Team Guatemala

God is so, so faithful. Team Guatemala '08 is something else. Each is rich in different ways ... some quiet, others outgoing - keeping us all laughing. Everyone...everyone has some special to bring to this time of outreach - It's a real different mix of people...not just one age group which makes things really interesting - in a good way =)

Yesterday began with each person going off and spending time alone with the Lord for about 1 1/2 hrs - then off to Hermano Pedro to be with the kids - Dick Rutgers gave the grand tour then we took some of the kiddos there to Pollo Compero's (QUITE the treat for these kids!)
Today the team went into Guatemala City to visit about 4 different ministry sights - everyone was pretty excited about that =) ::: Despite the draw to the city ...Madi girl and I stayed behind due to the fact that she's not feeling so hot - but we DID get to go on a little playdate with Kelsey and Madi's two little friends Eliana and Andrew at McDonald's ... they were a wee bit grumpy....but managed to have some fun too. ;)

One of my favorite, favorite things about being here - is that time slooooows way down - and somehow, magic takes place - and you can fit everything in! - Go up on the rooftop and you find yourself surrounded by gorgeous mountains ....perfect for an hour of God time - walk out the door to La Botagona linking arms with a sister or two ... sister/shopping time! - head out across town, through Central Park and around a few corners of bright colored buildings - and you find yourself at Hermano Pedro ... full of kids just WAITING to be poured into - I mean seriously... can it really be called ministry if you're so in heaven while doing it? - hmm, I wonder! Then meet friends for dinner or coffee - amazing, amazing fellowship. We're a crazy bunch. - I wonder too, at the depth of bonding that seems to take place so fast. There are people here who I've known for all of four days ... and yet - somehow they're family. Crazy.

I'm learning tons too. - I know =) ...I think I say that in every post- what can I say? I have lots to learn! - but really ... God has just been zoning in on my pride like crazy - mostly my false humility ... using the most unlikely things and people to show me where I lack. Even my approach to God Himself - isn't one of awe. Adoration, yes - crazy, fiery love, yes - but a reverent awe....no - and He deserves it ALL - a lifetime of me on my knees worshiping isn't near what His splendor deserves ... so to take all of who He is for granted - is not acceptable. I was just a taaaaad bit convicted of all of this after reading Luke 7:1-10 - the story of the Jesus healing the Centurion's sick servant - Jesus was blessed by this man's faith ... I was astounded by this man's humility towards Jesus - wow! It's easy to forget His mightiness when He has humbled himself by joining us on this journey ...instead of just giving us a bunch of commands and just waiting for us at the end - but He IS mighty...what we know of Him - our understanding of Him ....is such a tiny portion in the scope of who He is. - It was crazy (how many times have I used that word in this post??) - I realized this shortcoming and was completely convicted...and really just began to ask His forgiveness - telling Him all that I loved about Him and how I DO stand in awe of Him ... but, in the busyness of life - forget to acknowledge how great He truly is.....

...and, in His usual gentle way - He spoke into my heart - "Peace. Be still. - I know"

I love those words. "Peace. Be still" - He has to forever remind me of them - and I never grow tired of hearing - such love!

I told Mel later that I love how He just understands it all .... how He understands and has so much more patience with our humanness and flesh then we do - and always...always there to love during and after conviction - I love Him.

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So Mel has my camera with her in the city - so I'll post pics as soon as I get it back =) hmmm...this was quite the rambling post! I'm not sure, but I think I got carried away...just a bit ;)