If you would have told me six weeks ago that I would be here right now I would have probably called you crazy. I never in a million years thought that I would form the relationships I have here in Guatemala and at home. I have absolutely been blessed so much more than I can ever imagine! I never thought I would miss Guatemala, but I am beginning to realize just how much I will miss and even though I absolutely cannot wait to get on that airplane and come home, I’m really not looking forward to saying goodbyes.
This past weekend, I got the opportunity to travel to Xela with my favorite crossroads kids. It was an awesome experience and great to see more of Guatemala. We headed out Friday afternoon and returned Monday to celebrate a good ole’ American 4th of July. We got really lucky with the place we stayed- it was right in the middle of the city and we actually made great friends with the owner Thijs and his puppy, Poepie. We even made some awesome Australian friends from our hotel: Tarrant and Courtney and even ended up bringing them back to Pana with us. It was a great relaxing weekend where we explored the city, had great food, and enjoyed each other’s company. When I say relaxing… I mean most of it… there was a near death pick-up experience where we were trying to get to the top of a volcano to see a Laguna in the pouring rain… but that only added a little excitement.. nothing too crazy
Our crossroads break right before leaving... the cutest hot chocolate ever!
in the van on the way to Xela!
We love each other :)
First night in Xela, listening to live music
The pick up right after we got off...
the puppy I almost bought!
This past 4th of July was definitely one to remember. While it was not quite like my usual Unionville festival followed by fireworks at belk tandawanda, it definitely held its own. Kate, Monica, and I decided it would be a really good idea to dress obnoxiously in red, white, and blue (which was even more tacky than it would normally be given our resources) and spend the afternoon hanging out and shopping around Pana. Then, for dinner, we went to the only place that is ever filled with Americans in town for hotdogs, hamburgers, cokes and country music. While it really made me miss celebrating at home, I really enjoyed the make-shif celebration we had here.
our "family picture" with the Australians! hanging out by the lake on the 4th.
hanging out by the lake
The group celebrating the 4th of July!
The southerners stick together :)
God has really been doing some amazing things in my life as well as the lives of those around me too. I continue to realize just how much I am blessed with every day and am enjoying living in the grace that God has given me. In studying recently, there have been a few verses that really stood out to me: 1 Corinthians 9:22-24.
“To the weak became I as weak; that I might gain the weak: I am made all things to all men that I might by all means save some. And this I do for the gospel’s sake, that I might be partaker thereof with you. Know ye not that they which run in a race run all, but one receiveth the prize? So run, that ye may obtain.”
While I could probably go on for pages talking about all the things that I was able to get out of this passage, one of the main things that I got is just how weak I am without God. I feel that this experience stole away all the things I relied on at home: family, friends, a car, a cell phone and made me realize that the only thing I can really and truly rely on is God, not these worldly things that can be pulled away at any moment. I can only hope that I have lived in a way that shows others around me how in love I am with our amazing God and just how appreciative I am of all the things He has done for me.
1 more week until home sweet home!
