I mentioned this briefly in a blog post before, but weekends and weekdays for our team are fairly different – and even day to day during the week is fairly different depending on that day’s ministry!
During the week, we’re on the mountain – staying in tents, dust everywhere, very fast showers and dish washing to conserve water, cooking for ourselves over a little set of 4 propane burners (and no access to refrigeration), and heading somewhere different for ministry outreach each day (mostly the very small villages nearby).
On the weekend, we’re in Antigua, staying right in the middle of town. We have opportunities to interact with locals and tourists, try lots of restaurants (including a fair bit of international cuisine – for instance, we found an Italian place with amazing pasta!), explore the shops and the market, and focus a bit more on soaking in worship and Scripture.
On the mountain, we hike or ride (often in the back of) a pickup truck to get places.
In town, we walk everywhere (although we could take a tuc tuc across town if we wanted!).
On the mountain, we cooked dinner super early (up till recently) so we could see what we were making – now we have solar lights to be able to make food after sunset!
In town, we often don’t get around to dinner until 6 or later, and experience Antigua at night while finding food.
On the mountain, a goat or a cow or a horse might stare at you while you unzip your tent in the morning.
In town, street dogs will patiently wait to see if you have something for them to eat as you walk past.
On the mountain, every night culminates in sitting by the fire, because there’s no warmth or light elsewhere. That wind gets COLD! And we often end up in bed by 9:30 or earlier because of being cold and tired from long days – and not having electricity to keep us up.
In town, we’ve stayed up well past 11:00 because we do have electricity… and wifi!
On the mountain, we get views of creation in the cascading mountains and surrounding volcanoes.
In town, we see creation in all the people on the streets and the creativity of the buildings lining the cobblestone streets.
Everywhere we go during our weeks in Guatemala, though, there are constants. Among many things:
Our team gets to eat, sleep, spend time together. We grow in community constantly.
There’s a high chance of getting sunburnt.
There are opportunities to pray and intercede.
And God is good.
❤️
Prayer Requests!
Same as last week, honestly! As we get deeper into relationship, rhythm, and ministry here, pray also that we would go deeper with the Lord and each other, and prioritize beholding the Lord to minister ever better.
I love the contrasts! It really gives me a sense of the differences. Both have awesome positives and definite drawbacks! Glad it’s staying light longer, and that you got solar lights! You’re getting to experience rudimentary life like the vast majority of people on the planet experience it, but still an upscale version since you have a tent and plenty of food- so many people don’t have either of those necessities. The food looks phenomenal!
Dear God, continue to build vulnerability, trust, comraderie, fun, and adventure in the team. Provide balance between interactions with others and time to recharge. In Jesus’ name, Amen
Thank you!! That is so true, we are so blessed!
God is Good. What is a tuc tuc?
Yes He is! I was trying to find a picture but I don’t have any I’ve taken that show them clearly – tuc tucs (or they’re also called tuk tuks in other parts of the world, tuc tuc is just the Spanish transliteration) are like little 3 wheelers that act as taxis, with a driver in the front and a bench in the back for passengers. (If you Google “tuk tuk” pictures will show up that should help with the visual!) I will say, I’ve been walking everywhere, so I haven’t actually ridden one yet!
Jesus continue to bless Bekah and her team letting them grow with you and provide all their needs showing the love of Jesus to all those around them.,,,❤️🙏🏼
❤️ Amen!
May God Bless You in all of your endeavors! I love your posts and your pictures. What experiences you are having there! You are helping so many people, and building a lifetime of memories. I pray that the Lord will watch over you and protect you and your team, while you are bringing His Word to so many people.
Thank you so much!!! ❤️
I love the contrast between the week and the weekend. It is awesome getting a glimpse of what every day life looks like for you 🙂
It’s a huge blessing getting to experience both, for sure!!
So picturesque both the word pictures you painted and the photos! Those contrasts are speaking to the ways God is bringing you to rely on Him. Just the idea of the changes of routine and schedule in eating sound hard. Prayers for your strength to be in Him and the glory to Him! (And also for your safety and health)
Thank you so much for your kind words and prayers!! ❤️