upstairs. I couldn’t believe we were actually here and that God would surprise us with such a warm and welcoming home for our first month.
Afterwards we had dinner of spaghetti and meatballs with cheese inside and then we had team times and everyone got ready for bed.
Day 3 Saturday August 14th
The chickens woke me up at 5 and so it was my first sunrise in Chichi on top of a mountain filled with pine trees, deer and squirrels. The sky was an array of pink, orange and purples, it was magnificent as He drew it out across the landscape. I sat and had TAG time then Abby and I made Guatemalan coffee. Afterwards Samantha and I worked out with Chase(the pup). Then I spent some time journaling, afterwards we had breakfast of pancakes and fresh fruit. We got ready to travel to Chichi and boy were we in for a treat, all 12 of us jumped in the back of a pick up truck and rode down the mountain into the city. Large busses and semi trucks were brave and honked their horns as they proceeded to pass on the switchbacks. Our driver was very kind and didn’t hit the breaks hard.
Once in Chichi we attempted to find what we needed some toilet paper, ATMs, and SIM cards. And I’m the process we explored through the cobblestone streets and brightly colored buildings. There were meat shops, bakeries, convenience stores, pharmacies and coffee shops, not to mention the largest market in Guatemala.
This market was filled with fresh flowers, lots of women making tortillas on their stoves. So many vegetables I’d loose count, but they certainly looked delicious! People cooking chicken and many large white bags filled with beans, garlic, ground corn, and many other spices. There were women selling vibrant clothing. I found some beautifully deep purple flowers for Evelyn, it filled my heart with joy to give them to her!
On our way back it only took like 20 minutes because there was very little traffic. It was a more confident ride for most of us because we had already gone into town. I found Evelyn and handed her the flowers! The flowers made her entire face light up! We had dinner once we returned and then hunkered down for the night.
Day 4 Sunday August 15th
The sunrise and the chickens were waiting when I woke up today at 5:30. I took a balmy bucket shower and sat with Jesus. Once I finished filtering the water for the coffee pot I was very appreciative of the electricity that they have at Juan and Evelyns. So the coffee pot could just be plugged in and we were patiently waiting an hour for it to finish steeping.
Teammates slowly began waking up and before breakfast Lindsay, Gwen and I went and worked out at the soccer field. It was a beautiful view and some kids were playing soccer so I jumped in on a few passes.
After we had breakfast we hung out at Juan’s. Then we all loaded up in the back of the truck and headed back down the mountain to go back into town. We found more treasures there (gallons of water, ice cream, a birthday cake for Chanel’s birthday)
All of Evelyns cooking has been beyond all of our expectations. We are so blessed to be in such good hands. The Lord really cares for who He loves! As I see His hand on the ways that Juan and Evelyn bless us I just think back on ways that we are serving Juan and his family. He keeps surprising us and revealing new ways to keep loving on them, this community and this country.
Mateo came in the afternoon and shared his life story with us. His life drastically changed from having a large family to within months his mom, mother-in-law and wife all passed away. The Lord gave him his daughter to continue to love even though he lost all these others.
Day 5 Monday August 16th
Today was a beautiful day that started with a cloud covered Mountain View, and slowly the sun made its way out. Before breakfast Samantha and I washed our laundry in buckets. As we were washing it in one and wringing out the dirty water before putting it in the rise water it was a large process. Then we hung it all up on the line.
After breakfast some people did laundry, while
others did dishes and others went on a walk once the chores were completed. We did some planning and brainstorming as for when the kids would come. Individuals worked on writing blogs, connecting with one another and just small things that needed to be done.
After lunch I played soccer with Paul in the yard. We just kicked it back and forth. He found great delight in the one on one attention focused on soccer. It brought me great joy to just play.
After dinner Juan needed four people to go and preach at a church service. Some of our people from each of our teams decided to join. They went and shared their testimony, sang worship songs, and did a skit. After they got back all the buzz and excitement reach the rest of our ears. We were just as excited!
Then everyone settled in for the night.
Day 6 Tuesday August 17th
I woke up to a beautiful sunrise and then I had Jesus time over looking the mountains on the back porch. Chase, the dog, was chatting to me. As I was reading the sun was making the landscape change colors.
Some of the team and I went for a walk through the mountain roads before breakfast. We sat out on the steps overlooking the mountains with our breakfast my heart was overfilled with joy!
Our teams were starting to prepare for the group of kids that came from ten to noon today! We had kids of all ages come sing songs, learn a Bible lesson in Spanish, and play games. It was a morning filled with lots of laughter and some tears but overall the kids were really excited and wanted to be here. There was no school for the day, as the reason for having so many kids at the ministry site.
Later after the kids left our teams chatted about what went well and what needed work. Then some of us went on a walk through the mountain roads. Afterwards, 4 of us walked to the coffee shop and found a small little park along the way. The new views with the winding road gave an eagles eye perspective and you could see the winding road all okay on the way to town.
Abby and I found Paul and Juan at the soccer field with a boy named Martin. We all started playing and there was laughter, working on building our lung endurance of running, being at 7600’ and wearing a mask all because we wanted to chase a soccer ball together. The Lord is still good! He brings joy and laughter over this situation!
We came back home and played cards, and Evelyn had prepared dinner (pupusas(filled with cheese inside) with cabbage and very thin tomato sauce that go on top, pears and apples and chocolate donuts) from her home country of El Salvador.
Then we got ready and headed to bed. The teams had a toothbrushing dance party that was fun to watch.
God Lessons:
Through all of this, from washing clothes, to taking the truck to town I’ve seen Jesus in new ways. Getting up in the mornings and just setting my eyes on His mountain range, while preparing to make coffee by hand He’s revealing new pieces of His story. Asking me to step into more of who He made me to become and getting new opportunities to Loveland serve on a variety of people, from afar and close to home.
One moment where I got to love deeper was the morning before we went to the market Jesus gave me a picture of purple flowers for Evelyn. So when we were at the market I was able to purchase some and found joy in walking around knowing that the flowers weren’t for me, but to be shared. When we got home I gave her the flowers and her face lit up! “For me?!” “Si!” I replied.
Another moment of seeing Jesus at work was taking time to connect with my teammates at the most random times.
Day 7-11
It was quarantine season and my chums and I spent the days doing a lot of resting!! We began our days sleeping in, after watching the sunrise from the top of the stairs, in worship and sitting upon the top step reading in Genesis basking in the warmth of the sunshine in shorts. We ate breakfast atop the steps, then we would sit with fresh hot Guatemalan coffee and Jesus. Once lunch came around we hung out back on the steps. We’d then go take naps and discuss some part of what we’d been reading as a group. It was time to change into pants again as the temps dropped. After dinner we hung out and then went to bed around 7:45/8, then repeat!
Stay tuned for the next section of Guatemala coming soon!
Many hugs!
Katie!
Thanks for the update! Praying for you all!
I went to Guatemala with a similar team in ’98. This brings back so many memories of a warm and hospitable people, and green as far as the eye can see. Be safe. Praise God.
Thank you Katie for your update! I’ve been looking forward to hearing more details from you as to what you’ve been doing and what God has been doing through you and your team in Guatemala. I plan on showing the kids where you are at and what you’ve been doing.
So excited for you and your team Katie!! So inspirational to read your blog, and seeing you blossom in servicing Jesus. You were meant for this! Can’t wait to hear everything, I’m so, so happy for you. ?? Leah
Leah Fox
Missing you and so glad you are on this adventure. I will keep praying for you and your team. ??
hope all is well going to follow you on this adveture have fun be safe
Teeeeeens!!!
Katie! Thanks for the inside glimpse at what month 1 has been like so far. Quite an adventure (in so many ways). We miss you all and can’t wait to reunite soon.
I love these glimpses of life and ministry on the Race! And I especially love this: “I’ve seen Jesus in new ways…” Can’t wait to see you soon and hear more stories in person!