Sunday, September 11: This is an important day. In the United States (and in many other countries) people will commemorate the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attacks and lives lost in New York, Washington, D.C. and Pennsylvania.
That same day, the citizens of Guatemala will be voting for a new president. There are 27 political parties. It’s hard for everyone to keep them all straight, or figure out exactly what they do (and don’t) stand for. It is not likely that any one candidate will gain a simple majority, which means there is likely to be a run-off election in November.
I am not concerned for my personal safety – truly, I’m not! I plan to walk to church Sunday morning, and join other believers in worshiping our God, who has all of this in His firm control. Antigua has been calm all summer, and as a tourist-town, there are always lots of police on the streets.However, there have been several election-related deaths (as well as plenty of threatening rhetoric) in other parts of the country. Many people here remember the years of war and instability. They are worried that there will be more violence during and following the election.
Dona Cristi has been praying for weeks for Guatemala, and that God would help her determine who to vote for. “All they do is ‘blah, blah, blah’”, she told me (using the English word!). “They promise and promise but then do nothing. But, it is in the hands of God. He knows. I am praying 'Dios, ayudame' (God, help me!)” Please join in praying for all the Dona Cristi’s here in Guatemala who desire that this be a nation where citizens (and especially children!) can grow and learn and be safe and healthy.
Two more weeks!: I’m down to seven more days of Language school. This has been a tiring week, and I’ve still got the Imperfect Subjunctive to tackle. At times I feel really good about my progress, and at others, I feel like I still cannot understand the simplest conversation. Please pray that I continue to join in Dona Cristi’s cry, “Dios, ayudame!”
Thursday, September 23: Primero Dios (the Lord willing) I will be leaving Antigua at 2:00 a.m. to head to Guatemala City’s airport to fly to the D.R. September is an incredibly rainy month. You may remember reading about landslides last year. We’ve already had some super strong storms and areas of flooding, washed out roads, etc.
I have to admit to being a little anxious (okay, a lot anxious) about the prospect of been driven 45 minutes in the dark of night through areas which sometimes get covered by mud and water. Please pray that I remember I am in God’s hands, and whatever happens, He will be with me.
Thank you, praying friends! There is really no way for me to express how deeply grateful I am for you. I have spent a summer completely outside of my comfort zone, being stretched in many (many!) ways. And yet, through the Holy Spirit’s power, and your intercession, it has been full of blessings.
I guess I’ll never feel 100% ready for the next step in the journey (otherwise, I wouldn’t need God’s help!) but I am anxious and eager to begin my time in the D.R.
Have a fantastic weekend. Remember that God is with us, and that sometimes the most powerful prayer we can pray is a simple groan, God help me! The One who calls us is faithful, and He will see His plans accomplished, in the U.S., in Guatemala, in your life, in mine. All glory to Him!!
Thank you for sharing these requests. You are in my thoughts and prayers, dear friend!
ReplyDeleteYOu are in my thoughts and prayers dear one. God Bless as you move forward. Remember that there is just enough light for the step you are on. All will be made clear down the road, our job is to just trust.
ReplyDeleteLove Jill