Blessed Be the Name of the Lord

 Blessed be the name of the Lord, holy and lifted up. 

My God is a strong tower, a mighty fortress. 

Those who turn to Him for refuge will never be shaken. 

Even the mighty fall in the presence of the Most High God. 

With a word He commands the mountains into the sea and they jump to action.

With a breath He gives man life.

With a breath He takes it away.

The rocks cry out: "mighty is the Lord and worthy of praise is the Lamb who was slain!"

But man forgot the goodness of God.

Seeking his own elevation, he found it.

This heartwrenching separation is the cause of every sorrow.

Man has forgotten his purpose.

The whole earth mourns together with him.

In love and beautiful forgiveness our Savior suffered in our place.

Saving us from the wrath of the Father so that we may be restored!

Oh the riches of God's grace! Who can understand?

Hallelujah!

Blessed be the name of the Lord!

Through faith I have been washed clean.

All my sins forgotten. 

I have finally found my purpose, to glorify God and to enjoy Him forever!

As I long for the day when I will see my Savior face to face.

Oh, how I crave to hear Him say: "well done my good and faithful servant."

Who am I that He would choose me to be His dearly loved daughter?

But that is the beauty of my God.

So until that day, I will obey every word from my Savior's mouth.

Lord, teach me to do Your will! 

Teach me to obey!

Don't let me stray from Your path.

Make me more like You day by day.

While I still have breath in my lungs I will sing: "holy are You Lord."

Let my life be a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to You.

So that one day, before Your throne, I can look back and say:

"I have fought the good fight,

I have finished the race,

I have kept the faith."

Hallelujah!

Blessed the the name of the Lord from everlasting to everlasting!

I'm Gonna See a Victory

 "I waited patiently for the Lord, and He turned to me and heard my cry for help." Psalm 40:1

Sometimes we look at life through the wrong lens. We see it as centered around us and our joy. We think that just because we can't see it, God isn't working. If I have learned anything in the last two years it's that I am not the center of the universe. My joy is not of this world. God is working even in the midst of the deepest pain. Maybe I can't convince you that it's true, but I can share specific examples where I have seen God work impossible painful things into marveously beautiful paintings.

My mom has been sick for nearly eight months now. We have been in the States seeking answers for the past four. Today we celebrate five years living in Guatemala. It is incredibly difficult to be in the States while my heart is in Guate. It isn't easy to see my mom in such intense pain. It hurts to see my friends struggling. I want so badly to be back home. 

However, looking back on everything that has come from these trials, I wouldn't change a thing... seriously, nothing. Writing this, my heart is full of joy and my eyes of tears. I can't explain the intense joy and sadness I feel. But that's the beauty of God. The joy that I have in Him is much deeper than any happiness the world can offer. 

I know I've said it before, but the greatest blessing that God has given me (apart from salvation and my family) is the group of friends who have quickly become family. This past week I was blessed with the opportunity to visit Guate and spend the entire week with everyone there. I was able to have some deep conversations. Some ended in tears and others in laughter. Even after being apart for so long, in the middle of deep pain and sorrow, we trust that we can share our struggles honestly. I don't have to be someone I'm not with them. Anytime we debate different topics, we end by deciding to seek what God's word says about it. 

Last night with the Gringo team

Movie Time

Team day to Panajachel

We survived the movie!

Leaving this week was hard because I didn't know when I'd be back. But after much prayer, God helped me trust Him. Several times this week I found myself smiling for absolutely no reason. I couldn't stop it either! These friendships go deeper than just physical appearance or similar interests. Our friendships are based in a mutual love for Christ. However, with deep love also comes deep pain. I hurt when they hurt and they hurt when I hurt. That's the beauty of it. "If one member suffers, all the members suffer with it; if one member is honored, all the members rejoice with it" (1 Corinthians 12:26). 

Carrying one another's burdens never feels like work when deep love is involved. It just feels natural. 

In the last two weeks it feels like everything that could have gone wrong, went wrong. We had car problems, sicknesses, a dog bite, a water heater fall, delays and cancellations. Sometime during the week the song "See a Victory" seemed to become our anthem. The lyrics were fitting for the spiritual battle we were in. "I'm not backing down from any giant 'cause I know how this story ends... I'm gonna see a victory for the battle belongs to You Lord... You take what the enemy meant for evil and You turn it for good." We saw many victories this week. We saw fruit in a place that has not seen spiritual fruit in ten years. We saw medical care provided when we needed it. We saw our own hearts change. I praise the Lord that even though we are all facing our own personal issues at home, we can still praise the Lord because our God will never fail. He knows only how to triumph. 

I learned a lot this week. I can't explain it and I'm still processing. I saw God moving. It reminded me that even when I don't see it, He is moving. I just need to be still and know that He is God. Being molded into His image is a painful process. But one day I'll look back and praise Him for what He was doing when I felt alone. So, why wait? I can go ahead and praise Him in the storm for what I know He will do in the future. I'll praise Him in this storm.

Pressing On

 7 I once thought these things were valuable, but now I consider them worthless because of what Christ has done. 8 Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ 9 and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith. 10 I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, 11 so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead!12 I don’t mean to say that I have already achieved these things or that I have already reached perfection. But I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me. 13 No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, 14 I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us.

Philippians 3:7-14

I have recently been thinking a lot about this passage and I would like to encourage you through what the Lord has been teaching me. As I mentioned in my last post, my perspective has been changed radically. When I begin to fix my eyes on Christ, everything that I once thought valuable becomes worthless. Things of this world can feel so important, but they are temporary and, thus, worthless garbage when compared to the immense value of knowing Christ. That is when we realize that He is all we need. Christ is enough.

I have most definitely not reached my goal to know Christ, and experience the mighty power that raised Him from the dead. But I live everyday seeking to know Christ more. Everyday is about Him, not me. As Christians we must always make every effort to press on toward our goal of eternal life with Christ. It hurts, and it requires dying with Christ but in the end it will all be worth it. 

The beauty of it is that we will never be alone. Verse 12 says that "I press on to possess that perfection for which Christ Jesus first possessed me." If He has possessed us that means that we are His. 

I encourage you to fix your eyes on Christ no matter what you're going through. Don't look back. Instead, press on toward the goal that Christ is calling you to. The journey hurts but is nothing compared to the beauty of eternity with God. 

It's Not About Me!

God is so good and so beautiful. Lately He has been teaching me to fix my eyes on Him. One big struggle of mine has been insecurity. I realize now that my insecurity rears its ugly head most when I am thinking more about myself than anyone or anything else. So, as we have been in the States these last few weeks I have learned to fix my eyes squarely on the Lord. In doing so I have found a beautiful, weightless freedom. 

It changes my outlook on everything. I see myself more clearly the way God does. I can love others more freely because I remember His great love for me. 

When I finally realized that it's not about me, I learned that EVERYTHING is about Him. A few months ago it hit me while I was reading the Bible. While the Bible does teach many things that I need to do, it is first and foremost a book about God and His story, not about me.

Now every time I open the Bible I can't help but be excited to learn more about God. Everything else stems from this realization. By changing my view of the Bible and its purpose, God has done incredible things in my life to shape me more and more into His image. 

I pray that as you read this short post that you find the freeing joy that comes from losing yourself in God's greatness. I am constantly reminded that life is not easy. I struggle just like you do every single day. But when God is the center of your life, your perspective will change in ways you never thought possible. 

Fix your eyes on Jesus and your life with never be the same.

"Therefore, since we also have such a large cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us lay aside every hindrance and the sin that so easily ensnares us. Let us run with endurance the race that lies before us, keeping our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. For the joy that lay before him, he endured the cross, despising the shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God."

Hebrews 12:1-2

The Back of the Tapestry

 

Elisabeth Elliot ~" If you dwell on your own feelings about things rather than dwelling on the faithfulness, the love, and the mercy of God, then you're likely to have a terrible, horrible,  no good, very bad day. Our feelings are very fleeting and ephemeral,  aren't they? We can't depend on them for five minutes at a time. But dwelling on the love, faithfulness, and mercy of God is always safe."

God has been working on my heart in many ways this last year. It would take at least fifty books to do it all justice. Don't worry, I'm not about to share all of it. I want to highlight something that I have been reflecting on this week. A few days ago during my personal time with Jesus, I found this verse: 

“The Lord said to Abram: Go from your land, your relatives, and your father’s house to the land that I will show you.” Genesis 12:1 CSB

I know I’m called to missions. I just don’t know where. I’m probably going to go to college. But I don’t know when or where. I want to know the answers so badly. I want to have the future mapped out in front of me. But I know that, 

“A person’s heart plans his way, but the Lord determines his steps.”

‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭16:9‬ ‭CSB‬‬

I know that the Lord’s plans are perfect. It’s just hard to trust sometimes I was praying that God would give me peace. There’s a reason God doesn’t let me see the whole picture. I know that what I see is like the back of a tapestry. A tangled mess of string. But God sees the other side. A beautifully woven picture. So I’m asking God to give me faith like Ruth, Esther, Abigail, David, Mary etc. I don't have what I need for the future yet for a very simple reason, I don't need it now! God will work everything for my good (in the end) and His glory.

This year I have been blown away by God's beauty. He is beyond description. The very fact that I am allowed to sit in His presence every single day is astounding. His attention to details continually blows me away. So why am I still afraid of the future when God says,

““Don’t be afraid of those who want to kill your body; they cannot touch your soul. Fear only God, who can destroy both soul and body in hell. What is the price of two sparrows—one copper coin? But not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.”

‭‭Matthew‬ ‭10:28-31 NLT

God does not promise that life will be easy. He promises... Well, the Bible says it better than I do.

“Be strong and courageous; don’t be terrified or afraid of them. For the Lord your God is the one who will go with you; he will not leave you or abandon you.””
‭‭Deuteronomy‬ ‭31:6‬ ‭CSB

With God's help, I will learn to be content with the tangled up mess and trust that one day I will look back and see the beautiful story God has woven. 

I pray that this encourages you and that God will help you see His beauty and power as He has helped me. God bless!

“Not that I have already reached the goal or am already perfect, but I make every effort to take hold of it because I also have been taken hold of by Christ Jesus. Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus.”

‭‭Philippians‬ ‭3:12-14‬ ‭CSB‬‬

No Excuses

    Hello again! I was not planning to write a post today, but I want to cover one of my neighbors in prayer today. Today some of my friends went into the harvest to share the Gospel and one decided to go share with one of his friends afterwards. I went on my walk thinking about that and about how I need to share the Gospel more in my neighborhood.

    I walked by a woman sitting on the sidewalk on her phone. Immediately, I felt a tug to go talk to her. I walked right past her. But the tug pulled me back. I stopped in the middle of the street and said to God, "I have 20 minutes and I need to get back, there's no time." But He kept tugging, so I turned around and introduced myself. 

     I shared the Gospel, praying the entire time. She says she is Christian but didn't directly answer my question about whether there was a day in her life when she repented and believed. She said that she couldn't tell me if she was close to God or not because she isn't sure that God can forgive her. I prayed for her and gave her my number. 

     Please pray for continued contact with her and that God will show her that she is not beyond His power to forgive. Pray that she sees God moving in her life today and that she would discover His love. Pray that all the hurt she has in her heart would be healed.

 "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." ~1 John 1:9

The Great Commision

👑✝️ ➡️🌐≋📖❤️

Did you know that 98% of people who identify as Christians do not share the Gospel? Many do not see the point.  Is it really as irrelevant and unimportant as most people think?  

Matthew 28:18-20 clearly answers this question.  Jesus is speaking to His disciples.  He gives them (and us) two promises and several commands.  Jesus promises that He has all authority in heaven and on earth (v. 18) and that He will be with us until the end of the age (v. 20). 

The commands are so straightforward that one must completely exclude this passage in order to excuse themselves from sharing the Gospel.  Jesus commands us to go and make disciples of all nations and baptize them in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit (v. 19).  He goes on to say we must teach them to observe everything He has commanded us (v. 20). 

You may be thinking, "So what? No way that applies to me. He is talking to someone else."  Actually, this command is meant for all believers.  Although it is true that everyone has a personal calling, the bible clearly tells us that all believers must go and make disciples.  John 15:16 says, ".... I appointed you to go and produce fruit and that your fruit should remain..."  A fruitful life will produce both physical (fruit of the spirit) and spiritual (disciples) fruit.  That is what He is calling us to. 

In John 14:15 Jesus says, "If you love Me, obey My commands."  When a believer chooses not to share the Gospel for whatever reason (no matter how valid the excuse), he is disobeying God.  This disobedience portrays a lack of love for God.  We must all strive to obey His every command.  We are called to love Him through obedience and not just through words.  Love is an action word.  If you truly love the Lord then you must ask Him to show you how to obey Him in your daily life.

What can you do in your daily life to obey Christ?

Chaotically Blessed

 Hey guys!  I've had a blog post brewing for the past two months.  To be honest I have had the time to write.  Actually I've had way too much time on my hands.  But I haven't been sure what to write or how to write it.  Imma do my best today to put it into words.  

The past few months have been chaotically blessed.  Last fall mold started to take over our old house.  The battle that followed was long and drawn out.  Jordyn (Eliza for my Spanish readers), broke her hand playing soccer.  Both our vehicles have been in and out of the mechanic shop leaving us stranded.  I sprained my ankle (again) two days before my birthday last month putting me with a boot, seated for two weeks and crutches for another.  I can no longer play soccer for the risk of needing surgery next time I am injured.  Layla had an awful migraine.  Dad sprained his thumb during our move.  Mom sprained her knee and hasn't been able to walk in a while.  A pipe burst in our laundry room flooding Dad's office and the laundry room on Easter Sunday.  Guate22 had a training at the beginning of April that with a little hard work I was able to go.  

When the mold took over and ruined some things we thought were important, God reminded us that things of this world are temporary.  It seems that throughout these last five or so years God is showing us that only Heavenly things are eternal.  Personally I no longer think of things as necessary, instead, I think of them as a gift from God.

I learned to serve with a joyful heart in the weeks after Jordyn broke her hand.  Before I did my chores hoping for a thank you.  Now if I see a pile of dishes, I think that if I don't pitch in then someone else will have to give their time for it.  When I serve now I serve for God's glory and not my own.

This car situation has put us in touch with many people who need Jesus.  Dad shares the Gospel with the Uber drivers he meets on his way to trainings and meetings.  

I do not like to be seated for long periods of time.  I hate feeling useless.  But God has blessed me with family and friends who remind me to Him and depend on Him.  So in between tears and questions and struggles I prayed to God.  I learned to pour out my heart and thoughts and tears out at His feet.  This week the doctor told me not to go on anymore walks for the next few weeks.  And I'm still struggling to accept not being able to play soccer.  I went to the terrace a few times this week and just looked up at the big blue sky and cried out to the Lord.  I told Him everything.  The pain, the doubt, the sadness.  I asked Him to show me His goodness.  I begged Him to remind me that no matter what happens He is what matters and that I can find extreme joy in the midst of affliction.  I'm telling you, He really has.  Both my ankles hurt everyday for the majority of the day. I still can't go on walks or play soccer, but God is good.  He loves me.  He sent His Son to die for my sins.  He is with me no matter what.  My circumstances haven't changed but my heart has.

When Mom sprained her knee and needed help, I was presented with a choice.  Do I hide in my room and hope someone else will help her?  Or do I make myself available at any time of day to serve her with a joyful heart?  Somedays are easier than others, but when it is hard I cry out to the Lord and He hears me.  He answers and helps me love serving.

At the beginning of this month Guate22 had an intensive training.  People came from the States, Honduras, and all over Guatemala to be there.  One friend worked ten days straight at the call center to be able to have that week off.  Another fell behind in his homework to make it.  I worked double through a bad cold to get ahead for the week.  I'm sure there are more stories like that.  I'm telling you, it was totally worth it.  

The majority of that week was sitting and being taught many many things.  I cannot remember everything but I am reviewing so that I don't forget.  The minority of the week was fun and games.  I enjoyed the break from all the information but I couldn't wait to learn more.  We went into the harvest two nights and I saw three people come to know Jesus as their Lord and Savior.  It rained the first night but that didn't stop us.  I learned during the training that all the excuses we can come up with to not obey the command to share the Gospel are not worth it.  They should not stop us.  One of the Guate22 guys and I both had pain in our ankles the second night but when we got into the harvest we didn't feel the pain anymore! The first night it was cold and rainy but we got umbrellas or just braved the rain.  One of the groups was in the middle of a basketball court in the pouring rain sharing the Gospel.  No matter the number of excuses we can come up with, we should not give into them.  What is our physical comfort compared to someone's eternity?

Saturday night was the last night of that week.  While I was sad it was coming to an end I was very thankful to have been allowed to participate.  Everyone gathered outside to worship and pray.  I can't quite describe what happened.  All I know is that while I was standing there I suddenly felt convicted.  God showed me idols that I was allowing rule my life.  He showed me that I was trying to keep one hand on the wheel and control my time and pastimes.  I had to fall to my knees and ask for forgiveness.  I fully surrendered that night.  I gave Him the wheel and told Him that He was all I needed, all I wanted.  I lost track of time and don't know for sure what was going on around me.  But someone told me later that some other people knelt down and were crying and praying.  I could feel God's presence there with me.  Embracing me and telling me that I was His.  When I finally stopped crying it was just me and one of my friends still there. It had been an hour and a half.  Others were moving around and talking or they had gone in.  I was astounded by the beauty of God.  He has given me friends who love Him as much if not more than I do.  No one was judged that night because everyone was in the same place.  

Everyday since then I have asked God to take the wheel and I have told Him that He is all I need and all I want.  He has done radical changes in my heart.  Lately most of my freetime has been used to read the Bible and/or to share the Gospel.  I've never felt His presence so clearly.  There is nothing more beautiful than feeling God work in your heart except maybe seeing the same thing happen in my friends' lives.

Long story short, We've been through trials recently, but God is good and He is moving.  Jesus is more than enough.

Saturday night everyone gathered to pray over all the departments of Guatemala

I was able to model the three circles for this group of women.  Afterwards they asked if I was married... I said "No, I'm 16..." They were shocked and I got a good laugh :D

The Lord has definitely blessed me with these guys (we're missing Rome and Charlie)  We all have a similar passion and love for Christ.  They have been a huge encouragement to me.

I couldn't make it on Sunday so they called me to say hello :)

These study times were amazing.

Emisario sharing the Gospel

Another group sharing the Gospel again :)

This first night we saw 19 salvations praise the Lord!

 

 Hello everyone!  So sorry for the delay.  I only just realized how long it's been since I posted.  Let's start with a quick update of the past few months.  

    For starters, on December 3rd we flew in to the States!  The next two months were full of travel, family, and friends.  We went to the beach with the Saleebys (as the photographer I am, of course I got some great pictures.  Don't worry, I'm already planning a post with a bunch of pictures.)  We also had a great time at the Anderson's house.  After such a long year, the family time was well overdue.  

    We flew back home to Guatemala February 4th.  Because our first flight was at 8 a.m., we woke up at... you don't want to know... but I'll tell you anyway... 3 a.m.  (sorry for the yawn!)  Yes, you read that right.  Wayyyyyy before the sun and wayyyyyy before any normal person is awake.  Anyway, we were on the way to the airport by 4 and checking in by 5 (still a.m. again, sorry for the yawn.)  We made it right on time for the flight and were in the air headed to Atlanta before we knew it.  

    Once we were on the ground we had a short layover so we got breakfast (this is about 9:30) and waited to board.  We didn't wait too long, thankfully.  When we boarded I pulled out my kindle fire, planning to watch a movie... If you have ever woken up at 3 a.m. then you know how long that lasted.  I finally gave up and put in my earbuds and tried to doze off.  I've never had much luck sleeping in a plane or a car.  I wish I could tell you that it was different today.  Sadly, that is not what happened.  I may have dropped off once or twice but that didn't last long.  I still got some rest.

    We landed and got our luggage without much trouble.  By the time we reached home, it was only about 1:30 p.m. Guatemala time.  It felt like 2:30 to us though due to time change and we were famished.  The rest of the day was spent settling in.  

    Y'all, all I can say  is, God got us through.  We were awake for twenty hours straight that day.  Since then we've been making new friends, struggling with stubborn sprained ankles, and getting back into the rhythm of school.  God is amazing.  His power astounds me every day.  For example, an few hours ago I finished my last homework assignment of the week.  I have had more homework this week then I can ever remember.  So an hour ago I felt like I couldn't move another inch.  Then suddenly I decided to write this post...  I guess it needed to be written... I haven't written anything since November.  Somehow I always feel better after writing.  Well that's a bit crazy.  Way out of order and I'm sure contains some deadly grammatical errors but I'm gonna post it anyway.  This blog is not supposed to be perfect.  It's supposed to be an outlet for a teenage girl (me) to share her life with her friends and family.  Have a blessed day!

p.s. I'm considering posting a bunch of my photos on the blog as an outlet 'cuz currently I don't have one and I really want to share God's creativity with y'all.  Please leave a comment at the bottom of this post and let me know what you think of the idea.  Thanks!

Blessing in Disguise

 

“How are you dealing with missing family?”

-Papa Dan

          The next year was a rollercoaster.  There were some days that were easier than others.  We had to start selling most of our belongings.  With a ton of yard sales and planning, everything was a blur.  Other than that for a while life was pretty much the same.  When it came time to sell the house, things got really difficult. Eight years of memories lived in that house.  The very fact that we were not going to have a house made the inevitable a reality.  After a while on the market, lots of vacuuming, and impromptu trips out of the house, it was done.  It was official.  We didn’t belong there.  That feeling was hard to shake.  In July we moved out.  Heartbroken goodbyes were pretty much a daily occurrence.  Neighbors, friends, teachers, family you name it, we left. 

We stayed in South Carolina with my mom’s parents for a few weeks.  When the day finally came, I don’t think I’ve ever felt so sad.  Papa Dan and Uncle Jason drove us and all of our stuff to the airport.  After saying goodbye to Grandma Julie, Aunt Heather, Uncle Michael, Aunt Laura, Eva, and DannyLynn, we got in the car.  Stifling a sob, I waved goodbye.  In the airport we passed customs and everything and we were officially on the way to our new home. 

Finally, we arrived in Guatemala around midnight.  Rushing to our new home we had to stop to get jugs of water and snacks for breakfast the next day.  Even though it was past midnight, I began to unpack and organize.  This was Sunday August 13, 2017.  The next day, Dad and Layla went out to look for a car, Mom, Jordyn, and me went shopping.  Somehow I managed to be completely unpacked, organized, and decorated before dinner that day. 

The following weeks were full of language, culture shock, and facetimes.  Today I still have days where I feel homesick.  I miss my friends and family.  I send them messages and call them some.  Though I have lost touch with many of my friends and struggle to reach out to my family.  Through this time God has shown me His love and how He can be my best friend.  Eventually God blessed me with some amazing friends who feel like family.  God is so good all the time.

 

Radical Obedience

          Hi guys! A while ago I got the idea to do a series of blog posts answering some questions from my friends!  Since yesterday was our three year anniversary of living in Guatemala, I thought today would be a good time to start.  Please lemme know if you have any questions that I can answer on here by just leaving a comment below this post.

“What was the first thing running through your head when your parents decided to come here to Guatemala?”
-Pancho

“We’re moving to Guatemala.”  My heart dropped.  No eleven year-old wants to hear that.  I was shocked.  Dad couldn’t be serious.  But he wasn’t laughing… immediately I started crying.  I sobbed while Mom and Dad explained how they had been praying about it for years.  They said that we had visited Guatemala to kind of test the waters.  I had enjoyed the trip to be sure; but move there?  I did NOT want to do that… at all.  Okay let me rewind a bit.

          I had always wanted to go on a mission trip.  April 2016 we had the opportunity to go on a week long trip to El Salvador and Guatemala.  We were thrilled.  The weeks dragged on for infinity.  When we finally arrived I remember being amazed.  I loved the colors and the flowers.  We stayed at a hotel in El Salvador for the first few days.  The hotel was really nice with beautiful paintings.  After travelling for about an hour in the sweltering heat of a school bus with all the windows open, we arrived at an orphanage.  I can still remember the poor conditions.  It broke my heart that so many children would be living in such a state.  The bathrooms were set up with standard stalls, only there were spiders and bugs, there was no toilet paper or soap.  It wasn’t a pleasant bathroom experience, but it hurts to think that those children were used to it.  They shouldn’t have to be.  I met a little girl who was pretty upset.  I couldn’t speak her language but I gave her my bracelet and smiled at her.  That was a difficult experience, but if I could do it again, I would a thousand times. 

          About halfway through the trip we took a bus across the border from San Salvador to Guatemala City.  We got in late to the house of a friend of my dad’s (they had met on past mission trips).  They were really sweet to us.  We all stayed in one room.  The biggest difference was the temperature.  It was quite a bit cooler there than in El Salvador.  We walked around a mall and shopping centers and went souvenir shopping during that part of the week.  We flew back to the States on our second ever airplane.  We got to the airport at one a.m.

          That same morning, during breakfast, Dad started reading the Bible.  Specifically verses about being called to go.  He also asked us how we liked Guatemala.  Mom started crying.  That’s when I knew something was going on.  I sensed dread creeping into my stomach.  I can still vividly remember the moment when Dad said the words that turned my world upside down, shook it, and threw it into the air.  The pain is still very real.  I was confused.  Why me?  Was one question that God was probably tired of hearing during the following months.  I ran to my room after breakfast and just sobbed.  I wanted to talk with my best friend but I wasn’t supposed to tell anyone.  I did get permission to tell my Sunday school teachers.  I sent them an email telling them what had just happen.  Writing it seemed to make it feel real.  I realized that I couldn’t change anything.  I asked God to help me.  Even as I’m writing this, my heart is racing.  Looking back, I would change a lot.  Surprisingly though, that is one of the things I wouldn’t change.  God has used it in so many different ways.

         While this experience was very difficult, God has blessed me in so many ways through it.  He has brought me closer to Him, made me comfortable in my new home, and He has allowed me to meet and make many awesome friends.  God knew that saying "yes" to Him would not be easy, but He also knew that He would use the experience.  Three years in and I've never felt more at home then I do right not (and not just because I haven't left home in five months either).

“We’re moving to Guatemala.”  My heart dropped.  No eleven year-old wants to hear that.  I was shocked.  Dad couldn’t be serious.  But he wasn’t laughing… immediately I started crying.  I sobbed while Mom and Dad explained how they had been praying about it for years.  They said that we had visited Guatemala to kind of test the waters.  I had enjoyed the trip to be sure; but move there?  I did NOT want to do that… at all.  Okay let me rewind a bit.

          I had always wanted to go on a mission trip.  April 2016 we had the opportunity to go on a week long trip to El Salvador and Guatemala.  We were thrilled.  The weeks dragged on for infinity.  When we finally arrived I remember being amazed.  I loved the colors and the flowers.  We stayed at a hotel in El Salvador for the first few days.  The hotel was really nice with beautiful paintings.  After travelling for about an hour in the sweltering heat of a school bus with all the windows open, we arrived at an orphanage.  I can still remember the poor conditions.  It broke my heart that so many children would be living in such a state.  The bathrooms were set up with standard stalls, only there were spiders and bugs, there was no toilet paper or soap.  It wasn’t a pleasant bathroom experience, but it hurts to think that those children were used to it.  They shouldn’t have to be.  I met a little girl who was pretty upset.  I couldn’t speak her language but I gave her my bracelet and smiled at her.  That was a difficult experience, but if I could do it again, I would a thousand times. 

          About halfway through the trip we took a bus across the border from San Salvador to Guatemala City.  We got in late to the house of a friend of my dad’s (they had met on past mission trips).  They were really sweet to us.  We all stayed in one room.  The biggest difference was the temperature.  It was quite a bit cooler there than in El Salvador.  We walked around a mall and shopping centers and went souvenir shopping during that part of the week.  We flew back to the States on our second ever airplane.  We got to the airport at one a.m.

          That same morning, during breakfast, Dad started reading the Bible.  Specifically verses about being called to go.  He also asked us how we liked Guatemala.  Mom started crying.  That’s when I knew something was going on.  I sensed dread creeping into my stomach.  I can still vividly remember the moment when Dad said the words that turned my world upside down, shook it, and threw it into the air.  The pain is still very real.  I was confused.  Why me?  Was one question that God was probably tired of hearing during the following months.  I ran to my room after breakfast and just sobbed.  I wanted to talk with my best friend but I wasn’t supposed to tell anyone.  I did get permission to tell my Sunday school teachers.  I sent them an email telling them what had just happen.  Writing it seemed to make it feel real.  I realized that I couldn’t change anything.  I asked God to help me.  Even as I’m writing this, my heart is racing.  Looking back, I would change a lot.  Surprisingly though, that is one of the things I wouldn’t change.  God has used it in so many different ways.

         While this experience was very difficult, God has blessed me in so many ways through it.  He has brought me closer to Him, made me comfortable in my new home, and He has allowed me to meet and make many awesome friends.  God knew that saying "yes" to Him would not be easy, but He also knew that He would use the experience.  Three years in and I've never felt more at home then I do right not (and not just because I haven't left home in five months either).

Quarantine Life From the Eyes of a Ten Year Old

        Hey guys! So my little sister, Layla, wanted to write a blog post of her own. The following post is her story.  I hope you enjoy it!

This is me!

         What do I start with? How about I start with my name.  My name is Layla. I enjoy doing lots of things. I enjoy riding my bike, reading, playing soccer, doing crafts, having family time, and being with people.  

        Recently my dad has been going out to give out food and share the Gospel with the people.  I stay at home with rain dripping from the sky everyday.  I also do rainbow loom when I am bored.  My bigger sister, Hannah, has been getting back to her crocheting and music life.  Jordyn has been into reading more than usual and playing the wii with me.  

        I am sure you are wondering what kind of food my dad is giving out.  Here are some of the items, toothpaste, soup, powdered drinks, soap, beans, maseca, incaparina, consume, and rice.  My dad is continuously going out to share the Gospel and give out food.  There has been a great harvest during the past couple of months, thanks to God, my Hero.  We have also been able to have family time a lot more than usual 😀.  

        Though our trip to the States was cancelled, I am thankful that we can still be in touch with our family.  Speaking of family, my aunt had her baby, Christopher, just yesterday!  He is the cutest thing ever!  Until next time!

         

Meet Chris!

        This is Hannah again!  Just wanted to let y'all know that this is her first ever blog post.  Please let us know if you liked it and if you want to hear more from her!  

Guatemala's Struggle

            As the situation in Guatemala worsens, the government has begun to tighten up and enforce the new restrictions.  On March 14, the government announced that the following day would begin a complete shut down of any nonessential businesses. This was announced late that day, catching many by surprise.  The shut down has put thousands out of work without any source of income or food.  Shortly afterwards, travel between departments was restricted.  This trapped many people away from home because of the suddenness.  We are now under the threat of a 15 day complete shutdown with absolutely no travel allowed and no stores open.  There are many people who depend on a daily trip to the store. What will they do?  They can't do anything.  Thousands of people in this country alone are in desperate circumstances, not to mention those around the world.

         We have been blessed with the ability to help many families.  We have been able to buy large bags of beans, rice, maseca (used to make tortillas), salt and other food items.  We packaged them at home and Dad passed them out.  We have also been able to give out homemade soup thanks to our adopted brother Charlie and his boss.  Lately we have had large amounts of prepackaged food to give out.  We have also had the opportunity to purchase large quantities of prepackaged food to supply a family for a week.  With each food bag or meal given out, the families also hear of the saving grace of Jesus.  God is most definitely working.  If you want to know more about the situation here or how you can help, please check out our new website at https://www.guate22.org/.

Also for more information on the struggle here my mom found an article that really shows the sad situations here. https://apple.news/AqqsWcX3tTeKuTRQwsTg4CA

Quaranteen Life

         Greetings from Guatemala!  Because the world shut down due to the virus, people everywhere are facing similar situations.  I've been in quarantine with my family for the past seven weeks.  So far I have kept busy with homework and coloring.  Thursday was the last day of school, so now I have to figure out what to do with my next few weeks.  So... my sisters and I switched rooms this weekend.  Today I am still working on cleaning up.  Now it's time to make a quick list of random realizations I've had as a teen in quarantine.

1. The word "so" drives Mom (who will be editing this) CRAZY ;)
2. I need to breathe FRESH AIR (not through a mask)
3. I really am a PEOPLE PERSON
4. My family is AWESOME
5. Zoom is a BLESSING :)
6. I can STILL do ministry in my HOUSE 
7. I am BLESSED
8. "The Chosen" series is FANTASTIC
9. The Harry Potter movies are AMAZING

       So at first I was kinda sad that I couldn't see my friends, but then I realized that I had the fantastic opportunity to get to know my family and my Savior more.  I've been praying for a while that God would help me be more like Ruth.  I came across Proverbs 31.  I wanted to memorize verses 10 through the end.  I'll have to let you know how that goes... 
 "Who can find a wife of noble character? She is far more precious than jewels.  The heart of her husband trusts in her, and he will not lack anything good.  She rewards him with good, not evil, all the days of her life.  She selects wool and flax and works with willing hands.  She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from far away.  She rises while it is still night and provides food for her household and portions for her female servants.  She evaluates a field and buys it; she plants a vineyard with her earnings.  She draws on her strength and reveals that her arms are strong.  She sees that her profits are good, and her lamp never goes out at night.  She extends her hands to the spinning staff, and her hands hold the spindle.  Her hands reach out to the poor, and she extends her hands to the needy.  She is not afraid for her household when it snows, for all in her household are doubly clothed.  She makes her own bed coverings; her clothing is fine linen and purple.  Her husband is known at the city gates, where he sits among the elders of the land.  She makes and sells linen garments; she delivers belts to the merchants.  Strength and honor are her clothing, and she can laugh at the time to come.  Her mouth speaks wisdom, and loving instruction is on her tongue.  She watches over the activities of her household and is never idle.  Her children rise up and call her blessed; her husband also praises her: 'many women have have done noble deeds, but you surpass them all!'  Charm is deceptive and beauty is fleeting, but a woman who fears the Lord will be praised.  Give her the reward of her labor, and let her works praise her at the city gates."

Proverbs 31:10-31

     
         The government moved quickly.  As soon as the first case reached Guate, quarantine started.  Shortly afterwards we had to wear masks and social distance (is it just me, or is there no end to social distancing jokes?)  Anything nonessential was shut down immediately. The only stores still open were the grocery stores.  Even then only about one hundred people are allowed in. I've only been out once a few weeks ago.  God is really teaching me about patience and His kind of love lately.  With God anything is possible.

"This is real love-- not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins."

1 John 4:10

Photography :)

      Hey! I know it's been a while, sorry... I've been kinda obsessed with photography lately so I wanted to share some of it with you! Hope you enjoy! Please let me know what you think! Also I want to thank everyone who has been encouraging me to keep posting. I didn't realize how many people were actually seeing this. Okay, until next time!