An Intro to Guatemala

It's been about two weeks since my return from Guatemala. I know there are many people out there dying to hear my report. And I apologize for the long delay. . . But it was necessary for me.

I'm going to bring my report to you in several different posts. My reasons?
ONE - there is too much for one post and no one wants to sit there for an hour reading it.
TWO - there are many stories to tell.
THREE - there are many people to be introduced.
FOUR - there are a few different cities to incorporate in my posts.
FIVE - it's going to take a lot to try and give you even a glimpse of what I experienced there.

I know no one will ever understand my attachment, emotion, memories, and the love I shared on my travels.  But here goes nothin'

You see, this trip was the greatest of my life. For so many reasons, and on so many levels. My return was not even bittersweet. It was all bitter to me. I didn't want to leave. I didn't want to be home. The thought of not being in that village anymore with the people I came to love like family absolutely broke my heart. I literally could not even think about it without tears running down my little face.

Many people have asked the question, "Which did you like better - Jamaica or Guatemala?" And I feel that this is an unfair question BECAUSE they were so so different. BUT if I were to choose, I know without a doubt in my mind that Guatemala was my most favorite adventure.

Reasons Guatemala was my most favorite adventure:

• The people
• The places
• The beauty
• The food
• The work
• The love

Posts to come on all of these bullet points.

For now, a couple of pictures :)

Our team at the PHX airport at 3am for departure

On the plane to Guatemala City

Customs forms in Guatemalan airport

Annnd now a 5 hour drive to our hotel. Can you see
the excitement on our faces? BLAH

Taking Jesus everywhere we go

Everything's in Spanish! AH

I was a tiny bit tired

Wild turkeys running rampant!

We made it to the Hotel! Hotel 6

Boys and their guns...
Our security guard at the hotel

Never seen a shower head like this before...

So this is your intro to a very emotional, intense, deep trip that will forever be in my heart. Check back soon for more!

XOXO

$$ Update

My faithful followers,

It has been much too long since I've last written. But the weeks have flown by! Business catches me off guard at times but I'm here with an update for you. About Guatemala!

As I informed you in my last post, for my exciting trip to Guatemala this summer, I must raise a total of $2,075. Yikes. That's a lot of money. And little time to raise it in. BUT the Lord provides.

As of today, I have $1,040. And I KNOW there are more people that are going to donate!

This money came in ONE WEEK. Half my trip paid for in ONE WEEK of fundraising.

I am blessed beyond belief and I know that this trip is where the Lord is calling me and leading me.

I won't lie, I'm nervous. A little scared. But fear of the unknown is inevitable. And as Brad Pellish (a man I have grown to respect so much) once told me, "If your dreams don't scare you, they're not big enough."

I know my dream is big. They all are. But with Him I can do ALL things.

Not only did all of these amazing people surround me with their financial support, they have given me love and prayer support as well. These things are priceless and I can't thank you enough.

XOXO

I LOVE YOU ALL!!

Fundraising

My mission trip to Guatemala is approaching all too quickly! As I write this, it is exactly 57 days till my departure. That seems so close!

This means I have 57 days to raise the $2,075 needed for my trip. Please keep myself and my team in your prayers as we have much fundraising yet to do with little time before we leave.

I know the Lord will provide and it will all work out according to His plan in His perfect timing, but it's good to know we have fellow believers and mission-minded people behind us helping with the power of prayer and generous gifts.

I sent some support letters out earlier this week as a fundraising project, but I am open to any ideas you may have of another fundraising opportunity. Please leave comments with suggestions!

Thanks a million ;)

XOXO