How things are...

As some of you may have seen on CNN, Guatemala is in crisis right now. After nearly two weeks of heavy rain the land is literally giving way, washing away and in some cases covering up entire communities and unknown numbers of people. Each day the figures for damage both human and material are rising as we begin the task of digging out and attempting to provide for our brothers and sisters in need. The rivers of mud and debris have swept away crops and highways alike leaving it difficult to know where or how to start.

Other than spending a few nights on the roof top of my house trying to remove the water pooling centimeters deep on the flat roof, and trying to fight the mold that has resulted, I have not been significantly affected. My VISA, as luck would have it, expires at the end of the week; I plan on petitioning migration for an extension as right now there is no safe way out of Guatemala via land. Esther and I are looking into helping at a distribution center of aid here in a local community that is working on preparing supplies for those in need; if they can use us we have the hands and willingness to help.

This morning Horacio Darynel and I hosted our third youth event with the youth of Guatemala City Lutheran Churches that are part of the ILAG… 50 people attended. Our biblical passages were Psalm 119:105 and Isaiah 40:3-5. We have faith that God will make a path in this wilderness that we are in the midst of here in Guatemala… that the valleys will be lifted and these mountains that we face will be made low. The light of Christ is illuminating our way and bearing witness to the truth. Amidst these difficult times that we: Guatemala, the ILAG, the Pastoral team and I have experienced since July 22nd, there is hope.

For those of you that I have not yet had the opportunity to tell personally: During this last year, I have been put to work by the Holy Spirit here in Guatemala… teaching leaders, preaching, working with women, youth and delegations. I feel strongly called by others and internally to stay as a missionary in Guatemala. The work is hard but I enjoy it and feel that it is a fit. Please keep in your prayers that I will also be provided the means to stay! God is providing for my call but in a way that each month is lived by pray alone that God will (and he does) provide us our Daily Bread.

It turns out that in addition to my ministry call here, that I have another vocation here. As of July 20, I am engaged. I am getting married to Horacio Darynel Castillo Jr., son of the President of the ILAG, from Guatemala. I have been blessed by God with a partner to share life with both in and out of the church.