The Start of Something New

Dulce fits her name perfectly, because she is so sweet! :)

After a bout of sickness and many changed plans, I made it to Guatemala on Wednesday night! I arrived in Panajachel on Thursday, and moved in to my new home for the upcoming two months. My host family is loving, watching out for me and helping me along. My host mom, Magda, makes me three meals a day and is patient with my terrible Spanish skills. Her husband and three kids all either work or go to school, but I have been able to meet all of them, even though they are busy often. Magda's granddaughter is four, and full of energy. I have loved playing with Dulce and seeing her immense joy, with a little bit of attitude on the side. After moving in on Thursday, I became a little more acquainted with the town, walking around and attempting to figure how I would get around. I started classes at Jabel Tinamit Language School on Friday morning. My teacher, Celestina, and I, meet for five hours on weekdays from 8-1. Currently, there are only a few other students at the school. We all have our own teacher and receive one-on-one tutoring. I absolutely loved my first day of school and it went by quick! However, it is crazy that in two months from now, I will be able to speak enough Spanish to translate for others. It is a bit overwhelming to be in a foreign country where they do not speak my language, but God has been faithful and kept me safe.

Just on my walk to school...

As I was walking on my plane to Guatemala City, I was assured that God called me to do this. Even though I love adventure, this would be way too adventurous and out of my comfort zone for me on my own. I am so glad that I answered God's call, because it is definitely not simple. It is easy to say you will go and live in a foreign country, but actually doing it is difficult. Now that I am here, God has given me peace and more faith in Him. Usually I am a homebody, but God has allowed very little homesickness and more of a desire to discover and adventure in Guatemala. I have already seen myself rely on God more, just in the few days I have been here. Instead of trying to solve every little problem myself, I am more likely to pray. Feeling unsafe? Pray. Scared I might get lost? Pray. Feeling sick? Pray. God has continued to answer my prayers and keep His hand upon me. I cannot imagine all I will learn within two months here, as I have already learned so much in a few days.

The beauty is incredible here (The weather is too. Sorry Iowans!). Not only in the kind people, but in the surroundings as well. I have already taken long walks just to go and see the lake. Lake Atitlán is breath-taking, surrounded by volcanoes and mountains. When I see a place like this, there is no way I can doubt God. If He created that beauty, I know He can do anything. The same God that created volcanoes and the beautiful lake created me and you, and to me, that is more amazing than anything. I am so blessed to be called by God to this wonderful place, and I cannot wait to see what else He has planned.

¡El lago de Atitlán es muy bonita!