Like cold water to a thirsty soul

Proverbs 25 : 25

Like cold water to a thirsty soul,
    so is good news from a far country.

There is no better way to start a blog post full of the many blessings and good news. Since my arrival, God’s work is so evident here in Guatemala and in my heart. The students and teachers have been so welcoming to me.

What I have loved the most about my time at the school is learning each child’s personality and the classroom dynamic. I have learned that regardless of the country, a school will always have the class clown. For the pre - k class, their class clown is a young boy named Fernando. Fernando has become one of my favorites to hang out with. He is always loud and can never sit still but has such a heart for helping others. In english class, he will always shout out the answer in Spanish to “help out” his friends. He is smart and has such an amazing future ahead of him. I have also learned that the students love hugs and affection. Every time I step into a class to start the english lessons, all the students rush up from their seats to greet me with a hug.

Seeing Karen again has been very special and long-awaited. For those of you who don’t know, Karen is the child my family decided to sponsor. During my pervious mission trip with my brother in March, I became quite close with her. When it was time for our team to leave the school, both Karen and I became quite emotional. I promised her in very broken Spanish, that I would be back soon. Her not wanting to leave me was one of God’s many pushes for me to come back this year. I told myself before coming to not be discouraged if she forgot who I was. Upon my arrival, as the students lined up and welcomed me to their school, I could see her big brown eyes widen. She had remembered who I was. When we embraced for the first time after six months, I felt all my worries and doubts about this year fade. Getting to spend time with her and helping with her studies is such a blessing knowing my family gives her this opportunity.

I am beyond thankful for the experience I have been given to spend this time in Guatemala this year. I can’t wait to share more good news from this far away country soon!

Karen and I on our first day back together in front of her Second Grade classroom.