a Guatemalan adventure

My friend Julie wrote this for the church newsletter. I am "borrowing" her words. I was sitting next to her on the flight from Guatemala City to Houston if that counts for anything. She put to words much of what I have been thinking.

A Guatemalan Adventure

As I write this, I am on a plane flying from Guatemala to Houston, thinking about all the experiences of the last ten days. How do I describe what it’s like to stand in a cemetery watching people clamor to get to a fresh load of garbage looking for their next meal or something they may be able to sell? Or going to a ministry that works with the children of those same people and seeing complete joy on their faces? The beauty of Lake Atítlan surrounded by the poverty of San Pedro? Yet again seeing a joy and hunger for God that is inspiring.

I know some of the emotions and memories evoked by the familiar smell of my sweatshirt will quickly fade, by I am thankful for those experienced that I know I can never forget. To all of you who supported us and prayed for us, we cannot thank you enough. It would be a blessing to us to be able to share our experiences with you.

So please, find someone who went on the trip and ask about the traffic. Ask about the Samuel Center and winding mountain roads. Ask about the Potter’s House, Casita Benjamin, the cemetery and the dump. Please, ask about San Pedro and the homes we visited there, and the churches we shared with. Ask about Rebeca Aulie’s expertise at red light green light and the faces of children we will never forget. Ask about Jim Matison, Juan Cocon, and about the rain. Help us not to forget too quickly the last ten days and allow us to share with you the way we saw and experienced God working while in Guatemala.

Again, thank you for your prayers and support – this trip would not have been possible without them.

Julie E.

Thanks my friend for letting me borrow your words.

The next post will include pictures.