A week in Guatemala

Its been one week in Guatemala. I'd be lying if I said it hasn't been challenging. But among the challenges and trials, it has been good. Living in a walled in community is both great because it is safe but not great because there is no where to go! I love my team of 12 others, but every now and then it would be great to get away.

A typical day in Guatemala finds us waking up and ready for breakfast by 7:30am. Most days we will have an hour to read, pray and mentally prepare for the day. Then out the door and to the streets at 9am.

We've done a few different types of ministries. I have to say that my preferred one is the kids clubs. In 3 different areas we gathered the kids who live in the market or the dump. Most of them "street kids" but not orphans. We did some songs, talked about the creation story colored pictures did a few skits and had snack. Its a time to love on these kids and hopefully instill a little truth into their lives.  I didn't walk through the dump to collect the kids, but those who did said it was absolutely heart wrenching. Babies sitting on piles of garbage. This is their home and reality.  The danger to us is making sure we tie our hair back and wash our clothes to guard against lice and perhaps wash the feces off of our pants. But that doesn't seem like too much trouble to be able to enjoy a time with "the least of these". (Luke 25:40)

Speaking if the least...the ministry we are partnering with is called " Street Revolution".  It is run by David and his wife Julie(a native of Guatemala). Its been great having them as our guides on the streets and giving us background information and a little bit of context.  I have so much respects for them and this ministry as it is one that sees a lot of pain and little fruit.

The rest of our ministry time on the streets has been highly uncomfortable. The homeless people in Guatemala almost all use a solvent as their drug of choice.  Life on the streets is hard and to numb the pain they breathe deeply on fumes strong enough to knock you off of your feet. So, while we go to hang out and love on them, most of them are high and some just fall over and pass out. When encouraged to give up their solvent soaked cloth, they simply shrug it off and say no. David goes to the poverty stricken areas and talks to the people on the streets. He plays games with them, draws pictures, washes their feet and gives minor medical attention. So, that is what we did. I wasn't quite ready to dive into the feet washing yet, but I did lose at street checkers (different rules).

More stories of course, like how i got cut with a knife on the street or about our day at the prostitute row, but these will have to wait.

When Giving Hurts So Good!

Today we had a “day of giving” we were encouraged to consider giving sacrificially.  The idea is that you love some THING a lot that maybe you don’t own it, but it owns you.  We were not MADE to give but encouraged to. 

 

We were told on Friday that we would have this time on Wednesday and that we should pray about it.  The only thing that I could think of that would actually be a sacrifice to give is my absolute favorite dress.  I prayed about it and felt that I didn’t have to give it away.  But a couple of other items came to mind and I gave them pretty freely.  But God was still working on me. 

 

We are learning how to hear God.  This includes just listening.  So many times we “quiet” the Holy Spirit when we are prompted to say something or do something.  We reason it away thinking that it’s just a stupid passing thought.  But being in a furnace these days with all of the amazing people surrounding me at YWAM Denver, we are all constantly encouraged.  Encouraged to listen, encouraged the give, encouraged to act. 

 

Today many people gave away their most precious possessions.  I’m not talking just dresses and shirts and scarves (though many of those were given).  But think even bigger. 

 

Someone gave their wedding ring.

Someone gave an engagement ring.

More than one person gave away their laptop computer.

Precious jewelry with deep meaning, MP3 players, purses, cameras, toys, shoes and so much more!

Some of us committed to give money both now and later.  Those of us holding on to our money tightly, painfully let it go to people who probably needed it more.  Many tears were shed.

 

I was blown away when I was given two gifts.  I went into the event expecting nothing because I really need nothing.  But A staff member called me up within the first 10 minutes!  He gave me a beautiful antique looking globe.  He also gave kind words and encouragements to go along with it.  Thanks Steph!  Later, a teammate called me up and gave me little shampoo, toothpaste and toothbrush as well as $100!  I was blown away as she confirmed that God would take care of me.  That He is in all of the little details.  That was the confirmation that I needed to give away some money of my own.  I painfully dipped into my “savings” that I wasn’t supposed to touch.  I gave away money meant for my future.  It was a big step in trust.  Trusting that God will completely take care of me.  Trusting that His plan is bigger than my own!  Trusting that my future is already taken care of by the One that freely gives (and takes away).

 

Whew.  Big day!  Its always such a blessing to give.  Praise God for all of the good gifts that He gives and for how he has blessed both the giver and receivers today.  May we all live out a life of generosity and TRUST!

 

I’m hoping that this might inspire you.  Say a little prayer and ask God how you can be generous today!  Giving hurts… so good.