I Heart Guatemala

How do you explain 7 wonderfully full and unique days abroad in such a little blog space??

Well, you don’t.  So I won’t.

There will be photo sharing, phone calls, conversations, and the like to spill the real deal in all its fine details, to be sure.  I’ll be giving a fairly broad brushstroke along with some beautiful pictures right now about my time in Guatemala.

Now then, even though I’m young, I’ve been blessed with opportunities to travel a lot.  Each trip is memorable and different and leaves a mark.  So... What impacted me the most this trip?  It’s the simplest, yet most complex answer: people – before, during, and after.

Before I left, I was overwhelmed by those who gave so that I could go on the trip to Guatemala.  Two donors gave almost 100% of my needed funds.  That, to me, is absolutely amazing!  Moreover, I don’t even know who they are!!  I like to send thank you cards to my supporters, but I can’t because send one to them because they decided to give anonymously. :(  So… Thank you, whoever you are, for sending me!!!

During the trip, I was overcome by the Guatemalan people we helped, by the translators who helped my team, the individuals who were a part of the ministry my team partnered with, and, finally, the people I lovingly called teammates. 

The Guatemalans are a kind and grateful people.  They put up with my Spanish and thanked the team profusely for their help.  It was spectacular to see their needs being met immediately, such as sight being restored with glasses or knowing that the pain would soon be over after the problem tooth had been removed.  Honestly, I was reminded that a sweet smile can cross persceived communication barriers and tickle fights are also universal as well as so stinkin’ fun!

The translators we were so blessed to work alongside were nothing short of fantastic!  They’re life stories touched me.  Several were born into poverty, given to an orphanage for a better life, and are now in college!  Wow!  I take my family, my home, my upbringing, and my education for granted every. single. day.  Others were already doctors and were taking the next 2 years to study in order to become doctors in the States.  Wow!  I thought I was dedicated to my dreams and goals…  They all generously let me “use their Spanish” and taught me a lot of new Spanish words.  We also came away with some sweet inside jokes :)

My team partnered with Manna Worldwide.  They did so much for us – gave us a place to stay with hot showers, made us lip-smackin’ good food, drove us everywhere, teased us, provided agua pura, and so much more.  Best of all, they showed us their hearts for Guatemala and told us how it happened.  Many blessings to them and the work they’re doing for the Lord!

The 21 people on my team were incredible. I only knew a handful at the beginning but, by the end, I knew I had friends.  Since the group was so large, I was shocked at how well we worked so well together without drama and simply just enjoyed each other’s company.  Praise God!  We each had our strengths that shined while at work in the clinic and different personalities that shined all the time.  Major props to our fearless leader.  And the trip would have been quite dull without the ladies who bunked with me!  Oh, the fun we had no matter the time or place!

After the trip, I was sweetly reminded of others praying for me and my team through a dear friend’s letter.  She came into my mind while on the trip, so I prayed for her and her family.  I don’t think it was a coincidence.  She is involved with Gospel for Asia and has a huge heart for mission work, in general, and Indians, specifically.  Furthermore, I knew others were praying because there were times I knew God was working through me because what I was doing or how I was acting was not of my own accord and things happened that could only be coordinated by God.  Thank goodness for prayer!

I was further encouraged by a friend on the phone when I was explaining what I did on the trip as a “floater” and stated that it was frustrating at times and that it showed an area of struggle for me.  He gave me a new and better perspective of my role for which I’m very grateful.

Yes, people impacted me, my expectations, my memories, and so much more but even more so is God’s impact on my life through this trip.  I know what some of those things are already, yet I look forward to more light being shed in the days and years to come!

^ view from our lodging ^

^ :) ^

^ hammock... FTW ^

^ Demolished by me and Katie ^

^ an orphanage near our lodging ^

^ the view and clinic space on day 1 ^

^ the kiddos I colored with ^

^ just driving with this beautiful view... NBD ^

^ teammate and roommate, April, with a sweet one ^

^ I got to weigh the babies! ^

^ our translators ^

^ Santa Biblia ^

^ too cute ^

^ my favorite, especially because our friendship was sealed with a tickle fight ^

People

How do you view people? 

As a means to get what you want? 

As an obstacle to weave around? 

As a burden to endure or get away from? 

As an opportunity to learn something new?

As a pleasant encounter?

Knowing someone who uses others might be the worst.  They get what they want and move on, sometimes without a second thought. 

If you think of people as obstacles or burdens, you might never want to be-friend anyone!  What a shame.

You could view knowing or meeting someone as a way to learn something new or simply a way to have a pleasant conversation.

I’d rather see people in light of the last two mentioned.

Think about it.

I know I have been lately for a couple of reasons.  One, over the past few weeks, I’ve met several people or have been able to have more in-depth conversations with those I see only on occasion.  Those conversations or encounters have gotten me to think about and pray for that person.  I have begun to think and ask God why I met them, what I should say to them, or why am I/they being put in my life in the sense of what can I learn from them. 

Maybe I should simply listen to them like the lady I met this evening… Maybe I want to know what kind of music they listen to in order to broaden my musical horizons… Maybe they can teach me a new board game… Maybe they can show me how to properly shoot a gun… Maybe they like to have fun dancing just as much as me… Maybe I want to enjoy their company over a homemade meal… Maybe I need them for accountability…

  

Maybe they just need Jesus.

When I view people as God sees them, I don’t have to worry about taking advantage of someone, about being overwhelmed by their need, about false motives, about trying to get them to like me, or any of the like.  It’s so liberating!

This is a very recent development but one I like.  Another reason for it is because of what I saw in others and even in myself.  You know those traits that you notice in another person that drive you crazy??  Well, you yourself might have them, too.  Ouch.  One I’ve noticed is flakiness.  I think there are different forms of flakiness, such as not even responding to someone’s phone call or texts (which may fit into “bad communication” more so), but my form of flakiness stems from over-scheduling.  I try to do too much, so I’m either late or sometimes have to cancel altogether.  So now, I try to not over commit.  I’m a work in progress.

There are other things I’ve learned from people in my past, like not opening up so much/too much because it simply wouldn’t be healthy to do so, not to think of how I can get a guy to like me, not to be so surprised when people don’t meet my expectations, or not to care so much about what they think, say, or do.  I worry about myself much more now, because, in the end, when I think of things I’ve learned from people in my past, I see that they were selfish.  Chalk it up to up-bringing, personality, charm, beauty, or whatever!  I don’t buy it.  They’re sinful, just like me.  They’re selfish, just like me. 

We all need Jesus.

I’m trying to see people as He does and love them as He does.  It’s worth it.

New Adventures

Every single day brings new possibilities, new opportunities, new people, new challenges, new joys, and more.  One question is, are you seeing them?  Another is, are you taking advantage of them?  The past three days for me have not disappointed.

I went to Battle Assembly and have been on go in so many ways.  Good ways. 

I’m very new to everything military but am trying my best to learn… and quick.  It seems that every battle assembly sheds new light on something or allows me to do something I’ve never done or, quite frankly, thought of doing in my life!  Like I said, this battle assembly didn’t disappoint :)

On day 1, I was asked to take part of a training, so I said yes.  Off I went for the afternoon and all the next day for it!  All I can say is that I got to be the Commander for the exercise and it involved radios and vehicles.  Got a picture to prove it :)  Super fun.

Day 3 had me in the kitchen helping cook, bake, and serve chow.  I probably looked like a deer in headlights at the start because both my higher personnel had to be gone for awhile, which left me all alone, but it was nice working with my section and other soldiers to get the job done. 

Other highlights from this battle assembly include:

1) my unit getting a new patch, so I got to see and partake in the ceremony while learning the meaning and significance behind the patch we wear 

2) I got all my Army gear!!  I am now the proud keeper of all things Army like rucksack, helmet, camelback, pistol holder, winter gear, sleeping bag, and legit protective eye gear

3)  I got to lead my platoon!  I haven’t been formally trained to do so but, thankfully, I got through

 4) It’s amazing that I can go to bed early and get enough sleep on these weekends but at any other time that basically never happens

5) I was given 2 hats from 2 different guys because mine was too big, which was very sweet of them

6) I really like my unit Commander because he’s very approachable and nice; he may give me additional responsibilities – whoo!

7) I’m pretty sure I’m on the good side of one of my superiors.  He said I did a good job after the training exercise :)

One of the best parts was getting help from a Private First Class.  He was beyond great!  I know it’s his job to do what I say, but since he’s not in my section and I just asked him to help, I was very grateful for all that he did.  He went above what I asked and gave me a lot of great information.  Let’s just say, he’s a good go-to when I have basic questions about how things should go down in the Army world.  I had met him at a different battle assembly but this one solidified the friendship. I mean, I did give him friendship bread, so I feel like it’s official now.  Yay for new friends! 

As you can see, the last 3 days have held many new experiences and new enlightenments.  I can’t wait for more (!), and I have to say that I am so very glad I went into the military and I’m happy to “go Army”.  Now to see where I go from here!

Choices, Choices

My phone was out of commission for a couple of days.  The worst part was not having a GPS.  Oh, the days of being lost came flooding back!!  I hate that feeling. 

The other thing I noticed about not having my phone was the fact that it is the main way I keep up with my friends and family.  We call each other and talk on the phone, and I love it.

When my phone was working again, I called some of my super awesome and super sweet friends, with whom catch ups were way overdue.  Great conversations were had :) with some much needed words of wisdom.  God knows who you need in your life and/or who needs to speak into your life at the right time. 

When my phone charged up, the text messages came in mass!  Among them was an unexpected one.  It through me off and brought back some emotions that I thought I had dealt with.  Oh, how we kid ourselves sometimes!  The good news is that that text helped me realize that I hadn’t dealt with the problem completely, while also allowing me the opportunity to address the problem with the person in order to heal from hurt feelings and to not be mad or bitter any longer.

Back to those words of wisdom from friends at just the right time…  I hadn’t said a word about the text to my friend but somehow we got on the subject of how people are different from us.  We shared a few stories and situations in which we were puzzled as to why someone would do or say something in the manner that they did.  In other words, it’s mind-boggling when someone doesn’t do something the way you do it or the way you think it should be done.  I just have to laugh and cringe because it’s so true.

My friend stated a simple truth in a way that I hadn’t ever thought.  She said it was the differences between people that help us grow.  If we were always around someone like ourselves, there would be no need to try to understand someone else’s perspective or there may never be challenges or opportunities to grow in our own qualities and characteristics, such as providing constructive criticism, effectively  communicating, learning new ways to accomplish a goal, and so on.  Like I said, I hadn’t thought of using differences as a way to grow, to be stretch, and to become stronger.  I thought of them more as annoyances, problems that probably would never go away, and mind-boggling situations.  I like to see the positive in all things, so I’m going to try to adopt this mindset when differences arise because I think it can apply to all sorts of differences whether in words, actions, deeds, etc. and to all sorts of relationships, whether parent-child, friends, significant other, etc.

Now then, in this instance, my friend was talking about how different men and women operate and think because she is newly married and has now seen first-hand and lives daily with these types of differences.  Now even though I’m not married, I definitely know that men and women think and operate differently!  I found it ironic she had said all that about gender differences because the unexpected text I received was from a guy. 

As you can imagine, that guy and I do not see things the same way, we do not think in the same way, and we do not operate in the same way.  I could talk about our differences and talk about the sometimes eye-bugging things that have gone down since I’ve known the guy, but I’m not.  He knows.  Maybe not to the extent to which I would like but he knows enough and that will have to be sufficient.

One thing I will say that hurts a lot is the fact that other people told me to drop him like a hot rock a very long time ago.  I chose not to do so for several reasons, some of which stemmed from pride and some from naivety.  Now I’m choosing to not think of it as, “If I had listened to them, how much pain, time, emotion, etc. would I have saved myself and him?” but instead I’m choosing to own up to the fact that I did chose to keep the relationship and to look at it in regards to how much I’ve grown as well as think about all the good things that God has done through this relationship.  It’s hard. 

Still, it’s amazing to see how God uses our choices, whether they were “good” or “bad” decisions, for our good, as believers.  Among the many awesome things we did together as friends, I will never forget that he was there at a time when I needed someone the most.  What is more amazing to me is that he didn’t even know it; he had no idea what was going on and still doesn’t.  I was having one of the worst days of my life two Christmas’ ago with family issues coming at me in turbo mode when he texted me.  He made me laugh and forget some of the pain that was punching me in the face.  He was a friend to me when I had a lot of need for one.

So, yes, I’m going to think of the good, but I am also going to choose to see this as a lesson learned.  Here are a few take-aways:  1) Listen to the advice of family and close friends yet pray for God’s wisdom and guidance  2) Be honest to myself and to others, which may include re-evaluation of situations and relationships and possible confrontation  3) Have healthy boundaries   4) Be sweet but don’t be a doormat, as in don’t allow or tolerate mistreatment  5) Continue to treat others as I would like to be treated  and  6) Look for any deeper issues in my life than what is just present at the surface.

I have worth, dignity, value, and so much more and it comes from Christ.  I will lean on and look to Him.  Furthermore, I will use this experience to avoid repeating history in a bad way for myself, and I will share this experience with others to help them in their lives. 

I will hear from that guy again and it will be better received, since the air has been cleared with sincere words and forgiveness.  I also now have a better idea of what to expect and have those take-aways to put to work.  Honestly, I hope history will repeat itself in a good way… that I would continue to hear from him when he or I need it most.