Aqui Voy

“For what we preach is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.  For God, who said, “Let light shine out of darkness,” made his light shine in our hearts to give us the light of the knowledge of God’s glory displayed in the face of Christ…Therefore we do not lose heart. Though outwardly we are wasting away, yet inwardly we are being renewed day by day.  For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” – 2 Corinthians 4:5-6,16-18

I am starting to lose count of how many weeks I have been in Guatemala. My calendar tells me I am going into my sixth week of language learning, which means, I have been here a little less than seven weeks. I feel like it has been two. I recognize I have been here longer, because everyday it feels more and more like home. My Spotify account is filling up with popular music in Central America, I have a regular cafe, I can carry on a broken conversation with my host family, and I can give directions. I am home for the time being.

Just because I am home does not mean by any means that everything is perfect. Like every person, the longer you are home, in a new job, a new school, a new anything, you begin to see the faults and failures. Everything is not new and exciting; it contains flaws and failures. Not everyone is a friendly Guatemaltecan, not everyday is clear, not every shower contains hot water. The world sometimes is really messed up, and I know I don’t understand everything. Being removed from understanding a language does not remove me from hearing about the evil in the world. I don’t get to automatically hide from the wickedness of the world. I am not automatically more righteous and closer to God because I am here. I am not automatically less of a sinner because I am here. I am full of the nasty, human nature that is in us all. But the Bible is full of examples of regular Joes that the Lord uses to do His work in a world full of fault.

Fortunately I am not witnessing myself or about my life. I am witnessing about Christ, His light, and forgiveness in this dreary world that needs His Glory. We may lose heart when we see the evil in the world around us, but we should never lose heart in the Lord! The Lord is bigger, brighter, and more full of love than we can comprehend. Even in a fallen world, He has a plan to make His light shine. He uses each one of us. We are in this fallen world, which takes its toll on us and sometimes are spirits, but the Lord conquers our fears. Our fears are fleeting, but the Lord is constant. He is eternal.

In all of my trials and fears here, the Lord is with me. I thank you for your constant prayers and support. Prayer is powerful, and I can see how the Lord is watching over me daily. Please continue to pray for my language learning, safety, and that God would use me as a tool to shine His light in all of my interactions during the day. Please let me know if you have any prayer requests!

Other highlights recently:
– Hiking Volcano Tajumulco: the highest point in Central America
-Learning to cook typical Guatemalan dishes
-Continuing teaching English Class and being able to communicate with students

Vaya Con Dios!

Getting to know Guatemala

“for God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable.”- Romans 11:29

   As of today, I am officially starting my 4th week in Guatemala and my third week in language school here in Quetzaltenango (Xela). I finally think I have the pronunciation down for the city, so I can move on to other words! In all actuality, I have been very busy with learning Spanish here, whether that is in school in the mornings, activities in the afternoon, exploring on weekends, or even teaching English classes.

This past week, my friend and fellow student here, Nanna, from Denmark, began teaching English classes for kids. The kids here are having their “summer” break now, so ICA language school is suppling basic English classes. Nanna has been studying here for six weeks, so she is very capable to teach in English and communicate in Spanish. She asked me to help because being American, I supposedly know how to spell and speak English correctly. We started off with one class of students twice a week, Monday and Wednesday. Then last week during a class, a whole group of new students showed up, so we have started another class that meets on Tuesday and Thursday. It is quickly filling my days, but it is such a great joy!

Anyways, during my language class today, my language instructor Edwin asked me why I was here. I had answered this question before and then he repeated in Spanish, “No, how were you called here.” I already knew he was a Christian because he has been pointing me to different churches. We also have spent time talking about our views on death because of “Día de Muertos” here, and his volunteer work. Even with all that it was really awesome when I got to tell him how I ended up here. At the end of trying to tell my story through a mess of words and tenses I am still learning, he wrote down Romans 11:29 on the top of my notebook page: “for God’s gifts and His call are irrevocable.”

I know I am here learning Spanish, but I also know I am here because God is using everyday to strengthen me and even use me as a tool for others. Everyday events, explaining why I am here, and “Día de Muertos” give me the opportunity to talk about my faith with fellow students, my family, and my teacher. It is so emotional to see God in everyday things and people. It really makes me remember that I may be here to learn Spanish, but I am constantly a witness for God.

Other highlights from this week:
– Hiking Volcan Chikabal
– Hiking Volcan Santa Maria
– Watching Guatemaltecos celebrating San Simon
– Watching and participating in activities for “Día de Muertos”

For more of what I have been up to and pictures, add me on facebook! Click here.

Vaya Con Dios!