One Month In

We live in Guatemala!

Many people associate Guatemala with volcanos. While it's true that there are many, we reside in a different part of the country. We live in the desert.

Upon our return to Guatemala in late August, we found ourselves in the midst of the rainy season. Although there hadn't been rain for about a week, when it finally arrived, it poured continuously! Throughout most of September, it has been raining. As of this writing, it hasn't rained in our area for approximately three days.

Do I miss the rain? Yes, I do.

In numerous regions of Guatemala, rainfall can occur in the morning, afternoon, and possibly at night. However, in Chiquimula, where we reside, it typically rains in the late afternoon or evening. This timing is convenient for most people, as the sun sets around 6pm and many are already at home.

There might be rain throughout the night. It's refreshing to start a new day with the air purified and filled with the fragrance of spring. The birds are chirping, and you may hear a rooster crow at any hour.

In Chiquimula, due to the ministry and daily life, I am occupied most days. My tasks include buying vegetables on the street and purchasing chicken and meat at the butcher. I assist with the Women's Bible study, attend Sunday services, handle banking for both the ministry and our home, prepare and distribute the workers' payroll, consult with the ministry administrator about activities, distribute school scholarship funds, and communicate with donors. I also go swimming three times a week, work on a bi-monthly newsletter, take photos and update the MCYEP Facebook page, visit the sick and shut-ins periodically, prepare the laundry, and occasionally cook (though Mac, my husband, is the main chef). Wow, that's what I accomplished this month!

I celebrated my 78th birthday with my sweetheart and friends. Mac surprised me with a spa day surrounded by flowers, followed by a delightful lunch at an excellent restaurant. My three closest friends, Lucky, Sarita, and Anita, gathered at Sarita's house for breakfast to celebrate both Sarita's and my birthday.

This month, we hosted a group that conducted a four-day Vacation Bible School in our building. They collaborated with another ministry that wished to partner with ours. Our facility was used to host the event, which attracted over a hundred children, including around 25 from our community. It was an incredible experience filled with noise, laughter, awe, and wonder as the children entered a transformed building resembling a beautiful garden with monkeys, gorillas, butterflies, and frogs. Amidst this paradise, they learned more about Jesus and His love.

Where was my husband Mac during this period? He stepped out of his office on a few occasions to take photos at the VBS and to engage with members of the community. We were all thrilled to have him join us. He consistently brings a lot of energy and joy to any event.

There are plans for Mac to spend more time outside his office in the future, as he and Steven, our neighbor and head of LivingSent Ministries, intend to share Jesus with the men and couples in our community. I am grateful that despite Mac's busy schedule with ministries in Rwanda, Kenya, Pakistan, and Nepal, he is enthusiastic about helping in Guatemala. That's my guy!

The month is coming to a close, and we're looking forward to what God has planned for us in Chiquimula, Guatemala, in the upcoming months.