I was messaging with my good friend Kate Terney the other day, and she asked me a question– “Have you found anyone down there that you can be real with? Like really real with?” Kate didn’t mean that in the sense that I’m unable to be myself around people– because I am really Whitney no matter where I go… sometimes even to a fault haha! No, Kate was concerned about something much deeper. I’m sure you know what I’m talking about… those super deep, emotional, sometimes even frustrating thoughts that we all get.. She wanted to make sure we had people down here that we felt comfortable being vulnerable around. The kind of version of yourself that you don’t let just anyone see… The yourself that is unfiltered, unscripted, without makeup self.
Today I am thankful for those people that I can be “real” with here in Guatemala. I’m lookin’ at YOU– Matt & Jessica Holt, Phil & Patti Monk, John & Tanya Rule, Mark & Julie Nash, Lauren Caudill, Julio & Kristina Castañeda. I’d love to say that since we all live in the same area and serve within the walls of the same ministry, that we see each other all the time… but it’s surprisingly less than you think. When it’s intentional, it’s good quality time. When it’s accidental, it’s a sweet surprise that always makes our day.
When you serve in ministry long term, it can be draining, but always so rewarding. It truly does make all the difference on whether we’d actually ‘make it’ or not when you have people in your corner that understand you, people whose hearts are connected to yours and beat to the same rhythm of ministry and serving. When one of us may witness daily miracles of hearing and progress down here, it is a celebration for all of us. When one of us grieves, all of us grieve. I’m so thankful to be able to have this circle of missionaries to encourage me, laugh with me, cry with me, and help keep my perspective aligned with the reason why we’re all here– to show Jesus in a tangible way to those who need it most.
This is an odd type of thank you, because it is to people who support us but we’re also lucky enough to have them on the ground here in Guatemala. So it’s kind of a two-fer-one type of deal 😉 For those who we formed deep connections with but left this summer, we love you too! (Jaclyn, Emma, Kate, Faith, Jenn, Sarah & Marissa) Jac Toews- you really did me in with those swedish fish and kitten unicorn rainbow socks!
Here are some sweet people that we all (collectively) get to love here:
This month has a whole lot more thankfulness in store! Come back tomorrow (or maybe Friday if I’m a lazy bum and don’t do it in time tomorrow..) for some more thankfulness and Guatemala happiness!!!
To our framily that we’re thankful for here, really, thank you for all you do. For every aspect of the ministry you serve– whether it’s teaching, caring for children, fixing things, translating, leading worship… Thank you for it all. Your work is important to the kingdom, and it is important to us. We love you all and cannot imagine life here without you. Iron sharpens iron and I fully believe the best is yet to come!
You are loved.
Whitney
