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