Day Five: Guatemala Mission Trip

Day Five: 

Today was our last day of official ministry work before we head to Antigua. We had a long drive up to a village in the high mountains where coffee beans are grown. Our van holds most of us and I had the "pleasure" of sitting in the very back today. (Think of the tail end of the bumpiest roller coaster you've ever been on. Lol) In order to avoid getting sick, I sat quietly and listened to worship music. As I  listened to Kari Jobe sing the words to "Beautiful", I couldn't help but look around at all of my teammates, seeing them each for their individual beauty. I  was brought to tears thinking about how God perfectly orchestrated our team, each person bringing unique gifts, and mirroring something beautiful about Christ:  

Wayne: He is such a quiet, thoughtful, steady, wise, intentional man of God. He's full of jokes and always knows how to bring laughter in the van.  His interactions with his wife are always gentle, and he is a great example of a spiritual leader in his home. I feel blessed to have gotten a glimpse into his life and ministry, even if only for a few days.

Jeny : Jeny is the epitome of a Proverbs 31 women. The way she serves and loves on others with a huge smile is so inspiring. Her favorite thing to say when conditions are less than great is "Lord, it's just the way I like it." That one quote has been with us so often on this trip!! Jeny loves until you think she couldn't love any more, yet somehow her heart continues to overflow to others. 

Marilyn: She has such an open and willing heart, the smile of an angel, and is filled with so much  love and a desire to grow closer to God. Her laugh is contagious and I'm so glad I got to be her roommate this week. She is the type of girl that immediately makes people feel comfortable.

Danielle: This beautiful woman was meant to be a mother to all, a daughter to the King, and a sister in Christ. She touches every heart of those she meets. She is kind, compassionate, gentle, and wise...someone I aspire to emulate in my walk with The Lord, and someone who is now so near and dear to my heart. 

Christa: What a soft spoken beauty. She captures God's grace and love through the camera lens,  but also exhibits it through her tremendous compassion and love for others. She impressed me every day with the way she was able to balance her "job" with her desire to help serve and partake in all of the activities.She is talented, creative, and wise beyond her years, and we are all so blessed to have her here with us

Mel: I call him the sleeper comedian. Who knew he was so darn funny? Mel is also the guy that finds something special about every person in the room, and is simply a joy to be around. He;s either making someone laugh or cry, and either way he's always a blessing.

Linda: Linda's eyes are exactly how I picture those of Jesus. So full of love, full of compassion, full of an aching for lost souls. I feel that her and I are kindred spirits, and I'm honored to be on this journey with her. She offers me such great insight, clarity, and encouragement. The trip would not have been the same without her here.

Jason: Jason is so wise, so purposeful in his teachings and his interactions. He is such a great walking example of someone who trusts and waits on the Lord's timing. I have learned more from him over the past three years than almost anyone else in ministry. I am so honored to have him as my leader and friend.

Steven: What a joyful, well-spoken young man. He truly has a heart for God and God's people and brings an  innocent joy to our group. He has been just like one of us this entire time, rolling with the punches and never once complaining.

Blaze: Just look at him - he actually looks like Jesus! :)  But more importantly, when he smiles, it is the most genuine smile you'll ever see. He just wants to serve God and have fun... and if he's doing those two things he's completely content. I have really enjoyed spending more time with him this week, and am super impressed with his willingness to do just about anything here.

Scott: Scott is like a big kid with a huge heart...He's a true gentleman and his empathy for others is unmistakeable. I have loved watching his face light up when he's around all the kids! He doesn't have to say much for others to see the love he has for those around him.

Angelica: Angelica is quiet and soft spoken but so open to reaching out of her comfort zone and blessing those around her. When I look at Angelica I just know that God has big plans for her! She came out here on her own to follow wherever God leads her and He certainly is working things out for good in her life. It's exciting to be a part of.

Megan: Mi hermana!!! Megan is like a beautiful rose that really began to bloom on the trip. Her heart is so big that she has to protect it at times, but I could see her opening up just a little bit more every day. She has a ton of love to give, and makes me laugh until my stomach hurts almost every time I talk to her!! Truly one of the most thoughtful women I have ever known... I'm so grateful to call her my friend. 

Matt: Matt is like a big teddy bear. He is the life of the party and at the same time has a deep, sensitive side to him. He is a Godly man seeking a Godly marriage which couldn't be more beautiful. I loved watching him and Megan serving together during this trip. I can't wait to do ministry with them again!

Paul: Paul has been so great at leading worship and offering Godly perspective to our group. He's content to stay behind the scenes, yet truly shines when he's teaching and preaching about God. He's got a quiet, gentle spirit about him, and so full of wisdom.

I thank God for each and every person here. Without a doubt my life has been forever enriched by each of them. 

Today's theme of "beauty" certainly didn't stop in the van ride. We went on what seemed like a jungle safari ride in an open land rover all the way up the mountain,  which is literally called "The Clouds". 

It was the most beautiful thing I have ever seen. Vines hanging, caves, huge trees, waterfalls.... And when we began to reach the top, we could literally feel the condensation from being in the clouds.

It was the closest to heaven we've ever been. Pure natural beauty. 

When we reached the top, the clouds began to move and we were able to see the mountain clearly. 

Then, as quickly as it had cleared, heavy clouds rolled in again and it began to rain. At first, we were loving it! It felt great after experiencing some of the hottest days of our lives! 

But it didn't take long to realize that it was more than just a sprinkle. Soon, 

 it was a heavy, windy rain and we had little shelter.

 We were told that we would have to wait until it cleared before heading back down. So,  we stood there, all huddled together to stay warm like a bunch of penguins!!! LOL! It was wet, it was freezing, and yet I've never experienced such  joy. It was exhilarating! We had the honor of praying for our Pastor, who  has been battling leukemia, in those clouds on the top of the mountain. I only wish he could have been there to see it.

After our little adventure, our gracious hosts served us probably the best meal I have ever had... warm, chicken mushroom soup and fresh coffee from their naturally grown coffee beans! It was amazing after standing in the rain for so long!! 

Later that evening, at the church service, we were all moved to tears once again with the emotional testimonies of our team.  As the night concluded, I was able to pray with one of the women at the altar. She was sobbing and moaning,  and I kept praying for healing and comfort and peace for her. Then I was quiet and I listened. Instead of crying tears if sadness, I could hear her words saying "Thanking you lord Jesus." She was crying out praises!  I was speechless and moved to tears. 

God continued to move throughout the night in mighty ways....in fact, one of our team members confessed that she hadn't truly accepted Jesus Christ as her savior. That night she prayed with us to receive Him, and all the girls stayed up late talking about our faith journeys and  walking the Christian walk. Praise God! What a special way to end the ministry time here in Guatemala!!! 

My soul has never felt more alive, and my heart has never been so full. To think of all of the lives that we've seen changed, impacted, and moved to tears...the glory that God has revealed through His creation....and the BEAUTY of having an intimate relationship with our Creator...I'm overwhelmed. I'm changed. I'm in awe of our amazing God!!