Lutheran Church of St John Groundwork Guatemala Mission

Today our group got it's first real introduction to the culture of Guatemala. We walked from the ministry house where we stay to a church not far from here.  Walking through the streets our group of 13 Americans led by Kevin did get some stares and strange looks from the people of the neighborhood.  No doubt they wondered who we were and what we were doing in their neighborhood.  But when we came around the corner to the church we could not have been more warmly welcomed by the people of the church.  Many in our group commented about the warm welcome and the friendly smiles they received which made them feel right at home.  But the worship itself sure didn't feel like  home to most.  Of course many could not understand the Spanish, but the style of worship is so much different than our normal experience.  People in our group appreciated the passion people expressed, the prayer that grounded the service, the joy in praise, and the dancers that supported the music.  It was a grea