Hahaha. I am already laughing as I write this. I have a funny story for you all so hold onto your computer chairs. I found out today that the most embarrassing moment can bring first of all humility and then joy.....if you let it :)
So about 2 weeks ago I celebrated Thanksgiving at the project I work at with all the Americans that work there. ... So here goes my story....
It was a beautiful Sunday morning and I was headed into town to help prepare thanksgiving dinner. Sundays are pretty tranquil on the buses. I had put on a simple skirt because it was nice and warm out and the day had me smiling. I got off the first bus and was getting on the second bus and the driver and the assistant were giggling and even a few ladies in the first row of seats. But I got on and sat close to the front, realizing they were probably giggling about me. Well, whatever I say to myself. After 3 months I am used to being the foreign girl. So I enjoy my second bus ride but notice they keep looking and staring and giggling. In my mind I am thinking, the first few times that a guy in Guate whistled or commented I was flattered but now I am just annoyed. They do this to every single foreign girl. Whatever.
So a couple few blocks before I need to get off the bus I stand up and go to the front of the bus to say where I need to get off. So I tell the driver and then he starts talking to me, telling me that his assistant (who was prob. 16 by the way) was in love with me or something. Awkward. So I proceed to get off the bus and past the assisstant....but apparently I was a little shaken up. Before I knew what had happened, I slipped on the last step and landed butt down on the street. I quickly stood up and walked straight ahead without looking back. I was HU. MIL. I. ATED..
I am awful at reacting in the moment but I should have turned and said, " you still interested?" hahaha.
So....the thing is is that I knew sometime in the future I would see this bus driver and assistant again. O how embarrassing. Lol
SO GUESS WHAT?! Today was the day! I got on the bus, sat down, looked up and suddenly realized I was in the presence of the bus driver and the assistant that had watched me fall off the bus. Hahaha. I just start grinning and giggling to myself. The bus starts moving. They are laughing amidst themselves and now they notice I am grinning. More time passes. Here comes the assistant to collect my money. I have this feeling of uncontrollable laughter and joy going on inside me. This is hilarious. I hand him my money and he is laughing and I just start giggling. What a funny moment. I don't know these people but through an event that humiliated me we suddenly seem like friends. So the rest of the ride I had this huge grin on my face and this internal feeling of wanting to continually burst out in laughter. And...so did they. I would look up once n awhile and they were grinning and laughing too.
As I got off the bus I told them I wasn't going to fall again and he goes, not today, no. Haha.
This story may seem small and insignificant but I cannot explain how funny it was and how much joy it brought me. Glad I can be the uncoordinated foreign light haired girl that brings entertainment of the day to a bus driver And his assistant. I will fall any day to laugh and grin like that again.
So remember....LAUGH AT YOURSELF ONCE IN AWHILE and DO NOT TAKE LIFE TOO SERIOUSLY....YOU MIGHT just MAKE SOME FRIENDS. hehe.
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Anxiety in the moment, laughter afterwards!
So remember I mentioned I would tell you about a bus ride I took where I might have ended up in an entirely different town? Well here it goes....
I had just moved in with my host family here in Ciudad Vieja and had been volunteering at Common Hope for about 2 days. In order for me to get to Common Hope I must take two different buses which ends up taking about 40 minutes total. The first few weeks I had to go to the foundation main building for orientation...I will not have to travel that far every morning this year.
So the first day my host mom rode with me all the way to Common Hope to teach me which buses to ride and how to get there. That first evening after orientation I found my way home quite easily and with pride. I know this place! I have the buses figured out and I am functioning somewhat independently and without much anxiety. Haha. These were my thoughts that first successful day on the buses.
Day 2 rolled around and once again I made it successfully to the foundation on the buses, ALL ON MY OWN! I am just picking up on this life here so fast. Haha. Had a good day at orientation, but it was exhausting learning about all the different functions and departments involved in this one organization. Five o'clock came and I was ready to head home. I hopped on the first bus and waited patiently for the stop where I needed to get off that bus and catch the next one to Ciudad Vieja. (There are actually a few different buses that will take me to Ciudad Vieja....one that stops there and returns to Antigua and a couple other buses that will make stops in my town but also continue on to other places. )
As I waited for the second bus I couldn't help but feel a little proud once again....I mean I am finding my way around on my very own!! A bus came and I quickly check to make sure the sign on it says Ciudad Vieja. Yep! So I hop on....barely get my last foot in the bus and we are off!! However, I am met with an entirely FULL bus staring back at me! Hmm...guess I will shimmy my way back a bit and stand in the aisle and work on my balance as the bus roars on and jerks me around. I got this! Sure it is getting a little dark but I will still know where to get off even though it is difficult to see standing up in a full bus,etc. A few minutes into the ride the 'ayudante' comes through and collects my bus money. Ugh...he shorted me 50 centavos. I am so tired and ready to just get home, I decide not to confront him and get my money back. I am still standing and now getting nervous about finding my stop because people aren't getting off the bus, and it is still really full. I am now thinking...a lot of time has passed.....and what I can see outside looks like different scenery and buildings than I have ever seen. I finally grab a seat, and in a panicked sort of way ask the man next to me if we are in Ciudad Vieja yet. He looks at me and points back, "we already passed it, we are headed for San Antonio." I had heard of this town and knew it wasn't like super far away, but I had never been there and it was pretty much entirely dark. I ask where I should get off to get on a bus to head back and i got off the bus in some town I don't know at all. I ask a lady on the street where to get on a bus and she directs me and adds that the last bus passes through at 6. Panic.....it is 5:40.
To make a long story shorter....I finally made it home. My host brother and sister were home and just laughed when I told them what I had done. It is funny now, but I definately had some waves of panic.
I have not made this same bus mistake again. I never get on the bus that heads for that town, even though it passes through where I live. I keep it safe and get on the bus that stops in my town and goes no further. O the life of a foreigner. Haha.
I had just moved in with my host family here in Ciudad Vieja and had been volunteering at Common Hope for about 2 days. In order for me to get to Common Hope I must take two different buses which ends up taking about 40 minutes total. The first few weeks I had to go to the foundation main building for orientation...I will not have to travel that far every morning this year.
So the first day my host mom rode with me all the way to Common Hope to teach me which buses to ride and how to get there. That first evening after orientation I found my way home quite easily and with pride. I know this place! I have the buses figured out and I am functioning somewhat independently and without much anxiety. Haha. These were my thoughts that first successful day on the buses.
Day 2 rolled around and once again I made it successfully to the foundation on the buses, ALL ON MY OWN! I am just picking up on this life here so fast. Haha. Had a good day at orientation, but it was exhausting learning about all the different functions and departments involved in this one organization. Five o'clock came and I was ready to head home. I hopped on the first bus and waited patiently for the stop where I needed to get off that bus and catch the next one to Ciudad Vieja. (There are actually a few different buses that will take me to Ciudad Vieja....one that stops there and returns to Antigua and a couple other buses that will make stops in my town but also continue on to other places. )
As I waited for the second bus I couldn't help but feel a little proud once again....I mean I am finding my way around on my very own!! A bus came and I quickly check to make sure the sign on it says Ciudad Vieja. Yep! So I hop on....barely get my last foot in the bus and we are off!! However, I am met with an entirely FULL bus staring back at me! Hmm...guess I will shimmy my way back a bit and stand in the aisle and work on my balance as the bus roars on and jerks me around. I got this! Sure it is getting a little dark but I will still know where to get off even though it is difficult to see standing up in a full bus,etc. A few minutes into the ride the 'ayudante' comes through and collects my bus money. Ugh...he shorted me 50 centavos. I am so tired and ready to just get home, I decide not to confront him and get my money back. I am still standing and now getting nervous about finding my stop because people aren't getting off the bus, and it is still really full. I am now thinking...a lot of time has passed.....and what I can see outside looks like different scenery and buildings than I have ever seen. I finally grab a seat, and in a panicked sort of way ask the man next to me if we are in Ciudad Vieja yet. He looks at me and points back, "we already passed it, we are headed for San Antonio." I had heard of this town and knew it wasn't like super far away, but I had never been there and it was pretty much entirely dark. I ask where I should get off to get on a bus to head back and i got off the bus in some town I don't know at all. I ask a lady on the street where to get on a bus and she directs me and adds that the last bus passes through at 6. Panic.....it is 5:40.
To make a long story shorter....I finally made it home. My host brother and sister were home and just laughed when I told them what I had done. It is funny now, but I definately had some waves of panic.
I have not made this same bus mistake again. I never get on the bus that heads for that town, even though it passes through where I live. I keep it safe and get on the bus that stops in my town and goes no further. O the life of a foreigner. Haha.
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
Rejoice in trials, Lord?
Whistling as means of communicating ( I am still figuring our their whistle, Morris code system), people genuflecting as we pass the catholic churches in the buses, body language differences, midmorning and mid afternoon snacks... eating habits and rituals, greeting with a side kiss, tu vs. Ud vs vos.....to say the least, most of my life here is a cross cultural encounter. My mind constantly asks, why this, why that? I am constantly intrigued.
This last week, one could say I didn't feel up to tolerating all the differences I was encountering here in Guatemala. Better said, I tolerated them, but secretly wished I didn't have to and dreamed of the comfort of my home and family and culture and a place where I fit in and just have a warm cozy comfortable feeling a majority of the time. A place where I blend in and fit in. A place where I don't stick out....not just because I look different but rather because I have different body language and handle situations differently because I come from a different culture. The reality of what I am doing right now finally sank in. I am living in GUATEMALA for a year. I am volunteering here for a year. To be sincere, at this moment that seems more overwhelming than it ever has thus far. I am not honeymooning here in Guatemala anymore. This is what it means to feel OUT of my comfort zone. At this time in my life, I am clearly reminded that God is my strength and my hope and my energy. He is the only reason my being here is possible and He is the one that will sustain me here when I frankly want to be somewhere comfortable, where I am understood.
Humility seems to be the word that will keep appearing in my life this year. I am understanding why BEING vs. Doing was emphasized as I was applying for YAVS. As I encounter this reality of just BEING, I encounter HUMlLITY. I realize I come from a culture (or is it just a common drive in humanity?)to seek worth from what we have accomplished in a day, week, year and measure our worth by the product we have produced and how we have somehow contributed our assets some place for the common good. But as I familiarize myself and adapt I am being humbled...I don't always have something to do. I don't speak perfect Spanish and sometimes don't know how to express myself. I have been pretty quiet lately. I have offended people without knowing it and have had cultural miscommunication moments.
I have been thinking a lot lately about how God has to carry me into situations where Julianne's human energy and power can no longer be enough. A place where I am brought to my knees in prayer and crying out to God because I really cannot make it on my own. A place where my fronts and facades can no longer hide who I really am without the beautiful grace of God! I think there are different situations and circumstances the Lord has to bring each individual into in order to humble them. I challenge you....where is God calling you to be unsettled and uncomfortable in your life? Maybe a place or situation where you migh feel insecure and incompetent in what you thought were your strengths? When I am weak, HE is strong! I will hold onto this promise! (2 corinthians 12:10)
I have now been at my volunteer placement for 3 weeks. I am volunteering for an organization called Common Hope or Familias de Esperanza in Spanish. I really really really encourage you and hope you will check out their website to understand exactly what they are doing here in Guatemala...I am super impressed! ( www.commonhope.org) They focus on taking care of family units with health care, housing and schooling. There are several different facets to the organization.
I am working in the area of Educational Promoters who work in schools associated with Common Hope right here in the area of Guatemala I am living in. Before Common HOpe will support a school, the school must agree to work with them to promote and put onto action progressive teaching in schools here so that reading is promoted and progressive education in general.
I work in a fun department with people who are youthful and full of energy. There are three promotors for the 3 different schools they are partnered with and each promotor has an auxiliary helper. I act as an auxiliary volunteer basically. I work with Elly, the promotor, and Angel, the auxiliary.
So what have I been doing and what will I be doing here? In the past week I have been assisting them plan vacation school. Guatemala schools are just now ending their school year and most students are on vacation. However, we will be directing vacation school for kids who will be going into 1st grade next year, for the month of November. They will come Tues-thurs. every week and we will introduce them to the routines their teachers will implement during the next year. We will teach them practical things like washing hands and brushing teeth, as well as fun reading activities and art and food.
When school starts up again in mid January, we have tentatively decided that i will be in charge of the homework center that Common Hope provides for the first graders. It is a place for them to come and get help and catch up or to simply be exposed to reading and educationally stimulating activities. Right now, this is just a rough idea of what I will be doing.
I know this blog might seem a little debbie downerish, but I cannot kid myself ....this moment of hard cultural encounters and personal encounters was bound to come :) I find great joy in rejoicing and reminding myself of the littlest moments of laughter and encouragement in each day...or the beautiful views here. It isn't everyday you just look around and see you are surrounded by volcanoes, now is it?
I love you all friends, family and church family! Thanks for reminding me of who I am and for all your prayers and encouragement! Hold onto your seats for a new upcoming blog about my wonderful host family and my life outside of my volunteer position.
Mucho amor de Guate! Much love from Guate!
This last week, one could say I didn't feel up to tolerating all the differences I was encountering here in Guatemala. Better said, I tolerated them, but secretly wished I didn't have to and dreamed of the comfort of my home and family and culture and a place where I fit in and just have a warm cozy comfortable feeling a majority of the time. A place where I blend in and fit in. A place where I don't stick out....not just because I look different but rather because I have different body language and handle situations differently because I come from a different culture. The reality of what I am doing right now finally sank in. I am living in GUATEMALA for a year. I am volunteering here for a year. To be sincere, at this moment that seems more overwhelming than it ever has thus far. I am not honeymooning here in Guatemala anymore. This is what it means to feel OUT of my comfort zone. At this time in my life, I am clearly reminded that God is my strength and my hope and my energy. He is the only reason my being here is possible and He is the one that will sustain me here when I frankly want to be somewhere comfortable, where I am understood.
Humility seems to be the word that will keep appearing in my life this year. I am understanding why BEING vs. Doing was emphasized as I was applying for YAVS. As I encounter this reality of just BEING, I encounter HUMlLITY. I realize I come from a culture (or is it just a common drive in humanity?)to seek worth from what we have accomplished in a day, week, year and measure our worth by the product we have produced and how we have somehow contributed our assets some place for the common good. But as I familiarize myself and adapt I am being humbled...I don't always have something to do. I don't speak perfect Spanish and sometimes don't know how to express myself. I have been pretty quiet lately. I have offended people without knowing it and have had cultural miscommunication moments.
I have been thinking a lot lately about how God has to carry me into situations where Julianne's human energy and power can no longer be enough. A place where I am brought to my knees in prayer and crying out to God because I really cannot make it on my own. A place where my fronts and facades can no longer hide who I really am without the beautiful grace of God! I think there are different situations and circumstances the Lord has to bring each individual into in order to humble them. I challenge you....where is God calling you to be unsettled and uncomfortable in your life? Maybe a place or situation where you migh feel insecure and incompetent in what you thought were your strengths? When I am weak, HE is strong! I will hold onto this promise! (2 corinthians 12:10)
I have now been at my volunteer placement for 3 weeks. I am volunteering for an organization called Common Hope or Familias de Esperanza in Spanish. I really really really encourage you and hope you will check out their website to understand exactly what they are doing here in Guatemala...I am super impressed! ( www.commonhope.org) They focus on taking care of family units with health care, housing and schooling. There are several different facets to the organization.
I am working in the area of Educational Promoters who work in schools associated with Common Hope right here in the area of Guatemala I am living in. Before Common HOpe will support a school, the school must agree to work with them to promote and put onto action progressive teaching in schools here so that reading is promoted and progressive education in general.
I work in a fun department with people who are youthful and full of energy. There are three promotors for the 3 different schools they are partnered with and each promotor has an auxiliary helper. I act as an auxiliary volunteer basically. I work with Elly, the promotor, and Angel, the auxiliary.
So what have I been doing and what will I be doing here? In the past week I have been assisting them plan vacation school. Guatemala schools are just now ending their school year and most students are on vacation. However, we will be directing vacation school for kids who will be going into 1st grade next year, for the month of November. They will come Tues-thurs. every week and we will introduce them to the routines their teachers will implement during the next year. We will teach them practical things like washing hands and brushing teeth, as well as fun reading activities and art and food.
When school starts up again in mid January, we have tentatively decided that i will be in charge of the homework center that Common Hope provides for the first graders. It is a place for them to come and get help and catch up or to simply be exposed to reading and educationally stimulating activities. Right now, this is just a rough idea of what I will be doing.
I know this blog might seem a little debbie downerish, but I cannot kid myself ....this moment of hard cultural encounters and personal encounters was bound to come :) I find great joy in rejoicing and reminding myself of the littlest moments of laughter and encouragement in each day...or the beautiful views here. It isn't everyday you just look around and see you are surrounded by volcanoes, now is it?
I love you all friends, family and church family! Thanks for reminding me of who I am and for all your prayers and encouragement! Hold onto your seats for a new upcoming blog about my wonderful host family and my life outside of my volunteer position.
Mucho amor de Guate! Much love from Guate!
Saturday, October 15, 2011
Reality, Humility & Dependence on God
Just in case any of you are wondering if I miss home, I have a little quote for you that I remember my brother writing awhile ago when he moved to Texas that I have found to be very true in my heart. --You can take the girl out of Wyoming but you cannot take Wyoming out of the girl.-- (and just FYI...my brother put "man" when he wrote it) After being gone from home for over a month I am realizing more than ever how grateful I am for my beautiful family and friends and my beautiful home. Home will always be home, even when I find places that feel like home away from home. I am grateful for my family and friends back home who remind me who I am and keep me grounded in our Lord. In this new culture, in a new host family, in a new volunteer position...it is easy for me to lose sight of who God made me to be and feel like the lonely wanderer. But I am reminded this week that God created me and has purpose for me. He desires for me to trust HIM with my life...not myself or any other person or thing.
Wow! So the last two weeks here on Guate have been a whirlwind. Exactly two weeks ago tomorrow I moved out of my language host families house in San Juan del Obispo. They were such a kind, lighthearted family. In the moment, I was not super triste..sad...to leave because I knew there were new experiences ahead...like a new host family foe the entire year. I had shared some special dinner conversations with the family and many conversations with my host mom, but the busy schedules of the kids and mine as well did not permit a ton of hanging out. So I left with lots of love in my heart for them, but not like a super duper connection. I got some good photos of them with me towering over them like a giant, haha. I hope to share them with you all soon.
So this Sunday I moved out and headed to Pachaj with the other 3 girls in my group. This week was an experience in the very rural part of Guate. Seriously my friends, we take our amenities and luxuries for granted. And when I say luxuries and amenities I mean a toilet where you can do your business in peace and quiet and SIT instead of squat and build some quad muscles....and a place where you can shower with hott water and feel really clean. I had never realized until this experience how much I LOVE being and feeling clean and sanitary. Yes, they used an outhouse...but do not be jaded by what you know of outhouses in the states. This outhouse was no place to relax. I did all I could every time I entered to not touch anything...if you know what I mean. I even subconsciously drank a lot less water than I needed so I would have less trips to the bathroom...especially at night. The outhouse was a little ways from the house,out where the dogs bark and fight. I wasn't about to venture out in the middle of the night to release my bladder. So I often woke in the morning because my bladder was about to explode...not because my alarm went off. my bad if that was TMI (too much info)
So this week we lived in pairs of 2 with an indigenous family that spoke both Spanish and Quiche. I lived with Kristi in a fairly large,nice room in little cot beds in a house that was in the middle of the corn fields that will be harvested in the next month. The family had sacrificed one of their rooms for us for a week. The family was very kind. It took kristi and I about a whole day to really figure out who was who...like brothers, sisters, spouses, mom, aunts, etc. But we did eventually conquer the family tree....we think, haha. We had good laughs about it anyways. One of the funniest moments of the week was the belch of our grandmother. Kristi and I were sitting together eating dinner at the table while the other woman were sitting around the plancha...like wood burning stove where they cooked. We were quietly eating along when suddenly and without warning our very old host grandmother who could not hear let out a really prolonged loud belch. I was holding my laughter in pretty well until I looked up from my food to find Kristi just quietly snickering trying to not laugh out loud. And then I lost it. We both just sat uncontrollably lAughing...but quietly mind you. It seriously took us like 2 or 3 min. To calm ourselves down again. I have no idea if any of them ever noticed us...I really hope not.
So during this week we had activities most mornings and language school in the afternoon.We had the opportunity to soak in the Fuentes Georiginas...hot springs...for a couple hours one morning. It was a very needed relaxing morning in the vapors of Guatemalan hot springs. We ate all of our meals with the host family. Most things we consumed included some form of corn..from drinks to tortillas to you name it. I ate corn in ways I never imagined I would. Also, in this region of Guatemala the altitude is about 7,000 feet and so it gets pretty cold at night. I had a little taste of my Wyoming home....can't say I mind a cold night. Haha.
After a week in Pachaj, my group spent our last night together in Xela before we all went our separate ways.
Last Sunday I made my way back to the Antigua region to move in with my permanent host family and start my volunteer position. I live in Ciudad Vieja and will Volunteer in San Miguel Escobar. This lAst week reality has sunk in. A. I am on my own now with my lovely host family. B. This is my life for the next year. I came to the realization that this whole past 5 weeks i have been running from one new thing to another...overly stimulated by new culture, people, language, country,etc. It is easy to ignore and run away from my insecurities and fears and ugly self realizations when I move every few weeks And have my days filled with activities and people and new stuff. However, reality set in this last week. Stress kicked in and the reality that I still have a lot to learn with Spanish and getting to know new people, new work, new living situation., etc. Hit me. It was a hard week. But the Lord is teaching me that every day is His and there are always blessings and good things in a day...even when you ignore them and choose to highlight the worst parts. The blessings and hope come in conversations with my host family or a cordial greeting from someone at work. The little things usually mean the most!!
I don't want to leave you hanging here...but yes I do so that you look forward to my next post about my volunteering and new home. AND stay tuned for an exciting bus ride story....I may have ended up in a whole new town a few nights ago when I was trying to get home from work..just maybe ;)
From the bottom of my heart I want to thank my family, church family, friends and maybe even strangers who have been praying for me. I am confident that the Lord alone holds me up and gives me hope. Your prayers give me strength and hope that every day will be okay...even when the language doesn't come easily or I feel lonely.
2 Tim. 1:7
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
Love you all much! Les mando amor de Guate! (I send you love from Guate!)
Wow! So the last two weeks here on Guate have been a whirlwind. Exactly two weeks ago tomorrow I moved out of my language host families house in San Juan del Obispo. They were such a kind, lighthearted family. In the moment, I was not super triste..sad...to leave because I knew there were new experiences ahead...like a new host family foe the entire year. I had shared some special dinner conversations with the family and many conversations with my host mom, but the busy schedules of the kids and mine as well did not permit a ton of hanging out. So I left with lots of love in my heart for them, but not like a super duper connection. I got some good photos of them with me towering over them like a giant, haha. I hope to share them with you all soon.
So this Sunday I moved out and headed to Pachaj with the other 3 girls in my group. This week was an experience in the very rural part of Guate. Seriously my friends, we take our amenities and luxuries for granted. And when I say luxuries and amenities I mean a toilet where you can do your business in peace and quiet and SIT instead of squat and build some quad muscles....and a place where you can shower with hott water and feel really clean. I had never realized until this experience how much I LOVE being and feeling clean and sanitary. Yes, they used an outhouse...but do not be jaded by what you know of outhouses in the states. This outhouse was no place to relax. I did all I could every time I entered to not touch anything...if you know what I mean. I even subconsciously drank a lot less water than I needed so I would have less trips to the bathroom...especially at night. The outhouse was a little ways from the house,out where the dogs bark and fight. I wasn't about to venture out in the middle of the night to release my bladder. So I often woke in the morning because my bladder was about to explode...not because my alarm went off. my bad if that was TMI (too much info)
So this week we lived in pairs of 2 with an indigenous family that spoke both Spanish and Quiche. I lived with Kristi in a fairly large,nice room in little cot beds in a house that was in the middle of the corn fields that will be harvested in the next month. The family had sacrificed one of their rooms for us for a week. The family was very kind. It took kristi and I about a whole day to really figure out who was who...like brothers, sisters, spouses, mom, aunts, etc. But we did eventually conquer the family tree....we think, haha. We had good laughs about it anyways. One of the funniest moments of the week was the belch of our grandmother. Kristi and I were sitting together eating dinner at the table while the other woman were sitting around the plancha...like wood burning stove where they cooked. We were quietly eating along when suddenly and without warning our very old host grandmother who could not hear let out a really prolonged loud belch. I was holding my laughter in pretty well until I looked up from my food to find Kristi just quietly snickering trying to not laugh out loud. And then I lost it. We both just sat uncontrollably lAughing...but quietly mind you. It seriously took us like 2 or 3 min. To calm ourselves down again. I have no idea if any of them ever noticed us...I really hope not.
So during this week we had activities most mornings and language school in the afternoon.We had the opportunity to soak in the Fuentes Georiginas...hot springs...for a couple hours one morning. It was a very needed relaxing morning in the vapors of Guatemalan hot springs. We ate all of our meals with the host family. Most things we consumed included some form of corn..from drinks to tortillas to you name it. I ate corn in ways I never imagined I would. Also, in this region of Guatemala the altitude is about 7,000 feet and so it gets pretty cold at night. I had a little taste of my Wyoming home....can't say I mind a cold night. Haha.
After a week in Pachaj, my group spent our last night together in Xela before we all went our separate ways.
Last Sunday I made my way back to the Antigua region to move in with my permanent host family and start my volunteer position. I live in Ciudad Vieja and will Volunteer in San Miguel Escobar. This lAst week reality has sunk in. A. I am on my own now with my lovely host family. B. This is my life for the next year. I came to the realization that this whole past 5 weeks i have been running from one new thing to another...overly stimulated by new culture, people, language, country,etc. It is easy to ignore and run away from my insecurities and fears and ugly self realizations when I move every few weeks And have my days filled with activities and people and new stuff. However, reality set in this last week. Stress kicked in and the reality that I still have a lot to learn with Spanish and getting to know new people, new work, new living situation., etc. Hit me. It was a hard week. But the Lord is teaching me that every day is His and there are always blessings and good things in a day...even when you ignore them and choose to highlight the worst parts. The blessings and hope come in conversations with my host family or a cordial greeting from someone at work. The little things usually mean the most!!
I don't want to leave you hanging here...but yes I do so that you look forward to my next post about my volunteering and new home. AND stay tuned for an exciting bus ride story....I may have ended up in a whole new town a few nights ago when I was trying to get home from work..just maybe ;)
From the bottom of my heart I want to thank my family, church family, friends and maybe even strangers who have been praying for me. I am confident that the Lord alone holds me up and gives me hope. Your prayers give me strength and hope that every day will be okay...even when the language doesn't come easily or I feel lonely.
2 Tim. 1:7
For God has not given us a spirit of fear and timidity, but of power, love, and self-discipline.
Love you all much! Les mando amor de Guate! (I send you love from Guate!)
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Chicken Bus, Anyone?
I love embracing the moments here that I would never experience in my life back home in Wyoming. For example....public transportation, which in Guatemala they call Chicken buses for very specific reasons. People smashed together that have been soaked by the rain = chicken bus.
So I live in San Juan del Obispo right now...a little village outside of the city, like 10 or 15 minutes away. When I want to go into Antigua, which is like everyday almost, I ride the public buses. Now these buses are the typical huge school buses we are used to in the states. Something unique about them though is that the owners of the buses ( I am assuming) get to decorate their buses how they please and drive them as they please. haha. One of my favorite decorations is a decal sticker above the bus door as you exit that says ´te quiero´ or i love you, with these creepy letters that look like some gooey liquid dripping. kinda spooky. lol.
Specifically, we all know the ´loco´ crazy bus. The driver always drives about 100 mph and stops on the dime. You can imagine what we look like bouncing around in the bus, hitting bumps and stopping very rapidly.
About 2 weeks ago, the road closed part way between Antigua and San Juan and so we started taking a really long detour. This detour probably took like at least 10 minutes longer depending on the day and the roads shall we say were a little bit sketchy. One night, one of the my fellow YAVS and I got on the bus a little later than usual because we had gone to a free salsa class. So around 6pm the bus starts getting very very full of people going back home for the night. On top of this did I say it was raining? Kristi and I are like running to the bus with our raincoats on. We get on the bus and it is already super duper full and we are super duper wet. Finally, I find a seat and sit with half of my body on the seat which is already occupied by 2 other people. Kristi is in the seat behind me on the edge of a seat as well. We start off for San Juan and more people keep getting on the bus and I keep getting people more wet with my soaked raincoat. They keep jamming people in the bus in any and every direction they fit. Kristi and I just embrace the moment and enjoy ourselves...which means we are like laughing but trying not to draw more attention to ourselves than we already draw by simply being ´extranjeras´ or foreingers.
To say the least, Guatemalans are not worried about their personal bubble or personal space. You have somewhere to be and a job to get done and you do it any which way you can. Just get the job done. And that´s what they do....Soaked people jammed into a bus like chickens. :) You just have to experience it! It is one of the best cultural experiences! One of my newest phrases for my time in Guatemala is ´Embrace the moment´ and embrace the awkwardness and discomfort´.
I hope you got an idea of a bus ride in Antigua ;)
So I live in San Juan del Obispo right now...a little village outside of the city, like 10 or 15 minutes away. When I want to go into Antigua, which is like everyday almost, I ride the public buses. Now these buses are the typical huge school buses we are used to in the states. Something unique about them though is that the owners of the buses ( I am assuming) get to decorate their buses how they please and drive them as they please. haha. One of my favorite decorations is a decal sticker above the bus door as you exit that says ´te quiero´ or i love you, with these creepy letters that look like some gooey liquid dripping. kinda spooky. lol.
Specifically, we all know the ´loco´ crazy bus. The driver always drives about 100 mph and stops on the dime. You can imagine what we look like bouncing around in the bus, hitting bumps and stopping very rapidly.
About 2 weeks ago, the road closed part way between Antigua and San Juan and so we started taking a really long detour. This detour probably took like at least 10 minutes longer depending on the day and the roads shall we say were a little bit sketchy. One night, one of the my fellow YAVS and I got on the bus a little later than usual because we had gone to a free salsa class. So around 6pm the bus starts getting very very full of people going back home for the night. On top of this did I say it was raining? Kristi and I are like running to the bus with our raincoats on. We get on the bus and it is already super duper full and we are super duper wet. Finally, I find a seat and sit with half of my body on the seat which is already occupied by 2 other people. Kristi is in the seat behind me on the edge of a seat as well. We start off for San Juan and more people keep getting on the bus and I keep getting people more wet with my soaked raincoat. They keep jamming people in the bus in any and every direction they fit. Kristi and I just embrace the moment and enjoy ourselves...which means we are like laughing but trying not to draw more attention to ourselves than we already draw by simply being ´extranjeras´ or foreingers.
To say the least, Guatemalans are not worried about their personal bubble or personal space. You have somewhere to be and a job to get done and you do it any which way you can. Just get the job done. And that´s what they do....Soaked people jammed into a bus like chickens. :) You just have to experience it! It is one of the best cultural experiences! One of my newest phrases for my time in Guatemala is ´Embrace the moment´ and embrace the awkwardness and discomfort´.
I hope you got an idea of a bus ride in Antigua ;)
Saturday, September 24, 2011
Comfort Vs Completeness
Buenas tardes a toda mi familia y mis amigos y cualquier persona que está leyendo este blog....
(My blog title will make sense by the end of reading this...FYI :)
I apologize that it has taken me awhile to update my blog. The last couple weeks have been filled with lots of learning....learning spanish, learning how to get around Antigua and San Juan del Obispo and learning about where I will be working and living for the next year. To say the least, sleep is a HUGE necessity. It is incredible to sleep 9 or sometimes more hours a night for several nights in a row. Yes, cultural differences, language differences, living with a family and less independence all make me tired. These things aren´t necessary good or bad, they just ARE. All part of my experience over this next year.
Now that I have been in Guatemala for about 3 weeks and things are not so new and intriguing, a common thought and or conversation that finds its way into my mind quite often goes like this: "I am in Guatemala! I am in Guatemala for an ENTIRE YEAR! Hmm....things aren´t quite as new and exciting as they were in my first 2 weeks here. O my goodness, I AM HERE FOR THE NEXT YEAR. Like wow, I am going to learn to adapt to living in a foreign country and it will become my daily life for quite some time. Wow, this is crazy!" This is a bit of some of the conversation in my mind. lol.
I will be living my language host family for only one more week. It is hard living with a family for a short amount of time, especially when they are VERY accustomed to foreign students living with them for different amounts of time. My family has been hosting students for 19 years, so I am not really anything too new. This is sometimes nice and sometimes frusturating. Nice in the way that I just kind of go about my business and they don´t bug me if I just am doing my own thing. Frusturating in the fact that I am a relational person and want to make friends and hang out and I always feel like I have to initiate that I want to hang out with all of them. But I hang out with them when I can and have enjoyed a lot of laughs around the dinner table or watching T.V with my host siblings.
So in a nutshell, my honeymooning stage in Guatemala is fading out and reality and culture shock is settling in. Cultural misunderstandings and differences have been appearing in my life here. My mind is always ready to explode because I am constantly trying to evaluate situations I observe and find myself in in the Guatemalan cutlure. I am constantly trying to process the role of women and men, different protestant beliefs and theology, and just the differences in everyday culture that I am not used to. Questions in my mind relating to these topics: Is this right or wrong or just different? Why do they think that or do this? Did I offend him or her by reacting as I do in my own cultural norm? What could have I done different in that situation? Why, why why? Yep, entering a new culture is an exhausting experience that makes you question all the comfortable things you thought were stable and normal and right. To say the least, if I didn´t find my identity in Jesus Christ I would be one confused and stressed out person right now. The Word of God is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path (Psalm 119:105) I am reminded and greatful that our God has not left us alone but given us his Spirit of Truth. "When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth.... (John 16:13a) "So you have recieved a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you recieved God´s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, Abba, Father." (Rom. 8:15) This year I will be confronted with lots of differences and ideas that I have never thought before and I am confident and thankful that my God will guide me and lead me on His paths as I seek him admist all of this.
So this morning as all these reflections that I have just shared with you were going through my head, I was reminded of a workshop during my summer as a Nav leader about comfort vs. completeness in Christ. The workshop talked about how the Lord desires for us to be growing into the knowledge of him which means discipline and discomfort at times. I could choose to stay in my comfort zone....my independence (which I love more than ever now that I do not have as much), my family and friends, my country, my language, my room, my home, my food....but that is a whole LOT of ME. Although this year is and will be challenging....I am definately out of my everyday comfort zone... I also know this year will be FULL of growing personally and growing closer to the God I love. It is at times like this that God gets my attention easiest....because I am very weak and cannot be independent. So as much as I try to resist, I pray that that I become more complete in Christ for His Glory this year as I experience the world through different glasses. So I ask you, wherever you might be....."Have you been willing to be uncomfortable and challenged lately?"
I hope all is well back home. Much love to all my friends and family! ¡Dios les bendiga! (God Bless you!)
I have some funny bus stories to come as well as some info on where I will be worknig and moving to in about 2 weeks....so please wait in anticipation. :)
(My blog title will make sense by the end of reading this...FYI :)
I apologize that it has taken me awhile to update my blog. The last couple weeks have been filled with lots of learning....learning spanish, learning how to get around Antigua and San Juan del Obispo and learning about where I will be working and living for the next year. To say the least, sleep is a HUGE necessity. It is incredible to sleep 9 or sometimes more hours a night for several nights in a row. Yes, cultural differences, language differences, living with a family and less independence all make me tired. These things aren´t necessary good or bad, they just ARE. All part of my experience over this next year.
Now that I have been in Guatemala for about 3 weeks and things are not so new and intriguing, a common thought and or conversation that finds its way into my mind quite often goes like this: "I am in Guatemala! I am in Guatemala for an ENTIRE YEAR! Hmm....things aren´t quite as new and exciting as they were in my first 2 weeks here. O my goodness, I AM HERE FOR THE NEXT YEAR. Like wow, I am going to learn to adapt to living in a foreign country and it will become my daily life for quite some time. Wow, this is crazy!" This is a bit of some of the conversation in my mind. lol.
I will be living my language host family for only one more week. It is hard living with a family for a short amount of time, especially when they are VERY accustomed to foreign students living with them for different amounts of time. My family has been hosting students for 19 years, so I am not really anything too new. This is sometimes nice and sometimes frusturating. Nice in the way that I just kind of go about my business and they don´t bug me if I just am doing my own thing. Frusturating in the fact that I am a relational person and want to make friends and hang out and I always feel like I have to initiate that I want to hang out with all of them. But I hang out with them when I can and have enjoyed a lot of laughs around the dinner table or watching T.V with my host siblings.
So in a nutshell, my honeymooning stage in Guatemala is fading out and reality and culture shock is settling in. Cultural misunderstandings and differences have been appearing in my life here. My mind is always ready to explode because I am constantly trying to evaluate situations I observe and find myself in in the Guatemalan cutlure. I am constantly trying to process the role of women and men, different protestant beliefs and theology, and just the differences in everyday culture that I am not used to. Questions in my mind relating to these topics: Is this right or wrong or just different? Why do they think that or do this? Did I offend him or her by reacting as I do in my own cultural norm? What could have I done different in that situation? Why, why why? Yep, entering a new culture is an exhausting experience that makes you question all the comfortable things you thought were stable and normal and right. To say the least, if I didn´t find my identity in Jesus Christ I would be one confused and stressed out person right now. The Word of God is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path (Psalm 119:105) I am reminded and greatful that our God has not left us alone but given us his Spirit of Truth. "When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth.... (John 16:13a) "So you have recieved a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you recieved God´s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, Abba, Father." (Rom. 8:15) This year I will be confronted with lots of differences and ideas that I have never thought before and I am confident and thankful that my God will guide me and lead me on His paths as I seek him admist all of this.
So this morning as all these reflections that I have just shared with you were going through my head, I was reminded of a workshop during my summer as a Nav leader about comfort vs. completeness in Christ. The workshop talked about how the Lord desires for us to be growing into the knowledge of him which means discipline and discomfort at times. I could choose to stay in my comfort zone....my independence (which I love more than ever now that I do not have as much), my family and friends, my country, my language, my room, my home, my food....but that is a whole LOT of ME. Although this year is and will be challenging....I am definately out of my everyday comfort zone... I also know this year will be FULL of growing personally and growing closer to the God I love. It is at times like this that God gets my attention easiest....because I am very weak and cannot be independent. So as much as I try to resist, I pray that that I become more complete in Christ for His Glory this year as I experience the world through different glasses. So I ask you, wherever you might be....."Have you been willing to be uncomfortable and challenged lately?"
I hope all is well back home. Much love to all my friends and family! ¡Dios les bendiga! (God Bless you!)
I have some funny bus stories to come as well as some info on where I will be worknig and moving to in about 2 weeks....so please wait in anticipation. :)
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Home Away From Home
Wow! I have only been in Guatemala for one week and it seems like way longer than that....in a good way! It seems as though I have already been here for forever. If I could sum up my life in one word since the last time I wrote, I would have to use the word ¨content.¨ I rejoice in how our God guides us and gives each of us passions and gifts to share with and recieve from others. I have barely stopped smiling since I arrived in Guatemala less than a week ago because once again I realize how God has given me an inborn love for the Latin American people and their language and their culture.
So, what has happened since I last wrote you ask? Last Friday I spent the day with my group and our coordinator, Marcia, at our beautiful little villa in Antigua, sharing our life stories and sharing the big events of our lives that have formed who we are today. It was a relaxing day of learning about each other and grasping a better understanding of where we are each coming from. Each time I tell my testimony I realize more and more how the Lord has worked in my life and the tasks he has equipped me for. One term that came up that I have never used before in my testimony was ´Spiritual Freedom´. I have experienced freedom in the blood of Jesus Christ in my life which is beyond words and I desire to share with others how they might better understand their relationship to God and be healed and free. The Lord created us to live life ABUNDANTLY. (John 10-10)
Saturday morning, we awakened ourselves at the crack of dawn to go climb a volcano called Pacaya. We were all stumbling around our adjointed rooms (2 rooms with a shared bathroom in the middle) when suddenly we heard outside REALLY LOUD popping noises. Unsure of what was going on (it sounded a bit like guns firing) we quickly locked our doors and hid in the bathroom together. We called Marcia to see if she knew what was going on and she informed us that it is custom in Guatemala to light of firecrackers early to celebrate birthdays or other celebrations. We look back and laugh now, but it was a bit disconcerting in the moment. Since that morning I think I have heard these firecrackers almost every morning, including at 4 in the morning yesterday. haha. (i am hearing firecrackers as i sit typing this as well)
After this incident, we got on the bus to take us to climb the volcano. Let me tell you, it is an experience to ride with drivers here. Traffic rules are not very strict I would say. We made it safely up the mountain to the base of the volcano and began to climb. It was a pretty intense climb for about 1 hour and 20 minutes until we arrived to the farthest point they allow. We reached the top and the rain started pouring! It was soooo cloudy that we couldn´t see beyond a couple hundred feet in front of us. We huddled up under a small shelter with about 30 other tourists. It was quite the fun, exciting experience, although we were quite cold. My choice of clothing might not have been the best....running shorts, tshirt, long sleeve shirt, and raincoat. haha. Oh well, lots of fun was had besides. At the top of the volcano we walked around and felt the heat pouring out of some of the vents. It was pretty sweet!
After we got back to Antigua from the volcano, we all rushed around packing our suitcases and showering so that we would be ready to go meet our language school host families at 3 in San Juan del Obispo (which is a little town just a little ways above Antigua that isn´t touristy like the city). At 3 we packed ourselves in a Honda Odyssey van with someone from the language school to drive us to meet our families. I met my host families at the church in the center of the town and we carried my heavy suitcases a few blocks uphill, not to mention the cobblestone streets. lol. I was dragging my massive suitcase on wheels on the cobblestone and making tons of noise. Here....I will paint a good picture for you. This scene I am about to describe was probably hilarious through the eyes of the natives that were standing on the streets as I walked by. I will tell it from the perspective of somebody watching this scene happen-----
A van of 4 girls pulled into our little pueblo today. They all got out at the church and started meeting their host families. They had the biggest pile of luggage I have ever seen in my life. Bright purple, bright pink, and bright red bags and rolling suitcases fell from the van. One girl cordially meets her host family and points out which bags belong to her. Her host dad picks up the bigger red bag, her most mom picks up the little carry one purple rolling suitcase and she proceeds to try to DRAG her rolling suitcases for about 3 blocks to her host house which is mostly uphill. She definately is not from these parts...she looks quite different than us. As she proceeds to drag her 50 pound rolling suitcase up the cobblestone street hill, the bag gets caught on her flip flop and it falls off. I am laughing as a native observer, but the girl also just begins to laugh as her host mom says something in spanish and laughs too. After struggling and stumbling around for a second she finally gets her flip flop in the right direction and back on her foot and proceeds to her house. O and did i mention this girl also had a backpack on her back? Who would ever need so much luggage? Bienvenidos GRINGA!
This may have been what the scene looked like to the natives in San Juan del Opisbo on Saturday afternoon. Quite funny really.
My host family is great and has kids 22, 21, 17, and 13. I have had lots of fun talking with them. A couple days ago I sat in the living room with them watching Guatemala play Belice in soccer. GUATEMALA won!!! woot woot! Today I sat with my host mom as I ate lunch and she told me stories of past exchange students they have hosted. It was pretty entertaining. Today I took a tranquil trip into Antigua and enjoyed a very relaxing afternoon sitting and talking and doing homework and observing the latin culture.
One thing I am going to miss this year is the season of Fall. There isn´t a fall here....just summer and ´winter´. So all you back home....enjoy it for me and know I am thinking of you all and missing you!
May you find peace in this day!
So, what has happened since I last wrote you ask? Last Friday I spent the day with my group and our coordinator, Marcia, at our beautiful little villa in Antigua, sharing our life stories and sharing the big events of our lives that have formed who we are today. It was a relaxing day of learning about each other and grasping a better understanding of where we are each coming from. Each time I tell my testimony I realize more and more how the Lord has worked in my life and the tasks he has equipped me for. One term that came up that I have never used before in my testimony was ´Spiritual Freedom´. I have experienced freedom in the blood of Jesus Christ in my life which is beyond words and I desire to share with others how they might better understand their relationship to God and be healed and free. The Lord created us to live life ABUNDANTLY. (John 10-10)
Saturday morning, we awakened ourselves at the crack of dawn to go climb a volcano called Pacaya. We were all stumbling around our adjointed rooms (2 rooms with a shared bathroom in the middle) when suddenly we heard outside REALLY LOUD popping noises. Unsure of what was going on (it sounded a bit like guns firing) we quickly locked our doors and hid in the bathroom together. We called Marcia to see if she knew what was going on and she informed us that it is custom in Guatemala to light of firecrackers early to celebrate birthdays or other celebrations. We look back and laugh now, but it was a bit disconcerting in the moment. Since that morning I think I have heard these firecrackers almost every morning, including at 4 in the morning yesterday. haha. (i am hearing firecrackers as i sit typing this as well)
After this incident, we got on the bus to take us to climb the volcano. Let me tell you, it is an experience to ride with drivers here. Traffic rules are not very strict I would say. We made it safely up the mountain to the base of the volcano and began to climb. It was a pretty intense climb for about 1 hour and 20 minutes until we arrived to the farthest point they allow. We reached the top and the rain started pouring! It was soooo cloudy that we couldn´t see beyond a couple hundred feet in front of us. We huddled up under a small shelter with about 30 other tourists. It was quite the fun, exciting experience, although we were quite cold. My choice of clothing might not have been the best....running shorts, tshirt, long sleeve shirt, and raincoat. haha. Oh well, lots of fun was had besides. At the top of the volcano we walked around and felt the heat pouring out of some of the vents. It was pretty sweet!
After we got back to Antigua from the volcano, we all rushed around packing our suitcases and showering so that we would be ready to go meet our language school host families at 3 in San Juan del Obispo (which is a little town just a little ways above Antigua that isn´t touristy like the city). At 3 we packed ourselves in a Honda Odyssey van with someone from the language school to drive us to meet our families. I met my host families at the church in the center of the town and we carried my heavy suitcases a few blocks uphill, not to mention the cobblestone streets. lol. I was dragging my massive suitcase on wheels on the cobblestone and making tons of noise. Here....I will paint a good picture for you. This scene I am about to describe was probably hilarious through the eyes of the natives that were standing on the streets as I walked by. I will tell it from the perspective of somebody watching this scene happen-----
A van of 4 girls pulled into our little pueblo today. They all got out at the church and started meeting their host families. They had the biggest pile of luggage I have ever seen in my life. Bright purple, bright pink, and bright red bags and rolling suitcases fell from the van. One girl cordially meets her host family and points out which bags belong to her. Her host dad picks up the bigger red bag, her most mom picks up the little carry one purple rolling suitcase and she proceeds to try to DRAG her rolling suitcases for about 3 blocks to her host house which is mostly uphill. She definately is not from these parts...she looks quite different than us. As she proceeds to drag her 50 pound rolling suitcase up the cobblestone street hill, the bag gets caught on her flip flop and it falls off. I am laughing as a native observer, but the girl also just begins to laugh as her host mom says something in spanish and laughs too. After struggling and stumbling around for a second she finally gets her flip flop in the right direction and back on her foot and proceeds to her house. O and did i mention this girl also had a backpack on her back? Who would ever need so much luggage? Bienvenidos GRINGA!
This may have been what the scene looked like to the natives in San Juan del Opisbo on Saturday afternoon. Quite funny really.
My host family is great and has kids 22, 21, 17, and 13. I have had lots of fun talking with them. A couple days ago I sat in the living room with them watching Guatemala play Belice in soccer. GUATEMALA won!!! woot woot! Today I sat with my host mom as I ate lunch and she told me stories of past exchange students they have hosted. It was pretty entertaining. Today I took a tranquil trip into Antigua and enjoyed a very relaxing afternoon sitting and talking and doing homework and observing the latin culture.
One thing I am going to miss this year is the season of Fall. There isn´t a fall here....just summer and ´winter´. So all you back home....enjoy it for me and know I am thinking of you all and missing you!
May you find peace in this day!
Thursday, September 1, 2011
Remaining, Abiding, & Dwelling in Christ
John 15:4-5
Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. "Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.
This last week I was in Stony Point, NY for my orientation for my year of serving Christ in a place and culture different than mine. A place out of my comfortable life of having enough, always understanding, being understood, and getting a new lens of understanding of our God and how he calls us to give and receive love. In complete honesty, this last week was challenging and disheartening but also very enlightening and encouraging for many different reasons. The scripture I put at the top of this post brought me great joy and encouragement today as I remembered that my journey belongs to my Savior! I cannot do anything on my own! I cannot bear fruit unless I remain in my Lord! I am reminded of the importance of being immersed and flooded in the Word of God! It encourages me to know that the Lord promises us that if we do not depart from Him, if we practice His presence in our lives and wait for Him, than he WILL stay with us and through our lives he will produce MUCH fruit!
I am in Guatemala!! Woot! I arrived here yesterday morning with the other 3 girls in my group and all of our luggage! Praise God! As I flew into Guatemala City, tears of great joy and excitement filled my eyes as well as tears of the reality of the situation sinking in. Tears of great joy because it was the beginning of a long time dream and calling that I have been waiting to experience and tears of the reality of missing home and people that know me for who I am and starting over in a new place forming relationships and building community...which takes time and energy and a spirit of courage in my second language.
We drove to Antigua, Guatemala from the airport and this is around the area that I will be staying for the next year. I am staying in a cute villa for about 3 days for orientation with my site coordinator, Marcia. This morning we took a walking tour of Antigua learning about the ancient ruins and history of this city with lots of Mayan influence. Let me walk you down an avenida in Guatemala with me...
you walk out the enclosed courtyard area of our quaint villa and enter a narrow cobblestone street. It is about 9 am in the morning and the lives of the Guatemalan people have begun. There are kids running to school, women preparing tortillas in there beautiful clothing, loud trucks speeding by feet from you, vendors selling their goods, and others drinking their cafe and enjoying the company of a friend. A look beyond the immediate city and your eyes meet the beautiful hills of green and volcanos slightly covered with clouds. Wow, it is beautiful and inviting. Enter the main plaza or park area in the middle of the city and feel your energy increase as you watch school kids running around for the festival of the corn. The plaza is full of people milling around with friends and socializing.
Needless to say, the tour this morning was amazing.
Friday I will spend the day with my group sharing our stories so that we can get to know each other and understand each others lives. Saturday we will hike a volcano in the morning and then go out of the city to San Juan Del Obispo to move in with our language school host families who we will live with or about 5 weeks. Language school will start Monday and I am stoked! It will be just what I need to solidify the Spanish I know.
I want to thank all my friends and family for all the prayers and support you have graciously shown me already. Each day I am even more confident the Lord has called me here and given me a passion to be in this culture with these people, speaking Spanish :) I would ask for prayers for health and a spirit of humility and boldness in a new place. I love you all.
Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. "Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing.
This last week I was in Stony Point, NY for my orientation for my year of serving Christ in a place and culture different than mine. A place out of my comfortable life of having enough, always understanding, being understood, and getting a new lens of understanding of our God and how he calls us to give and receive love. In complete honesty, this last week was challenging and disheartening but also very enlightening and encouraging for many different reasons. The scripture I put at the top of this post brought me great joy and encouragement today as I remembered that my journey belongs to my Savior! I cannot do anything on my own! I cannot bear fruit unless I remain in my Lord! I am reminded of the importance of being immersed and flooded in the Word of God! It encourages me to know that the Lord promises us that if we do not depart from Him, if we practice His presence in our lives and wait for Him, than he WILL stay with us and through our lives he will produce MUCH fruit!
I am in Guatemala!! Woot! I arrived here yesterday morning with the other 3 girls in my group and all of our luggage! Praise God! As I flew into Guatemala City, tears of great joy and excitement filled my eyes as well as tears of the reality of the situation sinking in. Tears of great joy because it was the beginning of a long time dream and calling that I have been waiting to experience and tears of the reality of missing home and people that know me for who I am and starting over in a new place forming relationships and building community...which takes time and energy and a spirit of courage in my second language.
We drove to Antigua, Guatemala from the airport and this is around the area that I will be staying for the next year. I am staying in a cute villa for about 3 days for orientation with my site coordinator, Marcia. This morning we took a walking tour of Antigua learning about the ancient ruins and history of this city with lots of Mayan influence. Let me walk you down an avenida in Guatemala with me...
you walk out the enclosed courtyard area of our quaint villa and enter a narrow cobblestone street. It is about 9 am in the morning and the lives of the Guatemalan people have begun. There are kids running to school, women preparing tortillas in there beautiful clothing, loud trucks speeding by feet from you, vendors selling their goods, and others drinking their cafe and enjoying the company of a friend. A look beyond the immediate city and your eyes meet the beautiful hills of green and volcanos slightly covered with clouds. Wow, it is beautiful and inviting. Enter the main plaza or park area in the middle of the city and feel your energy increase as you watch school kids running around for the festival of the corn. The plaza is full of people milling around with friends and socializing.
Needless to say, the tour this morning was amazing.
Friday I will spend the day with my group sharing our stories so that we can get to know each other and understand each others lives. Saturday we will hike a volcano in the morning and then go out of the city to San Juan Del Obispo to move in with our language school host families who we will live with or about 5 weeks. Language school will start Monday and I am stoked! It will be just what I need to solidify the Spanish I know.
I want to thank all my friends and family for all the prayers and support you have graciously shown me already. Each day I am even more confident the Lord has called me here and given me a passion to be in this culture with these people, speaking Spanish :) I would ask for prayers for health and a spirit of humility and boldness in a new place. I love you all.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
100% Funded--He Who Called IS FAITHFUL!
As of this past week I am fully 100% funded for serving God in this next season of my life in Guatemala. God is so faithful and He LOVES us so much. He has already answered my prayer of being fully funded before I leave!! I am greatly humbled by all of you who have given to me in so many ways I really don't deserve...financially, through prayer and encouraging words. Thank you so much and I pray that you receive tenfold in blessings of what you have given me. Our God works in so many wondrous and marvelous ways I cannot help but rejoice in His Name.
So...I leave in 2 days!!! No wait I leave in LESS than 48 hours for my orientation week in Stony Point, New York. I will then leave for Guatemala on Aug. 29th!
These last couple weeks have been really refreshing! I spent 4 days in the middle of the forest with my parents. We packed and rode horses up into the mountains in the Bud Love area around Buffalo, WY. It was a perfect way to enjoy the company of my beautiful parents and be reminded of the sovereignty and peacefulness of our God in the mountains. We cooked over an open fire, rode fly bitten horses, fished and ate little brookies, pumped crik water, climbed big rocks, watched Hank (the dog) run about 100 miles, slept for 12 hours/night in a cozy tent, ate a dehydrated ice cream bar and many other great adventures we won't be forgetting soon.
This past week I have slowly put together all the clothes, toiletries, books, and hobby stuff I will be taking to Guatemala. I continually pray for wisdom in what to take and what to leave behind! God has laid it on my heart this year to really learn to deny myself and take up my cross and part of that involves letting go of these wordly possessions I am so attached to that seem pretty silly when I really think about it (favorite clothes, accessories, the stuff that makes me comfy)....but my heart usually lags behind in learning these things. But as the final day for departure arrives I keep eliminating stuff and finalizing my packing! 2 check ins and 2 smaller carry ons!
I will be in Stony Point, NY this coming week for Young Adult Volunteer (YAV) orientation with about 70 other people who will be serving for a year in the states or internationally! This week will be full of preparation and legistics for our next year in our respective countries. What I am most excited for is lots of time spent with my Jesus, worship and fellowship and building new friendships with like minded people. I can't wait to live, love and learn! God makes life SOOOOO exciting and joyous!
I ask for prayers this coming week at orientation. I desire to really devote that week to God to prepare my heart for Guatemala. I know I could easily be overwhelmed by wanting to meet new people 24/7 but the other reality is that I will only be spending the next year with 3 of them in Guatemala. So I ask for prayers of wisdom in spending my time being with people and quiet time preparing my heart.
I also ask for prayers for travel safety and that all luggage would make it to New York and then to Guatemala without any delay or problem.
And last but not least....a big prayer for this next year is to live in the moment with God and not dwell on the past or the future. I want to know 'I AM!' It could be easy to spend this next year thinking about my past 5 years in college and missing that or thinking ahead to next year and wondering...hmm...where will I be then? I want to live in the HERE and NOW and listen to the Spirit!
My mom blessed me with a beautiful verse this morning:
Isaiah 42:1
"Look at my servant, whom I strengthen. He is my chosen one, who pleases me. I have put my Spirit upon him. He will bring justice to the nations."
God is sending me to Guatemala and I am confident He will give me strength to abide with Him there to answer His calling on my life!
So...I leave in 2 days!!! No wait I leave in LESS than 48 hours for my orientation week in Stony Point, New York. I will then leave for Guatemala on Aug. 29th!
These last couple weeks have been really refreshing! I spent 4 days in the middle of the forest with my parents. We packed and rode horses up into the mountains in the Bud Love area around Buffalo, WY. It was a perfect way to enjoy the company of my beautiful parents and be reminded of the sovereignty and peacefulness of our God in the mountains. We cooked over an open fire, rode fly bitten horses, fished and ate little brookies, pumped crik water, climbed big rocks, watched Hank (the dog) run about 100 miles, slept for 12 hours/night in a cozy tent, ate a dehydrated ice cream bar and many other great adventures we won't be forgetting soon.
This past week I have slowly put together all the clothes, toiletries, books, and hobby stuff I will be taking to Guatemala. I continually pray for wisdom in what to take and what to leave behind! God has laid it on my heart this year to really learn to deny myself and take up my cross and part of that involves letting go of these wordly possessions I am so attached to that seem pretty silly when I really think about it (favorite clothes, accessories, the stuff that makes me comfy)....but my heart usually lags behind in learning these things. But as the final day for departure arrives I keep eliminating stuff and finalizing my packing! 2 check ins and 2 smaller carry ons!
I will be in Stony Point, NY this coming week for Young Adult Volunteer (YAV) orientation with about 70 other people who will be serving for a year in the states or internationally! This week will be full of preparation and legistics for our next year in our respective countries. What I am most excited for is lots of time spent with my Jesus, worship and fellowship and building new friendships with like minded people. I can't wait to live, love and learn! God makes life SOOOOO exciting and joyous!
I ask for prayers this coming week at orientation. I desire to really devote that week to God to prepare my heart for Guatemala. I know I could easily be overwhelmed by wanting to meet new people 24/7 but the other reality is that I will only be spending the next year with 3 of them in Guatemala. So I ask for prayers of wisdom in spending my time being with people and quiet time preparing my heart.
I also ask for prayers for travel safety and that all luggage would make it to New York and then to Guatemala without any delay or problem.
And last but not least....a big prayer for this next year is to live in the moment with God and not dwell on the past or the future. I want to know 'I AM!' It could be easy to spend this next year thinking about my past 5 years in college and missing that or thinking ahead to next year and wondering...hmm...where will I be then? I want to live in the HERE and NOW and listen to the Spirit!
My mom blessed me with a beautiful verse this morning:
Isaiah 42:1
"Look at my servant, whom I strengthen. He is my chosen one, who pleases me. I have put my Spirit upon him. He will bring justice to the nations."
God is sending me to Guatemala and I am confident He will give me strength to abide with Him there to answer His calling on my life!
Monday, August 1, 2011
94% funded!!!!
Praise God!! I am about 94% funded! Great is His faithfulness! Thanks again to all my donors!!
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
How can I keep from singing?
If you remain in me and my words remain in you , ask whatever you wish, and it will be given you.
John 15:7
God continues to affirm my year in Guatemala through fundraising! My prayer has been that I would be 100% funded by the time I left on August 22 so I could think about other things during my year there. Well my friends, as of a couple days ago I am 83% funded which means I only need less than $2,000 to meet the fundraising requirement of $8,000!!!! Our God is so faithful! I have no doubt that by August 22 I will be 100% funded because He has been faithful thus far! I praise God for all you joyous givers that have been called to support me in this year!!
I was reminded and humbled yesterday by the way our God CLEARLY guides when we are attentive to Him. I have not only been affirmed by my close friends and family about this mission trip, but by people that are unknown to me....that I have never met in my life. Yesterday, out of the blue to me, a beautiful letter came from someone in the Wyoming Presbytery whom I do not know. The letter brought tears to my eyes as my heart was reminded that I wasn't going to Guatemala to satisfy myself....but because my God has called me there and he will guide me with straight paths. I was humbled by this persons words which reminded me that the resurrected Christ is going before me to Guatemala! He has plans for me there! The person also told me that there are a lot of people in the state of Wyoming churches that are supporting me and praying for me. Wow. God is SO faithful to CONTINUE to remind me in so many different and perfectly timed ways, that HE has chosen this path for me. I am obeying. He is preparing a place for me in Guatemala.
and last but not least....as I was hanging out with a bunch of friends this weekend someone came up with the idea of calling me Guateblaha. :) It brought joy to my heart. Just thought I'd share. haha
John 15:7
God continues to affirm my year in Guatemala through fundraising! My prayer has been that I would be 100% funded by the time I left on August 22 so I could think about other things during my year there. Well my friends, as of a couple days ago I am 83% funded which means I only need less than $2,000 to meet the fundraising requirement of $8,000!!!! Our God is so faithful! I have no doubt that by August 22 I will be 100% funded because He has been faithful thus far! I praise God for all you joyous givers that have been called to support me in this year!!
Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.
Proverbs 16:3
In his heart a man plans his course , but the Lord determines his steps.
Proverbs 16: 9
More reasons to sing...I was reminded and humbled yesterday by the way our God CLEARLY guides when we are attentive to Him. I have not only been affirmed by my close friends and family about this mission trip, but by people that are unknown to me....that I have never met in my life. Yesterday, out of the blue to me, a beautiful letter came from someone in the Wyoming Presbytery whom I do not know. The letter brought tears to my eyes as my heart was reminded that I wasn't going to Guatemala to satisfy myself....but because my God has called me there and he will guide me with straight paths. I was humbled by this persons words which reminded me that the resurrected Christ is going before me to Guatemala! He has plans for me there! The person also told me that there are a lot of people in the state of Wyoming churches that are supporting me and praying for me. Wow. God is SO faithful to CONTINUE to remind me in so many different and perfectly timed ways, that HE has chosen this path for me. I am obeying. He is preparing a place for me in Guatemala.
and last but not least....as I was hanging out with a bunch of friends this weekend someone came up with the idea of calling me Guateblaha. :) It brought joy to my heart. Just thought I'd share. haha
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Fundraising update!
God has already provided 53% of my fundraising!!! I am easily on track for my year in Guatemala! I thank all of the kind hearts who have given with joy! I continue to pray and ask you to join me...that I will have my fundraising done before I leave on August 22 to free me from being burdened by it during my year in Guatemala so that I can focus on the work God has ahead of me :).
A Place in Guatemala
Today I am reminded of how much our God loves us and cares for us more than we will ever understand or imagine. I am taken to Scripture where the Lord tells us not to worry, for can't we see that the Lord provides for the birds of the air?.. and we are much more valuable then they are!! Matthew 6:25-34. Our God provides for us perfectly if we will only TRUST. He wants to give us good things. So why am I reminded of this scripture?
I found out my volunteer placement in Guatemala yesterday...and I am super stoked!! I have nothing to worry about in any of this process!! He is sovereign and perfect!
I will be volunteering for an organization called Common Hope which is near Antigua, Guatemala. This is a program with different programs but I will be helping with the education part in elementary schools (I am super excited to work with younger kids!) This program partners with schools in Guatemala to help them enhance education with a focus on reading and writing. I will most likely be working along side of a Guatemalan teacher assisting him/her to improve educational quality at public schools. Most teachers in Guatemala leave high school and start teaching without ever recieving higher education. I will spend weekdays working with Common Hope staff in a school and at a homework center in San Miguel Escobar which is near Ciudad Vieja, outside of Antigua. I will help students with homework, model teaching practices in schools and help support teachers in some of their classroom activities that tend to distract them from more important parts of teaching.
My placement was a little different than usual in that the organization requires an extra interview. So a few days ago I received a call from Guatemala from 2 lovely ladies who interviewed me...in Spanish! The interview lasted about an hour as they asked me about my expectations and teaching beliefs and experiences. As I twisted my tongue (I hadn't spoken Spanish in about a month or so :/ lol) to explain my beliefs about how I would teach youngsters and handle frustrations, etc. the two ladies were extremely kind and even complimented my spanish. (God knew I needed some encouragement at that point, hehe). The next day I received an email that they had accepted me to be a long term volunteer with them!!!! WOOT WOOT! Praise God. He knows my paths!
To get an idea of the program I will be working for visit the website: COMMON HOPE and/or watch this excellent video that sums up the program! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YwCwc5j0lY
I will be volunteering for an organization called Common Hope which is near Antigua, Guatemala. This is a program with different programs but I will be helping with the education part in elementary schools (I am super excited to work with younger kids!) This program partners with schools in Guatemala to help them enhance education with a focus on reading and writing. I will most likely be working along side of a Guatemalan teacher assisting him/her to improve educational quality at public schools. Most teachers in Guatemala leave high school and start teaching without ever recieving higher education. I will spend weekdays working with Common Hope staff in a school and at a homework center in San Miguel Escobar which is near Ciudad Vieja, outside of Antigua. I will help students with homework, model teaching practices in schools and help support teachers in some of their classroom activities that tend to distract them from more important parts of teaching.
My placement was a little different than usual in that the organization requires an extra interview. So a few days ago I received a call from Guatemala from 2 lovely ladies who interviewed me...in Spanish! The interview lasted about an hour as they asked me about my expectations and teaching beliefs and experiences. As I twisted my tongue (I hadn't spoken Spanish in about a month or so :/ lol) to explain my beliefs about how I would teach youngsters and handle frustrations, etc. the two ladies were extremely kind and even complimented my spanish. (God knew I needed some encouragement at that point, hehe). The next day I received an email that they had accepted me to be a long term volunteer with them!!!! WOOT WOOT! Praise God. He knows my paths!
To get an idea of the program I will be working for visit the website: COMMON HOPE and/or watch this excellent video that sums up the program! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YwCwc5j0lY
Friday, May 13, 2011
Raising Support Both Financially and Through Prayer
This
is such an exciting opportunity but it is not possible without the
generous support of my fellow friends and family whom God will call to
give both financially and support me through prayer. I need to raise
$8,000 for my year in Guatemala to support me with living and travel
expenses. To think about this amount of money in a few different ways
look at this:
1. 100 people each giving a set $80
2. 67 people giving $10.00 per month for 12 months (total after year = $120)
3. 34 people giving $20.00 per month for 12 months (total after year = $240)
If you feel led to give you can simply follow these steps to do so online:
1. Go to this link:
2. Click on 'Support a YAV' in the left hand column
3. Go down until you see 'Guatemala' and click on my name 'Julianne Blaha'.
4. The next page refers to me as 'Position 9' and my name is not included. (It still represents my account though!)
5. Then you can simply click 'Make a donation' and proceed following the steps.
(if you are asked for my ECO number it is E210009)
I also ask for you to join me in prayer for this coming year. Some initial prayer requests would be:
1. Raising money
2. A heart at peace and prepared and open for what the Lord has for me
3. Safety while in Guatemala
Thank you so much for joining me on this journey!
2 Corinthians 9:7
Each
man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not
reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
Why Guatemala?
Hello all,
This will be my blog that I will do my best to keep updated for the next year as I live in Guatemala and serve God. So what are the details of my year in Guatemala, why am I going there?
Since I was in high school I have dreamed of living abroad for an extended period of time. My high school spanish teacher always talked about her experiences of teaching in Spain and every time she told stories I couldn't help but imagine living abroad and doing something similar. Now about 8 years later, after 5 years of college, I still have not forgotten about my dream of becoming completely fluent in Spanish and living abroad for a long period of time. What better way to do this combining what I love: Jesus and spanish.
About 2 years ago I heard about this program through my church called the YAV's (Young Adult Volunteers http://gamc.pcusa.org/ministries/yav/yavexperience/). I have always loved Spanish and I couldn't think of a better way to combine my love for Jesus and my passion for Spanish than by doing a mission. This program is the perfect opportunity. I love that this program emphasizes living simply and emphasizes 'being' vs. 'doing'. This means that although some of us may have a heart to go and 'change the world' we must face the reality that sometimes, or a lot of the time, we might just 'be' which includes important things such as helping a host family with chores and forming deep relationships with people. After all, we are 'human beings' not 'human doings'. I must recognize that although I want to go to Guatemala and help people out, I must face the reality that I might not 'see' what I have done after I leave. But that is just okay....because God is always working and it's not about me anyways.
This last fall I started the application process for YAV's. This past March I traveled to Kentucky for a couple of site interviews to help discern where I should be placed (Peru or Guatemala). At the end of the time there we had decided Guatemala was where I would best be placed. I was set upon going back to Peru, but the Lord has revealed to me He has different plans that are much better than what I tried to plan and now I am VERY excited to experience a new country!
During my year in Guatemala I will have the opportunity to work within schools with teachers and children and work with women in the church. My volunteer positions are not set in stone yet, and I probably won't know more specifics until July. I will live with a Guatemalan host family during my year and become part of their family and community. I will also join a church and become a part of a worshiping community as well!
My departure date is August 22, 2011.
Proverbs 16:9
In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.
This will be my blog that I will do my best to keep updated for the next year as I live in Guatemala and serve God. So what are the details of my year in Guatemala, why am I going there?
Since I was in high school I have dreamed of living abroad for an extended period of time. My high school spanish teacher always talked about her experiences of teaching in Spain and every time she told stories I couldn't help but imagine living abroad and doing something similar. Now about 8 years later, after 5 years of college, I still have not forgotten about my dream of becoming completely fluent in Spanish and living abroad for a long period of time. What better way to do this combining what I love: Jesus and spanish.
About 2 years ago I heard about this program through my church called the YAV's (Young Adult Volunteers http://gamc.pcusa.org/ministries/yav/yavexperience/). I have always loved Spanish and I couldn't think of a better way to combine my love for Jesus and my passion for Spanish than by doing a mission. This program is the perfect opportunity. I love that this program emphasizes living simply and emphasizes 'being' vs. 'doing'. This means that although some of us may have a heart to go and 'change the world' we must face the reality that sometimes, or a lot of the time, we might just 'be' which includes important things such as helping a host family with chores and forming deep relationships with people. After all, we are 'human beings' not 'human doings'. I must recognize that although I want to go to Guatemala and help people out, I must face the reality that I might not 'see' what I have done after I leave. But that is just okay....because God is always working and it's not about me anyways.
This last fall I started the application process for YAV's. This past March I traveled to Kentucky for a couple of site interviews to help discern where I should be placed (Peru or Guatemala). At the end of the time there we had decided Guatemala was where I would best be placed. I was set upon going back to Peru, but the Lord has revealed to me He has different plans that are much better than what I tried to plan and now I am VERY excited to experience a new country!
During my year in Guatemala I will have the opportunity to work within schools with teachers and children and work with women in the church. My volunteer positions are not set in stone yet, and I probably won't know more specifics until July. I will live with a Guatemalan host family during my year and become part of their family and community. I will also join a church and become a part of a worshiping community as well!
My departure date is August 22, 2011.
Proverbs 16:9
In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.
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