Forgiveness and Restoration

How can you experience life’s greatest adventures if you are too afraid to leave your comfort zone? The bibles even says, “For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power” in 2 Timothy 1:7.

            It has been a week since we have been back in the states but has been one of the hardest. It usually takes a few days to emotionally and mentally recover after returning from Guatemala, but this week has seemed to take a bit longer. Coming home to a car, roof over my head, an amazing job, and just the freedom to be an individual seems to be extra extravagant and overrated, yet it is just the average life of an American.

            While we were in Zacapa, we found out that our village was struggling with unity. We were able to talk through some issues and pray with those who are facing difficult situations. Through time spent in our women's bible study, we were able to remind the ladies that they are worthy and have a purpose. We left feeling like some of the major issues were resolved and continue to pray that the Lord will be in the midst of everything in that community.

"Do we not all have one father? Has not one God created us? Why do we deal treacherously each against his brother so as to profane the covenant of our fathers?” Malachi 2:10

            We met many women who have very dark pasts. Some had been tied up for years and taken advantage of by family members while others were passed along through men in their very own village. One woman is one too many for this to be happening to, but there are hundreds who go through this nightmare every single day and can’t escape. I was fortunate enough to meet the lucky ones who have been rescued from it.

            Each orphan has their own story. One little boy, who is now 6 years old, was left and found in a trash can as a baby while dogs were fighting over his body. Others were just an extra child that their parents could not take care of and left to die. 

            All of this brokenness in Guatemala yet the believers still worship God and thank Him for what he has blessed them with. I’ve never experienced so much joy and excitement as I did at church on Sunday in our village as we praised the Lord together. We sang, danced, and lifted our hands.

My heart aches so much for this country yet does not diminish the love I have for it. God had a purpose for us being there last week even if it was to bring a little bit of joy to those who desperately needed it. Traveling to Guatemala and being light to those who are trapped in the darkness of this world is one of my greatest adventures. 

Please keep Guatemala in your prayers.