My New Guatemalan Parents

About a month ago after a delicious lunch myself and three of the other interns went to find postcards at the market a few blocks away. 

As we walked by the little shops venders immediately started trying to sell things to us saying clever things like “I’ll give you a good deal because you’re my friend” and my current favorite “buy this bracelet. It’s almost free!”

We got to the end of the row of shops and started looking at postcards, when the lady in the store across from us began talking to us. One of my teammates and I began talking to her in broken Spanish and after complimenting our Spanish surprised us by talking to us in  English. Her name was Maggie, she loves Jesus and she loves meeting people. She kept thanking us for coming to Guatemala to help her people and she gave each of us a bracelet that was the color of hope. We even met her daughter and two grandchildren. 

As we left she asked us to come back and visit, saying she wanted to get to know us better. So we set a time and last Friday, we went back to have hot chocolate and bread with our sweet new friend, Maggie. 

It was nothing short of magical. 

When we arrived their store was hopping, so we just looked around until everyone left. Maggie introduced us to her husband, Raul, who then ran home to make the hot chocolate for us. 

When he returned we lay a blanket down on the floor and all piled on. Maggie had a mug for each of us with our name on it, for us to keep and a pitcher, that she kept which said something like “Used to serve my friends. March 2016” in Spanish. As we drank the DELICIOUS hot chocolate, and ate sweet bread, Maggie and Raul shared stories of the Lord working in their lives. They talked of the Bible studies they attend, the people they are ministering to and just encouraged us in our work here in Guatemala. They spoke in English and Spanish, which our friend translated and they encouraged us to share stories and thoughts. 

My mug! 

It was so simple, yet so beautiful. They simply invited us in, blessed and encouraged us and all they wanted in return was for us to share stories of the Lord working in us. 

The setup.

Maggie told us that she knows our families are far away and that she wants to be our Guatemalan mother, it was absolutely as precious and sweet as it sounds. 

They invited us to go on a picnic of sorts with them in a few weeks, saying they would provide the meat and we could bring salad.. Or Doritos.  We all excitedly agreed. 

The crew! (Front row left to right: Stephen, Joe, Shannon. Middle: Anna, Kaci. Back: Lauren, Ashley, Maggie and Raul)

Maggie and Raul showed me so much of Jesus, simply by befriending us and inviting us into their lives. This is what community should look like, this is what the gospel looks like. Meeting people where they are at, inviting them into your mess and figuring out life together, encouraging each other as we go. 

They showed me how I want to live my life. I don’t want to be distracted by my own life, I want to be looking for people to invite in, to encourage and to bless. To look for people I can come alongside and do life with, no matter if it’s just for a minute, or forever. What about you? How are you inviting people in? How are you sharing life with people in the midst of mess? 

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I am $322 away from being FULLY FUNDED for my time in Guatemala! If you would like to support me financially, simply click on the link at the top of your screen (on a phone) or select “support me!” On the drop down menu. 

I am so incredibly thankful for those of you who have played a part in my time here in Guatemala, either financially or prayerfully. It means the world to me!