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!.