We are already more than halfway through our time in Guatemala. How do three months zoom by so quickly? It has been a huge blessing to be somewhere sunny, warm and beautiful during this season of grief, but there is much about life that even on “good” days feels very muted and off.
And yet … I see God showering me with his love through the beauty around me — through the glowing smiles and ingenuity of the locals, through the brilliant flowers and shocking insects, and the incredible sunset (above) that seemed just for us after a very exhausting day of travel to & from the capital. I am thankful for these reminders that I am known and that my hurt is not forgotten.
We continue to love living in Guatemala and are doing our best to take advantage of beautiful Lake Atitlán —
The kids especially love having their wonderful friends within walking distance, rides on mopeds, and trucks that are just their size.
Despite the incredible beauty of this place and its people, we see fresh, empty bottles like the one below along the roads every.single.day. Rubbing alcohol – a grim reminder of how rampant alcoholism is here. We are so proud to be bearing witness to how our friends, the Deeds Family, are shining light in this darkness through their ministry Ánimo! They have opened the very first half-way house in our community for men being released from rehab, and are walking with them in their pain as they try to find a new way to live. It is truly amazing and sadly, so needed in this place.
Men from the halfway house and some of their supporters formed a local basketball team this month. Check out Jason on the front right! He’s loving the opportunity to get to know these men better, and dust off his basketball shoes too.
A few other adventures that Jason has been up to — several long-distance mountain bike races around the country, a hike up Tolimán volcano across the lake (10,361 ft!) and a brief return to teaching when he filled in for the 5/6th grade for two weeks.
As a family, we continue to love all the nearby hiking —
The kids both continue to stay busy playing with a local soccer group and Mabel was an owl at her recent ballet recital.
We even got to take a family ride on a 4-wheeler and play with some adorable puppies at the nearby Opal House – an education, farm and medical ministry.
Although we aren’t always confident why God put on our hearts to come here, we are blessed to have this opportunity to witness the miracles that He is doing here and we continue to pray that we see who he places in our path each day.
Your update. Each day is a new adventure met with an openness that will continue to challenge you with the gifts to respond to the community, your family and those you share each day. Much love, Jessie
Thank you so much Jessie! Miss you and looking forward to seeing some of your new adventures.