Graceful Family Services LLC

Have you ever sat back and observe what has happened to get you where you are now? I have been thinking about this a lot. Three years ago I started a business. I did not expect it to be what it is now, but due to an amazing woman, her encouragement and her belief in me it has become a beautiful way to connect with families and their children. 

It started with one client whom I was told needed my help. I would commute from Perris to Covina which would take almost 2 hours once a week. It then turned into twice a week and before I knew it I was there five days out of the week. I decided to move to L.A. county and before I knew it my schedule was almost full. A lot has happened since my first client, but I did notice how things started to fall apart to trust that this company would work. I had to let go of many things that felt secure at the time. 

What is it that I do? I am a vendor that provides services such as tutoring, arts and crafts and independent living skills. I work with school aged kids and adults. These amazing individuals are clients of Regional Center and belong to a program called the Self Determination Program. 

I would like to share some of the things that have been created by my students. 

 

An Author?

 I know it has been a while since I have been on here and I wanted to share some amazing news; I will be writing a book. 

I have been on this beautiful path of excitement and rediscovery these past couple of months. I prayed for God to connect me with people who are like-minded in doing more for themselves. I wanted to be inspired to do more. Guess what? He has answered. 

When I came back from Guatemala I felt a little out of place and I kept asking Him, "What's next?" A few times I thought, "Write a book." I didn't know how to even do that so I put it in the back of my thoughts and moved on to something I did know which was to serve. God showed me doors, to be able to serve in Bolivia, just like I prayed for. That too was then placed in the back of my thoughts because I started to enjoy being back at my old job, Apple Tree, and surrounded by my family and friends.

The past couple of months I keep thinking the same thought, "Write a book." On my way to visit a longtime friend, Tiffany. I kept praying and asked God, "If I were to write a children's book, who would illustrate it?" He answered within 2 days because my friend had just finished writing a children's book and her HUSBAND was in the process of illustrating it (Click here to see her amazing blog regarding travel). 

Then, a few days ago I got a new revelation; What do I like to do? Serve and travel. I want to support those two things so I started to picture the money of the book supporting that desire. I wrote it all down. I asked again, "Please put the right people in my path to guide me." That SAME day at church I saw a friend I have not seen in over a year and a half and I shared with her my desires and my vision. Then she asked me the question: "What will your book be about?" I laughed. "I don't know." She then said "I would like to read about the adventures of Ana and the sales of that book can help support the next trip for the next book." At that moment I felt an intense rush of energy through my body and I knew without a doubt my prayer was being answered. 

I am now praying for someone to mentor me and guide me through it since I have never written a book. I KNOW without a doubt that I will soon have that mentor. This person is already here and shares with me the same excitement I have for those books. I can feel it in my veins.

I get so excited talking about it to people that every cell in my body vibrates and I feel as if I am floating. All of this is to bring glory to God because this book will prove that when you walk in faith and change the thought and expectation, He ALWAYS follows through. By the way I turned 40 and feeling amazing!

 

 

 

Here is the video I made from my trip to the east coast (It’s only visible on the desktop view not on your phone, sorry). 

 

 

 

New job!

Before coming back from Guatemala I made sure I had a job to feel a lot more secure. My previous employer, Apple Tree, didn’t have any openings but my ex boss was very grascious and led me to a job in the city where I would be living. 

At Zenith, I was able to meet many families and build new connections as well as get more training in oral motor techniques. After 7 months my ex boss from Apple Tree informed me that there was an opening for the position I previously had. After much prayer I made the decision to go back to where it all started. 

Apple Tree is a small private clinic in the city of Buena Park, Ca (They recently moved there from Cypress, Ca). They service children under three in a group base, mommy and me therapy program and there are different therapists on site. The majority of the children attending this program either have autism, developmental delays, down syndrome, or cerebral palsy (to name a few). I also see children for individual therapy and on Mondays we are offering a special program for children under 12 months old at no cost to the families.

It has been such an amazing experience being back these past two months. Here’s a picture of my room, with the garden and butterflies that the children made. 

I don’t consider myself an expert when it comes to development, but one thing that I have realized is that children learn through play. I try to make the activities fun and look at each child’s differences to better serve them. 

I decided to have stations in the classroom instead of sitting at the table for the full 20 minutes of their session. We start off at the table to sing hello, read a book or sing a song. A coworker gave me a great idea of doing an action corner. Last week it was balls and I had them throw, kick, roll, catch and throw it up towards the ceiling (this was fun!). The other station consists of either sensory play or some sort of cause and affect activity. 

At the end of the day whether or not the children met the specific goal that I was targeting, I feel peace knowing that I gave love that day. I don’t know if that makes sense, but that is what fills me up. I enjoy working with the children and their families and I hope that I am making an impact because their children are making an impact in my life by demonstrating to me a different perspective on life. 

I will admit that I do miss living in Guatemala, but I know that for right now this is where I’m supposed to be. It feels so nice to be surrounded by my family and my new little friends. 

New Chapter

After 4 years of living in Guatemala, I am back in Orange County and ready to begin this new chapter of my life. 

The night before my departure, I was feeling a little nervous and frustrated that I hadn’t been able to sell my car. I had to surrender that to God and leave it at the alter. The following morning my landlord came by to look at the house and gave me back the deposit. He shared how pleased he was having me rent his home. While we were talking, a neighbor stopped by and asked to speak to me. My landlord left and my neighbor introduced me to her father. He was interested in buying my car. After a good talk, a ride around the neighborhood, he gave me a check. It wasn’t what I was hoping to get for it, but this was a huge blessing. 

I miss my friends from Guatemala and the kids I was able to work with, but just like any good book, that chapter is over and a new one has started. 

It has been an adventure this past week getting back to what used to be my normal life 4 years ago. I got a car, started at a new Speech clinic and have been spending good quality time with my family. 

I have so many dreams and desires for the next year. I am ready to do what needs to get done and enjoy the ride! 

A new season

There aren’t many seasons in Guatemala like in USA. There are about 2 months of “cold” nights, 2 months of heat and then there’s rain. It rains close to 6 months out of the year, but not every day nor all day. The grass gets greener and the flowers blossom. This is my favorite season in Guatemala. 

As I get closer to a new season in my life, I am filled with many mixed emotions. There are days when I feel like I didn’t get to do all I was here to do and I have days when I feel  fulfilled. 

Did I fulfill my purpose? If I haven’t I hope that I at least made a difference and inspired at least one soul to live without fear and do something, not for themselves, but for a higher purpose. 

I went to a funeral last weekend and something tugged at me that left me thinking about something that usually comes up in my thoughts; am I good friend? I want to grow in this area of my life. I’m good at giving and leaving, but not good at maintaining. When people ask me who my best friend is, I don’t have an answer. This has to change. I need to invest and allow others to do the same with me. New goal: make a best friend. 

Here is Claudia, a woman gone too soon. 

Hope

Two months from now I will be finishing up with my job in Guatemala and getting ready to close my chapter living here. If you would have told me 4 years ago that I would be moving back to California, I would have not believed you. I honestly thought this was going to be my forever home. My plan was to get my residency, get married and be working in an orphanage or group home. I was able to get my temporary recency that will be expiring mid June.

All I can say is that through all of this upcoming transition I have something deeply rooted in my heart; I'm not done. There are so many things that I want to do and live through and I get so excited about it.

My family is waiting for me and I can't wait to eat my mom's home cooked meals and hear my dad cheer on his favorite soccer team (Las Chivas), having the niece and nephews visit and hang out with my siblings.

I have a job waiting for me and I will be doing what I enjoy; working with children with special needs. I prayed about this a lot and I didn't want to leave without having a job in place. I got a few dollars more than what I was hoping for, but I still need to figure out my hours (I really want to work full time).

I guess you can say that things are falling into place in regards to coming home.

Prayer request: for my car to sell in July so I can have a down payment for a new vehicle.

By the way a Friend here got married and here are some pictures of that special day.

Obedient even when I am afraid

I have been reading a devotional with three other women and it has been a breath of fresh air. "I will be obedient" These words have been an echo that has been following me since 2013. I kept asking God to show me where the center of His will for my life was and I promised to be obedient.

So here I am, three and a half years in Guatemala and I'm still praying the same thing. There's this fear that has come and gone throughout this journey.

This morning's devotional was on Matthew 8:23-27. It's the story of Jesus sleeping on the boat and his disciples start to freak out because of the horrible storm. They disrupt Jesus' deep sleep and He responds by making a statement then asking a question, "You of little faith, why are you so afraid?" As I sat there reading the verse I had to ask myself the same question.

I'm praying and asking my Lord to lead me towards His will and help me not to stray away, yet I lack faith and there's fear of what the answer will be. My spirit, my soul wants to do the right thing and please Him. "I want you to be proud of me." is what usually comes out of me. Deep within me I know that no matter what I do His love will not change.

Soon there's an answer that I will be given regarding a prayer that has been put forth. Whatever the answer may be, I will be ready to obey Him through the storm.

Consuming Fire

"...for our “God is a consuming fire.”" Hebrew 12:29

Getting closer to my 3 year mark living in Guatemala and I have been contemplating many things about life, and purpose. 

I heard this scripture today as I was listening to this guy talk about The Spirit of Christ. Being Holy is not about going to church every week or "being good". It's about allowing myself to give of me over to Him and allow Him to to consume me. I don't know if that makes sense...I don't know if I even understand it.

So I went on a prayer walk and I realized that I allow things to consume me that only gratify temporary desires and wants and at the end of the day I feel empty and unfulfilled. 

I came to Guatemala to serve a purpose and I have been feeling like I have lost something very important...a spark, a light. I have lost that consuming fire. I think "lost" is not the correct word, because I don't think that we can lose something so beautiful and so good. I believe that I have put it away and not allowed it to take over me...it has been replaced by "self".

I want to make changes and I am excited about them. I honestly do not know what exactly will happen, but I do want to be different. 

Some praise me for what I have done, but it's not for me. All of it is for my creator, my love, my LORD, my consuming fire. 

Sleepless nights

"Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart's desires." Psalms 37:4

It's past midnight, I can't sleep so I decided to share what is on my mind tonight.

I finally posted something on social media that has been on my mind, thoughts and prayers; I want to move back to California. Once I put it out there for people to see I got scared and I started second guessing myself.

I thought that maybe people would look at me as if I had failed or did not complete a mission. Then a friend said something that gave me courage, "...remember it's your relationship with God no one else's..." (Thank you Shanelle).

This beautiful relationship has taken me places and been able to live a life that has been filled with joy, laughter, fear, leaps of faith, tears, courage, failures, etc. I do not have any regrets.

I have been volunteering at a local orphanage on Sunday's and I feel so happy doing this because of what I have been able to bring, but most importantly what it has created within me. This, my friend, is what holds me from leaving. However, I hear The Spirit saying, "I'm not finished"

What is keeping me up tonight? A simple thought that popped in my mind, that has been lingering for weeks, possibly months, but I have not entertained it as much as tonight. My heart desires to work with children with special needs once again. I worked for Apple Tree for 10 and a half years. I learned so much working for that company. It wasn't so much the place, it was the children I was able to serve. It challenged me and pushed me out of my comfort zone.

I work about 11 hours a day, 5 days a week to be able to pay bills and feed my cute cat so it is difficult to quit and do what I would like to do here. Opportunities here are scarce.

I started to think of the children I have worked with in the past and would like to do that once again. I will still be able to serve once again going to mexico for the Tecate trips (click here for info).

I will continue to pray for guidance and see where and when God will take me.

Our last speech therapy session 

Trust also in me

“Simon Peter asked, “Lord, where are you going?” And Jesus replied, “You can’t go with me now, but you will follow me later.” “But why can’t I come now, Lord?” he asked. “I’m ready to die for you.” Jesus answered, “Die for me? I tell you the truth, Peter—before the rooster crows tomorrow morning, you will deny three times that you even know me. 

Don’t let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God, and trust also in me. There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. If this were not so, would I have told you that I am going to prepare a place for you? When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am. And you know the way to where I am going.””

John 13:36-14:4 NLT

                  

What an incredible scripture! It's a reminder that though Peter was going to disown Jesus, there was a promise. A promise that involves forgiveness and love. I can picture it, Jesus speaking the truth about his future sin and even then He says "don't let your hearts be troubled. Trust in God." He was telling me, "Ana, trust me! Keep calm"

If you haven't heard of this guy named Brant Hansen, well it's time to get to know him. I started listening to him on a radio station and when he left the station I started following him on Facebook. He is funny, but most importantly he is a man who speaks truth about God without the glam. Well, in his own way and perspective. 

My guilt comes from not understanding God. In my last post I spoke a little about how I have been feeling and God wanted to take care of my heart. Knowing God and his love for us does not involve a sheet of rules; It involves our hearts. 

No matter how "bad" we are His love for us does not change. I saw a video of Brant talking about this reminding me of something that I need to be confident in.

One thing that I have seen throughout in church culture (even the church I go to) is how people are lifted high for their achievements. In reality the people God has chosen are not those who stand out in public. It's those who stand out due to their hearts. I love to be praise and God allows my heart to be humbled because the glory needs to go to Him. I hope that as I write about things happening in my life, it does not reflect me, but reflects Jesus' heart. If it was up to me I would stay home and watch movies, but the Spirit moves me to serve the least. 

Some may not understand why I am not serving at church teaching English. This has made me feel insecure and guilty, but I know that it was part of God's plan to move me out of the way and have someone else step up. I was tired and overworked. I was not doing what fills my soul, which is serving those who have gone through abuse or have been abandoned. I believe with all of my heart that God will use my story, my journey to help others. 

I hope that you feel super loved and cared for by God, even in times when you have made decisions to step away. God wants to reassure you that He loves you, He is good and will not let go of you no matter how far you part or what religion tells you. The bible tells us so much about His compassion and forgiveness, don't forget about that!

Take some time to watch Brant

Flight to Mexico

I don't believe in coincidences, I believe in GODincidences.

I'm currently on a flight to California, but prior to this flight I was flying to Mexico from Guatemala. On my flight I met the sweetest lady. We talked the full 3 hours and we waited for the next flight together though we we were going our separate ways. 

We talked about love, finances, health and Jesus. We laughed about life, talked about deep rooted issues and the scriptures. She was on her way to New York to meet up with the love of her life. Her story blew my mind. It reminded me that God has a perfect love story for each one of us. His word is a love letter to us filled with sacrifice, compassion and reminders of how much he loves us. 

Forgiveness was one of our topics. She asked me if there was anything that I was holding on to. She made this association with my health. Sometimes our bodies react to our emotional state of being. It got me thinking of so many things and circumstances. I do hold on to things and allow them to hinder me. I've been feeling guilty which is a feeling that has followed me since I was a little girl. I need to ask God for healing, reconciliation and peace. 

I really needed someone like that today. I needed to be reminded of my perfect love story with my Lord. I need to get back on track and allow the Spirit who lives in my to flourish and allow it to do its work in me. 

I can't wait for December because that's when my new friend will be back in Guatemala and we can continue our deep conversations. We will be meeting in two months for coffee. I am looking forward to it. God is good all of the time and sends us people right when we need it. 

“Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!”

Hebrews 13:2 NLT

                                         

Hogar

Last week I started going to an Hogar that's about a mile from my house. I had been praying about it before I came back to Guatemala because I was told that one of the little boys needed me. 

My little guy, Pedro, has delays in his speech and language. He is 5 years old and I probably can understand 15% of what he says. 

The first time I went, he looked at me and started to cry. Not what I was expecting. I took that opportunity to mingle with the other children in the home. Before I left, he sat next to me for a few minutes to play with a little car. 

I encouraged the staff to talk about me everyday in hopes to spark something in him and not be in shock when I arrive a few days later. 

Our next encounter was perfection. As soon as I entered the home I saw him on the other side of the house, waving at me, asking me to go join him. There was something special that happened in me at that moment. 

This was when I was able to notice his delays as we played and looked at a book together. All of the other children were surrounding us, participating in our story time. 

This week I was able to go again and spent a little time together with Pedro. We played and looked at a few books. 

Later we joined the rest of the kids where we took a few selfies. 

God always knows what we need and what is best for us. I enjoy visiting this home and I pray that God will bless it. 

Special Guest: Ashley Harris

"36 He took a little child whom he placed among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, 37 “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.”  Mark 9:36-37

The school year has started and there are a handful of new teachers at CAS. On the first day of orientation I met Ashley who was sitting very quietly between some of the teachers. I noticed her quiet and gentle spirit imidiately because she sat around others who were a bit more talkative. I soon found out that she had arrived the day before. By the end I introduced myself and offered my help since I had a vehicle and I too needed to buy some groceries. 

I have been reading some of her blog posts and it's evident of her love for the Lord. I wanted to host her here so you can meet her and follow her journey as she love the little first graders. She is very insightful and deep in her blog. 

This is her story: 

1. Background information

Born in Warner Robins Georgia to Michael and Jada Harris on February 14. My Mother, Jada Harris has worked in Christian Education for 30 years now and has made me her assistant practically since I could talk. A love and passion for international travel and work was instilled by my father who was in the Air Force and constantly bringing home fragrant gifts and exquisite stories and photos from abroad. I grew up with an older brother, a younger sister and two more younger brothers, so the more people I can have around the better. When I was in kindergarten the Gospel was presented in an Easter chapel at my school, during which I broke down and after talking with my teacher, prayed and asked God to be the Lord and Savior of my life, thanking Him for His love and payment for our sins on the cross and believing in the power of His love. Since then I have been seeking to follow Him with my life, praying that He use me to be His hands and feet bringing the love and hope of the Gospel to the world.

2. What brought you to Guatemala?

Technically who brought me to Guatemala, God absolutely. And a woman who was an administrator with my mom at Grace Brethren Christian School who has become like an adopted grandmother to me over the years. She learned of my passion for international missions and felt a call on my life like I did to serve internationally one day. Her church has been going to Guatemala since the early 1990's so in 2011, she asked if I would prayerfully consider going. Which I did and within a few months ended up on a plane to Guatemala for the first time. Looking back I'm not sure what I was expecting, though definitely not that it would change my life and my heart. That the sparkling eyes of the people of Guatemala would forever be etched on my heart and soul and that God would bring me back over and over again and now to live and serve in this country for His Glory to reach the brokenhearted with the love and hope of the Gospel.

3. Why did you decide to become a teacher?

One of my favorite quotes is "Love recognizes no barriers. It jumps hurdles, leaps fences, penetrates walls to arrive at its destination full of hope." by Maya Angelou. Growing up watching my mom in Christian Education and being thrust into the circle at an early age I saw the truth in a quote by J.C. Maxwell, "A teacher is one who know the way, goes the way, and shows the way." Especially in Christian education where a teacher does not just light the way for academic pursuits but stands as a light for The Way, The Truth and The Light, the way to hope and love and eternal life. An opportunity to used of God to stand as a light for children all over the world is a beautiful blessing to me.

4. Any goals for this school year? 

 I would love to see each child blossom this year, in school and in their lives. I pray that they see the love of Christ and the hope of the Gospel through their teachers and in everything we do this year. This year I pray my students think, question, design, create, struggle, collaborate, try, solve, invent, reflect, and learn. I pray to inspire my kids and I can't wait to see how they will inspire me.

5. What do you expect to get out of this school year?

 I look forward to collaborating with other teachers at the school both in and out of work. For it has been said by Robert John Meehan, "The most valuable resource that all teachers have is each other. Without collaboration our growth is limited to our own perspectives." I pray to grow in the Grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. I am learning to trust Him more and more and step out in fearlessness when He asks me to walk on the waters. My verse for this year, prayed about and adopted in January is "Be Strong and Courageous. Do not be afraid, Do not be discouraged, For the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9 Getting a call to move to and teach in Guatemala with one week preparation time definitely was a call for me to grow in my trust of Him but I still have a ways to go and I look forward to how He works this year.

6. Favorite moment so far these past 2 weeks of school?

 About half my class ended up sick by Wednesday of this week, out with fevers and stomach bugs. It was pretty bad. The first one to get sick was a little girl who ended up being out for the last two days of the first week, which we only had three days to start so it was interesting. But she came back on Monday with a picture for me, drawn on this little slip of paper in all primary colored markers of her and I which she handed to me with a big hug and exclaimed, "Oh I Love You Miss!" Then sat down and began quietly reading.

7. Final Thoughts? 

 "Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much" Helen Keller

"Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know." Jeremiah 33:3

Here are some pictures she sent me from her volunteer work here in Guatemala. 

Rain

"...give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus." 

1 Thessalonians 5:18

As I sit here in the dinning room, which is also my living room, I can't help but be thankful. It has been raining a lot the past couple of days and I truly enjoy the sound of rain, but the best part is when it stops and I can hear the birds chirping.

On Monday I went to an Hogar near where I live to play with little kids. My purpose is to be with one little boy and help him with his developmental delays. I feel super honored and I pray that I can help him the best that I can.

Being back to Guatemala has been great and I pray that God can continue to use me as His tool to help those in need. The funny thing is that I believe that at the end of the day I am the one helped. Isn't this sometimes the case when we give?

School started a week ago and I absolutely love it! The kids I have this year are amazing and I know that there will be a lot of growth this year. The children know how to brighten my morning and I honestly look forward every morning to get up and get ready to go to work. Please be praying for me and the children in my class. I want to show them a little glimpse of the love of Christ. 

Gracias! Here are some pictures of my classroom.

Renewed

In their hearts humans plan their course,
    but the Lord establishes their steps.

Proverbs 16:9

I have sited this scripture in a previous post and here I am sharing it again with you. I find it quite funny that many times I plan things out and they flourish in my mind and yet it does not turn out the way I had imagined. 

The past couple of months have been quite tough for me. I went through some changes in my personal life and I just could not keep a good grip on things. I relied so much on myself and didn't want to fail. Yet I was failing myself. 

I made the decision to go back to California to be with friends and family. I looked at my bank account and I only had enough money for the next meal. I remembered I had a credit card and when I finally found it, it expired the previous month. I cried. 

A dear friend messaged me and I expressed how I felt and how I desperately needed to get myself back to California. She wanted to help me. Soon after, I created a gofundme account and I had the money to buy my ticket in a bout 3 days. I cried. 

I left at the end of June and came back at the end of August. I worked at my previous employment and spent a lot of time with family and friends. 

It was a time that I needed to think things through. Why was I still in Guatemala? I had a handful of great talks with friends that lead to me digging deeper and come up with some solutions. 

I was praying for something very specific; to close doors of things that where not helping me in my relationship with God. As I continued to pray one thing that I had analyzed was the amount of time I am working versus doing things that fill me up as a person and as a christian. After a lot of prayer, I felt that it was time to not work on weekends. This was a tough decision since this meant that I would have a significant pay cut and possibly disappoint people. 

When I came back to Guatemala, I was able to meet with two of my bosses and before I was able to say anything they expressed that it would be better to have someone else teach the course since I am gone a lot. I knew, as they were talking, that this was from God and was answering my prayers. I apologized for leaving for so long (I honestly felt truly sorry that I had left the program half way), then I let them know what happened that lead to me leaving. It was not easy being vulnerable.

So here I am, back to my little house, with my cat (I went to pick her up today), looking forward to sharing with all of you the great things God is going to do this year. I already have a local orphanage who needs someone to help a little guy who is 5. He has several delays in his development. I can't wait to meet him! This is what fills my soul!

I leave you with some pictures from my visit in California.

Huntington Beach...Prayer spot

Huntington Beack...Prayer spot

My cousin's wedding. He is sooooo tall!

Some of my aunt's uncle's and cousin's

Celebrating my birthday with my niece and nephews

4th of July

Residency

Last year when I went to visit family in California I decided to gather the paperwork that I needed to apply for temporary residency in Guatemala. I paid a lot of money to get all the paperwork that was needed there and here in Guatemala. I have been waiting since November to get some answers. I recently bought my ticket to go back to California for a 2 month visit. Since my paperwork is in process I can't leave the country. Well, actually, I was able to leave once and I used it to go to a workshop in Honduras for Hope Worldwide. 

I have been going to immigration about once a week for the past 3 weeks and I still don't have an answer. I'm hoping to have good news sometime soon. 

I have committed to stay one more year at Christian American School. I have not figured out what I will do after that year. I have had so many things come to mind like moving to another country, but this time in South America. Then the other night as I was journaling I remembered that I wanted to get my Master's degree prior to moving to Guatemala. I'm still unsure, but I know that no matter what decision I make, It will be a good one :) 

I have one more week of work, 2 weeks until I leave. I can't wait to be with my family and work at my old job for a few weeks. Eeeeekkkkkk!! 

Here are some recent pictures of my recent trip to a department called Retahuleu. Enjoy! 

Life to the full

I sometimes wonder, what's the point? Here I am working hard, trying to make sense of things and I still find myself almost catching the drift and then Poof, I'm back where I have started. So here I am at the same spot asking the same question...

Any how, Life is still filled with a lot of adventures and my journey is on its growth.  

The past couple of months have been fun. At work, we took the kids to the children's museum in the city. It was fun seeing them so excited to be there. 

I was venting a few week back about my mission here in Guatemala. I am having a great time teaching, but I don't think that's why I'm here. Then a few days later I received a message asking if I could go to a local orphanage to help out with the younger kids. I didn't even have to think about it. My co-worker goes with me and we are having such a great time reading books and working on their speech and language development. 

Last week I took a little break to enjoy the beautiful view in Zunil, Guatemala. We visited hot water springs and stayed the night at their cute little cabins. It was nice to get away and to think about what I should do in life. I still have not figured it out yet,  but all I know is that I need to be still and wait. 

After Zunil, we took a detour to Chichicastenango where we walked around in the local market. I got a beautiful apron. I would like to go back when I have more money in  my pocket. 

Then I worked on my garden. I still have a lot to do, but I'm getting there.

My little Sarang is getting really big and she's super playful and loving. She likes to sleep on my head so I normally don't allow her to sleep in my room during the night.

Can I ask something from you? Can you pray about what I should be doing next year? I'm not sure if I should stay in Guatemala or serve elsewhere. I would really appreciate it.

With Love, 

Ana