New Places - New People

During this experience, I have been reminded of how many new people, places and experiences come up on an almost a daily basis when you go abroad. I studied abroad in college, so had a taste of this, but not quite at this level. One thing I did not expect at all was to travel during my time here in Guatemala. I know that sounds strange, but if you know me well, it probably does not surprise you that I didn't research one thing about the country or make a plan in regards to my time here before I came. It has made it a lot more fun though because God has had a lot of surprises in store for me.

Darby and I have traveled the past two weekends - last weekend to Semuc Champey and this weekend to Copan in Honduras. I absolutely loved checking out the Mayan ruins there and learning a lot about how they lived and what they believed. Although interesting, hearing about their beliefs definitely made me have an even a stronger stance and belief in Christ. Also, I saw one of the most beautiful, natural places I've ever seen. I'll say it again - no human could come close to creating what God did at the beginning of time. He must love the color green because that was all I could see from the back of a pick up truck in Copan this past weekend; every single shade of green, and almost any type of plant or tree imaginable - so beautiful.

During our travels, Darby and I have met a lot of people - some who know Christ and many who do not. The ones who don't seem to be the ones God has put most prominent in our life here. I wouldn't say that is the norm for a lot of the students or missionaries studying at our school from what I can tell. It has been interesting talking to several people who seem to have a view that Christians and specifically missionaries are not interested in hanging out with anyone who does not believe what they believe. I know this is certainly not true for everyone, but a couple "apathetic" or unsure people have told me that Darby and I are some of the only Christians they've met interested in spending time with them. One non-Christian girl at my school actually told me she didn't think those who neglected people who do not share their beliefs were doing a very good job at "spreading their religion". I would have to agree with her. It really has given me a lot to think about in regards to how I represent Christ when I say I'm going to be a missionary.

I get a much more honest and real reaction when I tell people what I'm doing here than back home. People are very open about what they do and don't believe and it has been refreshing actually, and incredibly interesting and fun to get to know these people. The only thing is that most people we meet are only here for a short time, so you generally say hello and goodbye within a few weeks.

Spanish is going really well. I am practicing patience, and realizing that the best way to learn is to try to speak it and constantly mess up... which I do almost every time. Once you mess up words like "hombre" (man) and "hambre" (hungry), you won't make that mistake again. It ends up being a great way to improve! It's strange because it's only been a few weeks, but I am really getting used to Antigua and life here. I know that as soon as I feel really settled I'll have to leave. Asi es la vida (such is life :) ).

Thank you so much to those who have prayed. I am so thankful for God's protection and guidance that I have received every day. He is teaching me a lot right now. With everything going on, I'm having to learn how to balance school/new friends/new places and keep my relationship with Him #1. I have not been doing a great job lately to be honest. But I know through Lamentations 3:22,23... Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is His faithfulness.

Looking forward to my last few weeks here in this beautiful, friendly country. :)