Just finished the last week in Guatemala. MANY different emotions from this week, but the Lord is my rock. 😚
Monday was my sabbath, and I ended up going out with Jaylynn to Antigua for the last time. We stopped by the Prayer House to drop off my guitar to Bella, then JJ, Lexi, Kat, Emery, and Naty got Brazilian Waxes LOOOOOLLLL. After witnessing their experience, I didn’t get one haha. Jaylynn and I went to a souvenir shop after, where a CRAZY thing happened. I was shopping around when I looked out of the corner of my eye, and I saw a lady fall out of the store and twist her ankle. She kind of fell and sat on the step. I went over to her and was explaining how I saw my friend Jackson hurt his ankle yesterday and we kind of laughed about it for a minute, but then I asked her name and got to talk to her for a little while. Her name is Shelly and she’s from India, traveling by herself while she’s off of work. I asked if I could pray over her ankle to see if God would heal it in that moment and she was like, “God can do that?” I said, “Yeah He can.” So I prayed for her, and she put her shoe back on. Then she stood up and she said it felt fine, gave me a big hug, and she walked away. BRUH. THAT WAS THE FIRST HEALING THAT I PRAYED FOR WHERE SOMEONE WAS HEALED INSTANTLY. That day I was feeling off mentally and spiritually, and God totally revealed Himself in a crazy way. I was so hype after it happened and I ran back inside and told Jaylynn. THEN she bought Wendy’s for me and we ate in the park. The leaders that night set up a “Happy Last Day of Ministry” thing with cake and notes for each of us (even though my team finished on Saturday hehe.)
Tuesday was our cleaning day. I went to Melendez with Lee, Carter, and JJ in the morning, then we began cleaning and packing. We all hung out for our last night in Guatemala.
Wednesday, we woke up at 4:00am, finished some last minute packing/cleaning, and left the AIM base to drive to the airport in Guatemala City. At 1:30pm, we got on our three hour flight directly to Atlanta, Georgia airport. Madison and Emily were there to pick us all up and had CHICK-FIL-A DINNERS FOR US!! We then drove back to the AIM base in Gainesville. Walking into the Training Center after 7 months was in my top 3 craziest full circle moments. We then had an orientation, set up our beds in the Training Center, and went to sleep.
Bye Guate
BACK IN THE USA
Thursday, I woke up and spent time with Jesus/reminisced around our campsite. For the day, I went out to Target and Walmart LOOOLLLLLLLLL. That was crazy. I came home feeling pretty drained lowkey but I’m glad I went out.
Friday I SABBATHED. I took a big nap in the morning, helped make lunch for us plus L and K squad, chilled some more, then went to Waffle House with some people.
Saturday, we packed and cleaned for domestic ministry in North Carolina. We had to watch some training videos (aka how to paint a room/hang drywall) then all three squads left at 12:00pm. We arrived at 4:00pm to the base in Black Mountain where all 105 of us are staying at for the week. Shortly after arriving, we actually got to walk around the place where K squad got hit by the landslide back in September. We all had the chance to worship there which was really good. Everyone came back to eat dinner, then we just hung out for the rest of the night.
Sunday morning, the squads broke up to go to four different churches. M squad girls and I went to “Restoration Church” and it was SO cute. We talked to the pastor and the small congregation, then went back to the base. Most of us soon after went into town to get coffee and walk around.
Ohhhhhhh, Guatemala. I’m so thankful for this country that was marked with intimacy, love, and growth with the Lord. I’m grateful for the staff that poured into us and that were very intentional with us. I’m so grateful for my time with Reindom and how God displayed Himself so clearly through Loyda, Oliver, and even the kids. There were some super sweet moments here. I loved seeing my squad come together in worship and work through hard things. Mealtimes were so tender, being cooked for by Sandra, Janita, and Teresa. Manuel was the best driver ever. I’m thankful for the laughter and joy that came from God. I learned a lot about intercession and the power of prayer, plus some of the gifts God has given me. I am so thankful we ended in Guatemala, a time of sewing seeds. God created it so beautifully. The mountains and clouds and sunsets and colors. Guatemala always has a place in my heart.
Being back in America has honestly felt oddly normal. Going to Target and Walmart I was prepared to be a little more shocked, but it was actually so chill. I think that side of “culture shock” will hit later when I get home. Being back at the base in Gainesville has definitely been the struggle. During training camp I was battling so much doubt and I felt like God was so far away, so being back here after 7 months where I have actually seen God move and where I’ve experienced His love for me has been an insane battle in my mind. Georgia went through winter, but it looks exactly the same as when I left. I don’t know how the trees looked without the leaves, but winter did happen, and since it’s spring they look even more full than in the fall. When I was walking around my campground on Thursday I was thinking about this and how I’ve gone through a lot these past 7 months, but it may not look like I’ve changed. But God has worked in my heart in so many ways, and I am changed. The trees are forgetful of what they went through during winter, so I do NOT want to be like the trees and I want to remember everything God has done. He sees me and He knows me. He’s not far from me now, and He wasn’t back at Training Camp.
We have one final week of ministry for the World Race. I’m excited to see how God moves this week during my squad and L and K. Soaking up every last moment!
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