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

Chips And Salsa

Sounds crazy, but I'm sitting here in my dining room, eating chips and salsa thinking about life. 

Thanks to God I have been able to have the basic needs at my new place. I was looking around and I thought, "these are just things, they don't define who I am." I can sell it all and start all over again elsewhere. 

I have been praying a lot about "what's next" and part of me wants to move to another country and serve and another part of me wants to go home with my family. 

The country that is the most interesting to serve at is Bolivia. I already contacted the volunteer coordinator of Hope Worldwide Bolivia. To go there it would be super expensive due to obtaining a traveling visa, flight, volunteer fee, a place to stay, eat, etc., However, the things that I would be able to do out there would be similar to what I have done in the past in California and here in Guatemala. 

A friend also contacted me about moving to Paraguay where she would be able to get me a job at a private Christian school. Well, you know me I don't just sit around. I already contacted the school and we will stay in contact since my plans are to stay here another school year. 

A lot can change, because after all of this planning I will probably end up staying in Guatemala longer or decide to move to California again. 

As for now I will eat a few more chips and call it a night. 

Oh and I got a cat. Her name is Sarang ("Love" in Korean, according to my translate app).

New Season

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

Proverbs 16:9

Life has taken a detour and I have not figured out if I like it or not.

The year started off with a lot of decisions that needed to be taken into consideration and changes that followed. After almost 2 years of a beautiful relationship, it came to an end, but I'm hoping that soon hearts will heal and a friendship will be formed.

I moved in to my own home at the end of February and I'm loving it! It's weird living on my own, but I do believe that God will use it for good. I don't have internet or cable so I'm stuck watching movies and a lot of time for thinking. I have been trying to make it my home and working on decorating it. I have a lot to do, but I have the basics which is great.

I have been wanting to go back home to visit my family this summer, but I was left with only $100 in my savings which is not enough to buy a plane ticket. The other night I had a short break down, but I had to remind myself that God can do more than I can imagine and I will be home for the summer. 

I have decided to stay in Guatemala for one more year to serve in the ESL program as well as the school where I work. I hope to have a great 16 months of giving back :) I don't know what will be next, but I do know one thing and that's being able to continue to give back. I have had Mexico in mind, but I am open to what God has planned.

Post Ixtahuacan

It has been a while since I have logged on, but I wanted to share the trip to Ixtahuacan.

The trip started at 4am because I went to pick up a few co-workers then headed to the meeting point. There were about 80 people who volunteered and we headed the long 4 hour trip to village.

When we arrived many children and their families were waiting for us.

Estuardo, Paty (the President) and me.

It's such a neat experience to be able to give to the children and have the parents an opportunity to pick up a few clothing items.

The trip started 10 years ago after a huge storm hit the area and destroyed their homes. They are all now doing well and many have their own businesses.

The president of the community has asked that we get to know a new village in hopes to be able to help them as well. On December 14th a few people made a longer drive to meet the children of this new village. Over 600 children showed up. The leftover clothing and snacks where for them.

I would like to thank the people who donated for this cause. I know that God has taken note because He cares for the children.

Ixtahuacan, Guatemala

"Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done." Proverbs 19:17

We are now entering a new season, the season of giving. Thanksgiving is right around the corner and people in the states are preparing to celebrate with family and friends while indulging in a delicious turkey dinner. They all give thanks for what they have and share a special time.

What am I thankful for? I am thankful for life, love and freedom. I can go into detail, but I will spare you my thoughts. Instead I would like to share with you what I have learned about loving others while living in Guatemala.

On December 5th Hope Worldwide Guatemala will be making their annual trip to Ixtahuacan to serve the indigenous communities. More than a 1000 people come to participate in the activities. Last year was the first year that I attended and I was dumbfounded seeing so many children in their beautiful indigenous attire with their dirty cheeks chapped by the cold weather. We had to separate the children by age and there were close to 100 children in each group. It was a little overwhelming, but it was such a beautiful experience seeing some of them overcome their shyness once they realized that they could receive a gift for participating.

The best part was seeing their little faces lite up once the pinatas were taken out. It was a little chaos trying to control that many children in front of candy. Though I am anti-candy, it was so cool seeing that level of joy.

This next trip we are expecting more families to come and participate. We try to make sure that all of the children leave with a small toy. Hope Worldwide Guatemala is trying to make sure that they have enough funds to buy all that they need. I am trying to help. I am currently taking monetary donations to help them reach their goal. Would you like to help? You can donate HERE 

So far I have gotten a few donations and I am super thrilled to see how God is going to move in the hearts of many when we arrive in Ixtahuacan.

Stay tune...

Needs

As I sit here and wonder about life and how everything is so fragile I have come to the conclusion that life is short. 

A few weeks ago there was a tragic situation that happened nearby. A side of a mountain fell apart due to the storms we have been having and the mud covered homes of which approximately 600 people were missing. At an instant many people died however they were able to rescue very few people who lived on the top of the hill. Everyone was in shock and people started to work to be able to assist the surrounding communities. It was so amazing being able to see how people came together to help their own. 

Two weeks ago I was able to have coffee with two members of the church. They shared with me that there was a need that they could not provide for. A single woman in the church has been having a lot of problems with one of her kidneys. She was able to see two different doctors and they both pressed that she needed surgery as soon as possible because the kidney was getting worse. I prayed and  asked for help. I was able to receive the funding for her to get the surgery that is needed. The same week that I received the news that the money was going to be provided, I found out of another situation in a different city where the teenager may need a kidney transplant. She has been receiving dialysis, however this is not a long-term situation for her at this point because they live so far away from the city. 

The church also has a ministry of widows and I have been aware of situations where a lot of help is needed. 

I have a few friends in California who are starting a business and they are going to be launching their debuts this weekend. Juse and Jessica are going to be donating a portion of their profits to help the needs of the people I come across. I'm super excited to see what God is going to make out of this. 

Look them up on Instagram @stateofwild

Christian American School

"Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours." Mark 11:24

Boards

Just in case you have not been in he loop, I got a job! It all has been through a lot of prayer and once again God has answered in about a month's time of prayer and fasting with my boyfriend. I knew that would answer my prayer, I just didn't know that it was going to be so soon.

My class. I like owls

Circle Time

I have been working at CAS for the past 2 weeks, of which one week has been with the children. I was super excited decorating my classroom and preparing lesson plans with my coworker. The first day of school the children looked a little scared and one of the kids started to cry and refused to enter the classroom. I got flashbacks from when I used to work at Apple Tree and it was super natural to calm him down. I got to his level, asked if he wanted a hug and he said no. However, he started to get close to me and put his head on my chest. I hugged him and told him that I knew it was tough and he felt sad. I rubbed his back and I said that I was going to count to 5 and after I finished counting, we would go inside because all of his friends were waiting for him. When I finished counting I stood behind him and helped him inside the classroom. Within 5 minutes he was really happy especially when it was his turn for the children to sing to him, welcoming him to class.

The first two days I felt a little stressed because I have never been a teacher with kids all to myself. I have only done therapy (early intervention) with their parent present. By Friday I felt like I have been doing this for a while. Little by little I m getting the hang of it and I'm starting to know the children and whom they should not sit next to. I have one kid who works best when I am next to him encouraging him, I have a little girl who loves taking her time with coloring the small details and another boy who pretends he is sick when it's time to work. I am loving them very much! They brighten my day as well give me green hair at times. One thing I have learned working at Apple Tree is to document. I have an agenda where I am documenting all that is happening like when a child hits another or didn't want to work. I fill it up with details to make sure I have something to look back to if there's a problem. The best part about working at CAS it's being able to pray with the children and talk about Jesus.

P.E. with the kids

I will say that I really miss the children at the Hogar. I can't wait to be able to get in the rhythm of work and make time to visit them. I really miss their hugs and their sweet words like Anthony saying he loves me and having at least one teen wanting to talk about their emotions. Soon I will be back!