The group decided not to risk getting stuck in Guatemala due to protests closing the roads around the airport, and boarded a shuttle from our hotel in Antigua at 4am. We arrived around 5am and learned that the desk only checks in one flight at a time. Apprently there was a flight to LAX that was scheduled to take off before us. Unfortunately, we didn't learn this until we had waited in line for about an hour and one our bags almost went to California.
We took our luggage up to the food court and made a lovely mattress to rotate taking naps while we waited 3 more hours to check in for our flight. We also had a chance to eat breakfast, grab coffee or tea, and play our new favorite game, Things in a Box. After another hour in line we were ready to enter the terminal, for only a few more hours of waiting.
During all that waiting I had the opportunity to catch up with everyone and get their favorite memory of the week and/or photo.
Amy's favorite memory was how engaged people were during the Building Healthy Family classes, retaining information from class to class, as well as the pride and accomplishment on the faces of the families when the classes concluded.
Gail said, "One of my favorite experiences was the night the families took home the bunk beds. There was literally rejoicing in the streets as families picked up their beds and carried them home. No trucks, just willing hearts and hands - big and little. One woman carried 2 mattresses on her head!"
Kelby's favorite memory was when the pastor's washed our feet and what a humbling and beautiful experience that was for her. She came with the purpose to serve and felt that they instead served her. She also loved the worship!
Don's favorite memory was spending time with all the kids, especially Fernando and Henry.
Sarah's favorite experience was completing home visits with the pastors, reading scripture, sharing stories, and giving encouragement. She enjoyed seeing how the pastors truly care for their congregation and the community. Sarah also loved how open and loving all the kids were.
Abby loved how the kids sang praise and worship songs at VBS and the orphanage when there was a leader, but also just randomly breaking into song with the call: "I love Jesus!" She also loved how they soaked up the memory verse and asked to say it again and again.
It is difficult for me to choose just one favorite memory. I loved the hugs and kisses, the sweet smiles and open arms, and the weight of a child falling asleep on my lap after a long day of fun activity. One of the greatest things I'll take away from this week is how God took my weakness: physical, emotional, and spiritual, to demonstrate His strength increasing my faith and trust in Him.
I have been so blessed by this team and learned something from each person. My prayer is that as we re-enter "normal life" or the next 51 weeks, we will continue to seek Christ. May our lives be forever changed by our time and experiences with the beautiful people of Guatemala and the God we serve together as brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ.
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