I learned a lot down there, more than I can put into just a few paragraphs. But I figured a list would make it more clear cut and organized, not to mention comprehendible.
Here it is:
1. Underneath all the differences, we are all the same at the end of the day.
Ok, that's it.
Actually, I starting writing a list of things I learned, got to 20, and I stopped. I realized they could all be summed up into this one statement.
This trip was extremely hard for me. I felt like I stuck out. I felt awkward. I felt horrible for not being up to date with their history, and I learned some heartbreaking things. My own beliefs and convictions were greatly challenged, and a few positions I held were shattered.
I would go home, sit at the table with my family, listening and speaking in a language not native to me, and would be so overwhelmed.
At first, it was not a good overwhelmed. I felt so inadequate. I couldn't communicate, and I felt like I couldn't understand not only their language but their culture.
But I sat there at dinner every night, and after the first couple days, conversations came easier. Laughter filled the house, and their smiles were the best part of my day. For a month, I was their daugher. And that was the greatest honor I could've ever been given.
One night, I felt like I was drowning. But this time, I was overwhelmed with love.
These people are God's children. Guatemala is God's country. He created it with my family in mind.
He created it for each one of them, knowing them fully. He knows their language and their culture.
And for the first time, I think I got a glimpse of God's love for humanity.
"But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8).
We are all the same. We are his children, and so loved by a God I can't even begin to comprehend. There is no greater love. He is immense. He is indescribable.
He put that family in my life, and I can never say thank you enough.
The last night there, each person said a goodbye. After they all went, it was my turn.
Once again, I didn't have the words, but I didn't need them. I just knew. And I know they did too.
I just pray that every day, I see the world a little more like Jesus does. It's not easy, but no one said this life was easy. I know for a fact that trip wasn't, and if you ever want to know more, please shoot me a message. I'd love to talk about it.
That was a life-changing trip, but whether I decide to let it change my lives is up to me. Remind me each day, Lord, of the amazing promises and prayers you fulfilled and answered there. Use it to change me.
That way, maybe we can change the world in turn, one small step at a time.
"Over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." (Colossians 3:14)
Cerro de la Cruz, Antigua
DTI
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