I still distinctly remember the night when I first learned that the trip to Spain had been canceled. I don''t think any number of words can fully describe how I felt-the shock, disbelief, disappointment, and a wary feeling towards the idea of going on the "alternate trip" to Guatemala. Pastor Howard''s words weren''t exactly what I would call comforting, but they were dead on: "Throughout our short-term mission orientation we emphasized, repeated and reminded you that it was critical that in preparation for your trip that you incorporate into your lives, your attitude...one trait, one characteristic...that of being flexible. You are about to learn first hand why we emphasized flexibility so much."
I was very much comfortable with Spain. Rick had given us a detailed account of Camp Berea, what we were going to do there, what to expect, what to bring-it all seemed feasible. And, having taken Spanish for six years in school, I had continually been exposed to anything and everything about the country''s history, the geography, the people, and their customs. I was at ease with it all, and maybe that''s why God took that opportunity to teach me what I''ve always wanted-to be more dependent on Him. Suddenly, I was like a fish out of water. Things got confusing, and at that point, the details of Antigua were so scant that logic failed me. I realized then that there was only one thing I could do, and that was to pray, and pray hard. Only after I entrusted my future into God''s hands was I confident that my decision regarding Antigua, whether it be a yes or a no, would be the right one.
(Since my decision was obviously a yes =)), let me first start off by saying that there is nothing ordinary about Guatemala. Whether it be the appalling amount of fumes that was emitted from the buses or the gorgeous mountains and volcanoes that hugged the horizon, the country did a pretty good job of keeping the team surprised. First impressions…the Students International house, a converted convent where we stayed, was absolutely beautiful. Antigua itself was pretty attractive-cobblestone streets, quaint and colorful stores, those Internet cafes that we were forbidden from entering… =) I had not known what to expect, but paradoxically, Antigua and S.I. had exceeded my expectations.
In the States, whenever people had asked me what I was going to do in Guatemala, my answer had always been the same-"I''m going to teach kids English." It was the one piece of information that I was sure of. So you can see how flexibility came in when my site leader informed me that I would be teaching elementary school girls science, mathematics, and language arts…in Spanish. And you can see how it played a small role when they told me that I would need to wear a skirt every day. I had only brought one, and that was for church. Initial doubts did set in-is my Spanish good enough? What am I going to wear?! But, silly me, God already had everything worked out.
Teaching was an absolute joy. The girls were such a godsend. They were sweet, incredibly loving (and lovable!), cooperative, enthusiastic…I can''t say enough about how wonderful they were. It was an honor just to be with them, to be able to share in their lives, to delight in their joys and to comfort them in their sorrows. Home visits were priceless opportunities to see beyond their smiling faces and gather a deeper understanding of their lives. In ten days, these girls touched me so deeply. Though they didn''t have much, they gave me what they had-their hearts. Through everything they''ve been through, having to form new friendships with us helpers every two weeks, they still loved like they wouldn''t be hurt, like we''d never leave. I will never be able to forget them or to stop wondering where they''ll be in another fifteen or twenty years. I''d give anything to see them-all of them-again. How do you say good-bye to someone who means so much to you? I don''t think that the realization has set in yet that I''m probably not going to see these girls again. I miss them, I love them. I''ll never forget what Marta Julia did. Followed me in during recess as I was getting food for the stray dog, told me to close my eyes, and put a rose by my ear. It was the sweetest thing, I still can''t believe it. It''s hard not knowing how the girls will turn out, what will happen to them, what they''ll do in life. It''s hard. But we all have to trust God and the plans he has for us. Thank you, Lord, for all these precious girls. (8/3/01)
So, what have I come away with from all this? I see God''s hand wherever I go, and His work is beautiful. A smile from one of the girls, the song of a joyful bird, the wrinkles on an old man''s face. More than anything, being in a land where there is so little, yet there is SO much, has taught me to appreciate the things that I have. Not the TV, or the computer, although I must admit I miss those. (Hey-at least I didn''t drool like Hesed did every time I passed an Internet cafe!) I''ve learned to appreciate God''s blessings, his faithfulness, his creation, and the hope and the joy that he showers upon his people. I''ve come to cherish a more simple life, where busy schedules do not detract from God''s awesomeness. I''ve come to love Guatemala. (8/1/01) Llevaré tu gloria a las naciones, Señor!
This year I was very blessed to have my entire family join the Arizona team. We haven''t gone as a family since before Allegra, our youngest, was born, although I have taken the boys back to Arizona a few times.
We had a great time serving others and encouraging our boys to serve. I can think of a few times in the past when their presence has been a blessing to the team, if only for comic relief! Yet they are learning about the importance of missions and how to make it a priority in their lives.
We as a family have been enormously blessed by the Arizona trip. Through the trip we''ve gotten to know Grandma Mattie, Wally, Beulah and missionaries John and Caye Courtney. We''ve learned how the Navajos live, their joys are a source of praise, and their tragedies drive us to pray. I thank God for the opportunities He''s given us to participate in His work among the Navajos.
As the little AGAPE plane touched down on the grassy runway, it looked like all the children of San Luis came to welcome us. When we hopped out of the plane, the girls hung back smiling shyly, while the boys jumped right up to us and helped us unload our bags. They chattered brightly in Spanish as we walked to the village.
The best part of this trip was watching kids help Angel, a team member, gingerly step on rocks half-buried in mud and muck. The kids happily tramped through the stuff while helping her keep her balance. It was moments like that which made this trip so memorable. The church in San Luis welcomed us as partners. It was a great privilege to worship with them and serve with them.
