My journey into an unknown world began on October 23, 2010. This was the day that would change my life forever. 2:45am came early as I had spent the night before frantically packing three suitcases. After months of planning, I still scrambled to account for everything that I needed that morning. We were told to pack light and leave room for additional supplies. I must have scanned my checklist a dozen times. Maybe I was experiencing feelings of anticipation and excitement as I knew this would be an experience that I had not had before. Maybe it was flight anxiety. It's no secret that I dislike flying. I can remember not wanting to sit still days before my trip. All I wanted to do was get there and serve these deserving families. Part of me felt extremely scared and overwhelmed but I knew that ole devil was trying to rid me of my joy and God's calling. I was quickly reminded to take overwhelming to overcoming. I had to remind myself that it was not about me, it was about the people in Guatemala. Thank God that I had amazing support from my church. They presented me with a prayer blanket in a previous Sunday service and they had prayed for me and my team, and the people we were going to serve without ceasing. I can remember feeling their prayers the day before I was planning to leave. I had an amazing feeling of peace come over me and I could almost hear God whispering, "you have gifts that only you can give the world, you have blessings others can only receive through you." Scripture started pouring out everywhere I looked. "Here I am send me.....go make disciples of all nations.....let my heart break for the things that break God's heart......"
Months before this opportunity came about, I knew God was calling me to do something special. I was previously inspired by two church missionaries from my church, Paula Lambert and Susan Young. They serve yearly in the Dominican Republic and provide medical and christian care. They were literally glowing when they returned from their trip in 2010 and it took months to adjust back to life as they knew it. I was inspired that they would risk their lives to help others in need. At that time, I did not feel led to do mission work yet but I was watching and observing their work and knew it would someday peak my interest. I was still growing as a Christian and enriching my faith through regular worship and bible study. After alot of prayer, I finally felt that "tug on my heart" a few weeks after returning from a church retreat. I continued to serve in that camp community where I strengthened my relationship with God. I began asking questions, researching multi-cultural opportunities and learning about mission and outreach projects through the United Methodist Western North Carolina Conference. I contacted a mission team lead for building projects and found an opportunity to serve in Guatemala. After being invited to an orientation and learning more about the project, I knew that this was the mission that was hand chosen by God. The team was unbelievable. They were friendly, experienced and very passionate about this project and the people of Guatemala. I am so grateful to have been placed within this group. I also remain grateful to the people who prayed for me, for the financial support and help with fundraisers.
Earlier this year, I took my first international trip only to find myself curious about the rest of the world. I saw firsthand what it was like for people to live without basic necessities and I learned the concept of purified drinking water. I found myself more curious about multicultural way of life and I found it amazing that people are so self-sufficient in other countries. I realized at that time that luxury as I knew it just didn't matter as much anymore. This may have been the very first time in my life that I was actually limited on choices. It was kind of nice. Fortunately for me, there were many opportunities presented that allowed me to prepare for God's true calling. God allowed me to see the world through his eyes.
On the morning of October 23rd, we arrived at Greensboro Airport and were pleasantly greeted by the team. It had been months since we had all seen each other and only a few weeks since we all spoke on a conference call. There were lots of smiles and it was nice to see so many family members there to see everyone off. The team was great, mostly business professionals which even included a PA in Dermatology. Two team members had lost family members the week we were leaving so this was a great bonding experience for two of the guys. Both had lost fathers and there was absolutely no doubt in my mind that they were placed on this mission trip together. Gray Guatemala T-shirts were distributed and we sure felt proud wearing them not to mention it would be easier to get through customs. We immediately began sorting and re-shifting luggage and supplies. We had to make room for tools, utensils for the stoves, vitamins, medical supplies, de-worming medications, frisbees and soccer balls among other things. I received word that morning that my church had sent letters with me to read each day of my trip. Absolutely loved this! They are so special to me so it was much appreciated. Our first flight was to Atlanta and then to Guatemala City. It sure was a fun challenge getting all of our heavy luggage through customs. It was so worth it though! I remember exiting the airport and seeing rows and rows of beautiful Guatemalan people waiting for their family members entering back into their country. This was the first time I was introduced to their culture, dress, and language. Ahh, the colors and smiles! The clothing was beautiful, lots of handmade blouses and skirts with colorful belts. We then met up with Raul, our fabulous one-of-a-kind Interpreter. We loaded a bus and headed to lunch at a local Burger King. This was the first time I had ever been introduced to Guatemalan quetzals so I had to quickly get used to Spanish menus and money. Interesting Fact: In ancient Mayan culture, the quetzal bird's tail feathers were used as currency. We then traveled by bus to Fuego Volcano where we hiked to the top. This would be one of our few days to sightsee so we were thrilled to have this opportunity. Some hiked while others rode horseback. Children were there to greet us with sticks to allow for better hiking up the mountaintop. The weather was perfect, gorgeous and sunny with a little rain. The views were breathtaking. You could still feel warm ash and see black rocks that were covered from the previous eruption. The flowers growing naturally were beautiful, you couldn't help not to notice. When we arrived to the top, the clouds disappeared enough for us to see a beautiful volcano and a bright blue sky. Guides shared details about the previous eruption and a little history of the volcano. We had a few photo opportunities and watched a gorgeous sunset. It was at that time I knew I was in God's country. Truly one of the most beautiful sunsets I have ever seen, the kind you could stare at for hours. The clouds were floating and it seemed like we were so close to heaven. Some of the team members ventured on to see some of the lava and others just watched the sunset. I immediately remembered a card that I had received with this message: On every mountain it's easy to see how you have guided and directed me. There's not a valley that I've gone through that I just grow stronger in my walk with you. So with all of my heart, Lord I say I'm loving you more each day. When the end's not in sight and I'm traveling by faith, I lean on the valleys of my yesterdays for I have a hope that this too shall pass and when I'm on top I'll know I've made it at last. And Lord you will hear me say I'm loving you more each day. :)
After hiking back down the volcano, we took the bus to Antigua where we were to spend the night. About 30 minutes away from our hotel, our bus broke down! One would normally be a bit nervous in this situation but we were as calm as we could be given the situation. We knew we were in good hands. Thanks to Kelly Harrill, our Team Lead, and Raul, our Interpreter for coming to the rescue. They placed a few calls and we were back on the road after about 30 minutes. Remember that time in Guatemala when our bus broke down? HAHA! We finally arrived in Antigua after a long day of traveling, had some pizza and settled in for a good nights rest. The accomodations were comfortable and we had plenty of aqua pura! Right before bed, we were pleasantly surprised to be greeted by the girls from the first team. They were covered with beautiful Guatemalan wear and smiling from ear to ear. They had just completed work in Paquila the week before we arrived. The installation of stoves was successful for them and they were able to share specifics on what we could expect. You could tell they were sad to be leaving the next morning. I could literally feel their joy as they could not stop smiling. They told us that they would surely miss the community and sweet children.
Stay tuned for Day 2!
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