My First Weekend

I am all settled in!! I flew out on Friday morning and arrived early in the afternoon. This is the first of many updates I will write about my Guatemala Calling. Many of them will include stories about the youth or testimonies regarding our ministry. I want to give a quick update about my first weekend.

Friday: I was picked up by Ivan (youth pastor) and two of my youth friends (Christian and Fabio). We dropped my stuff off at Ivan and Sonia’s place. I am so blessed by them to allow me to live with them and stay in their awesome place. We then ran some errands and met some of the other pastors!

Saturday: We woke up and had breakfast. Then we began to prepare for the afternoon events. Every Saturday there is a youth group event, whether it be bible study or recreation. This week was recreation. So we bought some lunch (tortillas and beans) and fed some youth. Then after all the youth came, we played two team games. We played human foosball (which is awesome) and then basketball. These were fun for the kids but also was great for me. I was on a team with a few youth. We laughed, smiled, and won together. I created a great bond with a few of my teammates. I met so many new people and am slowly beginning to talk to them and remember their names. It is amazing to see how easy it is to connect to youth with little Spanish.

Sunday: This was an amazing day. We woke up and went to Shalom Baptist Church. This is where I will be interning at. I was able to observe a youth Bible study. Following that, we attended the service. We worshipped in songs, offering, and in Bible Teaching. I know little Spanish, but took some notes. I was amazed at the authenticity of worship in the congregation. During the service, Pastor Alvaro called me up to pray for and over me. With the support and prayers of the church, I was commissioned. This was just so touching…i love knowing I am supported and encouraged. Then following the service, I had the wonderful opportunity to give some gifts to friends! I had printed off many pictures of kids and adults to give to them. My favorite moment this morning was with two young girls named Karen and Jennifer. My first trip to Shalom, 2 years ago, I met them. I took many pictures with them. The following year, I brought these pictures to them. So, I did it again today. As I gave pictures to them, their faces light up so brightly!! I have been so happy since. I also got to see my dear friends Jonathan, Fabio, Blanqui, Evelyn, and Patty.

This weekend has been great because I have been getting extremely comfortable living here. But this is the most low key weekend of my whole summer. Starting tomorrow, I will be helping at the school, in the poor neighborhood of Las Conchas, and teaching the Youth.

So please pray for me throughout the week!! Pray I continue to connect with students. I continue to grow in my knowledge of Spanish.

Here are some Pics below. I have uploaded some more on my Facebook.

Miix, Jonathan, and Fabio.

Karen and Jennifer

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