Man Guatemala has been an amazing three weeks! From the people to the views and food. Working with ywam has also been very fun. We have gotten to partner with some of their ministries like children’s ministry in la Tortuga, which is like the downtown of Guatemala city. We also have had the chance to do house visits with families and pray with them. And more recently we have gotten the opportunity to work with at risk girls in a safeway house. And the other days we are just working at the ywam base helping clean and repair things.
So Tuesdays and Thursdays are hands down my favorite days. In the mornings we are cooking or cleaning at the base. Then after lunch at 3 we get to go into la Tortuga, which is like a 30 minute walk from the base. So for me walking in another country or a city is the most peaceful relaxing thing ever. you get to hear a different language and sounds. Smell the fresh tortillas being baked and see all the differences between home and here. Well unfortunately like I mentioned I hurt my ankle earlier in the month and it still hurts after walking long distance. So to say I dread these walks every time is an understatement. But as my Dad taught me there is a difference in being hurt and injured, you can still do things hurt. So I put in my headphones and walk that fun 30 minutes.
In la Tortuga it is controlled by the gangs there. So the children that we get to hang out with are greatly influenced by them so we get the chance to show them some love and fun! We usually get there at 3:35 pm and usually only one child sees us walking into the streets. (If you know about the favelas of Brazil this is what the homes are like here. So very tight streets in some places and everything is stacked.) So just waiting around for another 10 minutes on the side of a building and out of no where kids just start running in from all around jumping on us and giving us hugs and high-fives. In all we have about 25 kids come every time. We then get to sing songs and do a bible skit with them and just have fun. And at the end of Bible stories and coloring we get to play with the kids. Running, tag, spinning around, and playing soccer. And every time during this my ankle may hurt but seeing them laugh and have fun and getting to teach them about God’s love is worth it every single time. These kids are amazing and seeing them have fun and learn is so rewarding and I look forward to that long walk and smiling faces every week.
SO UPDATE TIME!!!!!!!
Unfortunately my squad is not going to Peru anymore! But instead in May we are packing our bags and going to Honduras! I am super excited about this change and cannot wait to see what God will do with us there!
Keep praying for my ankle that it heals up and keep praying for fundraising. I am so close and I know God will provide everything I need!
God bless and tell someone you love them!
Daniel J. Ford
Prayers for healing of your ankle. It’s so fun to hear all that God is doing through you and your team. Hugs as you continue to share God’s love.