At the Tracks

What a beautiful country, and an even more beautiful people. When we arrived at the Tracks yesterday, we were warmly welcomed by the natives with an abundance of hugs and kisses. The children quickly became a permanent attachment to my body, both of my hands always occupied with sweet little Guatemalan hands.

We spent the entirety of our day at the Tracks (not returning back to our hotel until 11pm), spending the majority of our time simply visiting with the local Guatemalan families that live on and around the Tracks, and playing with the children. That night we put together a “movie night” at the church. We prepared and served a copious amount of popcorn and watched “End of the Spear” (if you haven’t seen it, you should!) – over two hundred people attended.

This morning we headed back to the Tracks. We spent our morning/afternoon painting walls in the escuela (school). Less visiting and more manual labor, but it was productive and beneficial none-the-less (and, of course, we still snuck in some visiting time!). Following our time of painting, we held a men’s Bible study (a member of our team, Paul, led this) and handed out ties, button-up shirts, and jeans – the men really liked this, and many men came that do not usually attend church (great opportunity to share Christ!).

The children here are so helpful and want to be with us at all times. Many of the girls like to play with my hair – I even had my hair done up in to a beautiful braid by one of the young women named Dinah. They always say “pelo largo!” (meaning, “long hair!”). I am so blessed by their patience in speaking with me in Spanish – and I am continually being stretched and learning more.

While here in Guatemala I have been completing college work during any spare moment I get, with a large assignment due on Tuesday (of which my professor just emailed the directions). I hate that my mind is a bit occupied with school, but I am also very thankful for the opportunity to make the trip despite being in college. I cannot wait to complete this last assignment due on Tuesday so I can be distraction free (at least until I make it back to the states!).

I look forward to all that the Lord has in store for the rest of our stay here in Guatemala. He has so wondrously poured out His love for me on the cross, may I daily lay down my life for Him. Lord, please teach me to die to myself - continuously!

"And you who were dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, by canceling the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands. This He set aside, nailing it to the cross." Colossians 2:13-13