We made it to Guatemala! Following is a snapshot of our time at Launch, travel to Guatemala, and orientation with Adventures in Missions’ Guatemala base team.
“Launch” is the final stage of training before officially launching into the World Race. It includes training for specific roles, worship, mind/heart/body preparation, and team time. We stayed at Adventures in Missions headquarters in Gainesville, GA for 4 days. Although COVID restrictions canceled the usual opportunity to have family and friends join us for the first day, AIM’s staff and careful preparations allowed our squad to successfully fly out to Guatemala on schedule. We drove to the airport Monday evening and spent the night there before our flight out Tuesday morning.
We arrived in Antigua, Guatemala Tuesday afternoon. The AIM Guatemala base team took us to lunch at Wendy’s (super original, I know, but hey, the frosty was great!) and then to our host home for orientation. The home overlooked a farm and had a stunning rooftop view of three volcanoes, including the active Fuego, which put on quite the show for us! We spent many evening hours stargazing and watching the firework-like eruptions turn to fiery fingers that traced their way down the mountain cap. What an incredible gift from God!
The Guatemala base team provided us with location-specific training and an introduction to their mission to serve, disciple, and send. We learned about Guatemalan history, cultural customs, language, and local religions. Guatemala, the land of trees or eternal spring, originated from Mayan civilizations. Catholicism is the largest religious practice, closely followed by Evangelical Protestants, yet a small percentage of indigenous religions remains. Although they have endured traumatizing years of war, Guatemalans are a people of resilience, peace, and deep relationships.
My squadmate, Lindsey, and I experienced first hand the relational and welcoming culture through our new friend, Juan. As we walked through the hills, admiring the magnificent surroundings, we passed by him. Although we still aren’t 100% sure what he was trying to communicate, we think he was warning us not to continue the direction we were going because we might get robbed. We decided to turn around and ended up walking and talking with him for the next 45 minutes. Despite our limited Spanish speaking, we learned he was a Christian and farmed a local coffee plantation. He took us on a tour through the plants, showing us the growth stages of the coffee berries, picking an apple-like fruit and spicy peppers for us to try, and discussing our faith. We even sang together. It was an incredibly sweet and unexpected time of ministry!
On Thursday morning, our squad split up into the 5 teams and headed out to our individual ministry sites. My team will be serving in Chichicastenango alongside another team for the next 5ish weeks. God has already been working mightily in our hearts and in these communities. I can’t wait to see what’s next!
We are SO THANKFUL you are again on the RACE, Victoria! Praying for blessings every day! Thank you for writing about those you’ve already experienced and sharing! ?? Nana
It is exciting to see how the Lord is leading you on your missionary travels and the timing of them. We pray for your safety and good health, as well as for intimacy with the Lord and reliance on Him as your source of energy and words and actions.
What a blessing it is to do this with you Victoria! I just smiled my way through this blog. I love the way you see things. I love the way you capture things. I love seeing Jesus in you. XOXO
WOW!! What an awesome encounter you got to have with Juan! I love how God is working and using you and your teammates! Praying for you and your team as you start your journey!! I love you!!
Thanks, Nana! Prayers are always appreciated and much needed. It’s my pleasure to share what God is doing in and through us!
Ahhh yeessss! It was such a sweet blessing to get to ATL with you even for just an hour. I love you and can’t wait for more memories!
Thank you!!! God has been so sweet to us by giving such wonderful opportunities and experiences. I miss you though!
What a meaningful exciting experience at a young age! Truly living for God’s purpose! Continued prayers for you and your team ????????????????
Lol those question marks on my first comment were emojis lol. I guess they don’t come through as such. Anyway..keep up the good work!
You have persevered Victoria…grateful you are on I Squad. I know 2020 was disappointing and so much growth but I so much HOPE for 2021 and where the Lord will take you! Love the video and your heart! oxox
Haha no worries! It happens all the time. 🙂
Thank you for your encouragement!
Thank you! I’m so glad God convinced me to come back out. 🙂 I already love I Squad!
Thank you! Intimacy has definitely been a them and something I’ve been seeking lately. God has sweetly provided many tender moments. already