After New Mexico I was dead set on my own plan for coming back to do painting lessons with devotions for the women. It was supposed to happen this weekend, which was very soon after the last trip. However, the cost was really high and that did not come to fruition. It's not over but it is postponed. Last minute funds came through for half the cost of that trip for me to go to Guatemala specifically. (I know.. It's crazy that it's cheaper to go out of the country than to fly to Albuquerque but believe me it is.) I felt defeated when I had to call sweet Diane and tell her I wasn't coming to New Mexico. So, I felt lost and without direction on how to give of myself for God. Tuesday May 10th, the funds came specifically for Guatemala and was not in my plans. However, God knew differently. I sat there in clinic, working, and felt the fire to do it and just say yes to God without another thought. By 2 pm my ticket was purchased, my host was excited and ready, and the church nearby started telling women to come. How could everything be coming together so fluidly and with such peace? God is pretty awesome like that. 

I get to Guatemala and the smell of burning wood and the air just made me smile consistently. My gracious host, Auzucena, let me know that we no longer had an interpreter. I speak only a little Spanish and so we communicated the best we could and have used a phone translator. Still, I felt at peace and so did she. I got to the house to drop off my backpack and immediately we left to meet the pastor and his wife. He cried and was so happy to do this and allow us to use the church. Candy, his wife couldn't understand English but interpretation has not been an issue. Her husband spoke a little English and it would seem Love is the universal language. It was such a blessing to be welcomed by them and accepted to minister to these women. By late last evening, Leah called and offered to translate for us. What a blessing how God worked out the details.

The host and I spent all day shopping for food to feed the women for the next three days and for supplies to do the lessons and activities. Every minute just overwhelmed me with Joy. Then, this morning came, and we prayed over the meeting and the women. It was a little scary being alone. Then, my little girl, Serin, reminded me once again..."Mommy, you're not alone. God is with you." From the mouths of babes...right?! We had drinks, cupcakes, and candy for today.  I translated all of there lessons into Spanish and decorated them. God is so good! Then, we worked together to make crowns from paper, booklets because they are expensive to buy, and prophetic cards of encouragement for them. It was a blessing! The whole family and interpreter got involved writing the cards. My heart was overflowing. The last step was to shop for flowers for the women and that was so fun. The hosts granddaughter picked them out with me.

Then, came time for the first session with the women, today. They were already there when we got there and so happy. They had their children as well and we found activities for them to do outside. God moved in so many ways let them know they are important in God's eyes. They felt safe to share their testimonies and worship. It was powerful to see the overwhelming gratitude they had. One woman said, "We needed to be reminded that God loves us, and that we are not forgotten." Another woman said she, "felt God's love today."

I can do nothing and have done nothing, but God has done so much and it's only Friday!! 2 more days with these sweet women of God. I can't wait to see what's in store for tomorrow. I have to go now, friends. Time for a women's conference we have been invited to. Don't forget that your story matters. In Jesus Christ we are forgiven. In Him, we have hope. Love you all!

Isaiah 61:1-3 "The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me, because the LORD has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound;

3 to grant to those who mourn in Zion-- to give them a beautiful headdress instead of ashes, the oil of gladness in
stead of mourning, the garment of praise instead of a faint spirit; that they may be called oaks of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he may be glorified.