Finished

 

Today was our last workday. On Monday, things looked a lot different than when we left today. On Monday, the dirt wall could have fallen in, rainwater could have puddled and covered the walkways, stairs, and back area, and people seemed unsure of what to do. By the end of today, the wall was secure, the drainage system was complete, people were jumping in and mixing concrete, cutting things, throwing mortar, and so much more! But, they were also laughing, talking, joking around, and showing love to each other. In just a few days, the team has connected with the workers from Guatemala, the people at Mission Guatemala, and each other. I’m sad that we don’t get to go back to the worksite tomorrow. Covid testing has changed the schedule and even though it’s no longer a requirement, the schedule was already set when the CDC changed the rules starting last Sunday.

We also got to hear a presentation about the missions that Mission Guatemala does. One of the things I love most about Mission Guatemala is that I never see any toxic charity. They are doing things to help the communities by finding out what the communities need, finding ways to do it, and by employing the people here to make it happen. By having teams come, things are getting done. But, more importantly, they are employing people to be here. From the cooks who make amazing food while teams are here to the foreman and workers that work alongside the teams, to the team coordinators and translators, they hire Guatemalan people to do it. So, I feel good about coming and doing the work. But I also feel good by being a part of a mission that helps people have work and be able to stay in their towns and help their families rather than having to leave to find work.

I came being really excited to come back. I also came here really stressed and nervous about being with a team I had never met. What if people didn’t want me here? What if we didn’t have things in common? What if I had to spend a week with people 24/7 who didn’t want me here? Of course, I should have known better. God always takes care of me! He did this time too! I have been so blessed by the welcoming group that I am with! We’ve all clicked and I have found things in common with everyone and had some really great conversations. I feel so blessed to have met these people and to have formed relationships with them this week.

So, where was God today? He was at our worksite giving us the strength and ability to finish our work and He was in the people and the ways they showed Him through their love to others.

Blessings,

Jennifer

Halfway

Each time I come to Guatemala, it changes me. I learn things, I connect with people, and I find ways to connect with God. The first time I came, I knew as I was leaving that I had to come back. The last time I came here, I realized I was in need of the peace and purpose I had when I was here. It was weeks later that I resigned from the job that was bringing toxicity to my life because I was seeking that peace. I didn't know how bad it was until I spent a week free from it, only to feel the crushing weight of it as I was getting ready to head home. My life has dramatically changed since my last 3 trips. I loved my life at the time, and I love my life now, too. 

So, as I am halfway through this week, I am thinking about how this week is impacting me. Thinking about when I can come back is nothing new at this point. Having joy, peace, and purpose is also nothing new. So, how is this week different? I think it's just the opposite. I am realizing there is a familiarity here, a comfort, and a joy that I needed. Coming here has become like going home after a long time- although some things are a bit different, there are things that are just the same. The beauty will always be here to remind me of God's artistry. There will always be work to do, it will be hard work, but at the end of the day there is a sense of accomplishment along with the exhaustion, and there will always be tuk tuk rides into town to enjoy the atmosphere. I am always reminded of the simple ways of life, the ways I should appreciate the things I have, and the ways I am reminded of the importance of family. I will always want to take every dog home. 

This week, I have learned about the impact covid has had on this area, the way the economy has been effected, and how all of the issues we face in the US are not a US problem, but a world problem. When covid began, people in the US struggled. But, most had jobs that they could either continue or receive unemployment for. In Guatemala, so many people survived by selling their crafts. When covid happened, marketplaces weren't happening, or at least not to the extent that they were. So, people lost their income with no way to earn money. So, as hard as it was in the US, we had access to medical care, financial assistance, and unemployment. For that I am grateful. But, my heart breaks for the places that suffered even more because they lacked these things.

So, as I continue through the rest of the week, I am still seeking ways that God is using this week to impact me and change me for the better. But, I am content and grateful for this week to remind me to be content and grateful.

So, where was God today? He was in the work and in the conversations I had that reminded me to be grateful, and gave me a feeling of familiarity. 

Blessings,

Jennifer

Workday 1

 Today was our first day of work. I was excited to go to the worksite because I knew we were going to the place we had worked the last time I came. I wanted to see how everything looked 3 years later. When we got there, I was happy to see the bench area was still there and that it looked great! During our introductions, which were right in front of that area, it was mentioned how much the area was used by the people who come to the clinic. That made me so happy! Typically, when I have done projects, I don’t get a chance to follow up and see how things are later. So, hearing how much the project had enhanced the clinic and helped the people there was awesome!

So, after introductions, we divided into teams. I stood back waiting to see where I would be useful at filling in a gap. Since I don’t know who would typically work together, I thought I’d just let everyone form groups and jump in somewhere. As it turned out, the group I joined was the group working directly next to the area my team did last time! We are making a drainage trench for water coming off the roof we built. So today we dug a trench in the concrete right next to the area my team made! How cool is that? Three years later who would have guessed that I would get a chance to continue enhancing the area we did before? Nobody had specifically remembered that I had worked on the other project because I came with a totally different group. So, it definitely wasn’t planned.

I got to work with a couple of girls who came with their dads. They are both juniors in high school and I had fun getting to know them and experiencing the youth mission time again. I have missed it. But, with the youth director and the parents of the youth here, I have not really had a chance to interact with them. But, it was a great opportunity to do so. And, they worked hard! Their dedication to getting the job done was inspiring.

Tomorrow, we get to concrete the edges of what we dug today. I always love when I’m here and get to do concrete. I get to spend a day doing what my son does for a living and it’s fun to share that experience with him. Of course, it’s totally different here than it is there. But, it’s still fun!

Tonight, we got a pretty hard rain. Perfect timing and much better than rain all afternoon as it was predicted. Most went back to their apartments. My roommates and I all came back to ours and had thoughts of playing scrabble. Instead, after setting up the board, we started talking and never did play. Instead, we shared stories and enjoyed getting to know each other better. I feel blessed that I am a part of this group that has welcomed me and made me feel like one of them.

So, where was God today? He was in the plans that allowed me to continue expanding the project from my last trip, in the experiences I had at work today, and in the conversations I had with the team.

Blessings,

Jennifer

Beauty

Today was a beautiful day! The sun was shining and it barely rained after dinner. We enjoyed the day learning about the area and the Mayan people.

We heard about the discrimination the Mayan people face and about it affects their lives. And, we learned about the beginning of Mission Guatemala and the director’s journey to being here now.

Then we went to a nearby town and visited a pottery shop where they make about 1200 items a month- all by hand! The building was 3 sided and the 4^th side had no wall. The floor just ended, with no barrier to keep anyone from falling off! It was fascinating to learn about how they created such beautiful pieces. Even though I heard about it before, it was still interesting, and I learned even more this time. Then we went to a weaving co-op. There, we learned about the different techniques they use to make their beautiful fabrics.

After we ate lunch in the town we’re staying in, we had a chance to walk around and do some shopping. When Covid hit, I wondered how the people of Pana would survive. To many residents, their source of income was selling their crafts to people along the streets. Today, I realized the streets were so much quieter. Very few people were walking around selling things, fewer booths were open, and there were fewer people walking around shopping. It’s clear that covid has changed in the streets of Pana, and I’m sure many towns around Guatemala. I asked someone at Mission Guatemala about it. She told me many went to bigger cities to find different types of jobs, tried other types of work in the area, or tried to immigrate somewhere that they could find work. It’s sad knowing that many people who have lived in these towns all their lives, surrounded by their family, were forced to leave what they knew to find a way to survive and care for their families. I wonder if things have changed forever here or if there will be a time that people will come back to the area they left. I guess time will tell.

I’m always overwhelmed by the beauty that surrounds me while I’m here. The gardens, the lake, the volcanoes, and just everything about the area are breathtaking! I think of the artistry of God when I come here and see such beauty. I remember the first time I came here and came home with a million pictures of volcanoes and the lake. I still take a ton of pictures but not quite as many now. But I love experiencing it all with people who haven’t seen it before because it reminds me of that first experience. Last time, I talked to some of the guys who we worked with about the beauty. They didn’t think a whole lot about it. They see it every day. It makes me think about what I take for granted at home. What beauty do I miss because I see it so often? When I go home, I will definitely be more open to continuously experiencing the beauty around me.

So, where was God today? I experienced him in the beauty around me, in the people of the area, and in the people of Mission Guatemala who work to help Mayan people who struggle with racism and other difficulties.

Blessings,

Jennifer

Traveling

Buenos Dias! It’s almost 5am here. That’s 6am home time. It’s still dark out and I can hear peaceful morning sounds outside. My internet isn’t working, but if you’re reading this it means at some point it started working again.

It was a long couple of days- or maybe just one. I left home around 8pm Friday night and drove to Indy airport. I was hoping to check in and then get some sleep at my gate. Having never done anything like that before, I had no idea the airport wouldn’t open for check-in until 4 am. So, I hung out in a big area that people stayed in while they were waiting for someone to arrive or, like me, were waiting to check in. With my plan of checking in, I knew my bag would be already checked in and I wouldn’t have to worry about it. Since that didn’t happen, I was worried about keeping everything close and safe. There was a curved bench with wooden slats that I laid on and off and on I was able to doze off. But, not for long periods of time.

One of the best parts of that experience was watching a beautiful moment in a family’s life. I felt like I was glimpsing an epic moment in time. A young woman came in pushing a stroller with a man and woman alongside her. They met up with some other people about the age of the man and woman. They had a posterboard sign that I wish I could have seen. But, they were far away and the sign was always facing another direction. Every time a new arrival came, they stood anxiously waiting, the young woman holding a very young baby and the sign, several with phones out waiting to take photos or videos, and all looking very excited. Many arrivals happened before finally, a young man came in. Even as I write this I get choked up thinking about it. He was crying and hugged the young woman and baby. Then he held the baby for, what I think was the first time. It was obvious that this young father was finally coming home. He then hugged everyone else. I noticed one woman wearing a navy shirt. So, my guess is that he was home from the navy and seeing his daughter for the first time. I felt privileged to witness such a beautiful moment and was so happy for that family.

Around 3:30 am I gave up trying to sleep and decided to go to the check in area. People had already started gathering there and they actually opened before the designated 4am opening. Check in went smoothly and I went to my gate to wait. Again, I tried to sleep but at that point it was useless. Soon people arrived and I started to figure out who was in the team I would be spending the week with. We boarded the plane and off we went. I listened to my audiobook, which is how I know I got a little more sleep. I missed whole sections of my book.  We arrived in Miami and after a short layover, headed to Miami. A few more catnaps and listening to my book and I arrived in Guatemala!

I felt a peace come over me when I arrived, a familiarity and happiness that I had made it back. Getting through everything at the airport and seeing my luggage had also arrived made that peace and happiness grow even more. We drove through Guatemala City and that’s an experience! Traffic is always so hectic, but this was the worst I’d seen. I think it took us at least 4 hours to get to Panajachel. But once we got out of the city, the scenery is so beautiful that it doesn’t seem so bad to be in a van for that long. The sky was clearer than most times and I am always amazed at the sights. I tried taking pictures but riding in the van and taking pictures doesn’t work out so well. There are farms on steep inclines that I can’t imagine people working by hand, hills, mountains, volcanoes, and little towns along the way.

We arrived at River House and got settled. I’m staying in the apartment I stayed in on my 2^nd visit here. They are all beautiful.

I’m working on meeting the 20 people I just met yesterday. I am intentionally doing things to meet new people. At times, I made my youth sit with someone they hadn’t talked to that day. I had many seats to choose from yesterday. I still haven’t talked to everyone. But, I’m slowly getting to know people. I’ve found a lot in common with many in the group and am looking forward to getting to know them better. My shy introverted self is working hard to be outgoing, but it’s worth it! I’ve had a lot of good conversations and am really looking forward to the work week ahead with them! Besides the pastor, none of the others have been here before. I love that I get to experience the newness of everything again through all of my team! There is something special about the first time in this place and I feel privileged to be a part of it again.

Today, we will visit a nearby town and go to the shops, hear a presentation on pottery, and a presentation on weaving. Tonight, I hope to ride a tuk tuk into town (Pana is what it’s referred to here because it’s so much easier than saying Panajachel every time). I’m so excited to see what everything is like and get into the towns to see how the shops are after covid. So far, what I saw along he way was that stores (tiendas) were still open and people were still out doing things.

The sun is up and people are stirring. Time to get the day started!

So, where was God yesterday? He was in the people I met, the experience I witnessed with the family, and in the restfulness He gave me. While I hadn’t slept since about 4am Friday morning except for catnaps throughout the night and day, I never really felt overly exhausted. To me, that was a blessing from God.

Blessings,

Jennifer

  

Preparing

 We're about halfway through 2022 and I looked at my blog to discover I haven't written since January 2021! Wow! That's probably the longest I've gone without writing! I guess I really blew it with my 2021 goal of writing on my blog more! So many things have changed and so many things are the same. I still work in the same places, I'm finally able to get back to volunteering in the same ways after a mandatory covid break, and I'm still trying to run or bike often, although I'm not doing too great at it right now. The biggest change is that I went back to school! It was an offer I couldn't refuse and I'm really enjoying it for the most part, all stress and hectic days aside. I'm learning a lot and glad to be taking classes that are helping me to help others better. 

A week from today, I set off on another adventure! I'm going to Guatemala for my 4th time. I've been planning the trip for over a year and can't believe it's finally almost here! It will be interesting. I don't know the team I'm going with, although they are all from the same church, I think, and know each other. So, hopefully, that will work out! I would be lying if I didn't admit I'm a little nervous about that. But, God is in control and made a way for me to go, so I'm going! 

I started packing today. Most of the clothes are tucked in my suitcase, wrapped in grocery bags to keep them dry if it rains. The suitcases will ride on the top of the van and the bags will hopefully protect them. Things like this now seem normal to me as I prepare for the trip. Things I never would have thought if on my first trip, or would have thought odd. I'm planning to take two partial rolls of toilet paper this time instead of one big roll so it doesn't take up so much room in my backpack. I store my toothbrush in a water bottle or I never remember to use the bottled water to brush my teeth. (and that never goes well when I forget!) But, all these things aside, I am wondering what changes I will see since I last went in 2019. Pre- covid Guatemala is surely different from the current Guatemala. When we leave to come home, we have to have a negative covid test. That test costs $50! Here, we have free tests we can get anytime. If we have to wait to get the results, we panic. There, most people can't afford $50 so probably can't get them! I hope there are ways they can get free tests, but I won't know that until I'm there. A lot of people made a living selling things in the market. What did the fear of covid do to the markets there? I can't imagine crowded streets when covid was at its worst. So, what did people do to survive? 

Like my life in the last year, I'm sure there are many things the same and many things that have changed. I feel very blessed that I will be able to go. And, I hope that I can share my experiences with you. While I will have school work to do on my trip, I hope to have time to write each day and give you a glimpse into my journey. Meet me back here in a week!

Where is God today? He's preparing me for the journey ahead!

Blessings,

Jennifer