Unexpected Surprise

God definately has a funny with carrying out His plans for us. This last week I was given the opportunity to stay in Guatemala for two more weeks. This change happened very quickly and seemed to be exactly the direction God wanted me to go. After talking lightly about the possibility of staying longer with Dr. Tito and mentioning this conversation to my aunt, it was only a few days later that the new team from Spokane offered to give me more money to stay the extra time. God had provided extra money for them this year and they jumped at the chance to give it to me. I did not ask anyone to stay for more time here or for money, but through the generous hearts of others, God works and provides.
This week has also been a week where I have felt extremely loved by the people here and at home. Even though my parents were a little upset after hearing about my opportunity to stay here longer, they have made me feel loved through allowing me to stay despite their desires to have me home. The families here also make me feel like I am one of their daughters. Until yesterday, I was staying with a beautiful family of one of the car drivers for La Mision. Jaja, is the great grandmother, cook, and nanny for this family. She speaks only Spanish and most of the time it is hard to understand her clearly, leaving much room for misunderstanding. You would never believe she is 92 years old by the way she never lets you help her in the kitchen or with household chores. She's also pretty quick to pull out the wooden spoon when the children, Lucy or JuanPa, are acting up. Anyways, before leaving this house, I had to first explain this move to Jaja who was not exactly happy at first. The morning that I left she greeted me with kind words, most of which I could only understand because of her tone of voice and expression. It is amazing how love is almost more clearly expressed without words. Today, I find myself staying with the Palacios family and can't help but feel cared for here. After a long week at the office and doing clinics in Palencia, it was nice to have today to rest and help Brenda, the lovely wife of Tito, with cooking. It was also fun to help their oldest son Alejandro with his English for school. With the help of the team from Spokane who brought molasses along with them, I was able to bake Gingerbread cookies with the kids here too. God continues to bless me with the time spent with the families here at whichever house I am placed.
As for the upcoming week, we travel to Punta de Palma to work in the more rural areas of Guatemala again. This time we will be working in the small villages of Sarita and San Pedro de Cocona (most likely spelled wrong). We leave early tomorrow and set out for the 5-6 hour drive to El Faro where we have stayed during past times. I am excited to see how God works in us and through us this week and although the place is more familiar to me than the first time, I have learned to expect surprises no matter where I am in Guatemala.
If you would keep this team in your prayers, especially for one of the women from Spokane who has had to cut her trip short due to problems back home. Also, continue your prayers for the staff of La Mision and the interns here. Thank you for your prayers and support. May God bless you in your pursuit of Him.

En Christo~
Stephanie