One whole month. We’ve now been in a new country for 27 days. I left home 31 days ago. This is certainly the longest I’ve been away from home since college. It’s definitely the longest I’ve been immersed in another world with new food, culture, and a new language.

I’m currently sitting in a coffee shop with some of my teammates and reflecting on our time in Guatemala thus far. I’ve stumbled my way through conversations in Spanish as well as stumbled down cobblestone streets. I’ve fallen down a dirty hill on the way to ministry and fallen on my face in worship. A few days ago, the realization finally sank in that this is my life now. I’m not going home in a few days to my private bedroom and hot showers. Even if I were going home, I wouldn’t have a bedroom waiting on me. I gave all of my creature comforts up to come on this journey.

It’s been hard. I don’t get to talk to my friends and family from home nearly as much as I’d like to. My stomach hasn’t always taken kindly to the new foods. Learning a new language has taken just about every ounce of confidence I had in my ability to hold a conversation. But it’s been so worth it.

Most days, we will go into people’s homes to bring food, hear their stories, and pray for them. This Sunday, the pastor we’re working with was able to baptize 7 people from his community (PRAISE GOD). On Wednesday, we were given over 1,000 guisquiles (a type of gourd, similar to a squash) by a local church. We sorted them, cleaned them, and then put them into bags to give to families. We’ve been doing children’s programs on Thursdays, which include a game, a song/activity, a lesson, and then a snack. There’s been so much going on here.

More than things we’ve seen or done, we’ve also built relationships. I’ve gotten to see lives changed even in the small amount of time we’ve been here. Our pastor (a true disciple of Jesus) has gotten more attention for his ministry simply by having us here. His mother has found so much joy in cleaning, cooking, and providing for us. We’ve gotten to spend most meals with her and/or the rest of their family, talking about God, laughing together, and building a strong relationship. We’ve gotten to pray for them through health and ministry and we’ve seen God provide. 

All in all, leaving home has not been easy. I’m sure by the end of it, I’ll be saying the World Race is one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. But it’s also one of the best decisions I’ve made. I’m still learning how to live in a community this close and intentional. I’m letting the Lord show me what a Sabbath with him looks like. I’m growing, changing, stepping out, and letting myself be challenged. And it’s only been one month.