Guatemala? No Thanks.

I have a long list buried in the depths of notes on my phone full of countries I want to travel to. The top ones are pretty typical like Australia, Spain, and Switzerland. And the primary focus has been Europe and Asia. I’ve been to South America, but I didn’t have much interest in going back in the near future, or in going to Central America. Those countries weren’t even on my bucket list radar. 

When it came time to choose a route for the Race, I was lured in by places like Thailand, India, Cambodia, and Turkey. I wanted the Lord to send me to Asia where there are so many unreached people groups and lots of opportunities to serve while spreading the gospel. That part of the world intrigues and excites me! So imagine my surprise when God brought me to the Expedition route again for my second round with the World Race, and they were starting in Guatemala. 

I remember praying about it and thinking, “Guatemala? No thanks, God. Send me to Thailand, or somewhere else.” 

But the plan was already in motion, and I signed up for that route anyways. Now here I am nestled in among the many houses in the middle of Guatemala absolutely thriving. 

I knew little about this country before, aside from the fact that lots of churches send teams here for mission trips. But in this short amount of time I have grown to love the culture and the people dearly. They are kind and welcoming, and willing to teach a group of gringos how to speak better Spanish and make tortillas properly. (Tortillas are not easy, but luckily they taste delicious even when they aren’t the right shape.)

Our ministry this month is working alongside a missionary couple, Nolo and Rachel, who live here and serve a community nearby called The Blessing. They do a lot with the kids including homework help, making sure they are getting a good education, and teaching them about Jesus. They also work with the teens once a week as well as having a church service every Sunday evening. My team has been busy with Bible school twice a week, praying for the ministry and community, and serving in any way we can. We crawl into bed exhausted but filled with joy at what the Lord is doing here. 

I’m so glad God’s plans are higher than my own. Guatemala wasn’t my first choice, but it has been such an unexpected blessing and surprise. I will probably say this about most of the countries I visit on the Race, but I could definitely see myself coming back here, maybe even living here. God is moving, and we have the amazing opportunity to work with Guatemalan believers to share the gospel. 

So, Guatemala? Yes Lord. Absolutely!