Highlights from Guatemala

Our Friday class at the Deaf School - PC: Brittni Moten

     It's hard to believe that I've been home for over 5 weeks now. Not quite as long as I was in South and Central America, but close. Time has just flown by: being back home, getting into the swing of "normal" life, new adventures, tackling LOTS of editing, and enjoying my family. I wanted to write this post SO many times, but...... well, never mind. It's happening now. :)

     Flying into Guatemala City was a fun adventure. A non-stop flight from Florida made for a long time sitting, but how awesome is this? I got to spend that time sitting next to two teammates from last year: Lizzie & Gabi! (Lizzie was also in Ecuador this year - loved spending that much time with her!!!)

PC: Sarah Gramm

     Guatemala City proved to be cool and pleasant. And very much Americanized compared to Ecuador. I spotted at least 10-15 American businesses including Wal-Mart and Sherwin Williams. Also, lots of McDonalds..... a somewhat upper-class restaurant there. Here we are outside the airport waiting for our ride:

PC: Ashlyn Ours

     A two hour drive took us to our "home" for the next 2 weeks: Jutiapa. For the next few days we worked in the Deaf School there that's run by the Summerville Family. "Escuche mis manos" (Listen to my hands) is their slogan. So much fun working with these kids and adults. We all received sign names too - mostly given to us by the students.


Working on photography with some of the girls at school - PC: Brittni Moten

     On Saturday we had a brief break and went to swim in the River. Such clear water - crystal and cold! But very refreshing on a hot day.

     Sunday church was amazing - so different when geared towards the hearing impaired. Then the second week we spent running a children's program at a local church. Boys in the morning and girls in the afternoon. This is a little different, but we followed this schedule due to the schools in the area: girls in the morning, and boys in the afternoon.

David & Goliath

Photography Lessons

Prayer Time

Game Team

PC: Brittni Moten

PC: Brittni Moten

     We wrapped up our stay the following Monday with a trip to Volcan Ipala..... where we got to SWIM in the lake at the top of the volcano. It was a long hard hike to the top, but definitely worth it!

     And finally, just a little something I remember about each of those who served with me in Guatemala. What an amazing trip it was - I loved working with these people!

John: Great job leading! I loved linstening to your prayers, and your passion is amazing. And learning sign language.... made me a little jealous at your ability to pick it up so quickly. ;)

Ashley: Conquering the unknown. And braiding your hair - I loved getting to know you and see your love for the kids!

Gabi: SO glad we got to work together for a second year. You were amazing in your translating - even when your voice was giving out. Love your heart girl. <3

Emma: Your quiet strength and gentle smile. Your photography lessons were amazing and I loved how you kept adding things to make them so clear. It was awesome being on photography team with you. :)

Yoni: Your love for the kids. And our conversation that Sunday afternoon - made my tedious job of editing move much faster. :)

Liz: Translating - you were working it like a pro! And that night we stayed up talking about missions.... loved it. The 6 weeks we spent together this year will always be one of those "highlight" memories!

Brittni: SO glad I got to meet you. I love your testimony and your passion for Christ. God has such an amazing plan for your life! It was such a joy just to be with you for this trip.

Sarah: Staying up late to work on your Spanish..... totally amazing. And always your love for the kids shines so bright. I can't believe we got to work together again - hopefully only the 2nd of many times. ;)

Ashlyn: Your love for the little ones. So many memories of you holding them. And photography.... of course. :)

Yoel: Working your hardest to nail that Spanish. And this picture - one of my favorites from this trip.

Lizzie: Our third trip together. Our friendship grew in Guatemala and I'm so thankful. And to think: we didn't even know each other just a little over a year ago!  Words fail me here. Love you girl.

Julia: What a joy to get to know you - I loved watching you translate (in both Spanish and Sign Language). We would not have made it without you and Luke. And our photo session? A super big highlight of the trip. Love you Julia!

Luke: You were so fun to be around. From dishes in the kitchen, cooking, and doing photography team translating and group skits. Franc is definitely an awesome memory. Many blessing on your year ahead and starting college!

Mr. & Mrs. Summerville: Thanks for an awesome stay! The food was delicious, I loved Friday night ice cream, the touring around Guatemala and working in your school. And our conversations, living life with you and hearing all about the deaf community. It was an amazing two weeks.

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Never Doubt That a Small Group of Thoughtful, Committed People Can Change the World. Indeed, It Is the Only Thing That Ever Has.