My team traveled from Guatemala City to a small village called Chicamon on Wednesday. We began our day when our driver picked us up around 8 am. Most of our squad was staying at the base for a few more days so after a last breakfast together and their blessing over us, we gave our goodbyes and loaded our packs into the van. Our gracious driver Erik estimated the drive to be roughly six hours with an arrival around 2 pm.
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After two hours of driving, we stop at a small gas station in a rural area. We see many trucks lined up the road. The employees communicate that the main road is blocked because of a mudslide caused by the immense rain recently.
After debating staying in a hotel and waiting for the road to open or rerouting which would add six more hours to our trip, the police let us know that they may open the road soon so we find a spot to wait. After thirty minutes and with Erik’s willingness, we collectively decide to navigate to a route that he was unfamiliar with. With most of us feeling car sick, we were discouraged and hopeless of reaching our destination.
Throughout the car ride, we go through countless small villages, asking local community members for directions. I spend a lot of the time interacting with Erik through google translate (I thank God for that). He is a Christ follower who was evidently supportive of our ministry and peristent to get us to our host home safely.
Between mountains and valleys, switchbacks, free range goats, people running for Guatemala’s Independence Day, and a final rain storm- Erik delivered us safely to our host home at 7 pm (roughly a 10 hour trip!) He did with this smile that God gave him.
I am so thankful for Erik for his ministry to us- he reflects Christ with his selflessness and sacrifice. I have been learning that life is ministry- YOU can be a vessel wherever you are. Erik also wholeheartedly reflects the culture of the people of Guatemala. Just breifly have I been able to experience the welcoming and warm spirit present here. I am simply overjoyed.
Be well. Love well.
Mags
Mags!!! So glad ya girls got to your based safe and God is going to use all of yall in a powerful way. What a drive ya had but glad ya made it safe.
Missed ya!!!
Sounds like a rough start but with God’s help all turned out well. Miss you and love you
Continued prayers for safe travels.
Love
Gerry
Wow! That first “Travel Day” did not disappoint! ??. Praying that God continues to guide YOU as you love those around you ??????
Thanks for the recap of your first travel day. God is working even in the midst of a blocked road. Maggie your off to a great start with eyes on kingdom business in a travel day! Can’t wait to hear all about Chicamon. I’m praying for you!
Right on Maggie so good. Love your heart and jumping immediately into Google translate and taking the initiative in high engagement with your driver :-). That was so well said,
“life is Mission mission is life.”
I love the simple gratitude that exudes from your blog. In your driver,a safe 10 hour journey, in the realization that even a cup of cold water in Jesus name is something HE takes great pleasure and notice in. Thanks for the encouragement mi hermana
Yes Maggie! The first of many many travel days where you will see God working. I sort of love the chaos. It’s very adventurous. I’m glad you gals made it safely. Enjoy Chicamon!
Thankful that you all made it safely, and the Lord provided unexpectedly in a hard situation with a kind and generous spirit like Erik! Thanks for sharing 🙂