My Guatemala Family (:

So tonight we had my going away party with the staff. It was a blast. Mrs. Hannah cooked chinese and made chocolate covered strawberries. It was the sweetest and I felt SO loved. We played Mafia and Signs and just laughed and enjoyed the company. It's strange to think I'm leavin tomorrow, gosh I'm gonna miss these guys.

This post is exactly the title, meet my Guatemala family (: This post is just for them, a thanks and I love you.

The Scotts- Oh Sir Andrew and Mrs. Hannah, what to say what to say. Ya'll really are like second parents to me. You have been for the past 4 years and I couldn't love and adore ya'll any more than I do. From nightly Mafia games to waking ya'll up for candles to serious life talks, ya'll really are the best. You both have made me feel so at home and that I could come to ya'll for anything, which I have. Ya'll give the best advice and have always treated me like an adult and wth respect. Through the years that has meant so much. I always knew I could come crying and be met with hugs, some AMAZING food, and lots of good bonding time, all of which I have taken advantage of several times. Thank ya'll for everything, you really do mean the world to me and I'm counting the days till we can be together again. Love you both! Hugs hugs (:

The Gardners- Ya'll have just recently come into my life and I'm so grateful. Who woulda known we'd have to come all the way to ChiChi to find people that live legit 5 miles away. Ya'll are the kindest and sweetest people and I adore your children. I love your faithfulness and perserverance. You truly are special people. You also have made me feel like I could come talk to ya'll and ask for anything if I needed it. I can't wait to see ya'll over Christmas and I love the fact that we'll be so close. Mrs. Kristen, you became my "out in the corn mom" haha always making sure I had medicine if need be and was all sunscreened up. Thanks for "adopting" me (: Love all 4 of you!

All 3of my "Moms"! Including Sonia, my Guatemalan Mama (:

I told ya'll you'd get your own, so here it is my chicas (:

Leah(left)- Hey sweet girl! So I'm gonna miss you like crazy but you know this. We have grown so close over the past 5 weeks and I'm gonna miss our coffee dates and late night gossips about the teams. Haha. You are so mature and gentle-hearted. Always ready to jump in and work your hardest. I love that about you. I'll also miss our Spanish speaking adventures! When you come to the states, we'll go to Starbucks and talk so nobody'll understand (: Love you!

Jenna(right)- Hey baby girl! Wow will I miss you and our "sleepovers". You have been the comedic relief throughout my trip and you have been a constant source of light. Thanks for all the card games and for being my little tag along. I loved being on jobsites with you, you always kept it interesting. I promise to let you ride in the back of my truck when we're in the states. I love you girlie! Keep it real (: Haha

My Big Brothers(no picture)- How do I even begin? Ya'll are awesome and are exactly your titles, my big brothers. From motorcyle rides to and from work (always remembering safety) to teaching me dirty Spanish. Haha. What would I do without ya'll. You're always keeping extra eyes on me and keeping me laughing, constantly. I love ya'll so much. See ya in November and yes I promise to come bearing beef jerky (:

So here we are...

So here we are, my last full day. I didn't post last night because we had a huge power outage, like all of Chichi was without power. Scariest thing ever. But it stinks cause I really wanted to post yesterday. It was my last day out in the field and it seemed like I should pay tribute to that somehow. So I'm gonna do it now. I'll post again tonight cause it's another special one but right now, I just wanna reconize Guatemala as a whole...

Hola Guate (:

 Oh what to say about these 5 weeks with you. It's been rejuevenating, challenging, fulfilling, and so much more. I came to you so burned out, exhausted and ready to give up. Your mountains and people embraced me and nursed me back to my full potential but not without time and many personal challenges. This trip for me was so much more than just about serving and working. It was about falling in love with you all over again. I'll miss drinking coffee on my porch, my prayer chapel, my daily walks to town, your dust, your smells and your people. Thank you for allowing me to watch your sunrises and ride through your countryside. I've worked through your rain and fallen asleep to the same. You've always known just how to center me right where I need to be. I had so many issues lately that I've needed to work through and I'm forever grateful God sent me here to do it. He knew this would be the best place for me, around people I love and in the place I belong. You are sending me home sad to leave but ready at the same time. You've prepared me for what's to come and I know that I always have you to come back to. You'll always be home. And I'll always love you for the place you hold in my heart. I'll miss you.

Hasta luego,

Katarine

Mom and Dad

Mom and Dad,

So you don't know I'm doing this but I decided to write you a note from Guate specifically for you two. I don't give ya'll enough credit, I know this, but I really wouldn't be here without you both. Throughout my life you have supported me, cheered me on from the sidelines, and quietly been the wind beneath my wings. I love you so much for that. And I'm sorry I don't tell ya'll enough. Every day that I'm here I wish ya'll were too. Even though ya'll know I believe God sends me here alone evey year for a reason, there are still moments when I just need my Mom and Dad. It's in the simple moments, like walking through the market, talking to Kique, or even when I just have a really bad headache. It's those times when I just say to myself "Gosh, I just wish they were here". Ya'll have allowed me to spread my wings and leave the nest probably earlier than you've wanted to at times and I respect you so much for it, I know it hasn't always been easy. I also thank you for the times you've helped me, allowed me to make my own mistakes and for the times you've let me fail. It's in those times I've grown the most. And when I look back on them, I still see you there, never truely leavig my side. In 3 days I'll be home with you and I know ya'll are ready and I am too. Thank you for supporting my passion here and for understanding why it's so bittersweet to leave. You've never once challenged it. Thank you for putting up with my tired skype calls, the aggrivated ones and even the nights I didn't call at all. I know every kid says this and I'm sure they are right in their own respect but I really do have some of the greatest parents out there. Ya'll are the best and I love you more than ya'll will ever know. Thank you for everything!

And remember, no matter where I go in this world or what I do, I'll always be your baby girl (:

Love Always,
Rinnie (Momma)
Little One (Dad)

6 days left.

To be honest, I struggle with how to start this. I have had so much going through my head and heart today that when I sit here and try to get it out, I have no idea where to begin...The past couple of days have been rough, in more ways than one. I can't says it's been one particular thing or mutiple. The reality of leaving is hitting me and the reality of what I'm going home to is also sinking in.

Change is occuring all around me, all the time. And that won't get any easier in the coming month.  I'd like to think I handle it well, when in essence I know I don't, at all. The truth is change scares me, I'm a control freak and I know when I get home things will start happening that are well beyond my control. And the fact that I can't do anything about it makes me want to run so far in the opposite direction. People I love are gonna leave, I will stay, and life will go on. I know this, in my head, but my heart still wants so badly to hold on to everything I have just the way it is.

Not to mention this year will probably one of the hardest years of my life. Life changing decisions will be made, I will have to say goodbye to people I love, and I will be expected to do it all with a smile on my face. If I can confide in ya'll about something, my faith that everything will be ok...well it's dwindling. I just don't see the light at the end of the tunnel, I know it's there, I just wish God would send me a sneak peak.

So my prayer request from ya'll is this: I need guidance, I need rassurance, I need comfort. So please think of me when ya'll are bowin your heads at night.

I have 6 days left. No more church days and 1 more market day. Am I ready to come home? Yes and no. I miss my family, friends, and my boyfriend more than anything but I know the second I leave here that hole in my heart will once again be empty.

I'm sorry the past few days have been bland. I am constantly reminded of it. So again, I am sorry. I'll try to do better in my last remaining days.

“The key to change... is to let go of fear.”

Hershey's Kisses!

Main Events of the Day:

• Got to be the group cordinator for the day
• Babysat
• Saw Night at the Museum 2
• Found Hershey's Kisses at the Dispensa!!!!!!
• Bought a lot of Picomas
• Rode in at least 5 different Tuk Tuk's
• Met the team I'm going home with
• Staying at Monte Flor alone tonight

Yeah pretty full day...

Becoming a Local

It's amazing how being in a place for an extended period of time changes your status from a tourist to a local. I've been here for a month and I'm truly starting to experience how that feels and it feels great.

Tourist: foreign visitors who come to see popular sites and attractions... but are often side-tracked by even simpler things... (a telephone pole, a school bus, a bird, a sandwich) signs of their attraction towards native features: accessive photographing, pointing of fingers

A Local: a person who lives in a place frequently visted by tourists, knows all the local spots (cafes, clubs, restaurants, a person who gets asked by tourists for directions and is annoyed considerably by them

*Thank you urbandictionary.com for the definitions.*

Today I began to see and feel how I fell into the latter. Taking the team through the market today, I was showered with gifts and people were calling my name and I was getting great deals. The owner of the cafe I frequent knows me now and market vendors don't hound me in the least. My friends in the market help me and we can talk about life and family and there's no feelings of resentment or that I don't really care. I hate that it's taken me a month to completely get to this point considering I leave in a week. But I do feel like it'll be different when I come back in November. Like they'll remember and maybe still not treat me so different. I finally feel like I'm sinking into their culture and their lives and I'm loving it.

Daily Shout Outs

• Matt- 1 week! Almost there!
• Mom and Dad- Missing ya'll!
• All my family and friends- I'll be coming home to ya'll soon! Get pumped!

Lo Siento

I'm sorry my posts have been bland but honestly nothing to exciting has happened. It's been raining and cold but 'tis the season. We've been buliding building building. Tomorrow is market day and then my half day off. It's crazy to think this week's almost over and only 9 days till I'm home. But anyways if anything different or exciting happens, I'll make sure to report.

Love and miss ya'll!

Internet Insanities...

So internet has been crazy difficult the past couple days considering all our storms and such. The past 2 days haven't been all that eventful. Yesterday I skyped into church which was fun. And the rest of the day I just relaxed and caught up on rest. Today the new team came in, my last one from Michigan, and I think they're gonna be a fun one. We ate lunch, toured Monte Flor and went to a feeding program. The evening ended with being cold and soaked to the bone (thank you rainy season) and some great BBQ sandwhiches. NowI'm settling in for a movie and a good nights sleep.

Only 11 more days till I'm home, bittersweet.

Daily Shout Outs

• Matt- I know you're having fun in S. Dakota and I'm so glad. I love you and miss you! Less than 2 weeks!
• Mom and Dad- Miss ya'll like crazy. I know it may not seem like it sometimes, considering my tired and irritable self at the end of every day but I really really do.
• Nana- I miss you so much. And I found out today that Mr. Ron is exactly 3 weeks older than you. Small world. Haha.

A day off (:

Today was just that, a day off. Slept in, ate cereal, watched my TV shows, talked to my boyfriend and didn't change into "real" clothes till after noon. It was renewing. It had been a full and long week and Saturday was a welcomed retreat. Tomorrow will start way earlier than need be but it should be fun. Then a new week will start, my last typical work week, considering my last will be full of preperations to come home. For all of those who miss me, 2 weeks from today is all I have to say (:

All the plates and dishes bought for the Girl's Home with Mom and Dad's donation!

After a year of hardwork, sweat, tears, and prayer. It's finally done (:



3 Teams Down 2 To Go

I'm exhausted so I'll only be posting the past 2 days in picures. Sorry about yesterday, the internet was down...

*For the record, we're laughing.*

Widow Stoves

Good Stuff (:

So much to say...

So the past couple of days have been kinda bare in consideration to my blogging but it's not because the days aren't full, they are, I just am too tired at night to write or I have so much to say that I don't know how to put it all down. So I guess I'm done puttin it off, tonight's gonna be a long one...

Yesterday was the 4th of July and I'm hoping you all had a blessed holiday full of hamburgers, watermelon and lots of fireworks. For my Carolina folks, I heard it was a little rainy (: For everyone else, I hope you had plenty of sunshine and warmth. For us here in Guatemala the day started like any other, cold, dreary and rainy. Now for those of you who don't know, the 4th is my favorite holiday so my heart was going out to ya'll a little extra yesterday. But we didn't let the day pass without celebration. Last night we gathered with other American missionaries in town and had our own little 4th of July party, in the 60 degree weather and the hurricane rain and all. And let me tell ya, it was a blast. But that got me thinking, about missionary communities and the people that were surrounding me.

Acts 2: 42-47 reads

"And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were being done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts ..." 

If you can imagine a long table full of typical "American" food (as typical as it can get in a latino country), hands reaching across eachother, the low roar of the many conversations occuring, children yelling and laughing, and at least 2 dozen people gathered for the sole purpose of community then you have witnessed a small part of my holiday evening. At one point I sat back, just to observe the scene I was a part of and it hits me. This is what it's all about, this is what Jesus intended, this is love. This is what that bible verse is all about. It was so beautiful.

Every week these people warmly welcome teams with open arms to worship and have fellowship. They give them a place to belong, even for an hour or so, in a country where we can be such outcasts. They give them refuge from the outside, a place that can be sometimes scary and heartless. I've always said that if I could fly down to ChiChi every Sunday just for church, I would. And I stand by that. I have never been in a place so full of the Spirit. It's refreshing to sit in a simple room, with no fancy sound equipment, no fancy graphics, and to know that everyone sitting next to you is here for the same reason, fighting the same fight. It really is like a family. The closest knit family possible. They share heartache, fears, happiness, successes, but most of all they share the unknown. Here, in a foriegn country where you're lucky to speak a little of the native tongue and mighty blessed to find Pepsi products, the unknown is the scariest and most rewarding thing missionaries face. After all, it's what we're here for.

So as I sat back in that chair and watched people I have grown to love over the years or even just weeks I was filled with gratitude and humility. I was thankful that they welcomed me and allowed me to be a part of their missional family. I was humbled to see all these people that had given up their lives in the States to come and serve a lost people. I long to return to this one day, except maybe a little more permantly (:

So here we are, today. It rained all day long, even stormed really bad at one point. We went to the local school with supplies to pass out which was a blast and something new.

The night ended with lots of laughs and good bonding time with the "fam". It's amazing how many moments I have that are so bittersweet. This place has my heart and is such a part of me. In so many ways it saved me. It breaks my heart to know my days here are numbered and dwinding but all good things must come to an end. I just hope through my actions and works, I can give back to this country and these people a fraction of what they have given me. I love you Guatemala and I always will (:

Daily Shout Outs

• Matt- Happy Halfway Day! You are the best, I hope you kow that. Thank you, for everything and you know what I'm talking about. I love you, what more can I say.
• Mom-I had a horrible headache today, it made me miss you so much.  

Happy 4th of July America!

Need I say more? Happy holiday everyone!

Short but Sweet (:

Cutest kid ever, totally wanna take him home. He'll sing for just about anything (:

3 weeks left...

 Me: TAMMY, they have pictures of me and my cow.....

Tammy: Just remember . . . cows in the mountains of Guatemala "only speak Quiche"!!! You saying "move off the road" WON'T work!

Me: Yeah, well somebody coulda told me that BEFORE the cow starting plotting my death! Haha.

What a great day (:

So today I pretty much just chilled out. I worked on a lot of paperwork and finished up Modern Family and talked to my wonderful boyfriend. It was much needed considering I have a feeling this next week will be a pretty draining one. But I'm excited all the same.

Although today was good, it was kinda hard. Maybe cause I'm about halfway through my trip or cause I just had way too much time today. But I was missing home a lot. Missing my Mom and Dad, Matt, my friends, heck even the Carolina heat. I was missing my bed, my pillow and blankets, my cats, my own shower, and my truck. To be honest, it was kinda frustrating. Not to mention I reconnected with an old teammate of mine today, it really made me miss my gymnastics. But oh well, enough of that. It was just a little rough patch I had to get through but all is ok now. Just thought I'd share my struggle.

Tomorrow is Sunday, church and market here we come. Plus, I get to meet the team which I'm excited for. I can't wait to do a little more shopping and speak more Spanish. I'm learning so much and I really do feel like I'm getting better which is awesome!

"We are here to add what we can to life, not to get what we can from life"

Daily Shout Outs

• Matt- Only 3 more weeks babe! Love you!
• Mom and Dad- Missing ya'll like crazy!
• Dawn and Madison- Thanks for all ya'll do! Keep up the hard work!



For
My
Mom
(:
Love
You
!!!

Scalloped potatoes with ham (:

Best dinner ever, just saying (: Haha

Today I interviewed my last 5 families for Bethany Christian Services and it was a blast. Lots of laughing, blessing, and joy. What more can you ask for. We traveled around doing that literally all day and got to hand out things in the process. I just love days like today. They remind me why I love these people and this place. It makes me fall in love all over agian.

Then we came back to Monte Flor and I helped straighten up the girls home a bit and then went to shower and change and such. I also proceeded to watch another like 3 episodes of Modern Family. This is becoming a problem. No joke. Then we had the best dinner (hence the title of the post) and had some nice fellowship, as always. Afterward I DID MY LAUNDRY (hehe Mom) and floded it and put it away. Haha.

Now I'm soin this and will probably watch more Modern Family and begin to settle in for the night. It's another end to a blessed day and I'm excited to wake up to what tomorrow will hold. One thing's for sure, I'm sleepin in (:

Oh and please continue to pray for my ankle, it's really becoming a bother. Thanks!

The purpose of life is a life of purpose.
- Robert Byrne

Daily Shout Outs

• Matt- Thanks for being you, I love you for it (:
• Mom and Dad- I missed talkin to ya'll today! Love ya'll!
• The Element- Thanks for a great week! Hope ya'll made it home safe and sound!

**Special Post**

So Tammy and I were in the back of the truck today and we were discussing our "States" cravings. Just thought I'd share mine, just in case any certain folks who might be picking me up at the airport wanna help me out. Ahem ahem I'm just sayin. Well here it goes...

1. SWEET TEA (McDonald's perferably but any will do)
2. Salsaritas (ironic I know, but the queso people the queso come on)
3. Dr. Pepper
4. Chick-Fil-A (waffle fries!)
5. KFC (I have no clue)
6. Kraft Mac-n-Cheese
7. Ranch
8. Iceberg Lettuce
9. Mint Chocolate Chip ice-cream
10. Ice cubes

Yumm...... (:

Lazy Day (:

Good morning ChiChi! That's exactly how I start my day, I tell the city good morning before I start down the stairs towards breakfast. I love starting my day looking out onto this beautiful view (:

So the team headed off this morning and not gonna lie, I was kinda sad to see them go. As the week went on I began to grow pretty fond of them so it's was a sad morning. Not to mention they kinda filled the void of missin my own parents for a while. But as always they must head home and another team will come Saturday. This time it's Eternal, a church from home. So exciting!

After that I got to spend some time just walking around the market and I did some shopping which was much needed. It was nice to just be able to relax and walk around with no team and all the time in the world. I met some interesting folks and a Guatemalan who told me he lived in Charlotte for 2 years. Hmmm interesting. Haha.

After I walked back up to Monte Flor I finally got to take a hot shower (thanks Armando!)! The first one in like 5 days, oh to live the life of a missionary. Haha. Then we ate and afterwards I went back up to my room, watched at least 6 episodes of Modern Family, and took a much needed nap. I didn't sleep to well last night and it must've shown considering they gave the whole day off. It was a much needed day of rest and relaxation. Thanks Ron (:

So tonight was a night of salad and pineapple and coffee. That's like become our lives. Haha. All including talk about the world news, gas prices, ChiChi gossip and a cozy fire. It'srobably my favorite part of the day.

So tomorrow we are off to interview more familes, we have 5 left. And afterwards I don't know. I'll probably do more paperwork. So I hope this post finds everyone blessed and content. I just have one prayer request for ya'll. Please pray for my ankle to heal. I rolled it pretty bad yesterday at a jobsite and it's still pretty swollen and has developed a knot type thing. Just keep me in mind when you throw a few words upstairs. Thanks ya'll (:

Don't think of retiring from the world until the world will be sorry that you retire.  I hate a fellow whom pride or cowardice or laziness drive into a corner, and who does nothing when he is there but sit and growl.  Let him come out as I do, and bark.  ~Samuel Johnson

Daily Shout Outs

• Matt- Glad you're home babe! I love you and miss you like crazy! Only 22 more days!
• Mom- Thanks for listenin, miss you soooo much!
• Dad- Way to go on your trophy (: I really am proud of you!
• Erin- Love you baby girl! Mwah!

Back on track.

So I'm back on track and all caught up.

Today was relatively normal, I went out and built with the team. I rolled my ankle really bad at the sight and had to be rescued by the Guatemalans (: Haha. But the build went well and it was yet another successful life changed in a matter of hours.

Afterwards it was back to Monte Flor to rest my ankle and get caught up on some paperwork stuff here. Eventually I made my decision to go down to Manos de Jesus to have dinner one last time with the team. So Jose and I made our way walking until Kique drove up on his motorcycle and offered me a ride. I accepted cause my ankle was hurting pretty bacd and I got to listen to Jose lectureme about holding on and be back before dark and on and on and on. In result of all of this Kique promised to go slow. Haha. Oh how I love my big brothers.

Dinner was so yummy and I got then another motorcycle ride, which was much more exciting believe me. Tony was all over it. Haha. But I decided I like it maybe even more then driving. It's a lot of fun. I can see why they all do it. Ron just laughed himself silly when he heard.

Now I'm in my room, updating the blog, wishing I had hot water and talking to friends. It's raining and cold out, not gonna lie it's kinda is matching my mood tonight. Up early tomorrow to walk in with Ron, I'm beginning to really love our nightly and morning convo's. I really love that man. The team's off tomorrow. 2 down, 3 to go.

 

This was during our dedication. So awesome (:

Daily Shout Outs

• Matt- I miss you, I love you and I'm sorry. Everything else, you already know.
• Mom and Dad- I really miss ya'll. This team has made me wish ya'll were here so bad.

I'm sorry.

I owe ya'll a great many apologies, I really do. My last couple posts have been unemotional and bare. Not to mention I didn't even post yesterday at all. So I've got a lot of catch-up to do. This blog post will cover yesterday and tonight's will cover all of today. So here we go...

It was another day of giving. Tammy, a few members of the team, and I headed back out into the mountains of Guatemala to pass out clothes and toys and such. We saw some hard things and heard some amazing stories. I would love to highlight one in particular for ya'll.

We came upon a complex in a village pretty far out and as we approached it we were wearily greeted by 3 sisters. After talking to them for quite a while we learned of their devastating story. They were orphans, the 3 sisters we met along with 6 other siblings they had. Their mother died 9 years ago and their father 7. The oldest sister is married and lives with her own family. So the 19 yr old girl (in blue above) has been raising her brothers and sisters since she was 12 yrs old. The Children are as follows:
Oldest Sister
Micaela-19
Danny-17
Sonia-15
3 More Sisters
Selia-10 (red shirt)
Leslie-9
The 3 middle sisters live with a teacher they nanny for. Danny makes about 100 Q's a week and Micaela makes about 40. When asked what they do for fun, Micaela just lowered her head and said "There is no fun. We dont have time, fun gets in the way of feeding this family." Wow. They live on a property owned by their aunt who lets them stay for free. All want to go to school but they say they have no money for it.

It takes Micaela 4-5 months to finish this intricate shirt she sews. She works for people who sell it in the market. They sell it for 3000 Q's, Micaela makes 40. She has to buy her own materials and supplies. Talk about getting ripped off.

After talking with them, we led them back to the truck where we showered them with gifts and new shoes and such. It was the first time we'd seen them smile all day. What a joy.

Later on we came back, showered, changed and head down to Manos de Jesus for a lovely dinner and wonderful fellowship with this interesting team. The night then ended without much else to report.

...So agian I'm sorry for falling behind, I can't promise it won't happen again but I sure will try to make sure it doesn't. I hope ya'll had a blessed day. Love ya'll!

Daily Shout Outs

• Matt- I hope you are having a good orientation. I love you.
• Nick- Thank you, you know what for. Love you kiddo. 
• Aunt Melissa- I was talking to Kristen ( the one down here with her family for a year) and she was sp tickled that you know Patti Green. They're actually like best friends. Miss you, give the kids my love (:
• Mom and Dad- Love you and miss ya'll like crazy! 

Another long day...

So today I did paperwork. Simple as that. On my computer like all day and it was actually pretty draining. Not gonna lie. Had some pretty good cheesecake though. And we got great news fom Andrew and Hannah.

I know I said today would be better but I'm sorry cause I know it's not. I'm just exhausted beyond belief. It's just been one of those days. But I will do daily shout outs cause I got a lot to cover...

Daily Shout Outs

• Matt- You're the best and I love you babe (:
• Dad- HAPPY BIRTHDAY!
• Mom- I love you too (:
• Nana- Forever on my mind and heart, missing you dearly.
• Skidmore Family- Miss and love you all. Couting the days till I'm back home with "The Clan" (:
• To everyone else I am forgetting- I love ya'll for reading, thanks so much! I wish you all could be here but I can't wait to come home to ya'll!

A down day.

Today was exactly that, a down day. Relaxing and much needed. Went to church, ate lunch, took a nap, ate dinner, watched modern family, and now im doin this. I wish I could say something insightful or meaningful but I'm just not feelin it today. It was rainy and gloomy all day and I'm really tired. So no shout outs or verse or anything. I promise tomorrow will be better.

Night ya'll.

Wrestling at 5am. Haha.

The title was a shout out to my friend Armando, poor guy got woken up at 5am by the teenage boys on the team. They were wrestling and kept hittin his door. Gotta love time differences. Haha.

Anyways today was a wonderful day. I got to go back to all the houses I visited yesterday and give away clothes and toys and such. It was such a blessing to watch them, their faces just lighting up with joy and confusion everytime you handed them something.

That's one of the things I love so much about being here, for days exactly like this. They have no comprehension of love, of selfless giving, of gifts. They don't even have a word for love in their native language. So on days like today we really do get to be the hands and feet of Jesus, we get to show them a love they have no way of grasping. And that ladies and gentlemen is the reason I come back, the reason I sacrifice time, money, and comfort to be here. Somebody has to be a light of hope to these kids and I'm honored to know, that even for a day or even for a minute, that light could be me.

So as our day of giving winded down we returned to Monte Flor and gathered to head to Xepocol, my favorite feeding program. Which, as always, was amazing. It's the oldest, the poorest, the smallest and in my opinion, the most neglected (by teams and such). The kids are amazing, sure you have to work a little harder to get em out of their shell but it is soooo worth it. They just shower you with love and affection, what more can you ask for.

So I came home to BBQ and fun fellowship with friends. I was a relaxing evening. Not to mention I wrapped it up with a fun skype date with my family and grandmother. So now I'm layin in bed, listenin to itunes and talkin to Matt. I'm excited for church tomorrow and market too. I'm ready to spend some Q's!

When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, "I used everything you gave me."  ~Erma Bombeck

Daily Shout Outs

• Matt- I love you. What more can I say (:
• Nana- So here it is, you're own personal shout out! Haha. Told ya it was coming! I love you and miss you soooo much. I wish you could be here. I'll see you sooner than we think though! Love you!
• All my Mom and Dad's work friends- It's really cool of ya'll to be reading, thanks a bunch!

Today was amazing...

Today was a humbling day. So many times I was brought down a notch or two. It's so easy to get comfortable, to speak the language, to make friends, to seem as though you belong. But essentially I don't and I never will. I will always be a foreigner. I will always have white skin, blue eyes, my first language will always be English and I will always be at least 2 feet taller than everyone in this place. This was my constant thought today as I made my way through the villages interviewing widows and visiting past widow houses. As much as we try, as people, as a ministry, we must always remember that we're on their turf, we must play by their rules. So with that in mind, today I tried a little harder to be exra respectful and step a little more carefully than maybe I normally would.

To back track, today I went to almost 10 families to do a kind of progress report which was aweome. Very rarely do we get to go back and witness the outcomes of the gifts we give these women but today I got to do just that. It was a gift and a blessing to say the least. I had mixed reactions though, some kids hated me...

Others loved me. The baby in the above photo had never seen a white person, neither had his sister. His sister ran and screamed when she saw me and well you can see how the baby reacted. But I also had families that thanked me for visiting and told me to come back anytime. One lady even said she'd cook for me. Oh goodness. Haha.

So that took up most of my day but the new team came in today. Another week is upon us and I'm excited. These kids are all middle schoolers with a parent with them. What an experience this will be for them. I hope they get a lot out of it.

So tomorrow is all about cleaning Monte Flor. We've had really bad storms and needless to say this is just a small bit of what happened...

It was soooo not a good morning. Haha.

Daily Shout Outs

• Matt- I'm loving the fact that you have skype AND facebook. It makes my life. Haha love you darlin. Talk to you in a few.
• The Douglas Family- Reed, you are constantly in all of our prayers. Keep fighting little buddy, I promise this world is worth it.
• The Boyd Family- I love ya'll and I hope ya'll are well. Give the kids kisses for me. Hugs to everyone!
• Mom and Dad- Just wanted to say I love you.
• Kristen- Keep your head up. Take a deep breath, it will all be fine.
• Erin- You are beautiful and no boy defines you. Always remember that. I love you honey.

“The true meaning of life is to plant trees, under whose shade you do not expect to sit"

Pequeño Camarón :)

Thank you Tony for the new nick name, little shrimp. Love my life. Haha. Needless to say, I got burnt the past few days and the boys are just loving my new name, one they can actually pronounce.

So today was nice, kinda chill. I got to sleep in and take my time getting ready and such which was soooo nice. I ate with the boys and then went out to continue on my on-going project: painting those dang shutters. I swear it's a never ending battle between me and those things. But I can officially say coat 1 is all done and half are completely finished. Such a good feeling, for right now. I've won the battle but not yet the war.

Tonight was super fun though, I got to have Dominoes (thanks Armando) and spend time with 2 of my most favorite people in the world, Andrew and Hannah Scott. I love them and they are like my second parents. Between talking to Hannah about girly life stuff and learning not so appropriate Spanish from Andrew and Tony it was a fun evening.

On that note, I feel like my Snapinsh is improving SOOO much. Like today, I spoke almost entirely in Spanish. The boys and the ladies are helping so much and I can understand like 85% of everything. And my speaking is in turn improving as well. It's only day 6 so maybe by day 36 I'll be semi-fluent. Haha. It's so exciting!

Well tomorrow is the start of my big project! Interviewing families for a ministry who is supporting us back stateside. It should be a lot of fun!

God had an only Son and He made Him a missionary.– David Livingstone

*Love this*

Daily Shout Outs

• Matt- Oh you and your Facebook worries lol you're so funny. We get to skype tonight, sooo excited! Well I need to get off here so we can do just that. I love you babe!
• Andrew and Hannah- Thanks for being who you are, seperately and as a couple. You both inspire me and I love ya'll like crazy!

1 team down, 4 to go...

So the team leaves tomorrow morning, which leaves me with a semi-day off. It's weird that they're leaving though, it seems as though my last connection with home is leaving with them, which is hard but kinda exciting. It means I'm really on my own, it's really just me. I mean not really I suppose but you know what I mean.

Today was a good day. We went out on the team's last build. I was sick for the 1st couple hours. I was really light-headed and hada  horrible headache. But hey pop 4 Advil and it's all good soon enough. So we got to bless a family, I feel in love with the kids, and later we headed to Xepocol (my favorite feeding program) which was a blast. The coolest part was getting to give the children new shoes, that's something that continues to get me everytime.

They're just so humble. They don't care what they get. Boys get girls shoes, They might be too big or even a bit too small but they cover their toes and are sturdy. So it's good enough for them. But then again most things we take for granted are always good enough for them or more than.

I just love these kids so much, I remembered why today. And those are the best days.

I fell in love with this little girl. Legit followed her around like all day. And yes, I am sunburnt, or as Armando would say, I am purple. But it's actually tanning over so yay, honorary Guatemalanship here I come. So tomorrow consists of sleeping in, probably painting some shutters, and perhaps even heading into the market. Who knows, it's my semi-day off. Haha. Anything could happen. Plus, Matt gets his computer tomorrow, so I'll get to see his handsome face for the first time in like almost a week. Super siked.

"We must be global Christians with a global vision because our God is a global God."
- John Stott

Daily Shout Outs

• Matt- Hey honey (: Thanks for talking me through my episodes. I love you so much and miss you an unatural amount. I love you for worrying and for wanting to take care of me, even from thousands of miles away. You're my best friend and live for the nights when I can come in, shower, put on your hoodie and spend a few hours catching up on our day. It's strange cause I still feel close to you, I feel you with me, can you feel me baby? I hope so, well sleep well darlin. I love you! Mwah!
• Morning Star Lutheran- Thanks for a great week! Safe travels home!

I'm an official Guatemalan driver!

I wish I had pictures for the day but sadly I don't. It was quite busy and I barely had time to take out my camera. Woke up at 7, ate french toast with the team, built an awesome widow home for a friend of mine actually and ended it with a great evening at the feeding program. Dinner consisted of steaks and fellowship with Dr. Tom which was very entertaining and insightful.

But I skipped the best part of my day (other than blessing a widow and family with a new home)! I got to drive around ChiChi! It was scary and exciting all wrapped up into one. Never agian will driving in the states be satisfying. Haha.

Anyway, I'm keeping this one short and sweet because I am tried and suburnt and talking on the phone with Matt soothed me to the point of no return. So it's time to hit the hay.

Daily Shout Outs

• Matt- Hey Skittle (: I'm not using my sleepy voice, nor do I even have one. But I love you, I'm sorry you didn't have a good day. I wish I could make it better. But it will all blow over and everything will be fine. Don't stress. I love you baby and miss you like crazy! Mwah!
• Shelbs- You're in Australia and I miss you. Be safe. I love you.
• Mom and Dad- I miss you too.
• Ben- I don't know why but I talked a lot about you today and it made me miss you. Hope all is well.

I planted grass in Guatemala!

Bucket List

1. .......
2. ...........
3. ...................
4. .........................
5. Plant grass in Guatemala
6. ..........................................

So I should probably start at the beginning....woke up today and headed down to the main house and had a nice breakfast of waffles and strawberries. Afterwards I got my 1st assignment for the day, planting grass. And at first I was like oh no big just walk around, through some seed on the ground and be done. But oh buddy was I wrong, apparently that is NOT how they do it in Guat. Before I tell you, I'll show you a picture so you get the idea...

So basically in a nutshell, they go to a grassy areas, pick the grass, take it to the ungrassy area where they then proceed to dig tiny individual holes and and plant each individual blade of grass. It was the most frustrating thing I have ever done in my life. But at the same time I suppose it becomes kind of rythmic and you get in a groove. But still, somebody please tell these people about grass seed. I mean come on, really? But eventually (and after hours and hours) we got it done and it was actually kind of fufilling, not gonna lie.

Afterwards, I traveled to the girls home to do some work in there. I put felt on the legs of all the furniture and cleaned up a bit. By this time, I was exhausted so I headed back up to the main house, had lunch and met up with my bff Armando. Haha. In the meantime, it begins to hurricane outside. That leads me to my next adventure......

So Armando and I brace ourselves through the rain down to another bunk type house and being painting shutter, which was an experience within itself. But only becasue everythng with him is an experience. Haha. So we talked about life, caught up on the big stuff and small stuff too, had a paint war and ended up only getting 5 shutters sanded and painted. Epic fail. But that only means we have something else to do on another rainy day. Wanna see the results of Armando getting paint happy? Well here ya go...

It's actually worse than it looks, the picture does it no justice. After that, the day pretty much remains uneventful. Went down and had dinner with the team and sat in on their debrief. Andrew and Hannah came home. And now I'm back up in my room, updating the blog and such. Oh and here's my room, fo those who care. Sorry it's sideways.

I wish I had something really insightful for the day, but to be honest I didn't really come across anything that struck me particularly har. I found a ot of peace today. I laughed. It was all in all a pretty normal, good day day in the town of Chichicastenango. My prayer for all of you is that you found some sort of peace today as well. Well plans for tomorrow include building with the team and perhaps even go to a feeding program.

Night ya'll.

Daily Shout Outs

• Matt- Guess who I'm on the phone with right now?!? Yes baby, you (: You're sleepy and so cute cause you're talkin all quiet and kinda slurring you're words. I woke you up and I'm sorry. And I know it's late for you, so thank you for getting up and talking to me. Have I told you you're the best lately? I hope so cause you really are. I know today was a hard one and I love us for getting through them. Almost as much as I love you. I love you for being willing to camp out at the airport and for filling my in on pawn stars. Only 32 more days baby (or 31 in your time zone) and we can so do this! Forever and always skittle, mwah!
• Erin- Loved takling to you tonight girl. I hope you get my video to work cause it's epic. I love you and miss you. Hold down the fort.

1st market day of my summer :)

So I begin the bog today with this picture for 2 reasons: the first because it's gorgeous and secondly because it's the first thing I see when I wake up in the morning, so I figured it should be the first thing ya'll see too :)

Today was the first of 5 church services and 10 market days I am going to have in ChiChi. So that's exciting. And all in all it was a pretty good day. Pastor Don did an amazing job, as always. I swear I would fly down here every Sunday just for church if I could. The coolest part of that was being introduced as a part of the staff. Then market came and as always it was an experience. I exchanged some money, did some shopping, and got to use a lot of my excellent Spanish. Haha just kidding. I did buy some pretty cool shoes though.

Hmm what else...well the team came up to Monte Flor for their tour. I got another lamp for my room. Oh and I had some rally good ranch mashed potatoes. Yummm. I got into my room pretty early so I'm just catching up with family and friends, gonna try and get some extra sleep though cause work starts tomorrow...

So I'm gonna leave ya'll with a passage from the sermon:

Phillipians 4: 4-7

 ⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! ⁵ Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. ⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Daily Shout Outs

• Matt- So you're always first cause you're the reason I started "Daily Shout Outs". I bought you a prize today, agianst your will :) The first of many I'm sure. Well baby I just love you and miss you like crazy. I hope you had a great day, you were on my mind. But that's nothing new. I love you darlin, sleep well.
• Kristen- Thanks for taking my place as mother hen :) I love you for it. You're the best. I don't tell you that enough. I miss ya girlie. See you in 33 days!
• Dad- Happy Father's Day Daddy! Love you!

Day 1 down 34 to go

Emotional, emotional, emotional. That word pretty much sums up my day. Now take into account I haven't slept in 2 days and the whole leaving family and friends for 5 weeks and maybe it's understandable but still it's never been this hard. I cried the whole day, pretty much until we touched down in Guatemala. And then something amazing happened, I found peace. Or at least something of the sort. It's amazing what this country and these people do for my heart and soul.

So the immersion was easier than expected but then agian it always is. So quickly I fell into a sort of groove throughout the day, the speaking Spanish, the crazy driving, heck even the horrible luggage extravaganza they call an airport. It all comes so naturally. The only thing that would make it perfect would be if the people I miss so dearly were here with me. My only prayer is as the days go on, the seperation becomes easier. Pray for that. I've never struggled like I am but then agian circumstances are a bit different this time around. But I know I'll be ok, I'm here doing God's work and I know he will take care of each and every little thing I am worried about.

But that leads me to want to talk about something that has been wieghing on me today and I feel the need to share. This morning when I was in the ATL. airport and was crying my eyes out I was searching for comfort in my Mom through text messages. I told her that I felt like my heart was breaking, she corrected me in saying that my heart was not breaking, it was yearning. Breaking happens when someone hurts you, yearning is the opposite. It's the simple desire for wanting someone/something that you love to be there with you. At first I didn't agree and it kind of made me angry. Because in my mind, it was breaking. There were tears and sobbing and a runny nose involved. It felt like the life was being sucked out of me. And I kept this frame of mind until we were on the bus on our way to ChiChi, then it hits me. She was right. The longing in my heart was so strong that it indeed caused the same reactions as a so called "broken heart". Well that got me thinking, what other times in my life have I assumed I was being torn to pieces when it actuality I just never stopped to think of WHY I felt that certain way. Now there def have been times where I believe my heart has been broken, I've been betrayed, people have misused me, and things have been unfairly taken from me. But at the same time there have been times when I was simply wanting something so bad that I ended up in the same situation I was today. So broken or yearning? That has been invading my mind all day and in some twisted way, I think I finally get it. Thanks Mom.

Anyways, I didn't mean to get on a soapbox about it, I just felt the need to share my feelings on that for the day. So I'm officially unpacked, the lights are off and I'm chatting with Matt and Nick is gonna skype me later so I suppose all is as right in the world as it ever will be for the moment. Tomorrow is church and market, stress shopping anyone?

Daily Shout Outs

• Matt- I'm talking to you right now and I just want to thank you for being the best boyfriend and the best friend in the world. You always are so supportive of me and my dreams. I know this isn't easy and these next 5 weeks will be long but I love you and I know you'll be right there waiting where I left you with open arms. That gives me strength, I hope you know that. "I was born to love you and so I am torn to do what I have to." I love you baby.
• Mom- Thanks for the comforting words and wisdom. I wish you were here with me. I neeed you more than you  know and seeing you on skype tonight made me feel a million times better. I love you more than you know.
• Dad- Wearing your necklace is more comfoting than I thought to be honest. I found myself so many times today touching it ad holdign it in my hands. It makes me feel close to you and to Mom too. Thanks for loaning for a while. Love you Daddy.

So night ya'll! Thanks for reading!