Guatemala July 23rd- 29th (Monday)

We’re finally here in beautiful Antigua, Guatemala! All three of our groups-Braden River, Boswick, and Cornerstone- arrived safe if not exhausted late Saturday evening where we quickly ate a delicious meal and went to bed. Sunday morning was filled with zip-lining and a tour of the coffee plantation. That afternoon, we spent hours roaming around the huge, crazy market, where we were greeted with big smiles and various forms of ‘Hola! You buy something?’ By the end of the day our wallets were much smaller but the memories we made that day together as a group were bigger than any of us could have imagined.
This morning one of the youth students, Josh, shared his testimony in our devotion time. He shared with us how soccer was his life and really the only thing he was living for. But when he was injured twice and consequently was robbed of his purpose in life, he realized something: that if we’re not living to glorify God in everything we do, we are not truly living. That was a great reminder for us as we began our mission work. Because what we are doing is considered by the world to be a great thing; but if we’re not doing it for God, then He doesn’t even care. Our ‘good deeds’ are filthy rags in His presence if we’re not glorifying God in them. This trip is not about us at all. We are here to serve the people of Guatemala and our Lord Jesus Christ, who loves them so much he died for them just as He died for me. We are so honored and excited to be able to be here and build homes for these people and care for some of the children of Guatemala.
Today, all three groups went to the Malnutrition Center to play with and care for the seventy-plus children living there. For those of us who were returning, we were so excited to reunite with the children who stole our hearts on the last trip. And for those of us who were there for the first time, we were astounded by what we saw and inspired by the strong, sweet kids who are so brave and full of faith. I know personally,, I can’t wait to go back tomorrow and show God’s love to those children, who so need it. Please pray for our safety, health and strength throughout the week. But most importantly, pray for the people of Guatemala, that we would be able to serve them and they see God through us.