Blessings

Oh my goodness has this been a busy week...sorry I haven't been able to update!  The week has been full of Spanish classes, working at the Mayan Families preschool, an ankle sprain (lol), and a continued growing as a close in on the beginning of week three here in Guatemala.  As I type that I can't believe it has already been two weeks since I left.  Two weeks since I left the comfort of my own home, two weeks since I left some really close friends to venture off with people I didn't know (who are now some of the most wonderful girls I could have asked to share this experience with).  Two weeks since I through myself into a country and a culture that is vastly different from my own.  The past two weeks have come with combination of ups and downs....times when the thought of speaking more Spanish made my head spin and times when I just wanted to retreat because it can be overwhelming.  The past two weeks have also been filled with joy of working with little ones and hearing them say "Hola" over and over again because that's all we know haha.  It has been filled with worship and church, which let me tell you was like a breath of fresh air last Sunday.  It has been filled with birthday's of other students who are staying at my house and ice cream with my host brother and sister.  

Although there have been times when it has been overwhelming and my anxiety tries to creep up on me, I have been able to remind myself that God blessed me with this experience and that I don't want to get through it with a day by day countdown, I want to live it.  I want to get to the end of seven weeks and wonder "How in the world did this go so fast?".  I want to look back and see how much I grew and all the things that I learned.  It has been over a year since I began this struggle with anxiety and although there are times when it can be frustrating and something that can cloud my experiences, I know that God is in this.  I was always a full speed ahead kind of girl and I can even see this mentality in the way that I approached this trip and learning another language.  I wanted to come down here and take a few days of Spanish and be able to communicate with people like it was no big deal.  Needless to say that did not happen haha.  I have learned a lot and do feel somewhat more confident in my ability to communicate but there are definitely times when I have to resist the urge to cry because I can't understand what is being said around me.  That being said, I firmly believe that God placed this anxiety in my life to remind me every day of His great control and peace that can only come from slowing down, throwing my huge pride and independence aside, and holding onto the peace He has to offer. 

With that said, I would like to share with you a little photographic glimpse into the blessings of people and experiences that God has placed in my life during my time here so far in Guatemala. :)

1. Last Saturday, I hiked up part of a volcano!  I was hesitant about doing it because I thought it was going to be hard and boy did I underestimate that haha.  To say I am out of shape is probably the understatement of the year haha so it was slightly embarrassing but I also learned the beauty of patience and encouragement that people can offer.  Elizabeth, Julia, Taylor, Lindsey, and Shahid were so patient and so kind as we all hiked up this huge mountain and I struggled to keep pace.  They were so patient in stopping when needed and never once complaining.  I also witnessed how beautiful God can make things and the view from where we were on the mountainside was amazing. :)

2. I had a package of raisins for snack and just found it so funny that it was in a package and in a box haha.  My Spanish teacher was really excited for them and we got to share them during class :).  

3.One night my host family and I, as well as another couple that it staying at my house for the week played a game of spoons.  It was so funny and I loved hearing the laughter and feeling the joy of simply being together with people...no agenda or thing to complete, just time together :).  

4.The same night of the intense game of spoons, it was Francisco's birthday (he and his wife are the couple staying for the week).  As you may or may not be able to tell here, he is blowing out trick candles on a birthday pancake haha.  My host dad went into the city the day before to get little cupcakes and at some point between when he brought them home and breakfast, the family dog jumped over the kitchen door and ate all of the cupcakes hahaha.  This will be a birthday I'm sure Francisco will not forget :).

5.This is a picture of my host brother and sister, Jerico and Ale.  They have helped to make my transition so much easier and have made me feel so much a part of the family.  They come into my room every night, backpacks in tow, and sit on bed and do homework or often play games on my phone haha.  Thankfully they speak English but I still think that their patience and childhood acceptance has been such a blessing :).  

6.One word...worship.  Last Saturday I was Skyping with my parents and my dad asked me where I was going to church.  I said I wasn't sure because we had a day trip on Sunday.  It just so happens that one of the girls in my group works for an organization here that holds a contemporary worship service on Sundays. It was the most amazing recharge for my soul and I thank God for allowing me to experience Him in a familiar way here in Guatemala :).  

7.These cards and the picture are from one of the most thoughtful woman I know.  One of my best friends stopped over the day before I left and handed me a bag of cards and wrapped presents, each with a date on it on which I was supposed to open the specific thing.  I can't even tell you how encouraging her words have been and how wonderful it is to "hear" her voice from so many miles away.  It is truly amazing how God placed on her heart the perfect things to say because on each day that I have had something to open, the words inside have been the perfect words to help encourage me on that day.  Thanks Linds for being such a blessing :).  

8.These are two little girls at the preschool I am working in.  I'll try to turn the picture right side up at some point but just wanted you to see the smiles that I get to see every day :).

I pray that each and every one of you can stop and see God in your life.  I pray that you are able to see how He can bless you with the humility, strength, and energy to thrive through new and uncomfortable situations.  I'm off to another town around the lake this weekend to celebrate a friend on the trip's birthday!  Everyone enjoy you're weekend and always thanks for stopping bye. :-)