Hey Everyone!
I’ve been running a marathon this summer and it is now the end of September. I wanted to give you a snapshot of what has been going on:
GUATEMALA I had the amazing opportunity to step back in the country that I love so much. 24 students and chaperones from Solid Rock High school in Colorado joined me as they spent their sophomore trip experiencing Jesus’s love for them. We spent the week with an Adventures contact and personal long term friend Luis Castillo. It was a full week of investing in Luis partners and ministry, by teaching in schools, visiting orphanages, and putting on a soccer tournament.
( Above picture: How many people can you fit in a picture?)
THE AWAKENING CONFERENCE
The Awakening Conference is a two day gathering of World Racers to challenge, encourage and inspire them to finish the rest of their race well. I was in between trips, visiting old friends, when I was asked to help be a facilitator. It was such a privilege getting to know Gap I and K squad, and to both spur them on and share my past experiences.
COSTA RICA
It was my first time in Costa Rica and I completely fell in love. My team of 9 from Mississippi served alongside Zoe ministry and Pastor Rene. We were able to dance with the widows, play games with the orphans, earn more about the Father’s heart and live like true Tikas for the week.
(Above picture: A quick Spanish lesson before dinner.)
CHICAGO
I spent two weeks in Chicago, where I was able to partner with Dunamis ( The Greek word for Power) Life Church formally new life Pilsen Church. We truly experienced Kingdom power as we partnered with God’s movement in Chicago.
One of the locations we served specifically was, Pacific Garden Gospel Mission. PG is so much more than a homeless shelter. It truly is a gospel mission, where they take time to share their testimonies, serve the community and one another.
Love through Snow Cones.. If you ever wondered how to get a conversation started, on the South Side of Chicago, offer someone a free snow cone. Both weeks my teams were sticky messes as the passed out snow cones and talked to the locals about Jesus.
GUATEMALA ROUND 2!
Can I tell you how great the Lord is? He not only let me go back to the country of my heart once but twice! Even to celebrate my 28th Birthday! On this trip, my co-leader extraordinaire (Carol Pitts) and I had the honor of serving 19 young men and women from all around the US. One of the most challenging days, was spent at the Guatemala City dump. We joined forces with a feeding program /school that provide a safe environment for children who live in the area. Our team came face to face with extreme poverty but also pure joy and exuberance modeled by the children.
(above picture: An Overview of the Guatemala City Dump)
This summer reminded me the importance of Short Term Missions. It is about saying YES to the Lord when He says go and partnering with the long term vision that he has established wherever He leads you. As fast as the summer went it will be here before we know it! Now that fall is upon us I am preparing for next summer and all the Lord has planned.
