Goodbyes

I really do not like saying goodbye to anyone, especially to those who I may not see again. These three weeks that I have spent here so far, I have been able to make some of the greatest and unexpected friends. It is so amazing how God can bless you in ways like this when you decide to step out of your comfort zone. When I chose to come to Guatemala, I did not expect that I would become so attached to the people that I met here. Yesterday was our last day of clinics at Palencia with the group from Houston. It was also the last day of clinics for the 5 other interns staying here. Each one of these interns have given me so much joy everyday. From laughing until it hurts to helping each other get adjusted to working here, these friends have blessed me greatly. These people are also great examples of servants of our Lord and each one of them have a beautiful heart for serving those in need. 

With that said, these people who I‛ve gotten to know and love have become my comfort during my time here so far. Although this is not necessarily a bad thing, I have been shown again how important it is to find our comfort in Christ alone. This is easier said than done, especially when it is so much faster to find your comfort in those who are around you at the time. Jesus makes things so simple when He says, ‟Do not let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me.″ (John 14:1) In this time of change, I need to remember to solely let my comfort be in my Lord. For I know that He will never leave me. 

As for the happenings of this past week, which is probably the reason why you are really interested in reading this blog...

God has done amazing things at the school in Palencia and in the hearts of the people receiving care and giving it. This last team put together a great VBS in the afternoon time where the kids sang songs about Jesus, heard stories about Jesus, and made relationships with the team members here. It was beautiful to see some of the children get more involved and become more trusting of the leaders as the week went on. During the mornings, aside from the medical and dental clinics, the team painted murals in and out of the classrooms and were helping at every opportunity given them. Although Friday was going to be set aside for a day to visit the beach, the team from Houston decided to stay another half-day (which turned into being the whole day) to finish painting. So, Friday we helped paint the bathrooms or at least get a start on them. It rained hard that day so our work was limited, but it was fun to get dirty. 

As for the upcoming week, I turn 22 tomorrow. I′m just hoping that I bypass the embarrassing chicken-dance that the other interns had to perform standing on their chairs at the restaurant we went to last week. But, one thing I′ve learned being here is that you just never know what to expect in Guatemala. On Monday, the last of the 5 interns leave and 2 new ones from Whitworth will be arriving. Prayers for safe travels for those coming and going are needed. Also, prayers for the next team coming from the States, that their hearts come prepared to grow and there hands come ready to serve.  All of the people who work for La Mision seem to be in a constant state of working and providing for others, whether it be their families or those from the U.S. who they meet for the first time. Rest and renewal for the staff at La Mision is always a needed prayer. Also, prayers that God would provide, as He has done so faithfully in the past, financially for La Mision. Thank you for your prayers and support for me. 

En Christo,

Stephanie

‟But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.″ -2 Timothy 4:5

“Search me, Oh God, and know my heart; test me and now my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” -Psalms 139:23-24

‟Keep me safe, O God, for in you I take refuge. I said to the Lord, ‛You are my Lord; apart from you I have no good thing.′″ -Psalms 16:1-2