A Tribute to Friends

One thing I love so much about Latin America is how much they value family. I love that teenagers and people my age, will (for the most part) spend their Friday and Saturday nights at home with their families. I love that grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, etc. are involved in every aspect of their lives. I love that kids don't move away from their parents until their married.

These things seem so natural when I'm living in the culture. But, when I think back to how it is in the States, I realize how drastically different it is. We all look forward to the day we turn 18 so we can move out of our parents house. Friday and Saturday nights are designated for hanging out late into the night with friends. Most of us couldn't even imagine living in our parents home until we're 25 - and definitely not living close to our parents after we're married.

I love my family more than words could ever describe - but I absolutely fit into my culture. I moved out of my parents house before I graduated high school. Since I was in middle school, I've spent nearly every weekend out with friends. I, like a lot of my peers, look back and regret the way I've treated my parents. I love, love, love my parents and I am so thankful for them.

But, one thing I love about my culture, is how much we value friends. One thing my friends from Guatemala and I differ in the most, is how we view friendships. Guatemalans are very loving, accepting people. They love their friends. But to me - my friends are family. We live together and go through every life's twists and turns together. We grow together and figure out where we're going in life together.

I don't even think I'm making sense anymore. What I'm trying to say is, I love my friends so much. Leaving Guatemala is going to be so hard, but returning to my friends is like returning to family. I can't wait to live with Stephanie and Rebecca. I can't wait to scrapbook, cry, and pray with Missy. I can't wait to laugh for hours with Jason. My friends have helped shape who I am. I truly would not be who I am today if it wasn't for these beautiful people.

I am so, so, so blessed.

"I'm ready to learn."

Lake Atitlan - the view from our hotel

Today is exactly five weeks until the day I return to Bellingham. The last five months have FLOWN by. As I’m finally beginning to realize that my time here won’t last forever, I've spent some time reflecting on this experience and all that God’s taught me.

Before I left for this trip, I was asked on multiple occasions, “What is your purpose for this trip? What do you expect to get out of it?” I always wished I had a brilliant answer that would dazzle all of my future-supporters but the truth simply was, “I’m ready to learn.” Here is what I DO know: I want to spend my life as a missionary, yet I lack so much experience and training. I want to EXPLORE the plans God has for my life. I want to LIVE other cultures and LOVE people like Jesus has commanded me to do. “I’m ready to learn.” Easier said than done.

A few months ago, during a long school day, I was feeling really frustrated with the girl’s bad attitudes. I remember ranting to God in my head while I was trying to round up some of the little girls for class. I was pretty much telling Him, “God, this is NOT what I signed up for. I did not move to Guatemala to be treated like crap.” And I clearly felt God say, “It’s in those moments I want you here the most.”

God never promised me His work would be easy. In fact, the Bible clearly tells us that it WON’T be easy. Why do our attitudes show God that we expect Him to make our work easy and just the way we like it. I can lift my hands in worship and tell God I’ll go to the ends of the earth for Him… yet, I want out when a 13-year-old has a bad attitude one morning? Can I still show God’s love when I’m frustrated? That all depends on me. I can decide to give in to anger or I can decide to shine God’s love into their lives.

I love living and working here in Guatemala. I could never describe the joy I have found through this culture and the people of Latin America. Last week, I was walking through our campus back to my apartment and I looked over to the beautiful volcanoes. I stopped dead in my tracks – mesmerized by the beauty of this place. All I could think was, “I don’t want to be anywhere but here.” Guatemala has totally and completely captured my heart.

One of the volcanoes we can see from The Oasis

So, the real question – Have I learned? Absolutely. I have discovered passions that I never knew I had, I’ve met amazing people that have changed my life, and I’ve been able to take a more focused look on the visions for my life. I am truly blessed to be living out this experience.

Day to day life at The Oasis isn’t always easy, but I don’t know how I’m going to go home without these girls. I don’t want to go through my days without holding their hands, laughing with them, and watching them enjoy life. The joy in their smiles is pure evidence to me that God is moving in this place. He can heal the deepest of wounds and repair all of the mistrust hidden deep in a child’s heart. No amount of counseling or human help could ever do that. After all these little girls have been through, they have every right to be angry at this world – but, through their daily actions, they have taught me to love more fully and to trust deeply.