Finding God in the everyday happenings...

Overlooking Antigua

In my morning devotion yesterday, I read inspiring words on just what I needed. Oswald Chambers shared, "I must realize that my obedience even in the smallest detail of life has all of the omnipotent power of the grace of God behind it. If I will do my duty, not for duty's sake but because I believe God is engineering my circumstances, then at the very point of my obedience all of the magnificent grace of God is mine through the glorious atonement by the Cross of Christ."

The Famous Arch of Antigua

Love. Kaitlyn and I sharing our fabulous coffee.

The Famous Fountain in Central Park. It was made like this to encourage women to breastfeed their babies way back when. 

These words were what our team needed to hear as we hit the halfway mark through the week. This week, we have found ourselves getting caught up in the everyday routine we have going. Our activities are repetitive and we know exactly what to expect.. very unlike most mission trips. We are starting to realize that God is right there in front of us.. even if it isn't one of those 'aha' moments. God is present in our everyday actions, even if it is not super thrilling, exciting, extravagant or tear jerking. We know He is here and working in us and that brings comfort to us. Our actions here are to glorify Him and serve Him. It was awesome to be reminded of His love and how it is everywhere, everyday, at any point in time. I always figured and experienced that it was easier to seek after God in situations that you are unfamiliar with, exciting, new activities, new places, new people.. but when you are getting yourself used to the same lessons, games, people, and places, God wants you to find him. He wants you to seek after Him like you never have before. And this week has been that kind of week.

Sarah, Jordan, Me, and Kaitlyn by The Cross!

Pretty church in Antigua.

All of the girls (Betsy, our translator included!) under the Arch.

This week, we are working in the community of Jocotenango. It is right outside of Antigua, a historical city in Guatemala. In the mornings, we have one class of students. Then, we have had long lunch breaks where we normally get to explore a new historic site of Antigua, new coffee shop, or just walk and explore a little bit. Then, in the afternoons, we have another class of students. About 60 kids each day.. we are teaching them about God's love for them, reminding them just how special they are.

Our favorite game

Alleluia. This group of girls was precious.

There is one instance this week that I do keep thinking about and I want to challenge you to think about it too. Right when we walked into our morning group one day, we start to unzip one of the bags of supplies and a boy turns around to us saying in Spanish, "We want our stuff!" Then, I asked our translator if he said what I thought he said and she nodded her head yes and started to laugh. We then went on to talk about the perception of Americans in the eyes of the Guatemalan kids (or any other group of kids in a country such as this). Then, I realized something that really bothered me. To these kids, they think of Americans as white people who come down, shower them with toys, candy, gifts galore... then leave. They don't remember them as believers who have shared with them a love from Our God, they don't remember the Bible stories shared, they don't remember the relationships or faces of those people. It is the "stuff" they remember. Broke my heart. That is our reputation in a place like this. I want nothing more than to break that stereotype. I want these kids to know that I am here FOR THEM. I am here to invest in them, love them, play with them, teach them the Word, remind them of God's love, SERVE them. Not to just give them some toys and leave. I was not okay with that statement that boy made and have not forgotten it.

Because He loves us.

Photo credit to Kaitlyn Whitley, our talented Photography major on the trip.

Luckily, that same boy who said that comment returns to the CTC every afternoon for another session... so I get to see him. I have taken this opportunity to invest in him and really get to know him. I have gotten to play soccer with him, color some pictures with him, talk with him, love on him. I want him to know that I care about him and am representing all believers in my actions. I want him to know that I care about him and won't forget him. Yes, I get to give him some fun presents still, but I also get the chance to show him so much more than that about what is important to us. God has given me the chance to change that stereotype these kids have of Americans. And I know this was God working, giving me this opportunity to change a life.

GLORIA DIOS

I want to challenge all of you that take trips like this one, mission trips, anything... to break that stereotype. Do not let the kids remember you just as an American who brings them presents. Be remembered as someone who demonstrated the love of Christ to all you came in contact with. Be remembered as someone who invested in the kids, loved on the kids, made an impression.

Cheesin' hard.... while Frappin' hard. Good day.

Sarah demonstrating animal charades

This was too funny. They put up to six clips in my hair during VBS without me noticing.

The kids have been such a joy this week and we are lucky to have such a great group of cute, energetic, lively, and loving kids all this week. Our next group arrives this weekend and we are SO PUMPED! All of our friends here are becoming more like family to me and it is so weird that I am already halfway done with this experience! Thank you so much for all of your prayers and constant support! This would not be the same experience without all of you!