The Adventures of Guat Girl: The Beginning

The past week I’ve been sweating it out in the Georgia backwoods, training to become the perfect, put-together missionary that surely God intended for me to be… so I thought. I expected bugs, the humidity, and quality hammock time. And those expectations were met within the first night of training.
But I didn’t expect my team of 7 girls to become inseparable within the first twenty-four hours. But my favorite time of day is meal time, because then we’re all together, laughing until we cry.
I didn’t expect to spend my first night sleeping in the woods under a tarp. But team Guatemala’s shelter was impressive to say the least. And since the largest creatures to attack us during the night were mosquitos, we deemed it a success. 
I didn’t expect to fall in love with worship again. Since my father is a worship pastor, I realized that I harbored some pride over how I express myself through music. But I realized that I couldn’t sing loud enough to communicate what was in my heart to our God. And I was reminded that the worship that is most pleasing to the Lord is sincere in nature, and humble in spirit.
I didn’t expect to have life spoken over me by brothers and sisters I’ve just met. And I certainly didn’t expect that it would be applicable to exactly where I stand. But as we talked through what it means for every believer to prophesy, encouraging, comforting, and strengthening others, I found that the Lord speaks with unbelievable clarity through us! And I had the joy of being on the giving and the receiving end.
I didn’t expect to be able to lay down burdens I’ve been toting around with me for years. I didn’t expect this kind of true freedom to reign in my heart. I didn’t expect to be falling for my Savior all over again. And I didn’t expect this uncontainable fire to be alight in my heart with such fervor. But this week was that and so much more.
I was blessed to be chosen by God Almighty to take part in such an amazing ministry to the people of Guatemala. We leave bright and early tomorrow morning. And I’ve never felt more ready for two planes and a treacherous bus ride than now. I cannot wait to join in life with the people I will meet. And I’m so thankful for this week of training. Did it perfect me? No. But it did ready me for what the Lord might have in store for me. And praise Him, He’ll be there with me!

So much love and excitement, GuatGirl