Guatemala: A rough start

I have now been in Guatemala for two weeks. Yes, I can believe it.

Leaving home proved to be far more difficult than I had anticipated, for I had really enjoyed my time with friends and family between camp and my departure for Guatemala. My precious niece, Madison, was born on September 1^st, and I really hated leaving her. I also had the pleasure of traveling all around South Carolina and the Atlanta area to visit friends- what a reminder of how special it is to have solid community…and to just have a good time with others! Given this precious season that the Lord granted me, coupled with my anxiety over this new season of life, I was quite upset to leave home. I cried for about half of the flight down here. PTL, the seat next to me was empty, so I didn’t feel like I was making anyone uncomfortable.  

My first weekend was great (I arrived on a Saturday.). I got to spend it with some fellow interns, two of whom I had the pleasure of meeting at IJM’s Global Prayer Gathering back in D.C. in March. It was nice to have a couple days to get my bearings a bit and to settle in. Then came my first day at the office…

Suffice it to say, it did not go well. I ended up crying and leaving the office. Yes, I cried and ran away like a small child. I am, in general, prone to anxiety, and the great unknown into which I find myself staring has gotten the best of me at times. My mom spoke truth to me that afternoon, reminding me that I am right where God would have me. As she said, the circumstances surrounding my placement here in Guatemala are too perfect for it to be outside His will.

The days since my first have been better although at times I have no idea what I am doing or am supposed to be doing. I have, however, been trying to lean into the truth of God's sovereignty as I seek to find my place and serve here.