In the summers, here at Casa Shalom we have teams back to back from the start of June to the end of August. We’ve already had the first two teams come and go, and are getting ready to host the next one this afternoon. My church, Living Oaks Church, was here this past week. It’s been fun getting to share my life with familiar faces and getting to meet some of their youth students, watching them serve and interact throughout the week. As a bonus, I got to see some of my favorite peopke over video chat who couldn’t make it to Guatemala (you know who you are!) and I was left with all of the extra snacks, medicine, and a few extra gifts from the team, friends, and family back in the US.
This week was also a spirit builder for me, as I’m sure majority of those a part of the team too. My spiritual walk is mainly my own bible reading, prayer life, and the effort I put into my relationship with the Lord. Most mornings this week, I got to join the team for part of their devotionals (before I had to head to breakfast and help out in the kitchen)! Although I only got to be there for one devotional, I was surely blessed and encouraged during the worship, quiet time, prayers, and hearing the team members share their heart.
Since my church was visiting, I wanted to share the day with them when they explored Antigua. We went to a delicious breakfast buffet, a few markets, went to the chocolate museum, the jade shop, and ended the day with a sundae- my first one in a loooonnnggg time (more about that in the next blog)! While in town, I wanted to get a traje típico. That’s the name for the outfits the locals wear to carry on their Mayan traditions. It’s made up of an embroidered shirt, a hand-woven piece of fabric wrapped around as a skirt, and held together tightly with a belt. This outfit can be resized when a child grows, letting seams out of the sides of the top and folding the skirt less and less. I managed to find a shirt and skirt that I liked but couldn’t find a belt that afternoon.
So, Sunday was church with the kids on campus. Most of the kids come in their normal clothes, although the young girls occasionally like to dress up. I decided I’d wear my traje típico for the service, using a thin elastic headband as a belt to hold up my skirt. One of the Guatemalan house parents noticed I was having trouble with my outfit. She ran down to her house, brought up her belt for me to borrow, and correctly taught me how to wrap a fabric skirt. I’m still not sure how they can do it by themselves!
It was the talk of the town. The house mom’s always arrive to the orphanage wearing their Guatemalan clothing, but never a gringa (Guatemalan term for an American). I was so excited to wear it, becoming a part of the culture. The kids were also excited to see me wearing it, and even some of the house mom’s wanted their photo with me! After about 2 hours, I was ready to get back to jeans and a t-shirt!
Tuesday night was a late night. I watched a few movies til just before 1:30, and knew I had to visit the bathroom before heading to bed, no matter how tired I was nor how few hours I had left to sleep. I start doing my thing sitting down when the bathroom starts to shake. FYI: my bathroom is about 7×3 feet wide building, unattached to my house as a stand alone shack. It wasn’t shaking as a just of wind or children banging on all sides, but more of that feeling you get when the brakes are slammed too fast while driving. It wasn’t just once. It was side to side, maybe 10 times in a row for nearly 5 seconds. I wasn’t sure if I was so tired that I just felt dizzy or maybe my stomach felt sick that night, but I had an educated guess of what it might’ve been as I headed back to my room.
Just as I had guessed! I look down at my phone to see updates of a 7.0 earthquake in Guatemala. That’s a first for me! As exciting as it is to say I’ve been in an earthquake, I know damage was done because of it, and at least one life has been lost. Thankful that we all at Casa Shalom are safe, including children, staff, and the visiting team.
I’ve got to say I’ve been getting out of my comfort zone as an introvert. I’m helping with a new group of Americans every week and have been interacting and talking more with the kids, some I might’ve never approached had I only stayed with those I met in previous years. I get to help the new kids in their first few days adjusting to life at Casa Shalom and get to know their personalities quickly. I’ve been put into positions where my self-confidence has been tested and have surprised myself on a number of occasions.
Thank you to all who have sent things with the team for me this past week: Katherine and Rebecca, Mary Kaye, Kippy, Ariel, Mom, and everyone a part of the team who gave me their extras before leaving. Thank you also to those who continue to pray for me, financially support me, and keep in touch with me weekly, whether through Facebook, email, what’s app, or video chat.
(har)Perseverance on a mission 