Category Archives: Guatemala

A return to Guatemala… and the ongoing job hunt

Posted on by Hannah

I know it has been awhile since I have sent out an update, but I have had many people ask about my return trip to Guatemala and wanted to let you know how it went.  I returned to Guatemala on September 17 for 2 weeks.  My primary goal in returning was to pack my things at the house to return them to the States and spend time with friends in Guatemala to say good-bye (or in many cases “see you later!”). 

My first morning in Guatemala was a Sunday and I couldn’t wait to hug some of my dearest friends.  After a great morning at church, I spent the afternoon with my second family over a long lunch.  The rest of the week included meeting with some of the kids that I had spent time with while living there, food/resources delivery to children’s homes in the city, visiting the school we use to help serve breakfast at from time to time, packing, and having lunches and dinners with dear friends.  There were hard moments without a doubt, but overall I was able to leave Guatemala feeling like the Lord had allowed me to end well and He used many there to encourage my heart in ways few can.  Guatemala will always be so dear to my heart and Lord willing I will return again in His timing. 

Being back in the States has been a little different since then.  I am at peace that this is where the Lord has me for now, even though I still don’t know why or what I’m doing here.  I trust that He has a plan.  He knows what He is doing and that I will be able to look back and see clearly.  In many ways I still have this “I’m out of place” feeling, but I know that He is faithful and that in time, as I become settled that should fade away.  I’m still convinced that I have some of the most amazing people in my life! God has blessed me richly.  I’m still looking for a job.  I’ve been looking at a lot of options, have applied for a lot and had little response.  I know that in His perfect timing the Lord will provide, but as the days drag on I have to confess there are moments I struggle to remember that.  If you would, please be in prayer for that, not only that a job would be provided but that my heart would be at peace in the waiting. 

Dios los bendiga

Here are a few pictures from my return trip to Guatemala.  They are mostly of sweet friends. 

 

DAR:: Debriefing and Renewal

Posted on by Hannah

Sunday afternoon, I will be heading back to Colorado for part 3 of the Missions Training I started last summer.  This part of the training is called DAR, which stands for Debriefing and Renewal.  I’m not sure exactly what we will be doing or talking about, but I do know that if it is anything like the training that I went to last summer it will be well worth my time.  I’m also very excited because in addition to going with my team, I will also be there with two other families that I know… so some of my closest friends will be there with me!

Here is a rough draft of our schedule:

  • Sunday:
    • Travel to Colorado
    • Dinner and Orientation
  • Monday
    • Time in groups with other missionaries from all over the world.
  • Tuesday-Thursday
    • Mornings with groups
    • Advising in the afternoons
    • Free-time/time for renewal in the late afternoons/evening
  • Friday
    • Groups in the morning
    • Travel back to Texas in the afternoon

Please be praying for:

  • Our time in Colorado and as we debrief from our time in Guatemala.
  • All attendees and Staff of DAR.
    • Some of the attendees from the Village Church:
      • The Smith Family, serving in Ethiopia (Shane and Allyson, kids: Hannah, Mia and Moses)
      • Kevin and Charissa Brimage, served in Huehuetenango, Guatemala
      • John and Alisha Forbis, Alisha was a part of my team in Guatemala City, Guatemala
      • Susan Jones, serving in Guatemala City, Guatemala
      • And myself

Why I love Guatemala!

Posted on by Hannah
Why do I love Guatemala you ask?  There are many reasons, but here’s a few….
  • God put it in me:
    • When I say that I love Guatemala, I truly mean it.  It’s a love that I can honestly say that the Lord put into me long before I ever even step onto a plane to go there.  God used several of my close and dear friends to start drawing me towards Guatemala in the beginning and then even after they returned or stopping going, continued to stir my love for the place.
  • The land is beautiful:
    • I know it’s a minor thing in the big picture, but Guatemala is great! I can’t imagine living and doing life in a more beautiful land.  I am often reminded of God’s grandness as I drive along the road, twisting around the side of a mountain covered by colorful flowers, trees and plants and overlooking a valley surrounded by mountains and volcanoes.
  • I know amazing people there:
    • On every trip to Guatemala I have met at least one, if not many, amazing person.  I love the people in Guatemala and can’t wait to be with them again.  There are children there that have stolen my heart and friends that I have gladly given parts of my heart.  It’s often hard for me to believe that there are so many people that Lord has allowed me to know and love in so many different places.  There are pieces of my heart all over the globe, but there’s a huge piece with the people in Guatemala.
  • God is doing amazing things:
    • It might sound cliché because I know that God is doing amazing things all over the world.  However, I’ve been able to see Him moving in Guatemala.  From children that have a hunger to know God and ask hard questions to students being saved, baptized and transformed to adults living out their faith while others seek to find God.  He is moving, He’s drawing hearts to Himself, and He’s transforming lives!
  • I get to be a part of something bigger and you can too!
    • I have been honored and humbled to be able to serve in Guatemala.  It has been a blessing to me to know and walk with those around me.  I have loved how God has used the last year to continue to mold me into the image of His Son and lay a foundation for the coming years of ministry.  I can’t imagine doing anything else with my time and life than loving on kids and seeing Christ’s name proclaimed!  May He be honored and glorified in all He is doing!  You can be a part of it too!  Find out how here