I really thought I would be one of those good blogger girls that posted more often than once a month. Maybe things will improve now that I'm settling into more of a routine.

The last month has been amazing! Week two in Guatemala I spent with Voyager Expeditions assisting with a sport camp they were doing. We stayed at Fundanino's Orphanage for the week. It was so awesome to see an organization that is up and running and to be with the children. I could have sat for hours and held them. There was two days of baseball and two days of soccer. Each night we went on an outreach of some sorts. I was assisting with a team of mostly older children with a few younger ones. My first though was, these teenage girls are going to be tough to reach, and they were. They are typical teens and then add to that all the trauma they have been though. The first day of baseball it seemed like they were not having fun at all, but on day two when we played a game.. and they were winning, then the smiles started to show, they had so much fun which was awesome to see! When it came to soccer they had a thing of two to teach us. These girls absolutely cracked me up, they would be there playing with their hair and just kick that ball farther than I'd ever dream! The sport camp was a great experience full of structure which every child needs and craves!.

Isaiah 42:16 I will lead the blind by ways they have not known, along unfamiliar paths. I will guide them; I will turn the darnkess into light before them and make the rough places smooth. These are the things I will do; I will not forsake them.

Tomorrow marks my first week in Guatemala, this trip. Tonight marks my good-byes (or see ya laters) to my dear family and friends. I was not prepared for what it would feel like to leave. To leave the only place i've ever lived in and journey to a third world country.. I didn't realize how emotional I would be, knowing part of the emotion was being scared, a feeling I hadn't allowed myself until it came time to leave. I was not prepared for what it would feel like to arrive in Guatemala. I was overwhelmed. I was scared and I was sad. I was not prepared for how wonderful it would be to experience leaning on God with all my understanding. I was not prepared how in my first days here I would crave God's word like never before! All the places HE brings us to.. In order to bring us to HIM. I love how GOD always will work his plan. We can kick and scream, or we can go willingly, but GOD will work his plan :).

I have spend this last week with Claudia (THANK GOD for CLAUDIA) and her parents. The first few days were a great struggle for me, which I tried to appreciate, knowing there was great lessons to be learned even in those moments. This past weekend we travelled to their house in Jalapa which was a nice break from the city. We were able to walk around, it will take me a awhile to get used to not being able to go for walks.. There is something about a walk, and enjoying God's creations that always speaks to my heart.. Lesson learned.. never take for granted the safety of NI and being able to go for a walk as I choose (there is just something about a treadmill that doesn't quite cut it). Sunday we went to Claudia's grandmothers house. Talk about rapid fire spanish. Lesson learned.. study spanish! HARD :) and pray that God will help me with that. learning the language. Today I was presented with the opportunity to serve with a sport camp, and I said yes. It begins Saturday, we will be teaching soccer and baseball to children from local orphanages, assisting a group that is coming down from NC! What an exciting opportunity! I can't wait!! Pray for us as a group, pray that we will all use our gifts to the Glory of GOD!.