Not bad, just different.

One thing we learned about missions at orientation was that things in other countries aren’t bad, just different. I didn’t really have to tell myself that while I was in Honduras because I just expected to be thrown into a completely different culture, but I’m constantly reminding myself that now that I’m in Guatemala.

I miss Honduras. I miss my team, the kids, the girls at Casitas, Roberto, the translators, and just the warmth of the culture. I’ve been in Guatemala for three days now and as much as I love it here, my heart just longs to be back in Honduras. I knew that serving this summer would be life changing, but I didn’t realize that a part of my heart would be left in Honduras. I’m constantly thinking about the girls at Casitas and the kids at Nueva Esperanza and it breaks my heart to know that I might not ever see them again. I know it’s not a bad thing to miss them, but it’s hard to love on the kids here in Guatemala without thinking of my kids back in Honduras. Please pray that I would love on the kids here wholeheartedly and that I would serve Him faithfully.

Things in Guatemala that aren’t bad, just different:

• The weather: It’s so different than Honduras! Honduras is ridiculously hot and humid and Guatemala is rainy and cool/cold. I guess the cool weather is a nice change, but it rained ALL DAY today and it was somewhat miserable. I guess it’s a tradeoff 
• The people: The people in Honduras are so incredibly warm and affectionate. They greet you with a hug and kiss on the cheek and I started to really love that. The people here in Guatemala are all really nice, but they don’t greet with a hug and a kiss. I miss it.
• The kids: The kids that we worked with today are so different than the kids in Honduras. We went to a Buckner community center and taught English. The biggest difference is that these kids come from families and all seemed content. I guess what I really miss about the kids in Honduras was that they were so open to being loved on because they rarely get the attention and love they desire. 
• The driving: As crazy as driving is in Honduras, I miss it. I miss the constant honking, driving an inch away from other cars, and the fact that there isn’t a speed limit or any rules. I’m sure my life is in less danger now, but I miss the excitement and nervousness of being in a car in Honduras.

In Honduras it was obvious that our purpose for being there was to love on the kids unconditionally and to show them a tiny glimpse of the love that God has for them. But because the kids we’re working with here are more well off and know who God is, it’s hard to see how God is going to use us. As much as I love teaching English, I feel like there has to be more as to why God brought me to Guatemala. And I know that they still need to be loved on, but it’s hard to see the need after being in Honduras. Please pray for my heart. That I will be able to serve and love the people of Guatemala unconditionally.