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 great experience for everyone. But even though it was so different we were all reminded that we are one. We were worshipping at the same time people were back home and God heard all of our prayers, all of our praise and spoke the same Word to all of us. What an amazing realization of how big the kingdom of God truly is. Thank you for all of your prayers. Everyone is staying healthy and enjoying their experience. The group is more well rested today, which is good because tomorrow we meet the missionaries, visit some homes and really start to get busy. Happy Father's Day to everyone back home.
This morning many of us experienced our first earthquake. It was a rather large one, but was focused in other parts of Guatemala so we only felt a little shaking. After a grab and go breakfast of fruit and cereal, Carlos led devotion. He reminded everyone to acknowledge the presence of the Holy Spirit and moved us with his beautiful singing. We took about an hour's drive to Gonzalez Park in the vans. Sharon got to meet her sponsor child this morning, which she enjoyed very much. A group of us also went to visit Pastor Steve's sponsor child Dulce before lunch. Her mother recently had a baby which Pastor Steve and Ellie both held. Next we enjoyed our sandwiches and chikys before we made the short walk from Gonzalez Park to John the Baptist Park. Many children there were playing and reading the books we brought with us, so we got to spend time with them before we started our faith lessons. Hayden and Ellie both had fan clubs and it was quite funny to see the swarms...
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