We were in Antigua and were praying about where, within Guatemala, God wanted us to spend the next month.

At the beginning of the day we decided to spend the day praying individually about where God wanted us to go. I tried praying a number of times and the only thing I heard was Lake Atitlan. I wondered if this was my flesh or if the Lord was speaking (I’d heard wonderful things about the Lake). Here’s part of my journal entry for the day:

“Please show us a resounding yes to where you want us to go
next....Lord, the only thing I keep hearing is Lake Atitlan. Lord – I
don’t know if that’s from you at all or not. Please confirm or make
clear.”

I also asked God to show us each something - all adding up to the location he wanted us in (we had quite a few to choose from). Here is what we heard.

Kari: “I need to die to myself. It’s not about what I want, I am okay to go wherever the Lord shows us.”

Ginger: “Lake.”

Talia: “Lake Atitlan.”

Bri: “Not Guatemala City.”

Eric: “Cool weather. A picture of someone wrapping up in warmth.”

Jon: “Not Guatemala City. Not the ocean (although this is really what I wanted to hear). Cooler temperatures, mountains.”

After we shared that we spent some time praying together again. The second time around, I had a picture of us living in a house. There was a much greater sense of community around us. The others got similar sense as well.

Eric communicated with our contact, they decided that Panajachel was what God had been showing us. And so we left last Saturday and here we are now! So far it has been everything that the Lord has shown us! It is SO encouraging.

As we descended the mountain into Panajachel, I gasped at the beauty surrounding me - the paradox of mountains and valleys. (I also freaked out and asked God what the heck he was thinking sending me to such a beautiful place. How would I ever do anything?)

We turned a corner and I caught my first glimpse of the town. Ensconced by volcanoes it is the gateway for tourists. Pana (as the locals call it) floats on the beach - stunning, simply breathtaking.

Another team went to a nearby village across the lake. We took them across in a launch boat on Saturday as well. The water splayed across my face and the girls all shrieked as we bounced along the choppy waves. The beauty of this area slips into your subconscious, intoxicating your dreams. Clouds cascade across the volcanoes and the water is crystal blue. Every day I marvel at the wonders I get to see.

We have settled into a sweet little hostel type area close to the church and are all getting involved in various ministries. I am going to the orphanage today and absolutely can’t wait! The babies just need to be held – something I happen to be very good at.:)

Love.