January 2, 2016 Eva Velazquez

First off, I would like to say what a privilege it is to be here. This trip has been such an eye opening, uplifting, and breathtaking experience, and I am so blessed to be a part of it. Despite the fact that we’ve only been in Guatemala for a week at this point, I feel an unbreakable bond with my fellow team members. We all come from different places and backgrounds, and it is so neat to see how the group is smoothly coming together. This trip has sparked something unique in all of us, and we will remember these two weeks for the rest of our lives.

This is our second Sabbath in Guatemala. We are having church here at the orphanage in Sololᾴ. Katie Jo and a few others made a really nice brunch of quesadillas stuffed with fresh avocados, tomatoes, steak, and cheese with some cherry cobbler. After a jam packed week of serving and participating in the work project building apartments for the children in the transition phase in the orphanage, the Sabbath rest is much needed. Every single person has given so much of themselves as we work together to show God’s unfailing love to these beautiful children.

Church started at 1. Our team alternated singing hymns in English and Spanish. For the church service, all of the men on the team gave a sermonette, with a special music song in-between.

After services, the team gathered together and we discussed each sermonette. I really like these discussions because they help unite the group and bounce back different perspectives. At this point, without planning, all of the Ted X speeches and sermonettes have nicely flowed together. Each talk and sermonette shows something so raw and personal about each person.

At sunset, the group made our way to Panajachel to have dinner at the Sunset Café overlooking the lake. The atmosphere of the restaurant was so so lively and fresh. From the live music to the great conversations, dinner was fantastic. We sat overlooking the sunset and admired God’s creation around us.

Spending God’s Sabbath with my fellow team members and admiring His marvelous creation is such a wonderful thing. We are so blessed to have this experience and the fellowship of a team. We haven’t even left Guatemala, and I already miss it. Whether it’s sitting on the steps singing songs of praise, or engaging in thought-provoking conversations, this trip has been even better than I could have even imagined.