In the beginning....

I have officially been in Antigua, Guatemala for three days now. For those of you reading who don't know why (which is unlikely), I am spending six weeks here attending language school and being emersed in Central American culture. This is the very beginning of my journey as a short term missonary. I'll be serving children at risk in Jarabacoa, Dominican Republic for two years with Kids Alive International starting in October. After preparing for this experience over the past six months, I am finally at the beginning and it feels good/scary/overwhelming/exciting and maybe a bit unbelievable.

Admittingly, my first day was not the easiest one I've ever had. I did meet my host family upon arriving and immediately felt warmth and hospitality. They are a wonderful family... that speak very little English. Who can complain? I speak hardly any Spanish myself! I was taken into a part of the house I would be living, which is seperate from the rest. There are two bedrooms, a bathroom, and study. The two bedrooms were empty, and my immediate thought was "Am I seriously living by myself over here, without knowing anyone?" Thankfully, I was told that a girl named Darby would be moving in the next day and would be attending CSA as well. Whew - thank you Lord! The thought of her coming really helped me through the next day which was filled with loneliness and uncertainty.

Darby arrived and she is great. We have really clicked and ever since she came bouncing in on Sunday, ready to immediately hit the town, we haven't spent a moment apart. Meals have been one of the most interesting parts of the last few days in the house. Conversation is more of a guessing game than anything else. We spend half the time in the English/Spanish dictionary (our friend as mi mama calls it). The food has been very good and el cafe (coffee) in Guatemala is my favorite ever!

Yet another praise would be mi maestra (teacher). Merle is the most joyful person I have ever been around and her Spirit radiates during our entire time together. Praise God because I am with her five hours straight each day. Yesterday I was pretty sure my head was going to explode with all of the information she was pouring into me. Today was better though and I only have about 50 new words to know by tomorrow! It is intense, but necessary. Being in a place where you can't speak the language truly does humble you and gives you the extra desire to push yourself to know it.

I am overall enjoying my time here in Antigua. I love the cobblestone streets, beautiful mountains that surround the area, and the colorful, old houses. The people are so friendly and it is full of great restaurants, cafes, and shops! These last few days have been "different" than any others in my life, but I know it's going to be great for my transition into the mission field.

When naming this blog, which I have never done before, 2 Timothy 1:7 stuck out in my head because God TELLS us (through Timothy), He did not give us a spirit of timidity, but HIS Spirit, which is full of love and power and self-discipline. I've had to repeat that verse in my head countless times as a reminder and as self encouragement. Thank you Lord for your Word!

I really have to go study now - can't believe I'm a student again. Thank you everyone who has prayed for me - please continue and I would love prayers for perserverance during this time. I will blog again soon and hopefully my skills will improve!! Peace and love and hope and grace to you...