Week 3: Faithful Friends

Sometimes it can be difficult to see the tremendous opportunity God has placed before us. It’s easy to forget why we are where we are with all the busyness we fill our lives with. We were having a similar experience recently as we found ourselves exhausted by another week of language school. But God reminded us of his purpose for us this past weekend through our dear friends in Christ, Nury and Arnoldo.

From 2 years ago when I saw them last.

I met Nury on my first mission trip to Guatemala 5 years ago and she has been an integral part of how Cassandra and I ended up here. We were blessed with the chance to stay with her and her husband this past weekend at their guesthouse for missionaries. She and Arnoldo truly uplifted us and encouraged us by telling us more about the area where we are about to serve. God used them to remind us why we are studying Spanish and living in a different country without some of the comforts that we would normally enjoy. It was truly the inspiration that we needed to keep pressing forward and a great example of the body of Christ at work.

Arnoldo was taking the picture.

In addition to visiting with our dear brother and sister in Christ, we got to explore more of Guatemala. Nury and Arnoldo live right near Antigua, the old capital of Guatemala. It is a beautiful city with a rich history that is surrounded by breathtaking views of volcanoes.

Antigua’s iconic arch with volcano in the background.

It was Cassandra’s first time in the city and she loved exploring all the handicraft markets and museums (especially the chocolate museum). It was a much-needed getaway that readied us to take on our next week of studies.

The indigenous women of the area are well-known for their colorful, handwoven textiles.

We are so incredibly thankful for the support we have from our brothers and sisters here in Guatemala as they remind us of all the support we have back home! We miss and love you all!

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Week 2: Hard Work and Relaxation

We have just finished our second full week of language school in Quetzaltenango. Each morning during the week we have been studying Spanish with our own private tutors. We have learned a lot from our incredible tutors, but the process is exhausting! We only spend 4 hours in class but that does not mean we get a break from learning Spanish as there are very few people here who speak any English. Participating in a normal conversation at the store or at our host home requires 100% attention and at times we feel like our brains can’t hold in any more Spanish. At the end of the day we are mentally fried, or as Cassandra puts it, “A different kind of tired.”

Our tutors, Ana and Miguel

For this reason we are encouraged to take time to relax on the weekends. So this past weekend we had the opportunity to explore Las Fuentes Giorginas, some beautiful natural hot springs. We had a very relaxing Saturday soaking in the hot water and taking in some views of God’s beautiful creation. After that much needed break we were ready for another week of preparation for our ministry in Gualan.

Cassandra running her hands through a waterfall

We continue to thank God for this amazing opportunity to learn and serve Him! Please continue to pray for us as we adapt to a new language and culture. We send our love to our family and friends back home!

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We Made it!

After a year and a half of planning and 6 months of raising support we have finally made it safely to Guatemala! Thanks be to God! We arrived late Friday evening (January 29th) and were met with open arms by our dear friends Dr. Elry and his wife, Liz. They took care of us in their home on the shore of Lake Amatitlan for our first 2 days. We both agree that Liz is an excellent cook!

Cassandra taking in the beauty of Lake Amatitlan.

           The food was excellent, as was the fellowship. Dr. Elry and Liz host an amazing ministry out of their home that we were blessed to observe and be a part of. It’s called Kid’s Club. 3 days a week children and youth, ages 5-18, head to their home for a hot meal, tutoring, games, prayer, praise, and a Bible study. It was truly inspirational to see God at work at Kid’s Club. Many of the older youth had been a part of the club since they were young and are now helping to lead the children. The program provides for both the practical and spiritual needs of these children. Many of them live in extreme poverty, but you would never know it by the way the children all gave glory and thanks to God with their songs. Their program gave us both a lot of great ideas for when it is our time to help out with the children’s and youth ministries in Gualan and La Union.

Dr. Elry and the youth of kids club performed a mini concert for Cassandra!

The kids wore me out playing futbol!

Sammy led the youth in lake shore Bible study.

        On Sunday we attended a wonderful service at Castillo Fuerte, the Lutheran Church in Guatemala City. We were greeted with incredible hospitality and fed well after the service. Then the head pastor, Abdiel, and one of the members drove us 3 hours east to Xela, where we are now attending language school. For the next month we will be spending 5 hours each morning with a private tutor practicing Spanish. So far it has been challenging and at times overwhelming! The challenge continues when we get back to our host home where we stay with three sisters who speak no English. But we cannot complain. Xela is a beautiful city surrounded by mountains and volcanoes, and everyone we come into contact with has been incredibly kind, welcoming, and helpful. Our hosts make us feel right at home. Our tutors have already become like close friends, and our friends from the Lutheran Church here are always willing to help in any way possible. God continues to provide us with everything that we need and more!

Taken just outside our language school. Volcan Santa Maria in the background.

        We are so incredibly grateful for all of the prayers, encouragement, and financial support that our brothers and sisters in Christ have provided to get us here. Stay tuned! We will continue to update you frequently.

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